Valentine's Day Trivia

 

"Love is the expansion of two natures in such fashion that each includes the other, each is enriched by the other. Love is an echo in the feelings of a unity subsisting between two persons which is founded both on likeness and on complementary differences. Without the likeness there would be no attraction; without the challenge of the complementary differences there could not be the closer interweaving and the inextinguishable mutual interest which is the characteristic of all deeper relationships."   

- Felix Adler, From Life and Destiny (1913), Section 5: Love and Marriage

Yesterday was Valentine's Day and I compiled some Valentine trivia for you.

- Joanne

VALENTINE'S DAY BIRTHDAYS

FLORENCE HENDERSON, American actress and singer, best known as The Brady Bunch matriarch, was born in Dale, Indiana, USA on February 14, 1934.  She died on November 24, 2016 and the age of 82.

 

JIM KELLY, former American football quarterback in the National Football League (NFL), was born on February 14, 1960 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.

 

DREW BLEDSOE, retired American football quarterback in the National Football League (NFL), was born on February 14, 1972 in Ellensburg, Washington, USA.

SIMON PEGG, British actor, comedian, screenwriter and producer, was born in Gloucestershire, England on February 14, 1970.  He came to prominence in the United Kingdom as the co-creator of the sitcom Spaced.  He wrote and starred in the Three Flavours Cornetto film trilogy.  He also co-wrote and starred in the 2011 science fiction film Paul.

Photo Attribution:  Simon Pegg, Alice Braga & Like Hemsworth at the LA Premier… | Flickr

Mark Rutte, Dutch politician, Prime Minister of the Netherlands since 2010, was born in The Hague, in the province  of South Holland on February 14, 1967.

  

Photo Attribution: File:Mark Rutte-6.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

MICHAEL BLOOMBERG, American businessman and politician, was born on February 14, 1942 in Boston, Massachusetts.  He is the former mayor of New York City.

JIMMY HOFFA was born in Brazil, Indiana on February 14, 1913.  The American labour union leader served as the president of the International Brotherhood Teamsters from 1957 until 1971.  He disappeared on July 30, 1975 and was declared dead on July 30, 1982.  

SUNG HOON, South Korean actor and voice actor, was born in Nam District, Daegu, South Korea on February 14, 1983.

Photo Attribution: tenasia10

    

VALENTINE'S DAY DEATHS

WILLIAM  TECEMSWEH SHERMAN, American Major General in the Union Army during the Civil War, died in New York City on February 14, 1891 at the age of 71.

JOHNNY LONGDEN was a champion jockey.  He is the only person to win the Kentucky Derby as both an rider (1943) and as a trainer (1969).  Johnny was born on February 14, 1907 in Yorkshire, England.  His family immigrated to Canada and settled in Taber, Alberta, where he was raised.  Johnny Longden died of a stroke on his 96th birthday, February 14, 2003. 

EVENTS OF INTEREST FEBRUARY 14TH 

Circa 270 A.D.  Saint Valentine is martyred in Rome.

1400 (Circa February 14) -  Richard II, King of England from 1377 to 1399 is murdered at Pontefract Castle.  He is 33 years old.  

February 14, 1779- James Cook, British explorer, navigator and cartographer is killed in a fight with Hawaiians near Kealakekua.  He is 50 years old.

Al Capone

February 14, 1929 - St. Valentine's Day Massacre in Chicago.  Seven gangsters are killed, allegedly on the orders of mobster Al Capone.

FEBRUARY 14TH TRIVIA

Hefty Smurf has a heart tattooed on both arms.  Hefty is the son of Muscles Smurf and the twin brother of Handy Smurf.

Language Corner: Words that have a negative connotation for women

As we all know, words matter.  Some words in the English language display a subtle or not-so-subtle anti-female bias.  

Kieran Snyder is the CEO and co-founder of Textio, an augmented writing platform that predicts the response one will receive based on the language of a particular piece of writing.  Snyder is a linguist and a writer.  She holds a PhD in linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania and her work has been published in Fortune, Re/Code, Slate and The Washington Post.

In a 2014 study for Fortune.com, entitled "The Abrasiveness Trap: High-achieving men and women are described differently in reviews," Snyder examined 248 job performance reviews from 180 people (105 men and 75 women).  The reviews were taken from 28 different tech companies of a variety of organizational sizes.

Kieran Snyder

Snyder found a common occurrence in her study.  One particular word appeared 17 times in reviews of women, and not once in any of the reviews of men.  That word was "abrasive."  Other words, such as "bossy " "aggressive," "strident," "emotional" and "irrational" were applied unequally to describe women.

The word "aggressive" did appear in two reviews of male employees, but only in the context of them being encouraged to be more aggressive.  Reviews of women, on the other hand, only ever used the term "aggressive" as a means of criticism. 

Some Subtle and Not-so Subtle Sexist Terms to Avoid

NAG: According to Merriam Webster Dictionary, nag as a verb, means "to irritate by constant scolding or urging; to badger, worry to find fault incessantly : Complain"  As a noun a nag is "a horse, especially one that is old or in poor condition"  It is also "a person who nags."

Although dictionaries such as Meriam Webster does not explicitly define a nag as a female, the implication is clear.  The word is subtly sexist.  One often hears reference to a "nagging wife," such as in the cartoon above.  How often does one hear the term "nagging husband?"  Some terms that are        similar to nag include "fishwife," "hen-pecked," "shrew"  and "harridan."  We hear of a "hen-pecked husband."  When do we hear of a "hen-pecked husband?" One of William Shakespeare's most well=known plays is titled The Taming of the Shrew.

SPINSTER and OLD MAID:  There are no similar terms for older unmarried men.  They are simply described as a "confirmed bachelor" or a "lifelong bachelor."  The words spinster and old maid are pejoratives.  They conger up an image of  a shy, unattractive or vey ugly woman.  Think of the card game "Old Maid."  The picture on the "Old Maid" card is that of a very hideous looking woman.

EFFETTE:  According to Merriam Webster, the word effette is derived from the word Latin word "effetus," meaning "no longer fruitful."   For a time it was used to describe an animal no longer capable of producing offspring.  As an adjective, it now means "lacking strength, courage or spirit; resembling a woman."

WORKING MOM:  Have you ever head of a "working dad?"

SOCCER MOM:  Have you ever heard of a "soccer dad?"

STRIDENT:  How many times does one hear female leaders or politicians described  as being "strident" or having a "strident voice."  That's exactly what happened to Hillary Clinton.  Let me know when you hear a male described as "strident" or "having a strident voice."

There are many more words I could include on this list.  There is clearly an anti-female bias in the language we speak.

- Joanne

6 Iconic Film Posters With The Cars That Could've Been

Here is something for car lovers.  The UK's Bristol Street Motors has recreated six of the most iconic car movie posters.  They feature cars that could have been famous, but didn't quite make the cut.  I hope you find it entertaining and informative, even if you are not an automobile enthusiast.

- Joanne

Alternative Pop Culture Cars

 In some films, the cars can become bigger stars than the actors that drive them. The DeLorean DMC-12 from Back to the Future is iconic in it’s own right, but did you know the films could have turned out with completely different motor stars? 

Bristol Street Motors have uncovered that iconic movie cars of the past weren’t always the original plan and have reimagined what the movie posters would have looked like if their alternatives were used.

 Aston Martin DB5 v Blower Bentley

Goldfinger (1964)

 007 could have easily been driving a 1931 Blower Bentley instead of the now-iconic Aston Martin DB5 in the Goldfinger movie. Bristol Street Motors found that in the novels, Bond was something of a car nut and counted his treasured Blower Bentley as his own personal hobby.

 As revealed by Top Gear’s 50 Years of Bond Cars special, author Ian Fleming received a letter from a fan one day encouraging the author to “have the decency to fix him up with a decent bit of machinery”, as the Blower Bentley was dated and over 20 years old. 

Fleming gave Bond an Aston Martin DB3 for the Goldfinger novel, which updated to the classic DB5 when the movie was released 5 years later.  

It was by pure chance that The Lincoln Futura made it into the Bond film, looking extremely futuristic back in 1966.

Lincoln Futura v Cadillac Series 62

Batman (1966)

It was originally planned that the Batmobile was to be a 1959 Cadillac, but 20^th Century Fox announced they needed something faster for Batman to drive. Hollywood car designer George Barris was hired but with just three short weeks until filming started, he bought the Futura and dawned it with Batman-esque features and fail fins, and the rest is history.

 

Volkswagen Beetle v Volvo P1800  

The Love Bug (1968)

The Volkswagen Beetle, known as Herbie, found fame in The Love Bug but was close to never making it to the big screen at all.

 The movie producers had no specific car in mind to star in the film, and so held a casting call. Car manufacturers could show their cars to Disney executives and crew who would be working on the movie. There were Toyotos, a TVR and the Volvo P1800 all in for a chance as playing Herbie. 

During the audition, the Volkswagen Beetle was the only car to elicit an emotional reaction from the crew, with many of them reaching out to pet it. VW was offered the chance to feature their Beetle in the film as a result of this.

 

Mini Cooper v Fiat 500

Italian Job (1969) 

The Italian Job is known as one of the most iconic movies ever made. The movie was considered to be totally original upon its release. However, what people don’t know about is how close the Mini Coopers were to being replaced with Fiat 500s. The two cars have a close rivalry now due to their similar size and target audience, and back in 1969 it was similar. 

According to Michael Deeley, the British Motor Cooperation sold the production three Mini Coopers at cost price but they had to buy an additional 30 for action scenes. Alternatively, Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli offered an unlimited supply of top-of-the-range Fait 500s for free. He also offered Deeley a Ferrari and $50,000 towards the picture. Upon consideration, Deeley couldn’t make sense of British Crooks driving Italian-produced cars in Italy, so decided to stick with Mini Coopers.

 

Ferrari 308 GTS v Porsche 928

Magnum PI (1978)

Originally, the 6 foot 4 actor Tom Selleck, who played the character of Thomas Sullivan Magnum lll, was supposed to be driving a Porsche 928. Unfortunately, Porsche refused to allow their car to be specially altered for the tall actor, and producers were forced to look for alternatives. Step forward Ferarri with their 308 GTS – they were happy to modify their car to house Selleck and the car became an icon.

 

Delorean DMC 12 v A Refrigerator

Back To The Future (1985)

A firm favourite from our childhoods, fans will be surprised to know that the famous scene of Doc and Marty’s time-travelling Delorean disappearing in a line of smoke and fire almost never happened. Bristol Street discovered that in the first two drafts of the movie, a lead lined refrigerator took the role of the time machine. However, when mobility became an issue, co-author Bob Zemeckis dared to ask, “Wouldn’t it make more sense to build the time machine into a car?”

* Bristol Street Motors operate under the Vertu Motors Group.  Serving England from its local dealerships, it represents 14 of the world's major manufacturers as well as offering a wide variety of quality assured used cars across a range of the best-known car franchises.

https://www.bristolstreet.co.uk

Brian Sicknick: The Capitol Police officer who was killed in the storming of the U.S. Capitol

Capitol Police Officer Brian D. Sicknick died at 9:30 p.m. on January 7, 2021.  Let's not forget that name.  Let's not forget that face.  Sicknick died protecting others.  He died defending democracy from an unruly mob of neo-Nazis. far-right extremists and white supremacists.  He died in hospital from the injuries he sustained in the violent siege on Capitol Hill on January 6th.  Authorities say he was injured "while "physically engaging" with rioters.  Two law enforcement officers informed The Associated Press that Officer Sicknick was hit on the head with a fire extinguisher during the riot.

Sicknick was 42 years old when he lost his life.  He was from South River, New Jersey and he was the youngest of three sons.  In 2008, he joined the Capitol Police.  According to s biography issued by his family, Officer Sicknick is survived by his parents, Gladys and Charles Sicknick, his brothers Ken and Craig, and his longtime girlfriend, Sandra Garza.  In his leisure time, Sicknick rescued and tended to dachshunds. He was also a fan of the New Jersey Devils hockey team.

Officer Brian Sicknick

Officer Sicknick's death. at the hands of pro-Trump insurgents, is being investigated as a homicide.  A good man is dead because Donald Trump tried to subvert democracy.  Trump could not and would not accept defeat in the November 3, 2020 election.  He urged his followers to go to Washington and to be tough.  On January 6th, his supporters shouted that they were in the Capitol at the invitation of the president.  This what four years of Trumpism in the United States has brought to bear.  How sad and disgraceful!  America, is this where you want to be? Is this the image of you that you want the world to see?   Josh Hawley and Ted Cruz, what would you say to Officer Sicknick's grieving family?

- Joanne

Trump's Last Stand: Reflections on the Storming of the Capitol

It's heard to swallow what happened in Washington, D.C. on January 6, 2021.  On that fateful day, the U.S. Capitol was invaded for the first time since the War of 1812.  This time, however, the invasion did not come from an outside enemy.  Oh no.  This time, it was domestic.  It came from within and it came at the bidding of a man who swore to uphold, defend and protect the Constitution of the United States.

Donald J. Trump,, the 45th President of the Republic, actively encouraged violence and sedition.  He incited his extreme, right-wing, neo-Nazi followers to march on the Capitol building in Washington, D.C.  The president aided and abetted this insurrection and he should be held accountable for this heinous crime and for the other criminal acts he has committed during his presidency..  

Millions of Americans and people around the world witnessed the horrifying events in Washington on their television screens.  Right before their eyes, live and in colour, they saw the desecration of the most sacred temple of American democracy.  They watched in stunned disbelief as the Capitol building was vandalized and violated by an unruly mob.  For several hours, parts of the building were occupied and ransacked, including Speaker Nancy Pelosi's office.  It was all very surreal.  Yet, it really happened, thanks to Donald Trump, his spineless sycophants in the Republican Party and his cult-like adherents.

Unfortunately, far too few Americans hold the president responsible for what happened in Washington.  According to a new YouGov poll, a majority of Republican voters named President-elect Joe Biden as the culprit rather than Donald Trump.  1,450 eligible voters were surveyed and 52 percent of Republicans blamed Biden rather than Trump.  In comparison, only 28 percent of Republicans pointed the finger at the president for inciting the violence, while 26 percent blamed congressional Republicans for attempting to block the final tally of Biden's Electoral College win. 

This should not be a partisan issue.  It is a matter of upholding democracy and the rule of law.  Yes, Donald Trump received over 74 million votes, but Joe Biden received over 81 million votes.  The Electoral College confirmed Joe Biden's victory in the 2020 election with 306 to 232 the final count. .  Biden was the clear winner and accusations of electoral fraud were proven baseless and were rejected by numerous courts. 

Sadly, fascism has come to America in the form of right-wing extremists who believe they are patriots and who wrap themselves in the American flag.  The distressing fact is that so many Republican voters still support Donald Trump's delusional conspiracy theories.  They contend that the election was rigged and that it was stolen from Trump.  They believe this without any credible proof.  In fact, the evidence shows that the election was free and fair.  

Are these Republican voters so brainwashed, their minds so addled that they cannot see the truth - or is it that they prefer to ignore the facts?  On January 6th, the day that lawmakers were to meet to make Joe Biden's Electoral College victory official. Donald Trump held a rally and urged his supporters  to march on Capitol Hill.  Trump told the crowd: "You'll never take back your country with weakness.  You have to show strength and you have to be strong."   It was Donald Trump, not Joe Biden, who egged on his followers and caused them to wreak havoc.  He gave them his blessing and the green light to act as they did.

Since media have posed some hard questions about the storming of Capitol.  Reporters and broadcasters have demanded to know why there was such poor security around Capitol Hill.  Why were the insurgents allowed to stand on the steps of the Capitol, break windows and vandalize offices.?  Why were police so ill-prepared for what happened?  For weeks Donald Trump exhorted his followers to to go to Washington on January 6th.  It was no secret.  It was no surprise when his ardent supporters obeyed him.  What was surprising and terribly shocking was that law enforcers were so ill-prepared for what happened.  Why were Trumps band of thugs, anti-Semites and white supremacists able to breach security so easily?  Would the situation have been different if a majority of the Capitol invaders had been black?  These questions cannot be ignored.  They cannot be brushed away.

Make no mistake.  What has taken root in the United States is not conservatism, but Trumpism, and it's this Trumpism that must be soundly defeated if the U.S. is to remain a viable democracy.  For the safety of the American people and for the sake of the free world, Donald Trump must be removed from the White House as soon as possible. This president is not fit for office.  He is clearly unstable, unhinged and very dangerous.  Donald Trump is a cornered man.  He is desperate and desperate people take desperate measures.  

This president  must be held accountable for his actions and for his high crimes and misdemeanours.  He should do the right thing and resign.  Failing that, the 25th Amendment should be invoked.  If that does not happen, Donald Trump must be impeached for a second time, whether he is convicted or not. This must be done so that no president can be allowed to undermine democracy the way he has.  Donald Trump is not above the law and he must never be allowed to hold office in the United States again.  Every day he remains in the White House, America is in peril.  

I am so glad that Twitter permanently banned Donald Trump.  He does not deserve any forum to spew his hatred, his venom and his lies.  He should not be permitted to incite violence.  Enough is enough is enough  Donald Trump has got to go before he causes further damage to the democratic fabric of the Republic.  Five people, including a police officer, died in Wednesday's attempted coup.  Trump's term in office ends on January 20th.  Does the U.S. need more violence and more deaths during that time:?

- Joanne

My 2021 Wish List

 Last year I posted my personal wish list for 2020.  I promised to let you know which of my wishes came true and to write another wish list for 2021.  Here's how my 2020 wish list turned out:

Of course, when I made my 2020 wish list, I had no idea that a deadly pandemic would sweep the world.  I never dreamed that this year would be a nightmare in so many ways.  Yet, I remain hopeful for 2021 because without hope, what is there?

In January of 2020, I fervently hoped that Donald Trump would resign from office in 2020 or that he would lose the November election.  I also wished that the Republicans would lose control of the Senate, so that Mitch McConnell could no longer be called the "Grim Reaper."

Well, thankfully Trump lost the election in November, although he still refuses to go gently into that good night.  Unfortunately, McConnell was re-elected.  He won his senate seat in Kentucky.  However, much to might delight, the Democrats won control of the Senate by winning the two runoff elections in Georgia on January 5th.

I hoped that Benjamin Netanyahu would be ousted from power by Israeli voters.  Unfortunately, his is still prime minister, even after having been charged with corruption.  After Netanyahu's unity government with alternate prime minister Benny Gantz.  Gantz was set to become prime minister in November of 2021.  However, the coalition collapsed. and  new elections were scheduled for Israel on March 23, 2021.  I hope Netanyahu will finally be ousted from power then.

I  hoped that the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan would be successful and that Canadian athletes would  Due to COVID, they were cancelled.  They are scheduled to take place this summer instead.  

I didn't have high expectations for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2020.  My wish was that they would have a much better record than they did in 2019.  Due to COVID, the Major League Baseball season was shortened to just 60 games.  The Blue Jays have become a young, up-and-coming team but there are still some pieces of the puzzle to be completed before they are able to really compete.  Fans wait patiently.

I lowered my expectations for the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2020.  Despite the crazy COVID season, the Blue and White still managed to disappoint.  I really don't think they will go anywhere until they stop investing so much of their payroll on four players - William Nylander, John Tavares, Mitd\h Marner and Austan Matthews.

I wished for my civility in the world.  It certainly didn't happen in the United States.  Once Trump is finally out of the White House, I expect a return a more civil atmosphere in the U.S.  

As for war and terrorism, 2020 didn't really stand out, thank goodness.  It may be because everyone was too concerned about COVID-19. 

Here is my 2021 wish list:

My biggest wish for 2021 is that COVID-19 will be brought under control around the world.  I also hope that once that goal is achieved, more attention will be turned to the environment and combatting global warming.

I hope that Joe Biden will meet his destiny with honour and become a good president.  I hope that he will restore the soul of America, as he has promised.  I want Donald Trump to be accountable for his crimes and for the damage he has done to American democracy.  If that means going to prison, so be it.  No one is above the law.

I hope that Benjamin Netanyahu is ousted from power.  

I don't want a federal election in Canada this year, not as long as the pandemic is raging.  

I hope that the Olympics will go on as scheduled this summer in Tokyo.

I hope the Toronto Blue Jays keep improving and that they will make some good moves over the winter.  I also hope that at some point in 2021 and will be able to attend a game at Rogers Centre.

I hope the Leafs make the changes needed to compete, but I have no lofty expectations for them.

I wish the best for the Canadian Football League, which was forced to cancel its 2020 season due to COVID.  I truly hope there will be a 2021 season.

As I do every year, I wish for more peace and harmony in the world.  I hope 2021 is a better year for you and your family.

\
In January of, 2022, I will write another wish list and I will let you know if any of my 2021 wishes came true.

- Joanne

Mitt Romey's Statement on Certification of U.S. Presidential Election Results

 I urge you to read this statement from Mitt Romney, a Republican, and the junior United States senator from Utah.  Thoughtful Republicans will realize that the issue of the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election goes far beyond partisanship.  It's a matter of preserving American democracy for future generations.  

- Joanne

Romney Statement On Certification of Presidential Election Results

Sunday, January 3, 2021

SALT LAKE CITY– U.S. Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) released the following statement in response to an announcement that several Republican senators plan to oppose certification of the presidential election results:
       
“The egregious ploy to reject electors may enhance the political ambition of some, but dangerously threatens our Democratic Republic. The congressional power to reject electors is reserved for the most extreme and unusual circumstances. These are far from it. More Americans participated in this election than ever before, and they made their choice. President Trump’s lawyers made their case before scores of courts; in every instance, they failed. The Justice Department found no evidence of irregularity sufficient to overturn the election. The Presidential Voter Fraud Commission disbanded without finding such evidence.
     
“My fellow Senator Ted Cruz and the co-signers of his statement argue that rejection of electors or an election audit directed by Congress would restore trust in the election. Nonsense. This argument ignores the widely perceived reality that Congress is an overwhelmingly partisan body; the American people wisely place greater trust in the federal courts where judges serve for life. Members of Congress who would substitute their own partisan judgement for that of the courts do not enhance public trust, they imperil it.
     
“Were Congress to actually reject state electors, partisans would inevitably demand the same any time their candidate had lost. Congress, not voters in the respective states, would choose our presidents.
     
“Adding to this ill-conceived endeavor by some in Congress is the President’s call for his supporters to come to the Capitol on the day when this matter is to be debated and decided. This has the predictable potential to lead to disruption, and worse.
   
“I could never have imagined seeing these things in the greatest democracy in the world. Has ambition so eclipsed principle?”

EDITOR'S UPDATE (January 4, 2021): On Sunday, January 3, 2021,  Former House Speaker, Paul Ryan, a Republican who represented Wisconsin in Congress from  1999 to 2019.  He spoke out against members of his own party who were planning to reject congressional certification of the 2020 U.S. presidential election.

Paul Ryan

Here is Ryan's statement

"All our basic rights and freedoms flow from a fidelity to the Constitution and the rule of law.  This principle is not only fundamentally American but a central tenet of conservatism.  Under our system, voters determine the president, and this self-governance cannot sustain itself if the whims of Congress replace the will of the people."

I don't usually agree with Paul Ryan, but in this case, he's absolutely correct about the rule of law.  I wish more conservatives felt this way.

- Joanne

Reflections on a New Year - Farewell 2020, Welcome 2021

"For last year's words belong to last year's language

And next year's await another voice."

- T.S. Eliot

From Four Quartets ("Little Gidding")

Farewell to 2020 and good riddance!  I really tried to make the best of a bad year and, thankfully, I was able to find some silver linings in the midst of this terrible pandemic.  After all, you can't wish your life away.  Still, no matter how you slice it, 2020.was a wretched year for humanity.  The outbreak of the COVID-19 virus has truly been a nightmare.  Many have suffered greatly.  My heart goes out to those who have lost family members or friends to this scourge.

I realize that January 1, 2021 is an arbitrary date on a calendar.  It's just one day after December 31, 2020.  All the problems of the world won't be solved overnight.  However, I still look forward to the changing of that calendar.  It represents a clean slate and a fresh start to me.  Of course, the calendar effect is strictly psychological.  I know that there are no guarantees about 2021.  I just hope it's a better year than 2020 and that the virus is brought under control.  The vaccines will help, but enough people have get inoculated for them to be effective.  It will also help that the four lost years of the Trump presidency will come to a merciful end on January 20, 2021.  That's an added bonus.

There is a great deal of uncertainty in the world, but we can only hope for some better days ahead.  These tough times have given us some true heroes - health care workers on the frontlines.  For years, they have been undervalued and underpaid.  Due to COVID crisis, they are finally receiving some much-deserved praise and gratitude.  They have put their lives on the line for the sick and the elderly.  When the worst is finally over, will they still receive as much recognition?  The least we can do is pay our health care workers more.  They deserve it.  

Unfortunately, in contrast to our health care workers, some people have shown themselves to be selfish and uncaring.  I am referring to those who refuse to wear masks because they believe they should have the freedom to infect others.  I am also referring to those who have gone on unnecessary vacations.  I was dismayed to see so many travellers at airports during this holiday season.  Why can't people sacrifice one time so that we can all have a better Christmas and New Year next year? 

The hypocrisy is mind-boggling.  The finance minister of my home province of Ontario, Rod Phillips, took a Caribbean vacation during this time - with the knowledge of Premier Doug Ford.  Phillips apoIogized, but only because his hand was caught in the cookie jar.  If politicians want to be respected,  they have to lead by example.  

This pandemic has really highlighted the gross inequalities in our society.   Lower income people are finding themselves unemployed and facing eviction.  Large companies such as Amazon are having a field day because of all the online purchases.  It's boom time for them.  Small businesses and restaurants, however, are struggling.  It's bust time for them.

After this pandemic subsides, I hope that there will be more focus on the environment.  Thank goodness U.S. President Joe Biden has pledged to return his country to the Paris Climate Accord.  After the Trump years, there is no more time to waste.

File 2020 into the dustbin of history.  It will be gone but certainly not forgotten.  Some day we will look at it with 2020 hindsight.  We'll talk about how we lived through the Great Pandemic.  For now, I'm just grateful that I haven't contracted COVID-19.  

So, I welcome 2021 not with unrealistic expectations, not with false optimism, but with hope.  Happy New Year to you and your family.    

- Joanne

A new novel titled "Children of Dieppe"

I am pleased to announce that my first novel, Children of Dieppe, is now available as an ebook on Smashwords.(smashwords.com).

Children of Dieppe is the story of Denise Nair, whose father, Jim Nair, died during the tragic raid on the French port of Dieppe in 1942.  The repercussions of that raid are life-changing for Denise's family, friends and acquaintances, They are forced to come to terms with Jim's past on the Isle of Wight, where he trained for the Dieppe invasion.  Denise is determined to uncover what happened there.  Along the way she must deal with her best friend, the Rosemary Tillis' infatuation with hockey goalie Mark Steeles, to whom she is also attracted.  Denise's friendship with the troubled Rosemary is chronicled in the novel, as well as her encounters with the mysterious Gordon Sloane, a childhood friend of her father.  Children of Dieppe is a sweeping drama that spans a time period from World War II until the 21st century.

I completed Children of Dieppe while at home during the pandemic of 2020.  It was my way of being creative and productive during these difficult days.  My hope that those who choose to read it will really enjoy it.  I believe it is a thoughtful but easy read.  If you have any questions about the novel for me, I would be pleased to answer them.  Just email me at jmadden16@yahoo.ca

For those who are interested in checking out my novel, here is the link.

-Smashwords – Children of Dieppe – a book by Joanne Madden

Thank you Number 16 readers.  Stay safe and have a Merry Christmas / Happy Holiday.  

- Joanne

Songs of Christmas Quiz

So, you think you know your Christmas music.  Well then, why not test your knowledge and try Number 16's Songs of Christmas Quiz.

SONGS OF CHRISTMAS QUIZ 

1.  Complete this lyric from "The Twelve Days of Christmas."  

"On the third day of Christmas, my true love sent to me . . ."

A. three calling birds

B.  three French hens

C.  three golden rings

D.  three geese a-laying

E.  three ladies dancing

2.  What Christmas song did Judy Garland sing in the film Meet Me in St. Louis?

A.  "The Christmas Song"

B.  "Silver Bells"

C.  "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

D.  "I'll Be Home for Christmas"

E.  "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays"

3.  What is the name of the Beach Boys' Christmas song?

A.  "California Christmas"

B.  ""Sufin' Santa Claus"

C.  "Under the Mistletoe"

D. " Little Saint Nick"

E.  "Christmas USA"

4.  Which well-known Christmas hymn has the following line? 

"Radiant beams from they holy face / With the dawn of redeeming grace."

A.  "Silent Night"

B.  "The First Noel"

C. "Hark! The Harold, Angels Sing"

D.  "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear"

E.  "O Holy Night"

5.  What was the first film in which Bing Crosby sang "White Christmas?"

A.  White Christmas

B.  The Bells of Saint Mary

C.  Holiday Inn

D.  Going My Way

E.  Blue Skies

6.  Which Christmas song has the following lyric?

"Christmas Eve will find me where the love light gleams."

A.  "White Christmas"

B.  "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

C.  "Walking in a Winter Wonderland"

D.  "The Christmas Song"

E.  "l'll Be Home for Christmas"

7.  In which country did the song "O Christmas Tree" originate?

A.  England

B.  Germany

C.  Wales

D.  Austria

E.  France

8.  In what year did Brenda Lee record "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree?"

A.  1956

B.  1960

C.  1956

D.  1958

E.  1961

9.  The song "A Holly Jolly Christmas" is from which classic television Christmas special?

A.  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

B.  Frosty the Snowman

C.  How the Grinch Stole Christmas

D.  A Charlie Brown Christmas

E.  None of the above

10.  Name the Christmas song which contains the following words:    

"In the air there's a feeling of Christmas / Children laughing people passing / Meeting smile after smile"

A.  "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas"

B.  "The Christmas Song"

C.  "Silver Bells"

D.  "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

E.  "Christmas in Kilarney"

11.  What year was the calypso Christmas song "Mary's Boy Child" recorded?

A.  1960

B.  1952

C.  1956

D.  1925

E.  1935

12.  Who first released "Jingle Bell Rock??"

A.  Elvis Presley

B.  Buddy Holly

C.  Billy Haley and His Comets

D. Chuck Berry

E.  Bobby Helms

ANSWERS

1.  B.  

The correct lyric for "The Twelve Days of Christmas."  is "three French hens."

2.  C

Judy singing "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"

"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" was originally sung by Judy Garland in the 1944 film Meet Me in St. Louis.

3.  D

The Beach Boys "Little Saint Nick." is a Christmas-themed hot rod song about Santa and his sleigh.  It  It was composed by Brian Wilson and Mike Love and was released as a single on December 9, 1963.  In 1964, it was the opening track on The Beach Boys' Christmas Album.

4.  A.

Those lines come from the Christmas hymn "Silent Night."  The words to "Silent Night" were originally written in German by an Austrian Roman Catholic priest, Father Joseph Mohr.  On Christmas Eve 1818, , Father Mohr needed a carol for Midnight Masst.  He took his poem, "Stille Nacht," to his friend Franz Xaver Gruber.  Within hours, Gruber composed the melody to "Stille Nacht."

5.  C

Below is a photo of Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds singing "White Christmas" in the 1942 film Holiday Inn.

Bing Crosby first recorded "White Christmas" in October of 1942.  It was played often during the 1942 wartime Christmas season, on the Armed Forces Network and on commercial radio.  Crosby introduced the song to the public on The Kraft Music Hall radio show on December 25, 1941.  The first movie in which Bing sang "White Christmas" was the 1942 musical Holiday Inn.  The film also starred Fred Astaire, Marjorie Reynolds and Virginia Dale.  Composer Irving Berlin wrote 12 songs specifically for Holiday Inn.  

Bing Crosby's other Christmas-themed movies were released after Holiday Inn.  Going My Way, starring Bing and Barry Fitzgerald was released in 1944.  The Bell's of St. Mary, starring Bing Crosby and Ingrid Bergman was released in 1945.  The film White Christmas, starring Bing, Danny Kaye Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen was released in 1954.  White Christmas was not a sequel to Holiday Inn, but it too featured songs by Irving Berlin.  Bing also sang "White Christmas" as part of a medley in the 1946 comedy Blue Skies, another Irving Berlin musical in which he co-starred with Fred Astaire and Joan Caulfield.

According to Guinness World Records, "White Christmas," as performed by Bing Crosby, is the best-selling single worldwide.

6.  E

The lyric "Christmas Eve will find me where the love light gleams." comes from the song  "l'll Be Home for Christmas."  "I'll Be Home for Christmas" was originally released in 1943 by Bing Crosby with John Scott Trapper and His Orchestra on Decca Records.  The song was written by lyricist Kim Gannon to honour World War II overseas soldiers who yearned to be home for Christmas.

7.  B

"O Christmas Tree" is a Christmas carol based on a traditional German folk song called "O Tannenbaum."  A "tannenbaum" is a fir tree.

8.  D

Brenda Lee recorded "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" in 1958, when she was only 13 years old. (She was born December 11, 1944).  The song was written by Johnny Marks. the man who also wrote Rudoph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas."  "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" did not catch on until it was re-leased after Brenda's 1960 hit "I'm Sorry."  After that, it became a Christmas standard.  It was featured in the 1990 film Home Alone.

9.  A

Burl Ives provided the voice for the song "A Holly Jolly Christmas" in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the 1964 Christmas special.

10.  C

"Silver Bells" is the song that contains those words

"In the air there's a feeling of Christmas / Children laughing people passing / Meeting smile after smile"

"Silver Bells" was composed by the songwriting duo of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans.  It was written for the 1951 film The Lemon Drop Kid, starring Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell.

11.  C

Jester Hairston

"Mary's Boy Child," is a 1956 Christmas song written by American composer songwriter Jester Hairston.  It is often performed as a Christmas carol.  Hairston composed "Mary's Boy Child" after a friend asked him to write a song for a birthday party.  He wrote it with a calypso rhythm because the people at the party would be mainly West Indians.  Singer Harry Belafonte heard the song performed by Schumann's Hollywood Choir and recorded it in 1956.

12.  E

Bobby Helms

Bobby Helms first released "Jingle Bell Rock" in 1957.  Helm's version is the best known.  The song's title, of course, comes from the old Christmas standard "Jingle Bells."  "Jingle Bell Rock" also includes 1950s references to "Rock Around the Clock" and "Jingle hop."

- Joanne

All we are saying is get a vaccine

 

Where COVID-19 is concerned, we are not out of the woods yet - not by any means,  However, we are getting closer.  It's a matter of time, discipline and patience. Each day brings more and more discussions about various vaccines and their distribution.  The vaccines are definitely coming.  It's only a question of when, where and how.  As U..S. immunologist Dr. Anthony Fauci put it, "The cavalry is on the way."

Many people are reluctant to trust a vaccine immediately.  Some are staunch anti-vaxxers.  These anti-vaxxers are not ready to change their minds.  Others are just reluctant to trust a vaccine yet.  They have not ruled it out, but they just want to be more confident that it is reliable.  They also want to make sure that healthcare workers, the elderly and those with serious conditions are inoculated first.

In order for the vaccines to be effective, a certain percentage of the population has to be vaccinated.  We can't force people to get vaccinated, but we can persuade them to do it.  Recently a member of my family paraphrased the lyrics of John Lennon's song, Give Peace a Chance. and an idea came to my mind.  I thought about how this could be used to promote vaccination.

All we are saying . . . is get a vaccine

Suppose major recording artists from countries around the world recorded a video of Give Peace a Chance with the words "All we are saying is get a vaccine." It could be streamed all over social media in order to reach young people. It could be shown as a television public service announcement and an audio version could be played on the radio.

The Canadian version might feature Shawn Mendes, Jann Arden, Justin Bieber, The Weekend, Bryan Adams, Drake, Shania Twain, Drake, Alessia Cara. Neil Young, Burton Cummings, Céline Dion, Michael Bublé and others.

The British version might feature Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Adele, Rod Stewart, Sting and others. 

The American version might feature Taylor Swift, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande, Billie Elish, Bruno Mars, Faith Hill, Lady Gaga, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, Madonna, Gwen Stafani, Nick Jonas, Cher, Tim McGraw and others.

I'm not sure how much merit this plan has.  It's a huge undertaking.  I don't know if it's feasible or who would organize it or finance it.  It's just a germ of an idea, but I thought I would present it online and find out if there's any reaction or any interest.  If you think it has merit, I urge you to let me know or pass this blog posting along to others.

- Joanne

Meditations at Home During the Pandemic #8

 
This is the eighth in a series of reflections while I am at home during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hello to readers from around the world.  Greetings and well wishes from Toronto, Canada.  I haven't written my COVID meditations for a while, but I want you to know that I am well and safe.  I hope you are, too.  I have some exciting news to share with you.  During this pandemic, I have taken the time to  self-publish a novel.  It's called Children of Dieppe and it will be available in ebook form soon.  I will provide you with more details on Number 16 as soon as possible.

Writing my novel has been a shaft of light during this COVID-19 nightmare.  It has been a healthy and productive means of escape for me because it has taken my mind off the virus.  I've been able to release my creative energies and relax.  In short, my novel has been a great distraction from the pandemic nightmare.

Here in Canada, COVID cases have really spiked since school opened and autumn began.  People are sacrificing a great deal.  In Ontario, the government has started to reinstate some restrictions.  Another full lockdown could be imminent.  We have entered the most difficult phase of this pandemic.  Winter is coming and the days are getting shorter.  It will become colder and darker.  The sadness and the suffering is horrifying.  Yet, we will get through this.  We have to.  A vaccine is on the way and that will help, but I 'd advise everyone to listen to reputable doctors and scientists before considering a vaccination.  Above all, I advise my American friends not to listen to Donald Trump and his quacks.  Don't be fooled by Trump's blathering and his lies.  Please wear a mask and social distance.

I will definitely get vaccinated, but not until Canadian health authorities and my family doctor tell me it's safe to do so.  When a reliable vaccine becomes available, there will be decisions about how it will be distributed and who gets it first.  That will all be worked out in due time.  The important thing is that there will be a vaccine.  It's interesting to note that Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis of Greece has announced that all Greeks will be provided with coronavirus vaccines at no cost, as soon as the vaccine is made available, most likely in the first half of 2021.

As much as I welcome a vaccine, I realize that it is not a panacea.  COVID-19 will not magically disappear from the face of the earth within days.  Eradicating this terrible scourge on humanity will take time and great patience.  Still, a vaccine is imminent and it will be a major step forward.

Another shaft of light for me during this bleak COVID era has been the defeat of Trump in the U.S. presidential election.  There was dancing in the streets, as if a dictator had been overthrown.  Most of America's European allies are thrilled that the United States will be working closely alongside them again.  Under Joe Biden, the U.S. will rejoin the Paris environmental agreement.  Once again, there will be an American leader who cares about climate change and fair immigration policies.  Joe Biden has promised to reinstate DACA, which allows the children of undocumented immigrants to remain in the U.S.  It may take time to reverse Trump's immigration policies, but Biden will be judged on how well he keeps his promises.  Furthermore, under the Biden administration, U.S.  Americans with pre-existing conditions will not lose their health insurance.  Yes, America is back!  

Although I continue to rejoice at Biden's victory, some sobering thoughts remain.  Over 70 million people in the United States voted for Donald Trump.  It is mind-boggling that so many Americans could vote for such a man, despite the fact that he has allowed COVID-19 to spread like wildfire in the U.S.  Although Trump lhas ost the election, his cult-like followers are still out there.  

As expected, Donald Trump has been ungracious in defeat.  He has refused to concede and he probably never will.  He just can't admit that the election was fair and that he lost.  There is no evidence of a rigged election or any kind of widespread voter fraud.  Trump lost 306-232  in the Electoral College and 5,400,000 votes (and counting).  Those, my friends, are the facts.  Trump and his Republican lackeys continue to waste money on frivolous lawsuits that will not overturn the result of the election.  The American people have spoken and they have chosen Joseph R. Biden, Jr. to be their next president.

Beginning on January 20, 2021, Joe Biden will have a huge mess to clean up.  Biden wants to be a president of all American, including those who didn't vote for him.  He seeks to united a very divided country.  It will be a daunting task, but Joe has the opportunity to change history.  I do not exaggerate when I say that he has a date with destiny.

Trump began his first foreign trip with a visit to Saudi Arabia, that great bastion of freedom and democracy, the country responsible for the abominable killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.  I hope Joe Biden's first presidential trip will be to Canada, where U.S. presidents have traditionally visited first.

Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving back in in October.  However, American Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner.  Unfortunately, those two holidays will cause the virus to spread at an even greater rate in the United States.  Due to this horrible pandemic, many people around the globe, including myself, will not be able to celebrate the great feast of Christmas the way we would really like to.  We won't be able to have large family gatherings or attend Christmas concerts.  We'll just have to celebrate the best way we can under these circumstances.  

Take care and stay safe.  I wish you all the best and I will keep you posted about by novel.

- Joanne