Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Joanne's Journal: December 21, 2011


Edition No. 4


I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

- Irving Berlin (1888 - 1989)
From the 1942 song "White Christmas"

Well, it's December 21st and we still haven't had any snow to speak of here in Toronto.  I've lived in this city my entire life and I've never experienced a milder, wetter December.  I glance out the window as I write this and it's dull and grey outside.  Now I don't mean to whine and complain about the weather.  There's nothing much one can do about it and I'm not in a bad mood.  It's just that I can't help dreaming of a white Christmas.  A pretty winter wonderland snowfall would be magnificent.  Let's face it, no one dreams of a wet Christmas.

Due to climate change, the winters here seem to be getting warmer every year.  Thanks for pulling out of Kyoto, Stephen Harper, and disgracing Canada.  By the way, I don't accept the argument that we shouldn't be part of Kyoto because the Americans aren't.  Our two nations are certainly allies, but that doesn't mean we have to do everything they do.  What about our independence?  What about taking our own principled stands on issues?  Do we have to be twiddle-dum to America's twiddle-dee?  Oh yes, and what about the environment?

December 21st marks the Winter Solstice.  From now on, the evenings will become brighter and brighter.  That makes me very happy.  If I had my druthers, there would be Daylight Saving Time all year round.


I see that Sarah Palin is reconsidering her decision not to run for the presidency of the United States.  She'd certainly liven up the Republican race. but what a nightmare if she should ever win the White House.  God bless America if Palin or Newt Gingrich or Rick Perry becomes President.  America will need all the prayers it can get.  The Republicans are no longer a party of moderate views.  More and more, their candidates are espousing extreme anti-government right-wing positions.


How do we know that Santa Claus enjoys gardening?


Because he likes to HO HO HO


Am I disappointed that the Toronto Blue Jays were outbid by the Texas Rangers for star Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish?  Well, I have mixed feelings.  It would have been exciting to have him play in Toronto.  He's still unproven, though, and maybe the money could be better spent.  The Jays still need to make improvements for the 2012 season.  I'd like them to acquire another decent starting pitcher.  I also hope that they can lure Joey Votto home to T.O. in about two years time. 

2012 is a crucial year for the Bluebirds.  They really need to make the postseason play this year.  There are no more excuses for Beeston and the Boy Wonder.  Another .500 season will not do.  It's not acceptable if they want to attract fans and sign talented free agents.

Blue Jay fans are fair weather fans.  In the glory days of the franchise, in the late 1980s and early 1990s, 50,000 people filled the dome here almost every night.   The Blue Jays were trendy.  It was cool to be seen at the dome, even if you weren't really a baseball fan.  The Toronto Maple Leafs rule in this town.  Leaf fans support the Blue and White no matter how bad the team is or how expensive the tickets are.

Speaking of the Leafs, what's happening with them?  Are they going into their usual swoon again?  That usually happens in November.  It seems as if it's happening a little later this year.  There is also talk about extending Ron Wilson's contract.  I realize that the team needs stability, but I don't think Wilson should be rewarded until the Leafs make the playoffs.  Unless something is done (and soon) about their egregious penalty killing, they are headed for another season of futility.

- Joanne