SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2010
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is in full swing right now. I have to say I am very proud that such a fine film festival is taking place in my city. Since its inception in 1976, this festival has grown into one of the most prestigious and respected in the world.
I have tickets for two TIFF films next weekend. Since I am a Bruce Springsteen fan, I am going to see The Promise: The Making of Darkness on the Edge of Town. The second film I am going to view is West is West, a coming-of age story about a 15-year-old boy named Sajid. It is the sequel to East is East.
I am a film buff and I intend to write more on movies in future entries in my blog.
ON THIS DAY
On September 12, 1953, Senator John F. Kennedy, 36, of Massachusetts married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, 24. The wedding took place at St. Mary’s Church in Newport, Rhode Island. According to the JFK Presidential Library and Museum, twelve hundred people were invited to the wedding reception at Hammersmith Farm, where Jackie had spent many summers with her family.
To view a video of the wedding, click the following link.
http://www.mayomo.com/38538-the-wedding-of-jacqueline-john-f-kennedy
It is interesting to note that Sir Winston Churchill married Clementine Ogilvy Hozier on September 12, 1908 at St. Margaret’s Church, Westminster Abbey in London. (Since it stands between Westminster Abbey and the British Houses of Parliament, St. Margaret’s is commonly referred to as "the parish church of the House of Commons").
Hmmm . . . .John F. Kennedy and Churchill had the same wedding anniversary, albeit the Kennedys were married 45 years after the Churchills.
SPORTS
Yesterday was a bad day for Toronto sports teams. The Blue Jays were pounded by the Tampa Bay Rays. The final score was Tampa Bay 13, Blue Jays 1. Toronto starter Ricky Romero had a bad outing. Romero (12-9) allowed six runs, three hits and three walks in four innings.
Meanwhile, the Toronto Argonauts lost to the B.C. Lions in Vancouver. The score was 36-16 for the Lions.
- Joanne
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Reflections on 9/11
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2010
Certain dates will be etched forever in the annals of history. September 11, 2001 is one of them. Today marks the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. What happened that day shook the Western World to its very foundations. It was a colossal event that changed our lives irrevocably. We were fraught with emotion, saddened, overwhelmed and frightened. Almost everyone has a story to tell about what they were doing when they heard the news of the collapse of the twin towers in New York City. Here is mine.
On that fateful Tuesday morning in September of 2001, I turned on the television to view the morning news before leaving for my job at the library of the Toronto Star, Canada's largest newpaper. There were endless replays of a plane crashing into one of the towers of the World Trade Center. I switched channels to find out as much information as I could. Some newscasters speculated that it might have been an accident – until the second tower was hit too! I also learned that there had been an attack on the Pentagon. That really unsettled me! What was going on, I asked myself? Was it the beginning of World War III? The end of the world? Armageddon? By that time, I had to depart for work.
As I stepped outside, I couldn’t help but notice that there wasn’t a cloud in the clear, blue sky. It was a perfect day weather-wise, so calm and temperate. Yet, I realized that something horrifying and earth shattering was occurring in Manhattan and in other locales in the United States. I knew there was going to be pandemonium when I arrived at work. The newsroom and the library would be in quite a state!
When I reached my workplace, everyone was standing around the television, anxiously watching replay after replay of the towers falling down. Reporters were searching for road maps, trying to find a way to get to New York in the midst of all the horror, fear and confusion. It is quite an experience to be around a newsroom during an event of such great historical magnitude.
The passage of nine years has brought some perspective to that day. Many heartbreaking stories have been told. We have heard the testimonies of courage and heroism in the midst of such death and tragedy. Almost 3,000 people lost their lives, including 24 Canadians, in the 9/11 attacks. A twenty-fifth Canadian, Felicia Dunn-Jones, died five months later of a lung condition linked to her exposure to toxic dust during the collapse of the World Trade Center.
Canadians in Gander, Newfoundland played a special role in assisting travellers who were stranded at airports during the time of the terrorist attacks. They took strangers into their homes and provided them with food, shelter and down-home Newfoundland hospitality. Lasting friendships were made during that terrible time.
Here we are, nine years later. The United States is finally pulling out of Iraq. Osama bin Laden remains at large. Travelling through airports is still a major headache due to all the security. Canadians are required to carry passports to travel south of the border and we can’t smile in our passport photos. Resilient New Yorkers have survived and picked themselves up in the manner of Londoners after the Battle of Britain. The area where the World Trade Centre once stood is finally being rebuilt and revitalized.
My hope is that in our zeal to combat terrorism, we do not assume the mentality of the terrorists. I am relieved that Terry Jones, the pastor of an obscure church in Florida has called off his revolting plan to burn copies of the Qur’an. Such tactics as book burning and the torturing of prisoners by waterboarding are not the way to fight the extremism of militant Islamic fundamentalism.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays lost a heartbreaker last night to the Tampa Bay Rays by a score of 9-8. The Jays rallied in the fourth inning to overcome an 8-1 deficit and tie the game. A throwing error by shortstop Yunel Escobar cost them the game. The good news is that Jose Bautista hit two home runs and he now has 46 homers this season.
I see that former Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay won his 18th game of the season yesterday. Roy and his Philadelphia Phillies lead the National League East and have an excellent chance to be in the playoffs.. Halladay (18-10) became the Phillies' top winner since John Denny posted 19 during his Cy Young season in 1983. Congratulations, Doc, on your success! We miss you.
- Joanne
Certain dates will be etched forever in the annals of history. September 11, 2001 is one of them. Today marks the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. What happened that day shook the Western World to its very foundations. It was a colossal event that changed our lives irrevocably. We were fraught with emotion, saddened, overwhelmed and frightened. Almost everyone has a story to tell about what they were doing when they heard the news of the collapse of the twin towers in New York City. Here is mine.
On that fateful Tuesday morning in September of 2001, I turned on the television to view the morning news before leaving for my job at the library of the Toronto Star, Canada's largest newpaper. There were endless replays of a plane crashing into one of the towers of the World Trade Center. I switched channels to find out as much information as I could. Some newscasters speculated that it might have been an accident – until the second tower was hit too! I also learned that there had been an attack on the Pentagon. That really unsettled me! What was going on, I asked myself? Was it the beginning of World War III? The end of the world? Armageddon? By that time, I had to depart for work.
As I stepped outside, I couldn’t help but notice that there wasn’t a cloud in the clear, blue sky. It was a perfect day weather-wise, so calm and temperate. Yet, I realized that something horrifying and earth shattering was occurring in Manhattan and in other locales in the United States. I knew there was going to be pandemonium when I arrived at work. The newsroom and the library would be in quite a state!
When I reached my workplace, everyone was standing around the television, anxiously watching replay after replay of the towers falling down. Reporters were searching for road maps, trying to find a way to get to New York in the midst of all the horror, fear and confusion. It is quite an experience to be around a newsroom during an event of such great historical magnitude.
The passage of nine years has brought some perspective to that day. Many heartbreaking stories have been told. We have heard the testimonies of courage and heroism in the midst of such death and tragedy. Almost 3,000 people lost their lives, including 24 Canadians, in the 9/11 attacks. A twenty-fifth Canadian, Felicia Dunn-Jones, died five months later of a lung condition linked to her exposure to toxic dust during the collapse of the World Trade Center.
Canadians in Gander, Newfoundland played a special role in assisting travellers who were stranded at airports during the time of the terrorist attacks. They took strangers into their homes and provided them with food, shelter and down-home Newfoundland hospitality. Lasting friendships were made during that terrible time.
Here we are, nine years later. The United States is finally pulling out of Iraq. Osama bin Laden remains at large. Travelling through airports is still a major headache due to all the security. Canadians are required to carry passports to travel south of the border and we can’t smile in our passport photos. Resilient New Yorkers have survived and picked themselves up in the manner of Londoners after the Battle of Britain. The area where the World Trade Centre once stood is finally being rebuilt and revitalized.
My hope is that in our zeal to combat terrorism, we do not assume the mentality of the terrorists. I am relieved that Terry Jones, the pastor of an obscure church in Florida has called off his revolting plan to burn copies of the Qur’an. Such tactics as book burning and the torturing of prisoners by waterboarding are not the way to fight the extremism of militant Islamic fundamentalism.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays lost a heartbreaker last night to the Tampa Bay Rays by a score of 9-8. The Jays rallied in the fourth inning to overcome an 8-1 deficit and tie the game. A throwing error by shortstop Yunel Escobar cost them the game. The good news is that Jose Bautista hit two home runs and he now has 46 homers this season.
I see that former Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay won his 18th game of the season yesterday. Roy and his Philadelphia Phillies lead the National League East and have an excellent chance to be in the playoffs.. Halladay (18-10) became the Phillies' top winner since John Denny posted 19 during his Cy Young season in 1983. Congratulations, Doc, on your success! We miss you.
- Joanne
Thursday, September 9, 2010
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2010
For more than two years now, I have been associated with an organization called Toronto ALPHA (Association for Learning and Preserving the History of World War II in Asia). In 2008, I went on a study tour to China and South Korea with this group. They promote human rights, reconciliation between China and Japan and the study of the history of World War II in Asia. This organization was founded by the highly respected Dr. Joseph Wong.
From Oct. 1, 2010 until October 3, 2010, Toronto ALPHA will be holding an international conference for educators on the history of World War II in Asia. It is called Forgotten Voices, Living History. The conference will be held at the University of Toronto, OISE. I urge teachers, students and anyone with an interest in history and human rights to attend. Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada will be the keynote speaker. For more information click this link.
http://www.torontoalphaconference.org/
ROSH HASHANAH
Rosh Hashanah or the Jewish New Year began at sundown yesterday and will continue until tomorrow, September 10. It is a celebration of the beginning of the Hebrew calendar year 5771. Although I am not of the Jewish faith, I have a great affinity for the Jewish people and I wish all my Jewish friends and readers a very Happy Rosh Hashanah.
LANGUAGE CORNER
Rosh Hashanah is a Hebrew term meaning literally "head of the year".
VOTE TOM CHEEK INTO THE COOPERSTOWN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME
The late Tom Cheek, radio broadcaster of the Toronto Blue Jays, deserves to be in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Tom died of cancer in 2005, but he will always be remembered in Canada, and especially in Toronto. You can vote for Tom Cheek to win the Ford C. Frick Award at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2246270913
I strongly encourage you to do so.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays had their September call-ups in the line-up yesterday and were soundly beaten 8-1 by the Texas Rangers. Fewer than 11,000 fans attended the game.
My admiration for Jose Bautista as an athlete and a team leader keeps on growing. The man is one smart baseball player and the Jays are fortunate to have him. On Tuesday, he stole third base on an intentional walk. Has anyone ever seen that done before? If so, let me know.
If Bautista were playing on a contending team, he would certainly have to be considered for most valuable player in the American League. I can’t think of any player more valuable to the Jays this year. At this point, I have another question for you. Do you think the MVP should play on a contending team? If you have any thoughts on that subject, I’d like you to contact me.
Brickbats to Rogers Communications for the Sportsnet 1 debacle. You can make all the excuses you want, but the truth is you have disappointed and angered many loyal Blue Jay fans. - especially seniors who look forward to watching the Jays on television. That is no way to treat them. Why was the Tampa Bay game being shown last night when OUR Toronto Blue Jays were playing at the same time?
- Joanne
For more than two years now, I have been associated with an organization called Toronto ALPHA (Association for Learning and Preserving the History of World War II in Asia). In 2008, I went on a study tour to China and South Korea with this group. They promote human rights, reconciliation between China and Japan and the study of the history of World War II in Asia. This organization was founded by the highly respected Dr. Joseph Wong.
From Oct. 1, 2010 until October 3, 2010, Toronto ALPHA will be holding an international conference for educators on the history of World War II in Asia. It is called Forgotten Voices, Living History. The conference will be held at the University of Toronto, OISE. I urge teachers, students and anyone with an interest in history and human rights to attend. Adrienne Clarkson, former Governor General of Canada will be the keynote speaker. For more information click this link.
http://www.torontoalphaconference.org/
ROSH HASHANAH
Rosh Hashanah or the Jewish New Year began at sundown yesterday and will continue until tomorrow, September 10. It is a celebration of the beginning of the Hebrew calendar year 5771. Although I am not of the Jewish faith, I have a great affinity for the Jewish people and I wish all my Jewish friends and readers a very Happy Rosh Hashanah.
LANGUAGE CORNER
Rosh Hashanah is a Hebrew term meaning literally "head of the year".
VOTE TOM CHEEK INTO THE COOPERSTOWN BASEBALL HALL OF FAME
The late Tom Cheek, radio broadcaster of the Toronto Blue Jays, deserves to be in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Tom died of cancer in 2005, but he will always be remembered in Canada, and especially in Toronto. You can vote for Tom Cheek to win the Ford C. Frick Award at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2246270913
I strongly encourage you to do so.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays had their September call-ups in the line-up yesterday and were soundly beaten 8-1 by the Texas Rangers. Fewer than 11,000 fans attended the game.
My admiration for Jose Bautista as an athlete and a team leader keeps on growing. The man is one smart baseball player and the Jays are fortunate to have him. On Tuesday, he stole third base on an intentional walk. Has anyone ever seen that done before? If so, let me know.
If Bautista were playing on a contending team, he would certainly have to be considered for most valuable player in the American League. I can’t think of any player more valuable to the Jays this year. At this point, I have another question for you. Do you think the MVP should play on a contending team? If you have any thoughts on that subject, I’d like you to contact me.
Brickbats to Rogers Communications for the Sportsnet 1 debacle. You can make all the excuses you want, but the truth is you have disappointed and angered many loyal Blue Jay fans. - especially seniors who look forward to watching the Jays on television. That is no way to treat them. Why was the Tampa Bay game being shown last night when OUR Toronto Blue Jays were playing at the same time?
- Joanne
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Assassination of Huey Long
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2010
QUOTES OF THE DAY
From Letters (January 29, 1748)
From Letters (May 8, 1750)
ON THIS DAY
On September 8, 1935, Huey P. Long, the flamboyant United States Senator from Louisiana and former governor of the state, was assassinated. He was shot and mortally wounded at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge. He died two days later at the age of 42. Long, nicknamed “The Kingfish” after a character on the Amos ‘n’ Andy radio program, was a provocative politician and a populist. His motto was "Every man a king, but no one wears a crown." Nominally a Democrat, he disagreed with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s approach to the problems of the Great Depression. In 1934, he founded a radical political movement called the Share Our Wealth Society.
Huey Long was a charismatic man and some accused him of being a demagogue. He was known for his speeches and his rhetoric. To listen to him speak, click on the following link.
http://www.learnoutloud.com/Audio-Books/Politics/Political-Figures/Huey-Long-Speeches/24114?gclid=CKykv66C96MCFcHY5wodAl-O1g
RIDDLE ME THIS
Why was the stadium so cool?
Answer : Because there were thousands of fans.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays won again yesterday. They defeated the Texas Rangers by a score of 8-5 in the second game of their series at the dome in Toronto. Starting pitcher Shaun Marcum earned his twelfth win of the season. The crowd at the dome was the second smallest this year.
- Joanne
QUOTES OF THE DAY
Advice is seldom welcome; and those who want it most always like it least.- Philip Dormer Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield
From Letters (January 29, 1748)
Knowledge may give weight, but accomplishments giver lustre, and many more people see than weigh- Philip Dormer Stanhope, Earl of Chesterfield
From Letters (May 8, 1750)
ON THIS DAY
On September 8, 1935, Huey P. Long, the flamboyant United States Senator from Louisiana and former governor of the state, was assassinated. He was shot and mortally wounded at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge. He died two days later at the age of 42. Long, nicknamed “The Kingfish” after a character on the Amos ‘n’ Andy radio program, was a provocative politician and a populist. His motto was "Every man a king, but no one wears a crown." Nominally a Democrat, he disagreed with Franklin D. Roosevelt’s approach to the problems of the Great Depression. In 1934, he founded a radical political movement called the Share Our Wealth Society.
Huey Long was a charismatic man and some accused him of being a demagogue. He was known for his speeches and his rhetoric. To listen to him speak, click on the following link.
http://www.learnoutloud.com/Audio-Books/Politics/Political-Figures/Huey-Long-Speeches/24114?gclid=CKykv66C96MCFcHY5wodAl-O1g
RIDDLE ME THIS
Why was the stadium so cool?
Answer : Because there were thousands of fans.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays won again yesterday. They defeated the Texas Rangers by a score of 8-5 in the second game of their series at the dome in Toronto. Starting pitcher Shaun Marcum earned his twelfth win of the season. The crowd at the dome was the second smallest this year.
- Joanne
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2010
NOTICE TO READERS OF NUMBER 16
I have some news for you today. Number 16 has its own website now. You can access my blog by typing the following web address http://www.joanne16.com/. Please bookmark it on your computer.
I would like to thank all my readers for their support and interest since I began this blog in May. I appreciate your interest and continue to seek your input. I invite you to check out a few features I have added to my new website. You will find a daily health tip, a calendar and some beautiful travel photos.
BACK TO SCHOOL
It's back to school today for many of us. My niece is starting high school and by nephew is a first-year university student. I wish them, and all students and teachers, the best of luck in the new school year.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
Queen Elizabeth I of England was born on September 7, 1533, 477 years ago today. The daughter of the legendary Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, she ruled from 1558 until her death in 1603 at the age of 69. She was only the second female to rule England. Her half-sister, Mary I (the infamous “Bloody Mary”), had that distinction – unless you count Lady Jane Grey, the ``nine-day wonder`` who was queen regnant for nine days in 1553 and was forced to resign. The unfortunate Lady Jane was executed in 1554.
Elizabeth I ruled for over 44 years. She never married and left no direct heir. At her death, the Tudor dynasty came to an end. She was succeeded by the Scottish King James VI who became James I of England. James was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, grand-niece of Henry VIII and thus, Elizabeth’s cousin. During her lifetime, Elizabeth never came face to face with Mary, Queen of Scots. However, she did everything in her power to prevent the Catholic Mary from ascending to the throne of England. Elizabeth placed Mary under house arrest for 19 years. In 1587, The Queen of Scots was beheaded for plotting against Elizabeth and Elizabeth signed the death warrant for the execution. In an ironic twist of fate, Mary`s Protestant son, James came to the throne upon the childless Elizabeth`s death.
FILMS
I saw the movie Inception starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page yesterday. It has been in theatres for a while, but I havenèt gotten around to seeing it until now. I quite enjoyed the film, although I have to say it is one of the most complex movies I have ever seen. You really have to concentrate because it is so complicated. If you have not seen it yet, I suggest that you do not watch it if you are feeling tired or you are not in the mood to concentrate. The visuals are impressive and I think it should receive an Oscar nomination for best visual effects. Inception may not appeal to all tastes, but I recommend it.
SPORTS
The Toronto Argonauts lost the annual Labour Day Classic to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats yesterday before a sold-out Ivor Wynne Stadium crowd of 30,319. Hamilton defeated the Argos by a score of 28-13. The Tabbies won because the Argos made some costly errors. Although I wish the outcome had been different yesterday, the rivalry between the Argos and Tiger-Cats is a great one. Through the years, I have only attended one Labour Day Classic at Ivor Wynne. That was the 2004 game that ended in a 30-30 tie in overtime.
Unlike the Argos, the Blue Jays recorded a win yesterday. They defeated the Texas Rangers by a score of 7-2 in the first game of a home series. Ricky Romero pitched seven solid innings.
- Joanne
NOTICE TO READERS OF NUMBER 16
I have some news for you today. Number 16 has its own website now. You can access my blog by typing the following web address http://www.joanne16.com/. Please bookmark it on your computer.
I would like to thank all my readers for their support and interest since I began this blog in May. I appreciate your interest and continue to seek your input. I invite you to check out a few features I have added to my new website. You will find a daily health tip, a calendar and some beautiful travel photos.
BACK TO SCHOOL
It's back to school today for many of us. My niece is starting high school and by nephew is a first-year university student. I wish them, and all students and teachers, the best of luck in the new school year.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
Queen Elizabeth I of England was born on September 7, 1533, 477 years ago today. The daughter of the legendary Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, she ruled from 1558 until her death in 1603 at the age of 69. She was only the second female to rule England. Her half-sister, Mary I (the infamous “Bloody Mary”), had that distinction – unless you count Lady Jane Grey, the ``nine-day wonder`` who was queen regnant for nine days in 1553 and was forced to resign. The unfortunate Lady Jane was executed in 1554.
Elizabeth I ruled for over 44 years. She never married and left no direct heir. At her death, the Tudor dynasty came to an end. She was succeeded by the Scottish King James VI who became James I of England. James was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, grand-niece of Henry VIII and thus, Elizabeth’s cousin. During her lifetime, Elizabeth never came face to face with Mary, Queen of Scots. However, she did everything in her power to prevent the Catholic Mary from ascending to the throne of England. Elizabeth placed Mary under house arrest for 19 years. In 1587, The Queen of Scots was beheaded for plotting against Elizabeth and Elizabeth signed the death warrant for the execution. In an ironic twist of fate, Mary`s Protestant son, James came to the throne upon the childless Elizabeth`s death.
FILMS
I saw the movie Inception starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Ellen Page yesterday. It has been in theatres for a while, but I havenèt gotten around to seeing it until now. I quite enjoyed the film, although I have to say it is one of the most complex movies I have ever seen. You really have to concentrate because it is so complicated. If you have not seen it yet, I suggest that you do not watch it if you are feeling tired or you are not in the mood to concentrate. The visuals are impressive and I think it should receive an Oscar nomination for best visual effects. Inception may not appeal to all tastes, but I recommend it.
SPORTS
The Toronto Argonauts lost the annual Labour Day Classic to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats yesterday before a sold-out Ivor Wynne Stadium crowd of 30,319. Hamilton defeated the Argos by a score of 28-13. The Tabbies won because the Argos made some costly errors. Although I wish the outcome had been different yesterday, the rivalry between the Argos and Tiger-Cats is a great one. Through the years, I have only attended one Labour Day Classic at Ivor Wynne. That was the 2004 game that ended in a 30-30 tie in overtime.
Unlike the Argos, the Blue Jays recorded a win yesterday. They defeated the Texas Rangers by a score of 7-2 in the first game of a home series. Ricky Romero pitched seven solid innings.
- Joanne
Monday, September 6, 2010
Labour Day musings
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
From Pre-Raphaelitism {1851}
Today is Labour Day and it is appropriate to think about the dignity of labour and the meaning of work. We live in a time when many people can’t even take into consideration whether they are happy in their jobs. They have no choice. They have to put food on the table and keep up with their mortgage payments. They feel fortunate just to be employed, and thus, job satisfaction is not a primary consideration for them.
In an ideal world, this would not be the case. However, we do not live in a Utopian society and many people toil at menial and non-fulfilling jobs just to pay the bills. The recession that began in 2008 affected almost everyone to some degree. It was cruel and savage. Much of the world is still struggling to recover from that devastating blow. Unemployment is still high in the United States and Canada.
For all the suffering and pain caused by the recession, the finger must be pointed directly at Wall Street. I will not mince words here. Greed and selfishness caused the recession. However, I want to be clear. I am not opposed to capitalism per se. I am opposed to unfettered capitalism. I am opposed to capitalism without regulation and without boundaries. An absolute free market does not produce a just society.
Today I would like to pay homage to all those who labour. Today is a day to celebrate the dignity of the working person. I would also like to offer words of comfort for those who lost their jobs during the Great Recession and remain unemployed. It isn’t easy to be laid off, especially at an older age.
Although I am not militant, I firmly believe we need unions to fight for decent wages and pensions for everyone. We need unions to keep management from taking advantage of labour. The optimal situation, however, is for labour and management to work together for their mutual benefit.
I wish everyone a Happy Labour Day.
SPORTS
Aaron Hill led the Blue Jays to their 70th victory of the season yesterday. The Jays defeated the New York Yankees by a score of 7-3. Hill socked his 22nd homer and drove in three runs.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
In order that people may be happy in their work, these three things are needed: They must be fit for it. They must not do too much of it. And they must have a sense of success in it.- John Ruskin
From Pre-Raphaelitism {1851}
Today is Labour Day and it is appropriate to think about the dignity of labour and the meaning of work. We live in a time when many people can’t even take into consideration whether they are happy in their jobs. They have no choice. They have to put food on the table and keep up with their mortgage payments. They feel fortunate just to be employed, and thus, job satisfaction is not a primary consideration for them.
In an ideal world, this would not be the case. However, we do not live in a Utopian society and many people toil at menial and non-fulfilling jobs just to pay the bills. The recession that began in 2008 affected almost everyone to some degree. It was cruel and savage. Much of the world is still struggling to recover from that devastating blow. Unemployment is still high in the United States and Canada.
For all the suffering and pain caused by the recession, the finger must be pointed directly at Wall Street. I will not mince words here. Greed and selfishness caused the recession. However, I want to be clear. I am not opposed to capitalism per se. I am opposed to unfettered capitalism. I am opposed to capitalism without regulation and without boundaries. An absolute free market does not produce a just society.
Today I would like to pay homage to all those who labour. Today is a day to celebrate the dignity of the working person. I would also like to offer words of comfort for those who lost their jobs during the Great Recession and remain unemployed. It isn’t easy to be laid off, especially at an older age.
Although I am not militant, I firmly believe we need unions to fight for decent wages and pensions for everyone. We need unions to keep management from taking advantage of labour. The optimal situation, however, is for labour and management to work together for their mutual benefit.
I wish everyone a Happy Labour Day.
SPORTS
Aaron Hill led the Blue Jays to their 70th victory of the season yesterday. The Jays defeated the New York Yankees by a score of 7-3. Hill socked his 22nd homer and drove in three runs.
- Joanne
Saturday, September 4, 2010
On success, failure and the Ford Edsel
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
As quoted in Believing in Ourselves (1992) by Armand Eisen, p. 15
This quote by the late French fashion designer "Coco" Chanel lead us into today's topic - failure.
ON THIS DAY
On September 4, 1957, the Ford Motor Company introduced a new car – the Edsel. It was named after Edsel Ford, Henry Ford’s son who died of cancer in 1943 at the age of 49. Only three years later, the Edsel was discontinued due to slow sales. The car was a costly and unpopular flop. It was considered to be ugly, over-hyped and expensive. The name “Edsel” became synonymous with failure.
I am not knowledgeable about automobiles and I don’t even have a driver’s licence. Yet, I have always been interested in the Edsel. When I worked at the Toronto Star Library, I looked at archival photographs of the Edsel there. I can’t really explain the fascination. Perhaps it’s just curiosity about why this car was such a monumental lead balloon.
Ironically, the much reviled Edsel has had some degree of vindication. It is now a rare collector’s item and worth quite a sizable amount of money. About six years ago, I spotted an Edsel in a parking lot in Goderich, Ontario. It was in pristine condition.
Note: Did you know there is an independent online magazine called Failure? Failure Magazine is described as featuring “thought-provoking analysis of failures (and successes)” in business, arts etc.
Click on the following two links. The first link will show you an ad for an Edsel and several photographs of the exterior and interior of the 1958 Edsel Citation. The second link will show you an ad for a 1958 Edsel.
http://theinvisibleagent.wordpress.com/2010/04/14/1958-edsel-citation/
http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9qE0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=a6wFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3980,6887623&dq=1958+edsel&hl=en
LANGUAGE CORNER
“Edsel’ is derived from an Old German word meaning “noble”. It had a small degree of popularity as a boy’s name in the late 1920s. After the failure of Ford’s car, the name virtually disappeared. When was the last time you met someone called Edsel?
SPORTS
In keeping with the subject of failure, the Blue Jays failed to win against he New York Yankees. They lost 7-3 in the Bronx. Brandon Morrow pitched his final game of the season. He finished on a low note after pitching so well all season. It hasn't been easy for him because he has had to battle diabetes.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable.- Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel
As quoted in Believing in Ourselves (1992) by Armand Eisen, p. 15
This quote by the late French fashion designer "Coco" Chanel lead us into today's topic - failure.
ON THIS DAY
On September 4, 1957, the Ford Motor Company introduced a new car – the Edsel. It was named after Edsel Ford, Henry Ford’s son who died of cancer in 1943 at the age of 49. Only three years later, the Edsel was discontinued due to slow sales. The car was a costly and unpopular flop. It was considered to be ugly, over-hyped and expensive. The name “Edsel” became synonymous with failure.
I am not knowledgeable about automobiles and I don’t even have a driver’s licence. Yet, I have always been interested in the Edsel. When I worked at the Toronto Star Library, I looked at archival photographs of the Edsel there. I can’t really explain the fascination. Perhaps it’s just curiosity about why this car was such a monumental lead balloon.
Ironically, the much reviled Edsel has had some degree of vindication. It is now a rare collector’s item and worth quite a sizable amount of money. About six years ago, I spotted an Edsel in a parking lot in Goderich, Ontario. It was in pristine condition.
Note: Did you know there is an independent online magazine called Failure? Failure Magazine is described as featuring “thought-provoking analysis of failures (and successes)” in business, arts etc.
Click on the following two links. The first link will show you an ad for an Edsel and several photographs of the exterior and interior of the 1958 Edsel Citation. The second link will show you an ad for a 1958 Edsel.
http://theinvisibleagent.wordpress.com/2010/04/14/1958-edsel-citation/
http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9qE0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=a6wFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3980,6887623&dq=1958+edsel&hl=en
LANGUAGE CORNER
“Edsel’ is derived from an Old German word meaning “noble”. It had a small degree of popularity as a boy’s name in the late 1920s. After the failure of Ford’s car, the name virtually disappeared. When was the last time you met someone called Edsel?
SPORTS
In keeping with the subject of failure, the Blue Jays failed to win against he New York Yankees. They lost 7-3 in the Bronx. Brandon Morrow pitched his final game of the season. He finished on a low note after pitching so well all season. It hasn't been easy for him because he has had to battle diabetes.
- Joanne
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2010
Today is the first day of September and for many the summer seems to be drawing to a close. Officially it is not over until September 21st and I can tell you that I plan to bask in every remaining second of the season. Here in Toronto, we are certainly experiencing hot and humid weather as we head into the Labour Day weekend..
LANGUAGE CORNER
In my blog entry for August 30th, I provided you with a little challenge. I told you that to my knowledge, there are only four words in the English language that end in “dous” and that one of them is “tremendous”. Were you able to think of the other three? If not, as promised, here is the list of words that end in “dous”.
1. horrendous
2. stupendous
3. hazardous
4. tremendous
If you can come up with any more, please email me and let me know or comment below this entry.
ON THIS DAY
On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland setting off World War II in Europe. In August of 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union had signed a 10-year nonaggression pact. This German-Soviet Pact, is also known as the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact after the two foreign ministers who negotiated the agreement. The signatories of the agreement promised not to attack each other and this allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention.
SPORTS
Last night the Toronto Blue Jays trounced the Tampa Bay Rays by a score by a score of 13-5. Slugger Jose Bautista hit home run Number 43. It will be fascinating to see what his final tally of homers for the season will be. I will certainly be following.
I see that pitcher Brandon Morrow will have one more start for the season and then he will rest his arm. I applaud the Jays for choosing to do that. They are not in a pennant race this year and too many young pitchers are becoming worn out too soon. A prime example is Stephen Strasburg of the Washington Nationals.
Columnist Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star estimates that the Blue Jays are set to contend in 2012. All I know is that the Jays are on the way up. They have the aura of a team on the rise about them. When they do challenge, I will not have to jump back on the bandwagon because I have never jumped off.
ON THIS DAY IN SPORTS
On September 1, 1990 the Toronto Argonauts defeated the B.C. Lions 68-43, a combined score of 111 - the highest scoring game in Canadian Football League history.
- Joanne
Today is the first day of September and for many the summer seems to be drawing to a close. Officially it is not over until September 21st and I can tell you that I plan to bask in every remaining second of the season. Here in Toronto, we are certainly experiencing hot and humid weather as we head into the Labour Day weekend..
LANGUAGE CORNER
In my blog entry for August 30th, I provided you with a little challenge. I told you that to my knowledge, there are only four words in the English language that end in “dous” and that one of them is “tremendous”. Were you able to think of the other three? If not, as promised, here is the list of words that end in “dous”.
1. horrendous
2. stupendous
3. hazardous
4. tremendous
If you can come up with any more, please email me and let me know or comment below this entry.
ON THIS DAY
On September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany invaded Poland setting off World War II in Europe. In August of 1939, Germany and the Soviet Union had signed a 10-year nonaggression pact. This German-Soviet Pact, is also known as the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact after the two foreign ministers who negotiated the agreement. The signatories of the agreement promised not to attack each other and this allowed Germany to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention.
SPORTS
Last night the Toronto Blue Jays trounced the Tampa Bay Rays by a score by a score of 13-5. Slugger Jose Bautista hit home run Number 43. It will be fascinating to see what his final tally of homers for the season will be. I will certainly be following.
I see that pitcher Brandon Morrow will have one more start for the season and then he will rest his arm. I applaud the Jays for choosing to do that. They are not in a pennant race this year and too many young pitchers are becoming worn out too soon. A prime example is Stephen Strasburg of the Washington Nationals.
Columnist Richard Griffin of the Toronto Star estimates that the Blue Jays are set to contend in 2012. All I know is that the Jays are on the way up. They have the aura of a team on the rise about them. When they do challenge, I will not have to jump back on the bandwagon because I have never jumped off.
ON THIS DAY IN SPORTS
On September 1, 1990 the Toronto Argonauts defeated the B.C. Lions 68-43, a combined score of 111 - the highest scoring game in Canadian Football League history.
- Joanne
Monday, August 30, 2010
Ted Williams, the Splendid Splinter
MONDAY, AUGUST 30, 2010
Hey Sixteeners, I have a little challenge for you today. Check out the Language Corner below.
LANGUAGE CORNER
To my knowledge, there are four words in the English language that end in “dous". One of those words is “tremendous". Do you know the other three? I will publish the answer in my next blog entry.
BIRTH ANNIVERSARY
Baseball great Ted Williams was born on this day, 92 years ago. The “Splendid Splinter” was born in San Diego, California on August 30, 1918. It is interesting to note that his team, the Boston Red Sox, won the World Series the same year as his birth, particularly since they failed to win another World Series until 2004.
Ted Williams enjoyed a lengthy career. He played for the Boston Red Sox from 1939-42 and from 1946-60. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy. The magical 1941 season was a special one for Williams and it was one for the ages for baseball fans everywhere. That year, Ted finished the season with a batting average of .406 and Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio of the New York Yankees thrilled fans with a 56-game hitting streak. The accomplishments of those two players live on. Ted Williams is the last major leaguer to have batted .400 or more and no player has equalled DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak.
Ted Williams ended his playing career with a bang, literally and figuratively. He hit a home run in his last at-bat at Boston’s Fenway Park. He died in July 5, 2002 at the age of 83.
Click the link below to watch Ted Williams’ appearance on the old game show What’s My Line? in 1954.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UxjbBFtS50
SPORTS
Yesterday was Dave Stieb day at the dome as the Blue Jays celebrated the 20th anniversary of Stieb’s no-hitter against Cleveland on September 2, 1990. Unfortunately, the Jays lost 10-4 to split a four-game series with the Detroit Tigers.
Stieb looked well and fit. I noticed the moustache is gone.
- Joanne
Hey Sixteeners, I have a little challenge for you today. Check out the Language Corner below.
LANGUAGE CORNER
To my knowledge, there are four words in the English language that end in “dous". One of those words is “tremendous". Do you know the other three? I will publish the answer in my next blog entry.
BIRTH ANNIVERSARY
Baseball great Ted Williams was born on this day, 92 years ago. The “Splendid Splinter” was born in San Diego, California on August 30, 1918. It is interesting to note that his team, the Boston Red Sox, won the World Series the same year as his birth, particularly since they failed to win another World Series until 2004.
Ted Williams enjoyed a lengthy career. He played for the Boston Red Sox from 1939-42 and from 1946-60. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy. The magical 1941 season was a special one for Williams and it was one for the ages for baseball fans everywhere. That year, Ted finished the season with a batting average of .406 and Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio of the New York Yankees thrilled fans with a 56-game hitting streak. The accomplishments of those two players live on. Ted Williams is the last major leaguer to have batted .400 or more and no player has equalled DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak.
Ted Williams ended his playing career with a bang, literally and figuratively. He hit a home run in his last at-bat at Boston’s Fenway Park. He died in July 5, 2002 at the age of 83.
Click the link below to watch Ted Williams’ appearance on the old game show What’s My Line? in 1954.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UxjbBFtS50
SPORTS
Yesterday was Dave Stieb day at the dome as the Blue Jays celebrated the 20th anniversary of Stieb’s no-hitter against Cleveland on September 2, 1990. Unfortunately, the Jays lost 10-4 to split a four-game series with the Detroit Tigers.
Stieb looked well and fit. I noticed the moustache is gone.
- Joanne
Saturday, August 28, 2010
SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 2010
QUOTES OF THE DAY
From Spruche in Prosa
From Gotz von Berlichingen (1773)
Today I have presented you with two quotes from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The great German author, playwright and poet was born on August 28, 1749.
ON THIS DAY
It was on this day in 1963 that Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his immortal “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Forty-seven years have passed since Dr. King made that speech. It ranks with Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" and John F. Kennedy's inauguration address as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, orations in American history.
President Barack Obama, a keen student of Lincoln's political strategies, also delivered a speech at the Lincoln Memorial on January 18, 2009, two days before his inauguration. Obama was just a two-year-old toddler when King spoke so eloquently and masterfully about his dream.
BIRTHDAYS
Singer Shania Twain was born on August 28, 1965 in Windsor, Ontario. She shares the same birthday with Paul Martin, the 21st Prime Minister of Canada from 2003 to 2006. Martin was also born in Windsor, Ontario on August 28, 1938.
Actor Charles Boyer was born on August 28, 1899 in Figeac, Lot, Midi-Pyrénées, France. The romantic Frenchman’s most famous film role was opposite Ingrid Bergman in the 1944 suspense/thriller Gaslight. Boyer died in Phoenix, Arizona on August 26, 1978, two days before his 79th birthday.
SPORTS
It’s good to see the Detroit Tigers in town. The Jays and the Tigers had a tremendous rivalry before Detroit moved out of the American League East. I’ll never forget the 1987 pennant race between those two teams. It was heartbreaking for fans of the Jays but it certainly was exciting. I also recall how one reporter at the Toronto Star wore a Tigers cap in the news room just to create a stir.
The Blue Jays won the second game of their home series against the Detroit Tigers. The Jays prevailed in extra innings. Aaron Hill’ hit a RBI single in the 11th inning and the Jays won by a score of 3-2. Jose Bautista hit another home run in the game. That’s 42 and counting.
- Joanne
QUOTES OF THE DAY
We are never deceived; we deceive ourselves.- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
From Spruche in Prosa
There is strong shadow where there is much light.- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
From Gotz von Berlichingen (1773)
Today I have presented you with two quotes from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The great German author, playwright and poet was born on August 28, 1749.
ON THIS DAY
It was on this day in 1963 that Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his immortal “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Forty-seven years have passed since Dr. King made that speech. It ranks with Abraham Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address" and John F. Kennedy's inauguration address as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, orations in American history.
President Barack Obama, a keen student of Lincoln's political strategies, also delivered a speech at the Lincoln Memorial on January 18, 2009, two days before his inauguration. Obama was just a two-year-old toddler when King spoke so eloquently and masterfully about his dream.
BIRTHDAYS
Singer Shania Twain was born on August 28, 1965 in Windsor, Ontario. She shares the same birthday with Paul Martin, the 21st Prime Minister of Canada from 2003 to 2006. Martin was also born in Windsor, Ontario on August 28, 1938.
Actor Charles Boyer was born on August 28, 1899 in Figeac, Lot, Midi-Pyrénées, France. The romantic Frenchman’s most famous film role was opposite Ingrid Bergman in the 1944 suspense/thriller Gaslight. Boyer died in Phoenix, Arizona on August 26, 1978, two days before his 79th birthday.
SPORTS
It’s good to see the Detroit Tigers in town. The Jays and the Tigers had a tremendous rivalry before Detroit moved out of the American League East. I’ll never forget the 1987 pennant race between those two teams. It was heartbreaking for fans of the Jays but it certainly was exciting. I also recall how one reporter at the Toronto Star wore a Tigers cap in the news room just to create a stir.
The Blue Jays won the second game of their home series against the Detroit Tigers. The Jays prevailed in extra innings. Aaron Hill’ hit a RBI single in the 11th inning and the Jays won by a score of 3-2. Jose Bautista hit another home run in the game. That’s 42 and counting.
- Joanne
Friday, August 27, 2010
FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
From Sand and Foam (1926)
ON THIS DAY
Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, was born in a farmhouse near Stonewall, Texas on this day in 1908. Although LBJ became mired in the unpopular Vietnam War, he can be credited with some impressive achievements. He had a vision of making America a “Great Society” and it was he who put his signature to the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The war in Vietnam led to Johnson’s political downfall and his decision not to seek re-election to the presidency in 1968. The earthy Texan died on January 22, 1973. He was 64 years old.
SPORTS
Ricky Romero had a poor start yesterday as the Jays were beaten at the dome by the Detroit Tigers. The final score was 7-1. The good news is that Jose Bautista hit his league-leading 41st home run.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
If you reveal your secrets to the wind, you should not blame the wind for revealing them to the trees.- Kahlil Gibran
From Sand and Foam (1926)
ON THIS DAY
Lyndon Baines Johnson, the 36th President of the United States, was born in a farmhouse near Stonewall, Texas on this day in 1908. Although LBJ became mired in the unpopular Vietnam War, he can be credited with some impressive achievements. He had a vision of making America a “Great Society” and it was he who put his signature to the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The war in Vietnam led to Johnson’s political downfall and his decision not to seek re-election to the presidency in 1968. The earthy Texan died on January 22, 1973. He was 64 years old.
SPORTS
Ricky Romero had a poor start yesterday as the Jays were beaten at the dome by the Detroit Tigers. The final score was 7-1. The good news is that Jose Bautista hit his league-leading 41st home run.
- Joanne
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
SPACE ALIENS AND LIFE ON OTHER PLANETS
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25, 2010
The subject of space aliens has been in the news of late. This month, a scientist in the United States declared that proof of extraterrestrials could come within 25 years. Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute in Mountain View, California, said, “I actually think the chances that we’ll find ET are pretty good.” He told the young people in the audience at a SETI convention that there was a “really good chance you’re going to see this happen.”
I have several questions for Mr. Shostak. What is we find a creature that is nothing like ET? What if this extraterrestrial life is hostile to us? What if it is too weird for us to understand? What if its intelligence is so far above ours that we can’t relate to it or communicate with it at all? Then what?
Here’s another item I came across. There were reports of an unidentified flying object hovering over Cultus Lake in Chilliwack, British Columbia on the night of Tuesday, August 17th. A Vancouver radio station, The Fox 99.3, broke the story. During the following morning’s Open Phones segment on The Fox with host Jeff O’Neil, a man called to say that his girlfriend noticed some lights flooding the pitch-black sky over the lake. The radio show also received a text from 'Wally' in Chilliwack, saying he also saw the lights on that Tuesday night.
For human beings, the existence of intelligent life on other planet is both an intriguing and frightening proposition. When we think of extraterrestrial beings, we conjure up images of bald little green people with flying saucers or we visualize a friendly, benevolent creature such as ET. We tend to anthropomorphize space aliens. On television and in films, we portray them as quasi-human beings. They have mouths and eyes and they walk upright. In some Hollywood movies or in cartoons, they even speak English and ask us to take them to our leader. They understand us when we tell them to “phone home.”
Humans tend to portray extraterrestrials as either very menacing or very cute. Without a frame of reference, we have to use our imaginations. When something is beyond the scope of our comprehension, we tend to conceptualize it in human terms. Yet, if we are not alone in the universe, if there are beings on other planets, it seems doubtful to me that they would resemble us at all. They may be radically and entirely different from human beings in every shape and form. Their character and their external appearance may be beyond human comprehension and who knows how they would communicate with each other and with other species. I’m not sure I’d ever want to meet an extraterrestrial. Still, there is still a certain fascination about the idea.
NOTE : On the right side of this blog page, you will notice a poll asking your opinion on the existence of intelligent life on other planets. I invite you to express your opinion and let me know what you think. Just click on your mouse. I have to say I would vote “Maybe. It’s a possibility.”
SPORTS
The Blue Jays were clobbered by the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium last night. The score was 11-5. Starting pitcher Mark Rzepczynski had a bad night. He just didn't have it.
- Joanne
The subject of space aliens has been in the news of late. This month, a scientist in the United States declared that proof of extraterrestrials could come within 25 years. Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute in Mountain View, California, said, “I actually think the chances that we’ll find ET are pretty good.” He told the young people in the audience at a SETI convention that there was a “really good chance you’re going to see this happen.”
I have several questions for Mr. Shostak. What is we find a creature that is nothing like ET? What if this extraterrestrial life is hostile to us? What if it is too weird for us to understand? What if its intelligence is so far above ours that we can’t relate to it or communicate with it at all? Then what?
Here’s another item I came across. There were reports of an unidentified flying object hovering over Cultus Lake in Chilliwack, British Columbia on the night of Tuesday, August 17th. A Vancouver radio station, The Fox 99.3, broke the story. During the following morning’s Open Phones segment on The Fox with host Jeff O’Neil, a man called to say that his girlfriend noticed some lights flooding the pitch-black sky over the lake. The radio show also received a text from 'Wally' in Chilliwack, saying he also saw the lights on that Tuesday night.
For human beings, the existence of intelligent life on other planet is both an intriguing and frightening proposition. When we think of extraterrestrial beings, we conjure up images of bald little green people with flying saucers or we visualize a friendly, benevolent creature such as ET. We tend to anthropomorphize space aliens. On television and in films, we portray them as quasi-human beings. They have mouths and eyes and they walk upright. In some Hollywood movies or in cartoons, they even speak English and ask us to take them to our leader. They understand us when we tell them to “phone home.”
Humans tend to portray extraterrestrials as either very menacing or very cute. Without a frame of reference, we have to use our imaginations. When something is beyond the scope of our comprehension, we tend to conceptualize it in human terms. Yet, if we are not alone in the universe, if there are beings on other planets, it seems doubtful to me that they would resemble us at all. They may be radically and entirely different from human beings in every shape and form. Their character and their external appearance may be beyond human comprehension and who knows how they would communicate with each other and with other species. I’m not sure I’d ever want to meet an extraterrestrial. Still, there is still a certain fascination about the idea.
NOTE : On the right side of this blog page, you will notice a poll asking your opinion on the existence of intelligent life on other planets. I invite you to express your opinion and let me know what you think. Just click on your mouse. I have to say I would vote “Maybe. It’s a possibility.”
SPORTS
The Blue Jays were clobbered by the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium last night. The score was 11-5. Starting pitcher Mark Rzepczynski had a bad night. He just didn't have it.
- Joanne
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Internet and False Information
TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2010
There is a week left in the month of August. Before it draws to a close, I'd like to share with you some quirky trivia about August 2010. Take a look at your calendar. August of 2010 has 5 SUNDAYS, 5 MONDAYS and 5 TUESDAYS, all in the same month. I'd like to point out that there is some incorrect information circulating on the Internet that this occurs every 823 years. That simply is not true. It's not such a rare occurrence. In fact, the next time we get five Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays in August will be August 2021. Your intrepid researcher has checked and double checked. If you want to see for yourself, look at the perpetual calendar for the year 2021. Just click on the following link.
http://www.accuracyproject.org/2010calendar.html
I want all you Sixteeners to know that I will continue my battle against false or misleading information on the Internet. This is a reminder that inaccurate information does not just appear on one particular site on the web. Don't believe something just because it appears on hundreds of Internet sites.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
On this day in 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted. The Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum (near modern day Naples) were destroyed. These flourishing towns were buried in ashes and never rebuilt. Thousands died. I visited the ruins of Pompeii in 1996 and was struck by the expressions on the faces of the mummified victims.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays are back in the win column again. The defeated the Yankees at the Bronx Zoo last night by a score of 3-2. It's great to win those games by one run, especially against the Yanks. The best news of all is that Jose Bautista hit his 39th and 40th home runs of the season. This guy is having a season to remember.
- Joanne
There is a week left in the month of August. Before it draws to a close, I'd like to share with you some quirky trivia about August 2010. Take a look at your calendar. August of 2010 has 5 SUNDAYS, 5 MONDAYS and 5 TUESDAYS, all in the same month. I'd like to point out that there is some incorrect information circulating on the Internet that this occurs every 823 years. That simply is not true. It's not such a rare occurrence. In fact, the next time we get five Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays in August will be August 2021. Your intrepid researcher has checked and double checked. If you want to see for yourself, look at the perpetual calendar for the year 2021. Just click on the following link.
http://www.accuracyproject.org/2010calendar.html
I want all you Sixteeners to know that I will continue my battle against false or misleading information on the Internet. This is a reminder that inaccurate information does not just appear on one particular site on the web. Don't believe something just because it appears on hundreds of Internet sites.
FOCUS ON HISTORY
On this day in 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted. The Roman towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum (near modern day Naples) were destroyed. These flourishing towns were buried in ashes and never rebuilt. Thousands died. I visited the ruins of Pompeii in 1996 and was struck by the expressions on the faces of the mummified victims.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays are back in the win column again. The defeated the Yankees at the Bronx Zoo last night by a score of 3-2. It's great to win those games by one run, especially against the Yanks. The best news of all is that Jose Bautista hit his 39th and 40th home runs of the season. This guy is having a season to remember.
- Joanne
Monday, August 23, 2010
Photos of Presque Ile State Park in Pennsylvania
MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 2010
I'm back from Erie, Pennsylvania. On Friday, I took a water taxi to Presque Ilse State Park. It is quite picturesque as there is a wooded area and a beach there. The park is located on a sandy peninsula that juts into Lake Erie.
I did some shopping at Macy's on Saturday afternoon. Saturday evening was cool and rainy. We went to the ractrack/casino in Erie. It is called Presque Ilse Downs. On our return home on Sunday, we had a very easy time crossing over the border. The customs officer just asked everyone on the bus to hold up their passports. Then he inquired if anyone in our group wasn't Canadian. Finally, he wanted to know if anyone was carrrying an illegal weapon. That was it.
Here are some photos from Presque Isle Park.
SPORTS
To my absolute delight, the Blue Jays trounced the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Saturday night. The lopsided score was 16-2 in favour of the Jays. Did I crow about that one. You bet I dud. By the way, Jose Bautista hit his 38th home run. Saturday It wasn't a perfect night for Toronto teams. The Argos lost to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats by a score of 16-12.
On Sunday, the Jays lost 5-0 to the Red Sox. The game was delayed twice due to the rainy weather in Beantown.
- Joanne
I'm back from Erie, Pennsylvania. On Friday, I took a water taxi to Presque Ilse State Park. It is quite picturesque as there is a wooded area and a beach there. The park is located on a sandy peninsula that juts into Lake Erie.
I did some shopping at Macy's on Saturday afternoon. Saturday evening was cool and rainy. We went to the ractrack/casino in Erie. It is called Presque Ilse Downs. On our return home on Sunday, we had a very easy time crossing over the border. The customs officer just asked everyone on the bus to hold up their passports. Then he inquired if anyone in our group wasn't Canadian. Finally, he wanted to know if anyone was carrrying an illegal weapon. That was it.
Here are some photos from Presque Isle Park.
SPORTS
To my absolute delight, the Blue Jays trounced the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Saturday night. The lopsided score was 16-2 in favour of the Jays. Did I crow about that one. You bet I dud. By the way, Jose Bautista hit his 38th home run. Saturday It wasn't a perfect night for Toronto teams. The Argos lost to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats by a score of 16-12.
On Sunday, the Jays lost 5-0 to the Red Sox. The game was delayed twice due to the rainy weather in Beantown.
- Joanne
Friday, August 20, 2010
More Greetings from Erie Pennsylvania
FRIDAY, AUGUST 20, 2010
Greetings again from Erie, Pennsylvania. Here is a picture of the boat we went on yesterday for a luncheon buffet. It is called "Victorian Princess." I have also included photos taken from the boat.
- Joanne
Greetings again from Erie, Pennsylvania. Here is a picture of the boat we went on yesterday for a luncheon buffet. It is called "Victorian Princess." I have also included photos taken from the boat.
- Joanne
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Hello from Erie, Pennsylvania
THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2010
Hello from Erie, Pennsylvania. I am here with a thoroughbred racing fan club. There was a welcome party for us at the hotel last night and we are going on a boat ride this afternoon. The temperature here is comfortable 20-25 degrees Celsius.
We arrived by bus yesterday afternoon in time for a late lunch at the Cracker Barrel, a nostalgic country style restaurant/store. It has all kinds of trinkets and games and toys from the past.
Pennsylvania is known as the "Keystone State." It has great historical importance to Americans because it is the birthplace of American independence and the United States Constitution. Its origin goes back to 1681 when King Charles II of England granted William Penn, a Quaker, a large area of land that includes modern Pennsylvania . Penn and his fellow Quakers sought to escape religious persecution by moving to the New World. In exchange for the land, they were required to send the English king two beaver pelts a year. That was a pretty good deal for Penn, don’t you think?
One explanation as to how Pennsylvania acquired the moniker "Keystone State" is its geographic location. It is located right in the centre of the original thirteen colonies of the United States.
LANGUAGE CORNER
The name "Pennsylvania" was specified in the land charter given to William Penn by Charles II. The Latin word "Sylvania," meaning "woodlands," was added to Penn's name. Therefore, Pennsylvania means "Penn's forest" or "Penn's woods."
SPORTS
The Blue Jays lost to the Oakland Athletics yesterday afternoon by a score of 5-4. They rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth inning but it wasn't enough. They have a day off today and they head to Boston where they play a series with the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
- Joanne
Hello from Erie, Pennsylvania. I am here with a thoroughbred racing fan club. There was a welcome party for us at the hotel last night and we are going on a boat ride this afternoon. The temperature here is comfortable 20-25 degrees Celsius.
We arrived by bus yesterday afternoon in time for a late lunch at the Cracker Barrel, a nostalgic country style restaurant/store. It has all kinds of trinkets and games and toys from the past.
Pennsylvania is known as the "Keystone State." It has great historical importance to Americans because it is the birthplace of American independence and the United States Constitution. Its origin goes back to 1681 when King Charles II of England granted William Penn, a Quaker, a large area of land that includes modern Pennsylvania . Penn and his fellow Quakers sought to escape religious persecution by moving to the New World. In exchange for the land, they were required to send the English king two beaver pelts a year. That was a pretty good deal for Penn, don’t you think?
One explanation as to how Pennsylvania acquired the moniker "Keystone State" is its geographic location. It is located right in the centre of the original thirteen colonies of the United States.
LANGUAGE CORNER
The name "Pennsylvania" was specified in the land charter given to William Penn by Charles II. The Latin word "Sylvania," meaning "woodlands," was added to Penn's name. Therefore, Pennsylvania means "Penn's forest" or "Penn's woods."
SPORTS
The Blue Jays lost to the Oakland Athletics yesterday afternoon by a score of 5-4. They rallied for three runs in the top of the ninth inning but it wasn't enough. They have a day off today and they head to Boston where they play a series with the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
- Joanne
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
By the time we got to Woodstock
TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2010
From WoodstockLyrics by Joni Mitchell
On this day in 1969, the Woodstock music festival was in full swing and the Age of Aquarius had reached its apex. The festival was billed as "An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music.” It was held at Max Yasgur's dairy farm near the hamlet of White Lake in the town of Bethel, New York, from August 15 to August 18, 1969. Bethel is 69 km (43 miles) southwest of the town of Woodstock, New York.
During this somewhat rainy August weekend, Yasgur’s 600-acre farm became a hippie’s paradise and a rock and roll heaven. Thirty-two acts performed outdoors and entertained 500,000 concert-goers. The Woodstock festival was one of the defining events of the 1960s and Rolling Stone listed it as one of the "50 Moments That Changed the History of Rock and Roll."
Joni Mitchell's song "Woodstock" commemorated the event and became a major hit for Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young. Whatever happened to Max Yasgur? Well, In 1971 Yasgur sold his farm and moved to Florida. A year and a half later, on February 9, 1973, he died there of a heart attack at the age of 53.
Forty-one years have passed since Woodstock and I was reminded of this fact by a Six Chix cartoon that I read this past weekend. In the comic, two bespectacled older women are standing on the site of Yasgur’s farm. One of the women looks at a sign and informs the other woman that this year’s Woodstock Reunion will be held on Facebook. The other woman replies, “Bummer.”
SPORTS
The Blue Jays keep rolling along. Last night, they defeated the Oakland A's and Shaun Marcum pitched a gem of a game. He had a one-hitter. Jose Bautista hit his 37th home run, but he didn't slug it over the fence. It was an inside-the-park homer.
NOTE : Tomorrow I will head to Erie Pennsylvania where I will stay until Sunday. I'll report to you from there.
- Joanne
By the time we got to Woodstock
We were half a million strong
And everywhere was a song
And a celebration
And I dreamed I saw the bomber death planes
Riding shotgun in the sky
Turning into butterflies
Above our nation.
From WoodstockLyrics by Joni Mitchell
On this day in 1969, the Woodstock music festival was in full swing and the Age of Aquarius had reached its apex. The festival was billed as "An Aquarian Exposition: 3 Days of Peace & Music.” It was held at Max Yasgur's dairy farm near the hamlet of White Lake in the town of Bethel, New York, from August 15 to August 18, 1969. Bethel is 69 km (43 miles) southwest of the town of Woodstock, New York.
During this somewhat rainy August weekend, Yasgur’s 600-acre farm became a hippie’s paradise and a rock and roll heaven. Thirty-two acts performed outdoors and entertained 500,000 concert-goers. The Woodstock festival was one of the defining events of the 1960s and Rolling Stone listed it as one of the "50 Moments That Changed the History of Rock and Roll."
Joni Mitchell's song "Woodstock" commemorated the event and became a major hit for Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young. Whatever happened to Max Yasgur? Well, In 1971 Yasgur sold his farm and moved to Florida. A year and a half later, on February 9, 1973, he died there of a heart attack at the age of 53.
Forty-one years have passed since Woodstock and I was reminded of this fact by a Six Chix cartoon that I read this past weekend. In the comic, two bespectacled older women are standing on the site of Yasgur’s farm. One of the women looks at a sign and informs the other woman that this year’s Woodstock Reunion will be held on Facebook. The other woman replies, “Bummer.”
SPORTS
The Blue Jays keep rolling along. Last night, they defeated the Oakland A's and Shaun Marcum pitched a gem of a game. He had a one-hitter. Jose Bautista hit his 37th home run, but he didn't slug it over the fence. It was an inside-the-park homer.
NOTE : Tomorrow I will head to Erie Pennsylvania where I will stay until Sunday. I'll report to you from there.
- Joanne
Monday, August 16, 2010
The Dog Days of Summer and Elvis Presley's Concerts in Canada in 1957
MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2010
THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER AND SIRIUS
How are you enjoying these “dog days” of summer? For me, however, they are truly the “dog days” of August because I associate the expression with the month of August rather than July.
Webster’s dictionary defines “dog days” as
1 : the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere
2 : a period of stagnation or inactivity
What is the origin of the term “dog days?” The answer lies in the stars, dear Sixteeners. It’s a celestial matter involving the brightest star in the night sky - Sirius of the constellation Canis Major (the big dog). The ancient Romans believed that the earth received heat from Siruis. In the summer, Sirius, the “dog star,” rises and sets with the sun. The ancients thought that its heat, in tandem with the heat of the sun, was responsible for a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They called this period of time, (20 days before and after the conjunction of Sirius with the sun) the “dog days” after the “dog star.”
The Old Farmer's Almanac lists the traditional timing of the "dog days" as the 40 days beginning July 3 and ending August 11, coinciding with the rising of Sirius at sunrise. The 1552 edition of the Book of Common Prayer cites "Dog Daies" beginning on July 6 and ending on August. 17. The Romans extended their "dog days" further into August and I'm with the Romans on that.
ON THIS DAY
The Death of Elvis Presley
On this day in 1977, Elvis Presley was found dead at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee. The "King of Rock and Roll" was only 42 years old. Not long before his death, I recall my cousins mentioning to me that Elvis hadn’t looked very well lately, that he seemed bloated in his most recent photos. On the day Elvis passed away, I went bowling with another cousin and I remember listening to Elvis music on the radio on the way to the bowling alley.
Elvis' Concerts in Canada
Here’s some Elvis trivia. In 1957, Elvis Presley performed in three Canadian cities. On April 2, he did two shows at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. The next day, April 3, 1957, he did another two shows in Ottawa. On August 31, Elvis put on a concert in Vancouver. These five concerts in Canada were the only ones he performed outside of the United States.
Graceland's origins
The Graceland property was originally established as a farm during the American Civil War by Memphis newspaper owner and publisher Stephen C. Toof. Toof named it after his daughter, Grace. Elvis Presley purchased the property in March of 1957 for $102,500.
The Anniversary of Babe Ruth's Death
Baseball legend George Herman “Babe” Ruth died in New York City of cancer on August 16, 1948. The Bambino was 53 years old. And no, I don’t remember the day Babe Ruth died (ha ha). The Babe was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 6, 1895.
SPORTS
It wasn’t a bad sports weekend for Toronto fans. The Toronto Argonauts defeated the Montreal Alouettes decisively by a score of 37-22. The Argos are now tied for first place with the Als in the CFL East.
In Anaheim, the Angels romped over the Toronto Blue Jays by a score of 7-2 on Saturday. However, the Jays came back to beat the Halos 4-1 yesterday. Ricky Romero was the starter and he pitched seven solid innings to lead the Jays to victory in the finale of the three-game series. Speaking of Romero, the Jays have him locked up for the future. He accepted a five-year, $30.1 million deal with the team.
I’m not as big a tennis fan as I am of hockey, baseball and football. However, I was hoping that Roger Federer would defeat Andy Murray in the Rogers Cup here in Toronto. It was not to be. The Swiss master lost to the dour Scot.
- Joanne
THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER AND SIRIUS
How are you enjoying these “dog days” of summer? For me, however, they are truly the “dog days” of August because I associate the expression with the month of August rather than July.
Webster’s dictionary defines “dog days” as
1 : the period between early July and early September when the hot sultry weather of summer usually occurs in the northern hemisphere
2 : a period of stagnation or inactivity
What is the origin of the term “dog days?” The answer lies in the stars, dear Sixteeners. It’s a celestial matter involving the brightest star in the night sky - Sirius of the constellation Canis Major (the big dog). The ancient Romans believed that the earth received heat from Siruis. In the summer, Sirius, the “dog star,” rises and sets with the sun. The ancients thought that its heat, in tandem with the heat of the sun, was responsible for a stretch of hot and sultry weather. They called this period of time, (20 days before and after the conjunction of Sirius with the sun) the “dog days” after the “dog star.”
The Old Farmer's Almanac lists the traditional timing of the "dog days" as the 40 days beginning July 3 and ending August 11, coinciding with the rising of Sirius at sunrise. The 1552 edition of the Book of Common Prayer cites "Dog Daies" beginning on July 6 and ending on August. 17. The Romans extended their "dog days" further into August and I'm with the Romans on that.
ON THIS DAY
The Death of Elvis Presley
On this day in 1977, Elvis Presley was found dead at his Graceland estate in Memphis, Tennessee. The "King of Rock and Roll" was only 42 years old. Not long before his death, I recall my cousins mentioning to me that Elvis hadn’t looked very well lately, that he seemed bloated in his most recent photos. On the day Elvis passed away, I went bowling with another cousin and I remember listening to Elvis music on the radio on the way to the bowling alley.
Elvis' Concerts in Canada
Here’s some Elvis trivia. In 1957, Elvis Presley performed in three Canadian cities. On April 2, he did two shows at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto. The next day, April 3, 1957, he did another two shows in Ottawa. On August 31, Elvis put on a concert in Vancouver. These five concerts in Canada were the only ones he performed outside of the United States.
Graceland's origins
The Graceland property was originally established as a farm during the American Civil War by Memphis newspaper owner and publisher Stephen C. Toof. Toof named it after his daughter, Grace. Elvis Presley purchased the property in March of 1957 for $102,500.
The Anniversary of Babe Ruth's Death
Baseball legend George Herman “Babe” Ruth died in New York City of cancer on August 16, 1948. The Bambino was 53 years old. And no, I don’t remember the day Babe Ruth died (ha ha). The Babe was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 6, 1895.
SPORTS
It wasn’t a bad sports weekend for Toronto fans. The Toronto Argonauts defeated the Montreal Alouettes decisively by a score of 37-22. The Argos are now tied for first place with the Als in the CFL East.
In Anaheim, the Angels romped over the Toronto Blue Jays by a score of 7-2 on Saturday. However, the Jays came back to beat the Halos 4-1 yesterday. Ricky Romero was the starter and he pitched seven solid innings to lead the Jays to victory in the finale of the three-game series. Speaking of Romero, the Jays have him locked up for the future. He accepted a five-year, $30.1 million deal with the team.
I’m not as big a tennis fan as I am of hockey, baseball and football. However, I was hoping that Roger Federer would defeat Andy Murray in the Rogers Cup here in Toronto. It was not to be. The Swiss master lost to the dour Scot.
- Joanne
Friday, August 13, 2010
Fear, Superstition and the Number 13
FRIDAY, AUGUST 13, 2010
QUOTE OF THE DAY
An Outline of Intellectual Rubbish (1950)
How superstitious are you? I ask this question because today is Friday, August 13th. It is a day associated with the lore of black cats and broken mirrors, a day that superstitious people absolutely dread. We like to think of ourselves as enlightened and knowledgeable. Yet many of us carry good luck charms and many buildings do not have a thirteenth floor. According to London’s Daily Mirror, more than 60 million people worldwide claim to be affected by a fear of Friday the 13th and some will refuse to drive or go to their jobs on that day.
Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky? One theory finds its roots in the Christian Bible. There were 13 people at the Last Supper and Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus, is considered to be the thirteenth guest. Jesus was then crucified on a Friday. Another theory is that the phobia originated when King Philip IV of France arrested and tortured the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307.
The sports world is rife with superstition. Here are a few examples. As a pitcher gets closer to pitching a no-hitter or a perfect game, some fans and broadcasters are reluctant to mention the possibility for fear of jinxing the pitcher. Former baseball manager Sparky Anderson would never step on the white lines when he walked onto the field. Relatively few professional athletes have worn the number 13, although that has changed somewhat in recent years.
Here is a short list of some well known pro athletes who did not shun the number 13.
* Basketball Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain wore number 13.
* The great NFL quarterback Dan Marino sported number 13 on his Miami Dolphins uniform.
* Former Toronto Maple Leaf captain Mats Sundin wasn’t afraid to wear 13 on his hockey sweater.
* New York Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez has number 13 on his pinstriped jersey.
Only one bad incident has occurred in my life on Friday the 13th. On Friday, August 13, 2004, I stood across from my husband as he was robbed of his wallet and passport on a subway escalator in Barcelona, Spain.
LANGUAGE CORNER
Fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia. The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia.
There are a couple of notable birth anniversaries today:
Acclaimed film director Alfred Hitchcock was born in London, England on this day in 1899. I am a big fan of Hitchcock’s films. Leave it to the “Master of Suspense” to be born on the 13th.
Cuban leader Fidel Castro was born on this day in 1926. Castro turns 84 years old today.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays won the last game of their series against the troublesome Boston Red Sox. They defeated the Red Sox by a score of 6-5 and Jose Bautista socked his league-leading 36th homer. The Jays rallied for four runs in the ninth inning to overcome a 5-2 Red Sox lead. Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon blew his first save ever against the Blue Jays.
- Joanne
QUOTE OF THE DAY
Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.- Bertrand Russell
An Outline of Intellectual Rubbish (1950)
How superstitious are you? I ask this question because today is Friday, August 13th. It is a day associated with the lore of black cats and broken mirrors, a day that superstitious people absolutely dread. We like to think of ourselves as enlightened and knowledgeable. Yet many of us carry good luck charms and many buildings do not have a thirteenth floor. According to London’s Daily Mirror, more than 60 million people worldwide claim to be affected by a fear of Friday the 13th and some will refuse to drive or go to their jobs on that day.
Why is Friday the 13th considered unlucky? One theory finds its roots in the Christian Bible. There were 13 people at the Last Supper and Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus, is considered to be the thirteenth guest. Jesus was then crucified on a Friday. Another theory is that the phobia originated when King Philip IV of France arrested and tortured the Knights Templar on Friday, October 13, 1307.
The sports world is rife with superstition. Here are a few examples. As a pitcher gets closer to pitching a no-hitter or a perfect game, some fans and broadcasters are reluctant to mention the possibility for fear of jinxing the pitcher. Former baseball manager Sparky Anderson would never step on the white lines when he walked onto the field. Relatively few professional athletes have worn the number 13, although that has changed somewhat in recent years.
Here is a short list of some well known pro athletes who did not shun the number 13.
* Basketball Hall of Famer Wilt Chamberlain wore number 13.
* The great NFL quarterback Dan Marino sported number 13 on his Miami Dolphins uniform.
* Former Toronto Maple Leaf captain Mats Sundin wasn’t afraid to wear 13 on his hockey sweater.
* New York Yankee slugger Alex Rodriguez has number 13 on his pinstriped jersey.
Only one bad incident has occurred in my life on Friday the 13th. On Friday, August 13, 2004, I stood across from my husband as he was robbed of his wallet and passport on a subway escalator in Barcelona, Spain.
LANGUAGE CORNER
Fear of the number 13 is called triskaidekaphobia. The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskavedekatriaphobia.
There are a couple of notable birth anniversaries today:
Acclaimed film director Alfred Hitchcock was born in London, England on this day in 1899. I am a big fan of Hitchcock’s films. Leave it to the “Master of Suspense” to be born on the 13th.
Cuban leader Fidel Castro was born on this day in 1926. Castro turns 84 years old today.
SPORTS
The Blue Jays won the last game of their series against the troublesome Boston Red Sox. They defeated the Red Sox by a score of 6-5 and Jose Bautista socked his league-leading 36th homer. The Jays rallied for four runs in the ninth inning to overcome a 5-2 Red Sox lead. Boston closer Jonathan Papelbon blew his first save ever against the Blue Jays.
- Joanne
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile
THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2010
- William Shakespeare
From Antony and Cleopatra
I wonder how the historical Cleopatra measured up to Shakespeare's vision of an endlessly fascinating woman, a woman of great allure. The romantic in me likes to think the real Cleopatra was an ageless woman of "infinite variety." We know that Mark Antony was certainly enthralled by this "Queen of the Nile." We also know that on this day in 30 B.C., Cleopatra VII Philopator took her own life.
"Cleopatra" is Greek for "father's glory," and her full name, "Cleopatra Thea Philopator," means "the Goddess Cleopatra, Beloved of Her Father." Cleopatra VII was co-ruler of Egypt with her father Ptolemy XII Auletes, her brother/husband Ptolemy XIV, and later her son Caesarion (by Julius Caesar). After the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 B.C., Cleopatra formed an alliance with Mark Antony.
In 30 B.C., Antony and Cleopatra faced military defeat at the hands of Octavian (Antony's rival and Julius Caesar's legal heir) whose forces were poised to invade Egypt. As Octavian approached Alexandria, Antony's armies deserted to the enemy and a distraught Antony and Cleopatra both committed suicide. According to legend, Cleopatra used an asp to kill herself. The New World Encyclopedia says that the term "asp" actually pertains to a variety of poisonous snakes, but in the case of Cleopatra, it "refers to the Egyptian Cobra, which was sometimes used to execute criminals."
Cleopatra's son by Julius Caesar, Caesarion, was killed by Octavian. The three children of Cleopatra and Antony were spared and returnd to Rome where they were raised by Antony's wife, Octavia. Mark Antoy's rival, Octavian, later became known as Caesar Augustus, the first ruler of the Roman Empire. The month of August is named after him.
It is also noteworthy that Cleopatra was a rare female ruler in a thoroughly male-dominated world. In fact, I can't think of another woman who held such a position of power and influence in ancient history. Can you?
SPORTS
The Blue Jays certainly have had their problems with the Boston Red Sox this season. They were thumped yesterday by a score of 10-1 in their second game of a series with the Red Sox here in T.O. It was a game that starting pitcher Shaun Marcum would like to forget. For that matter, so would I.
- Joanne
Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety: other women cloy
The appetites they feed: but she makes hungry
Where most she satisfies; for vilest things
Become themselves in her: that the holy priests
Bless her when she is riggish.
- William Shakespeare
From Antony and Cleopatra
I wonder how the historical Cleopatra measured up to Shakespeare's vision of an endlessly fascinating woman, a woman of great allure. The romantic in me likes to think the real Cleopatra was an ageless woman of "infinite variety." We know that Mark Antony was certainly enthralled by this "Queen of the Nile." We also know that on this day in 30 B.C., Cleopatra VII Philopator took her own life.
"Cleopatra" is Greek for "father's glory," and her full name, "Cleopatra Thea Philopator," means "the Goddess Cleopatra, Beloved of Her Father." Cleopatra VII was co-ruler of Egypt with her father Ptolemy XII Auletes, her brother/husband Ptolemy XIV, and later her son Caesarion (by Julius Caesar). After the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 B.C., Cleopatra formed an alliance with Mark Antony.
In 30 B.C., Antony and Cleopatra faced military defeat at the hands of Octavian (Antony's rival and Julius Caesar's legal heir) whose forces were poised to invade Egypt. As Octavian approached Alexandria, Antony's armies deserted to the enemy and a distraught Antony and Cleopatra both committed suicide. According to legend, Cleopatra used an asp to kill herself. The New World Encyclopedia says that the term "asp" actually pertains to a variety of poisonous snakes, but in the case of Cleopatra, it "refers to the Egyptian Cobra, which was sometimes used to execute criminals."
Cleopatra's son by Julius Caesar, Caesarion, was killed by Octavian. The three children of Cleopatra and Antony were spared and returnd to Rome where they were raised by Antony's wife, Octavia. Mark Antoy's rival, Octavian, later became known as Caesar Augustus, the first ruler of the Roman Empire. The month of August is named after him.
It is also noteworthy that Cleopatra was a rare female ruler in a thoroughly male-dominated world. In fact, I can't think of another woman who held such a position of power and influence in ancient history. Can you?
SPORTS
The Blue Jays certainly have had their problems with the Boston Red Sox this season. They were thumped yesterday by a score of 10-1 in their second game of a series with the Red Sox here in T.O. It was a game that starting pitcher Shaun Marcum would like to forget. For that matter, so would I.
- Joanne
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)