Boney M was formed in 1976 in Germany by producer Frank Farian.
The original lineup included Liz Mitchell, Marcia Barrett, Maizie Williams, and Bobby Farrell.
Boney M’s unique sound is a blend of disco, reggae, and funk.
Their unique fusion of genres and charismatic stage presence made a lasting impact on the disco and pop music scenes.
Decades after their peak, Boney M’s music continues to be celebrated and remains a significant part of disco and dance music history.
Rise to Fame
Boney M rose to fame in the late 1970s.
Their debut album, “Take the Heat Off Me” (1976), featured the hit single “Daddy Cool,” which catapulted them to international stardom.
The catchy rhythm and energetic vocals made it a disco anthem, setting the tone for their subsequent success.
Hit Singles
The follow-up album, “Love for Sale” (1977), included another chart-topping hit, “Ma Baker,” showcasing the group’s ability to create catchy, upbeat tracks with a global appeal.
Other notable hits from Boney M include “Rasputin,” “Rivers of Babylon,” and “Brown Girl in the Ring.”
Boney M’s Christmas Album!!
In 1981, the band released “Boney M. Christmas Album”.
This album is considered their most iconic work. It includes the track “Mary’s Boy Child / Oh My Lord,” which combines traditional Christmas elements with the group’s distinctive disco sound. This song remains a staple in holiday playlists worldwide.
The album also includes spirited renditions of classics such as “Jingle Bells,” “Little Drummer Boy,” and “Feliz Navidad.”
Boney M brings their signature disco flair to these tracks, making these classic songs very easy to dance to!
Each song on the album contributes to the group’s legacy of creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere during the holiday season.
Christmas is a Christian festival that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Christians believe he was the son of God. For most people Christmas happens on December 25. That is the day that the Roman Catholic Church chose to be Jesus’s birthday. But the truth is no one actually knows the exact date that Jesus was born. Christians believe that Jesus was born in a stable in a little town called Bethlehem. Today Bethlehem is an area in the Middle East called the West Bank.
Did you know that not all Christians celebrate Christmas on the same day. In countries with a large population of Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas day on 7 January. These are places like Russia, the Ukraine and Romania. Some Greek Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7 as well. Here is a beautiful Orthodox Christmas song.
The name Christmas comes from the old English phrase Cristes Maesse, which means Christ’s mass. But where did we get the phrase Xmas from? Lots of people think that this is just a modern-day abbreviation, but it actually dates back to the 16th century. The X-is said to represent the Greek letter she which is the first letter in the Greek word for Christ, Xpiotos. This is pronounced “Christos”.
On Christmas people around the world enjoy all kinds of fun and family time to gather. Many of the festive traditions that we enjoy today come from the Victorian area. Things like Christmas cards, gift giving, and crackers are part of the tradition. There are some traditional foods that are common as well like mince pies and roast turkey. Queen Victoria and her husband Prince Albert were very fond of Christmas. It was one of their favourite holidays.
Today Christmas trees are very popular. But their popularity first began in Victorian Britain. Christmas trees were first seen in the 16th century Germany where At Christmas time, people decorated their first trees with fruit and nuts. Later they began to decorate the trees with suites, paper shapes and candles.
Historians even believe that the origins of the Christmas tree tradition may even date back to the Romans and ancient Egyptians who used evergreen plants and garlands as symbols of everlasting life.
An interesting Fact is that every year Norway sends a beautiful homegrown Christmas tree to London England. It is decorated with lights and placed in Trafalgar Square. The tree stands approximately 20 m tall and is a gift to say thank you for the help that England gave Norway during World War II.
How could we talk about Christmas without mentioning Santa Claus himself, the white bearded rosy cheeked jolly man himself. Another name for him his father Christmas. He got the name Santa Claus from Sinterklaas which means St. Nicholas in Dutch. This is the language of the Netherlands. St. Nicholas was a Christian bishop who lived in the fourth century. He was known for his kindness and generosity, and he later became the Patron Saint of Children.
Santa isn’t the only Christmas character. There are many more around the world. In Italy for example a kind witch called La Befana is believed to fly around on a broomstick delivering toys to children. In Iceland, children leave shoes under the window for 13 mischievous trolls that are called Yule Lads. If the child’s been good they’ll find sweets and candies in their shoes but if the child’s been bad, the Yule Lads will leave them a rotten potato.
Here’s something I bet you didn’t know about the song Jingle Bells. Have any of you ever noticed that the song doesn’t have the word Christmas, Jesus or Santa Claus in it. That’s because it wasn’t originally a Christmas song! In fact, the song was written in 1850 and it was called One Horse Open Sleigh, and it was used to celebrate the American holiday Thanksgiving!
Imagine if there was no Christmas at all. I think that would be very sad and strange to think about. Believe it or not, in 1644 Christmas celebrations were made illegal in England, and soon after the English colonies in America also made it illegal. At that time, members of the government felt that the religious meaning of Christmas had been forgotten so they decided to ban the holiday and its festivities. Some people still celebrated quietly and in secret. This went on for almost 20 years until it was made legal again.
I hope you enjoyed learning about learning about the fun facts of Christmas. I thought we could and class by watching a cartoon celebrating Christmas.
Listening to Christmas music is a timeless festive tradition that transcends generations. Many people look forward to all year!
Do you listen to Christmas music from November to December? Or do you listen to it year-round? No judgement 😊
There is a wide range of Christmas songs, including age-old classics and modern hits. They almost always have cheerful melodies and heartwarming lyrics, but there is also a lot of Christmas songs that are sad, like “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Frank Sinatra, “Blue Christmas” by Elvis, and “Christmas Lights” by Coldplay.
I know that there is a lot of grief and sadness about ongoing mass murder in Gaza, so I thought that listening to sad Christmas songs might make our hearts feel too heavy. Feel free to listen to these songs outside of class!
I hope that this lesson will lift our spirits and make us feel comforted.
Vintage Secular & Religious Christmas Songs
Christmas songs come in two main categories: secular and religious.
Secular tunes, like “Jingle Bells” , “Let it Snow”, “Jingle Bell Rock”, and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” focus on the festive aspects of the season, often highlighting themes of joy, gift-giving, and snowy landscapes.
On the other hand, religious Christmas songs, such as “Joy to the World”, “O Holy Night”, and “Silent Night” center around the nativity story, emphasizing the religious significance of Christmas.
Christmas songs are also opportunities for artists to showcase their talent in adding their unique sound and twist to classic songs. A great example is the cover of “Silent Night” by The Temptations.
Both secular and religious Christmas songs contribute to the rich tapestry of holiday music, making Christmas music enjoyable for everyone.
The King and Queen of Contemporary Christmas Songs
Many celebrities release covers of Christmas songs, or entire original Christmas albums.
Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey have seamlessly woven Christmas music into their brand, becoming synonymous with the holiday season.
Michael Bublé’s smooth crooner style and Mariah Carey’s powerful vocals have elevated classics, making them essential artists in Christmas music playlists. Their signature holiday tunes have become a cherished part of the global yuletide experience.
The Tradition of Carolling
Carolling is a beloved Christmas tradition that involves groups of people singing festive songs door-to-door or in public spaces or as a concert in a community centre.
This activity fosters a sense of community and holiday spirit. Whether performed by choirs, families, or friends, carolling adds a melodic touch to the season, spreading joy and creating cherished memories.
The Canadian band Pentatonix reminds me of Christmas carollers. They have created incredible a cappella covers of Christmas music! Their only instruments are their voices, and they make incredible harmonies together. Let’s check them out!
Let’s finish class with a song that will keep us feeling hopeful for justice and peace in the Middle East.
All in all, Christmas music is not just about melodies; it’s a soundtrack to holiday traditions, cozy gatherings, and the magic of the season.
Families and friends come together, singing along to familiar tunes, creating a harmonious backdrop to the joy and togetherness that define the Christmas experience.
Here Are 12 Winter Myths about Birds Surviving the Winter
Birds will freeze to death when temperatures drop far below zero.
Winter birds are well-equipped to survive in the coldest weather. They store fat during the short days of winter to keep themselves warm during the long nights. When the temperatures are below freezing they fluff up their feathers to trap heat in and slow down their metabolism to conserve their energy.
An interesting fact is that a bird’s body temperature remains at approximately 105° even in the winter.
They also look for good places to rest and stay out of the cold. These can be birdhouses, an actual tree cavity or a hole or even in a bunch of grass, evergreen or shrub.
Sometimes they can also drop into hypothermic state in order to save energy.
Robins always fly south for the winter.
The truth is if there is enough sufficient food on their breeding grounds American robins, bluebirds, finches and owls remain in the area where they spent a number. Because they normally eat insects in the winter they will find their food in the tree bark instead of on the ground.
You should take birdhouses down in the winter because birds don’t use them, and other creatures will move in.
This is not at all true. Birds use these houses in order to roost during the winter. An example is Eastern bluebirds that pile into these houses to spend cold nights. One photographer even snapped a picture of 13 male bluebirds in one birdhouse.
4. If you leave town, the birds that rely on your feeders will die.
Research has proven this wrong. Scientists have shown for example that chickadees will only eat 25% of their daily winter food from feeders. The other 75% comes from in the wild. Also, because so many people are feeding them, the birds will simply fly to a nearby neighbor’s yard to get their own food until you come home.
5. The bird’s feet will stick to metal bird feeders in the winter when it’s cold.
In general, birds and their feet can endure the cold weather. Birds have a protective scale like covering on their feet and special veins and arteries that will help keep their feet warm.
6. All hummingbirds migrate south for the winter.
Although most hummingbird species in North America do migrate south for the winter, there is one hummingbird that remains on its North American West Coast breeding grounds. It is called Anna’s hummingbird. This is a picture of one.
Anna’s Hummingbird.
7. Birds always migrate in flocks.
It is correct that most birds migrate in flocks. However, birds like nighthawks, American robins, swallows and European starlings migrate alone. Another amazing example of this is a juvenile hummingbird. They have never migrated before, but they know when to fly, where to fly, how far to fly and when to stop. They do it all by themselves.
8. Migration always means north in the spring and south in the winter.
This is not always true. Some bird species migrate to higher elevations in the spring and back down to lower elevations in the winter. An example of this is Rosy finches.
9. Peanut butter will get stuck in the birds’ throats, and they will choke.
This is not true. Peanut butter is actually a very nourishing food for birds. This is especially true in the winter months when the production of fat is important for their survival.
10. This is true. As the fall season approaches American goldfinches lose their bright yellow plumage is and it is replaced with feathers that are a dull, brownish green. Many people don’t even realize that it is these kind of birds in the winter. They assume that their “wild canaries” have migrated south for the winter.
11. Woodpeckers pack on house siding in winter for food or to create nesting cavities.
While it is true that there are cases where woodpeckers find food in wood siding and may even nest inside the boards, believe it or not nearly all the pecking in late winter is done to make a noise to attract mates. This is their way of singing a song to declare their territory.
12. If you have water in a birdbath when the temperature is below freezing, birds will freeze to death from wet feathers.
Birds will drink from a heated birdbath, but if the temperature is well below freezing, they will not debate in it and get their feathers wet. If you’re still worried you can offer them warm water to drink but always make sure it is too deep or inaccessible for the birds to bathe in.
Five Ways Animals Adapt to Winter
The internal wildlife Weather App
Since the animals have no weather forecast channel, many of them use an internal climate prediction system to detect the changing seasons. Animals have an internal clock that adjusts their hormone levels and alters various traits like hunger and sleep. These hormone levels change throughout the day and are known as circadian rhythms. Long days and short nights generate hormones related to summer biological processes. Also, short days and long nights simulate hormones for winter biological processes to keep them warm and comfortable. These internal seasonal countdown clocks activate the animal’s response to cold weather. They help them know how to move, eat, sleep and to adapt to their surroundings.
2. Move to a warmer climate
in the winter because of the cold weather and food scarcity the animals must move somewhere during the winter. They use the sun, stars and moon as directional aids. Millions of birds such as Canada geese, Sandhill cranes, hawks, hummingbirds and several of the duck species, head south to warmer climates every fall. Birds aren’t the only seasonal travellers. Monarch butterflies also migrate as far as 2000 miles from Canada and northern United States to reach their winter homes in Mexico. This journey may even take four of five generations of butterflies to complete. Land animals such as elk, caribou and bass also moved to much warmer climates in the winter. Even the earthworm moved to warmer temperatures about 6 feet below the earth’s surface.
3. Eat a lot and then eat some more
Animals also learn to stockpile their food. Squirrels, mice, rabbits and beavers will gather extra seats, nuts, grasses and twigs for storage. The food is buried under leaves or stored in dens and burrows and eaten throughout the winter. The Eastern grey and fox squirrels will often hoard their food and scatter it in locations near the nest or den and may often expand their storage area to 7 acres. They even might crack a nut to prevent it from growing while it’s buried. Insects often hoard their food too. Honeybees live off the honey supply collected during the warmer months. Most Of The 5000 Species of ladybugs will gorge on their food throughout the fall and once the feeding frenzy stops with the arrival of cold temperatures the insects huddle up in large groups and under logs to wait until spring arrives.
4. Wake me up when it’s over
Some animals fatten themselves up and stay where they are. These animals have internal clock triggers that cause their body’s overeating mechanism to increase in the late summer and fall, instead of using the extra body fat as fuel they use the fat as a primary energy source while the animal sleeps. During their sleep the animals’ body temperature drops. The heart and breathing rates also slow down. An example of this is that a woodchuck’s heart rate will slow from 80 to 4 beats per minute, and its internal temperature will drop from 98°F to 38°. A black bear’s temperature only drops from 101°F to 82°F during the winter hibernation. To maintain that relatively normal body temperature the bear increases its fat stores and decreases its caloric consumption. The black bear stores an extra 50 to 70 pounds of body fat to use as a slow burning energy source. The bear also reduces its caloric consumption by dropping its heart rate from 80 to 100 bpm to 15 bpm.
5. Changing Outerwear to Match the Season
Another animal adaptation triggered by shorter days is preserving its internal heat source by sheltering the body from the cold. Most animals accomplish this by a growing a thicker layer and denser fur to provide additional insulation. Some coats also grow lighter to allow the animal to better blend with the snow. Arctic foxes will often change from their summer colours to nearly full white colour for winter.
Let’s finish class by watching a cute hibernation song.
Winter!! For some, it’s the best time of year! For others, not so much. Today we’ll be talking about how to enjoy your winter as much as possible!
Starting in November, the last of the autumn leaves start to fall and the landscape begins its transformation into a winter wonderland.
Soon we’ll have several months of snow-covered trees and glistening icy surfaces.
Even though the icy wind can sting any exposed skin, winter air feels especially fresh and clean, especially compared to humid summer air.
White blankets of snow also makes everything look like a “fresh slate”. Fewer people are outside, which makes the world seem quieter and more peaceful.
I know that we love these walking videos! I find that they can be really relaxing to watch when feeling anxious.
As temperatures drop, animals either hibernate or fly South for the winter, including humans! It’s natural to want to stay indoors all day and night or take a vacation to warmer climates.
Checking out a museum can be a great way to spend a chilly day. Many even host accessible events or special exhibits during the winter months!
But if you bundle up in layers of warm clothing and brave the frosty weather, there is a lot that you can enjoy.
Many Canadians embrace the season with enthusiasm, engaging in classic winter activities like ice skating. If any of you have skaters in the family, apparently, many skating rinks are okay with wheelchairs being pushed on ice rinks during “free skate” times. Outdoor ice skating can be a nice way to enjoy twinkling and colourful holiday lights, but you can also drive through them.
Cities come alive with twinkling holiday lights. You can take a leisurely drive around your neighborhood or visit a drive-thru light display to take in the festive lights in your area all while staying warm inside your car! You can make the trip even more festive by bringing along a thermos of hot cocoa and singing along to your favorite Christmas songs!
Here’s a video from last year of “Journey Into Enchantment”, which has many locations. This one is at Markham Road and Bur Oak Drive.
However, winter in Canada also means dealing with snowstorms and icy roads, which can cause travel delays and car and bus accidents. It’s important to always use snow tires and keep a brush and shovel in your car in case you get snowed in. Has that happened to anybody here?
Let’s watch a funny video where a Canadian comedian pretends to be playing a virtual reality video game that simulates winter in Canada.
Canada experiences a wide range of temperatures and snowfall due to its vast size and diverse geography. Here’s a rough overview:
Western Canada: Provinces like British Columbia and Alberta have milder winters compared to the northern territories. Winter temperatures typically range from -5°C to 5°C in urban areas, but mountainous regions can experience colder temperatures and heavier snowfall.
Central Canada: In provinces like Saskatchewan and Manitoba, winter temperatures can range from -20°C to 0°C. These provinces can experience winter temperatures below -30°C, with the possibility of even colder temperatures in some areas.
Eastern Canada: Ontario, Quebec, and the Atlantic provinces experience a mix of cold winters and warm summers. Winter temperatures in Ontario can range from 0°C to -30, with occasional extreme cold snaps reaching even lower temperatures.
Northern Canada: In places like Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut, temperatures can drop significantly below freezing, often reaching extremes of -50°C or even colder. Dawson City in the territory of Yukon is known for some of the coldest temperatures in Canada.
Despite the challenges, there’s a sense of camaraderie as people gather around roaring fireplaces, share stories, and celebrate the festive season.
How to have an excellent winter season
For many people, it’s common to have Seasonal Affective Disorder, which is also called SAD. Essentially, you have less energy and feel less motivated to do things that you normally enjoy. Let’s learn a little about SAD from licensed mental health professionals.
Here are some general tips to manage low mood in the winter. Remember, it’s important to consult with healthcare professionals to create a personalized plan, taking into consideration any other physical or medical needs.
Create a Cozy Environment: Make your living space comfortable and inviting. Use warm colors, soft textures, and add personal touches to create a positive atmosphere. This can help improve your mood and create a sense of well-being.
Light Therapy: Exposure to bright light, particularly in the morning, can be very effective in treating SAD. Consider using a light therapy box or lamp that mimics natural sunlight. Talk to your doctor about if it’s right for you.
Stay Active: Engage in physical activities that are suitable for your abilities. This could include seated exercises, stretching, or activities that can be adapted to your physical condition. Regular physical activity has been shown to boost mood and alleviate symptoms of depression.
Connect with Others: Social support is crucial. Stay connected with friends, family, and online groups like this one!
Set Realistic Goals: Break down tasks into manageable steps and set realistic goals. Celebrate small achievements, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t accomplish everything at once.
Establish a Routine: Create a daily routine to provide structure and stability. Consistency can be comforting and help manage symptoms of depression.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practice mindfulness or relaxation exercises to help manage stress and anxiety. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can be adapted to different physical abilities.
Explore Hobbies and Interests: Engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Whether it’s a creative pursuit, reading, or learning something new, having hobbies can be a positive distraction.
Seek Professional Help: If symptoms persist or get worse, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. They can provide support and, if necessary, medication to help manage depression.
Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and taking time for activities that bring joy and relaxation.
I thought we could end class with a video about how self-care advice and loving your body can look differently for disabled people. Jessica Kellgren-Fozard, the one in the video with a British accent, is an activist for queer people and disabled people. She is Deaf, often uses a wheelchair, and has the following disabilities: hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy, Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. She is one of my favourite YouTubers and I have learned a lot from her! In this video, her and her friend, Clara, who has anxiety, have an interesting discussion about self-care.
A war is fought by a country or group of countries against a different country or group of people with the purpose of achieving an objective through the use of force. Wars can also be fought within a country in the form of civil or revolutionary war. According to the Oxford English dictionary, “war” is defined as:
A state of armed conflict between different countries or distinct groups within a country.
A state of competition or hostility between different people or groups.
A sustained campaign against an undesirable situation or activity.
Wars have been wars have been a part of history for thousands of years, but they have been becoming increasingly destructive as industrialization and technology advance.
Why Do Wars Happen?
There is not usually one obvious reason for such a huge conflict and eventually a war to start. There are many reasons for a war to happen, but they are often blended together in extremely complicated ways. There have been many theories over the years to explain why wars may have. Here are eight main reasons to explain why a war may happen.
Economic Gain
Wars are often caused because one country wants to take over the wealth of another country.
Even though there may be other reasons for the war there is often economic gain in most conflicts. This is true even if the aim of the war is presented to the public as something different or more noble.
In preindustrial times the gain by having a war might be to gain precious metals such as gold or silver, or livestock such as cattle or horses.
In more modern times like today, the resources that are hoped to be gained from a war can be things like minerals, or minerals used in manufacturing.
Some experts believe that as the world’s population increases, and basic resources become scarce, wars are fought more often over essentials such as water and food.
Historical Examples Of Wars Fought For Economic Gain
Anglo-Indian Wars (1766-1849) – The Anglo-Indian wars were a series of wars fought between the British East India Company and different Indian states. These wars led to the establishment of British colonial rule in India, which gave Britain unrestricted access to exotic and valuable resources native to the Indian continent.
Opium Wars (1839-1860) – Two wars were fought between the Qing dynasty and Western powers in the 19th century. Britain wanted to access trade with China, whereas China wished to remain independent and essentially isolated.
Japanese Invasion of Manchuria (1931-1932) – Critically short of raw materials to supply its industrial growth, Japan launched an invasion of the Chinese province of Manchuria in 1931. Following the successful conquest, the Japanese established the puppet state of Manchukuo.
Territorial Gain
This can happen when a country decides that it needs land. It can be for people to live on, farming and agricultural use or other reasons.
Land territory can also be used as a buffer zone between two hostile countries that are enemies.
Something that is similar to a buffer zone is called a proxy war. These are conflicts that are fought between opposing powers in a third country.
Each power supports the side that they feel is in line with their logistical, military and economic interests. Proxy wars were very common in the Cold War.
Historical Examples Of Wars Fought For Territorial Gain
Roman Conquest of Britain (Beginning AD 43) – Motivated in part by the glory of conquest and wishing to make the Roman Empire as large as possible, the Emperor Claudius landed an invasion force on the beaches of Kent in AD43. This set off battles with the British Celtic tribes who lived on the island.
Mexican-American War (1846-1848) – This war was fought following the annexation of Texas, with Mexico claiming the land as their own. The U.S. eventually won, and Texas went on to be incorporated as a state.
Serbo-Bulgarian War (1885-1886) – This was a border dispute that broke out between Bulgaria and Serbia over the territory of Eastern Rumelia.
There is an ongoing armed conflict between Israel and Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, taking place chiefly in and around the Gaza Strip, with clashes also taking place in the West Bank and Israel-Lebanon border.
What does this image bring to mind for you? This is exactly what destruction from war looks like. This is what is happening in the Israel/Gaza war right now.
War through the eyes of children Gaza
Israel vs. Palestine conflict explained through the years until now
Many people consider the tragedy of the Middle East to be a clash of “right versus right”, not “wrong versus right”. That does not excuse Hamas’s massacre on Oct. 7 or Israel’s leveling of entire neighborhoods and bombing hospitals in Gaza.
Israel was forged by refugees in the shadow of the Holocaust, and they have built a high-tech economy that largely empowers women and respects gay people. Israel’s courts, media freedom and civil society are models for the region, and there is something of a double standard: Critics pounce on Israeli abuses while often ignoring prolonged brutality against Muslims from Yemen to Syria, Western Sahara to Xinjiang.
That said, international organizations which specialize in human rights, such as United Nations and Amnesty International stated that Israel is an apartheid state in 2022.
Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General: “Our report reveals the true extent of Israel’s apartheid regime. Whether they live in Gaza, East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank, or Israel itself, Palestinians are treated as an inferior racial group and systematically deprived of their rights. We found that Israel’s cruel policies of segregation, dispossession and exclusion across all territories under its control clearly amount to apartheid. The international community has an obligation to act.” (source)
Michael Lynk, the UN Special Rapporteur for the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967: “There is today in the Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 a deeply discriminatory dual legal and political system, that privileges the 700,000 Israeli Jewish settlers living in the 300 illegal Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.” He also mentioned that leading international figures – including former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, and former Israeli Attorney General Michael Ben-Yair – have also all described Israel’s occupation, as apartheid. (source)
Likewise, Palestinians deserve a country, freedom and dignity — and they shouldn’t be subjected to collective punishment. We’ve reached a searing milestone: In just five weeks of war, half of 1 percent of Gaza’s population has been killed. To put it in perspective, that’s more than the share of the American population that was killed in all of World War II — over the course of four years.
A great majority of those killed have been women and children one gauge of the ferocity and indiscriminate nature of some airstrikes is that more than 100 United Nations staffers have been killed, which the U.N. says is more than in any conflict since its founding. Perhaps that’s because, as an Israeli military spokesman put it early in the conflict, “the emphasis is on damage and not on accuracy.”
Religion
Religious conflicts may have very deep meanings to a lot of people.
They can often come from other reasons for a conflict such as nationalism or revenge for a perceived misunderstanding in the past.
Different religions fighting against each other can be the cause of war but battling against each other can also start a war.
Historical Examples Of Wars Fought For Religion
The Crusades in the Holy Land (1095-1291) – These were a series of religious wars encouraged by the Latin Church during the medieval age. The aim of the crusaders was to overthrow Islamic rule and achieve Christian dominance of the region.
Greek War of Independence (1821–1829) – Fought by Greek revolutionaries against the Ottoman Empire, this war had a large religious element. This was particularly evident early on, with many Christian Greeks seeing the conflict against the Muslim Turks as a holy war.
Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990) – The Lebanese Civil War developed out of socioeconomic and political tensions, which manifested as a power conflict between the Sunni Muslim, Shiite Muslim and Christian Lebanese populations.
Nationalism
Nationalism means that one country is trying to prove that their country is better than another country with violence. This often means that one country invades another country. Imperialism is similar to nationalism, but it means that one country has the idea that conquering another country is a great success and brings honour and esteem to the country that conquers the other country.
Historical Examples Of Wars Fought For Nationalism
Yugoslav Wars(1991 to 2001) – During the breakup of Yugoslavia, various nationalist groups, such as Serbs, Croatians and Bosnians, fought each other, often fueled by historic ethnic and cultural tensions.
World War I (1914-1918) – Loyalty and patriotism drew many countries into this conflict, which was the largest conflict that the world had ever known at the time. Many Europeans believed in the cultural, economic and military supremacy of their nation and this played a major role in the war beginning and continuing.
Italo-Ethiopian War, (1935–36) – Benito Mussolini rose to power in Italy on the promise that he would restore national pride to Italy. Seeking to salvage Italian prestige after a previous defeat in Ethiopia, Mussolini’s troops gained full domination of the Horn of Africa in 1936.
Revenge
Sometimes a war can start by a country seeking to punish, address a grievance or simply strike back against a country for something that happened in the past.
Revenge is similar to nationalism because the people of the country that feels they have been done wrong are motivated to fight back for their pride and spirit that has been taken away from them.
It is difficult to decide who is the victim and who is the aggressor because all the participants see themselves as fighting a war to right historic wrongs. Historically, many European wars are fought for this reason.
Historical Examples Of Wars Fought For Revenge
The Boudican Revolt – Following a failure by the Romans to honor an agreement made with her husband and the brutal rape of her daughters, Boudicca, the warrior queen of the ancient British Celtic Iceni tribe launched an all out war against the Roman occupiers. Following some initial successes by the Britons, the revolt was eventually put down.
World War II (1939–1945) – The rise of the Nazi Socialist Party and Germany’s eventual domination of the European continent occurred as a result of the defeat in WWI and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles, which imposed harsh punishments on Germany.
War in Afghanistan (2001–2021) – This war could be seen as being partially motivated by revenge with the US striking back at Al Qaeda for the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001. The terrorist group were being given safe haven by the Taliban government in Afghanistan, which prompted an American-led NATO invasion.
Civil War
This type of war takes place when there is disagreement within a country.
This disagreement can be about rules, how the country should be run or peoples’ rights. These internal disagreements often turn into a war that causes violent conflict between two or more opposing groups from the same country.
Civil War can also be caused by groups who want to form their own independent country.
Historical Examples Of Civil Wars
American Civil War (1861-1865) – The American Civil War was fought by the Union army and the Confederate army as a result of the long-standing controversy over slavery.
Russian Civil War (1917-1923) – The Russian Civil War occurred in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, with the Red Army and the White Army vying to determine Russia’s political future.
Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) – The Spanish Civil War was fought between the Republicans, who were loyal to the left-leaning Second Spanish Republic, and the Nationalists, a conservative group led by General Francisco Franco.
Revolutionary War
This type of war occurs when a large section of the population of a country goes against the individual or group that rules the country because they are not satisfied with their leadership.
Revolutionary wars can happen for a variety of reasons, including economic hardship amongst certain sections of the population or injustices that these people feel have been committed against them by the ruling group.
Historical Examples Of Revolutionary Wars
American Revolution (1775-1783) – The American Revolution gave the 13 North American colonies independence from British rule and established the United States of America.
French Revolution (1789-1799) – The French Revolution pitted the bourgeoisie and peasantry against the aristocracy and resulted in the end of the end of the ancien régime in France.
Haitian Revolution (1791-1804) – The Haitian Revolution was a successful slave rebellion that established Haiti as the first free Black republic.
Defensive War
In modern society where military aggression is questioned more, countries will argue that they are fighting in a purely defensive way against an aggressor or potential aggressor.
For this reason, these types of war can be especially controversial when they are launched preemptively.
The argument is that “we are attacking them before they attacked us.”
Historical Examples Of Defensive Wars
Gallic Wars – (58 BC–50 BC) – These were fought to make the Roman Empire easier to defend. Gallic and Germanic tribes in the area had attacked Rome on a number of occasions. Invading Gaul enabled Rome to use the Rhine River as a natural defensive border.
Iraqi Conflict (2003–2011) – An international coalition, led by the US, invaded Iraq on the grounds that the country’s leader, Saddam Hussein, was developing weapons of mass destruction, and therefore presented a threat to surrounding countries and rest of the world. The war was controversial as the allegations made about the weapons of mass destruction by the US and UK were shown to lack substance.
Russian Invasion of Ukraine (2022) – In February 2022, Russian troops invaded Ukraine in a major escalation of a conflict that had begun in 2014. Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin argued that the military action was defensive in nature, with the aim being to demilitarize Ukraine, stop the further expansion of NATO, and prevent an attack on Russia. These claims have been widely disputed.
War in Ukraine Explained
I thought we could end class by watching some videos about soldiers coming home. This is this a short one, but it touched me because it shows the thanks we show our soldiers.
Nearly 14% of the Canadian population are living with a disability or chronic illness.
Disability pride is crucial, considering that not long ago, people with disabilities faced extreme forms of discrimination, violence, and so-called “mercy killings”.
Some of this history will be upsetting to learn about, especially early history. I try to balance it with stories of resilience and empowerment, which often wasn’t recorded until later years.
Significant progress has been made since Canada first became a country, but there is still work to be done to make society more inclusive and accessible. This is just a brief overview of the history of the disability rights movement in Canada.
For the rest of this lesson, I will refer to people with disabilities as “PWD”.
During 1800 to 1930:
In 1839, Ontario established the first asylums for those with developmental disabilities. The living conditions were terrible. PWD were often abused and hardly ever treated with dignity. These asylums were throughout the country.
The War Amps was created in 1918 to address the needs of physically disabled soldiers post-World War I. The War Amps advocated for newly disabled veterans’ rights and services, which resulted in advocacy for people who were born with disabilities.
In 1928, Alberta introduced the Sexual Sterilization Act (which was not repealed until 1972). This act made it legal to sterilize disabled people without their consent and against their will. The goal was to prevent future children with disabilities.
During 1930-1939:
The Eugenics Society of Canada was founded in 1930.
In 1933, British Columbia introduced the Sexual Sterilization Act. This act was repealed in 1979, but the practice continued until 1986.
The Nazi euthanization program in 1939 targeted PWD and chronic illnesses.
During 1955 to 1969:
New technologies, like advanced wheelchairs, improved mobility and independence. The 1950s and 1960s saw the rise of movements pushing for de-institutionalization, replacing large institutions with community-based services.
Community Living Saskatchewan was the first to call for de-institutionalization in 1955.
The Canadian Association for Community Living was established in 1958.
In 1960, Ontario’s Human Rights Code prohibited discrimination on religion and race but not gender or disability.
During 1970-1979:
In the 1970s, PWDs formed groups to advocate for civil rights, inspired by other civil rights social movements. The Coalition of Provincial Organizations of the Handicapped, later called the Council of Canadians with Disabilities, united various provincial groups.
In 1970, Ontario granted legal rights for Blind people to be accompanied by service dogs in public.
In 1972, Roland Galarneau invented Converto-Braille, which is a computerized printer capable of translating text into Braille at one hundred words per minute.
This Canadian innovation opened up a new world for the Blind and Low Vision community, both in Canada and internationally.
In 1974, Nova Scotia amends its Human Rights Act to prohibit employment discrimination against people with physical disabilities, unless the disability prevented them from doing their job in an acceptable way.
In 1975, the UN created the Declaration on the Rights of Disabled Persons. Canada did not sign onto this declaration until 2010, 35 years after it was created.
The Council of Canadians with Disabilities formed in 1976 to increase awareness and inclusion. Also that year, the Developmental Services Act is passed in Ontario, and Canada hosts its first Paralympic Games in Toronto.
The Canadian Human Rights Act (1977) included protection for those with disabilities.
The 1970s also saw the beginning of the Independent Living Movement, which is essentially the opposite of institutionalization.
Rather than its employees deciding what is best for PWD, the Philosophy of Independent Living is grounded in the belief that a person with a disability determines their own needs, and directs their own services with the appropriate supports in place. Each individual has the right to live in their chosen community with dignity, and is the decision maker with regards to the way they want to live their life.
The Independent Living Philosophy also includes the concept of “The Dignity of Risk” which means that a person with a disability will have the opportunity to make their own decisions, make their own mistakes that may include risk, and assume the consequences of their choices.
The two paragraphs above this one is from North Yorkers for Disabled Persons’ website! NYDP follows the Independent Living Movement to promote the rights and dignity of the consumers who live there.
In the 70s, the Independent Living Movement organizers argued that paying exclusive attention to the problems of personal impairment failed take into account the bias and discrimination experienced by PWDs in employment, health, education, housing, transportation, public policy and social and community services. This marked a shift in how disabilites were perceived as not personal issues but issues with the society around them.
During 1980 to 1989:
The 1980s marked a significant period with the inclusion of disability in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the introduction of the Employment Equity Act.
The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms (1982) prohibited discrimination based on disabilities.
The Employment Equity Act (1985) aimed for equality for women and persons with disabilities.
New organizations, like the Advocacy Resource Centre for the Handicapped, emerged to protect legal rights. Legislation specific to visual impairments was introduced at the federal and provincial levels.
After losing his right leg to cancer at age 18, Terry Fox decided to run across Canada to raise awareness and money for cancer research, which he started in 1980. With the use of a customized running prosthetic limb, he ran 5,373 km in 143 days — an average of 42 km per day. Unfortunately, his journey was cut short later that year due to his cancer worsening. Terry Fox is considered Canada’s greatest hero, and his memory is celebrated during The International Terry Fox Run, which is held around the world and continues to raise money and awareness about cancer.
Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau appointed a special committee on PWD in 1980.
The first International Year of Disabled Persons occurred in 1981.
In the 80s and 90s, Barbara Turnbull, a woman who was paralyzed at a young age, became a respected journalist for the Toronto Star. She focused on disability-related issues and was a fierce advocate. She continued her advocacy until her passing in 2015.
During 1990-1999:
The 1990s brought economic challenges, affecting the disability community as social assistance rates were cut and political climates shifted.
In 1990, disability funding was reduced, and subsidies disappeared.
The Mulroney government introduced a five-year national strategy for integrating persons with disabilities (1991).
Disability studies emerged as an interdisciplinary field of study. Scholars critically analyzed the role of disability in society and empowered individuals to control their narratives.
In 1994, Gary Malkowski became the first elected Deaf parliamentarian in North America. He is still a key figure in the rights of Deaf people as Special Advisor to the President, Public Affairs of Canadian Hearing Services. Let’s watch this video from him in 2015.
In 1998, the Supreme Court ruled that American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters must be present for medical services.
During 2000 to 2020:
Steven Fletcher was the first quadriplegic person to be elected to the House of Commons in Canada. He was politically active in Manitoba since 2003 and served as a Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2015. After four terms as a Member of Parliament, he was a member of the Manitoba Legislative Assembly for one term. When asked about his disability during his first campaign for public office, he quipped: “I would rather be paralyzed from the neck down than from the neck up.” He used his political power to advocate for PWDs.
In 2005, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (commonly known as the AODA) was created in Ontario. This policy aimed for a barrier-free society by 2025.
From 2007 to 2014, David Onley served as the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. He is known for being the first person with a physical disability to hold this position. He has been an advocate for accessibility and issues that affect PWD in Canada.
In March 2009, the documentary The Freedom Tour was simultaneously shown in over 30 locations in Ontario to mark the closing of the final three institutions in Ontario that housed individuals with intellectual disabilities. From the opening of the first institution in 1876 to the closure of the last ones in 2009, over 50,000 people with a developmental disability had lived in these institutions.
In the 2010s, an activist and entrepreneur, Maayan Ziv founded AccessNow, which is an app that helps people with disabilities find accessible places. She has won numerous awards for her work in promoting inclusivity. https://map.accessnow.com/
In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled that adults with mental disabilities can give reliable court testimony.
Since 2014, Canada has celebrated the UN’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3rd. This official day is used to raise awareness among policymakers and the public about issues that affect PWD in Canada.
In 2019, the Accessible Canada Act was created.
In 2020 and beyond, the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected PWD in many ways, including not being able to register for vaccines themselves and read important public health information due to inaccessible formats. Many COVID-19 clinics were inaccessible, which delayed how quickly PWD could access life-saving vaccines.
PWDs also experienced: more serious health outcomes when they were infected with COVID-19, social isolation from trying to protect their health, strained family relationships, and loss of employment. Many non-profits recorded this impact and collected testimonies, but the government ignored calls to collect disability-specific data. Nowadays, this is considered a significant priority for disability rights advocates.
There is an expression in sociology, “What gets measured gets managed.” This phrase emphasizes the idea that without proper measurement and data collection, it’s challenging to effectively address or improve a situation. This quote highlights the importance of quantifying and analyzing data to bring about positive change.
If you’re interested in learning about the history of disability policy, check out this timeline of significant federal disability policy events that have occurred in the last 4 decades:
ARCH Disability Law Centre has a series of videos on their YouTube channel that explain these policies. Here is one example, about the Accessible Canada Act that I mentioned earlier.
The Disability Rights Movement Today
This topic could be an entire week on its own! Would you be interested in that?
Nowadays, activists and allies focus on influencing government policies related to employment, transportation, education, improved healthcare, and housing.
There is also significant focus on fostering a sense of identity within the disability community by addressing shared experiences of discrimination and inaccessibility.
Capturing the oral history of advocates in the disability rights movement and sharing this history with the next generation has also been a priority. Let’s watch an interview about the incredible work being done to create an archive of the history of disability rights in Newfoundland and Labrador. This work is led by former Paralympian and Order of Canada recipient Joanne MacDonald, and former Executive Director of the Independent Living Resource Centre in St. John’s, Mary Reid.
Activism in the past focused on able-bodied people speaking on behalf of PWDs. Now there is an understanding that PWDs are leaders in this movement whose voices should be front and centre. There is a famous quote from the Disability Rights Movement— “Nothing about us without us!” Have any of you heard this expression before?
The Disability Pride March takes place every year in July. Disability Pride Month celebrates persons who experience disability, their identities and culture, and their positive contributions to society. The event aims to change the way people think about disability. It promotes all types of disability as a natural part of human diversity and a strength, not a deficit.
Here is an upcoming event that you can attend to learn about Community Action Projects in Toronto!
The celebration will provide history and knowledge of this year’s theme “United in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with and by persons with disabilities”.
When: Monday December 4, 2023, 1:00-2:30 PM.
Access Supports: ASL-English interpretation and CART Captioning will be provided.
If you require any access accommodations, please let us know in the Access Accommodation section of the registration by Nov 28, 2023.
This celebration will be an engaging discussion on:
1) Brief History of United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities Day
2) United Nations IDPWD’s Theme 2023
3) Community Action Projects
4) Question and Answers
5) Resources
If you need assistance with registering, please e-mail robin.simmons@cilt.ca or call 416-599-2458 ext. 293. Please note, you will not be able to join the session without registering first. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Suzanne’s full name was Susanne Marie Somers. She was an American actress, author and businesswoman. Her businesses were mainly in the health and wellness industry.
She played iconic television roles on Three’s Company as Chrissy Snow from 1977 to 1981 and Carol Foster Lambert on Step By Step in 1991 to 1998.
She wrote more than 25 books that included two autobiographies, four diet books and also a book of poetry.
She was also well known for her work in commercials with the Thigh Master, an exercise device.
Even though 14 of her books were on the bestsellers list and most were focused on health and well-being, doctors criticized her for promoting bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (this therapy uses hormones that are identical on a molecular level with living hormones in hormone replacement therapy. It may also be combined with blood and saliva testing of hormone levels and the use of pharmacy compounding methods to obtain hormones in an effort to reach a targeted level of hormones in the body) and alternative cancer treatments.
Early Life
Susanne Marie Mahoney was born in San Bruno, California on October 16, 1946. She was the third of four children in a working-class Irish American Catholic family.
Her mother was Marion Elizabeth Turner. She was a medical secretary, and her father Francis Mahoney was a labourer and gardener.
Her father was an alcoholic and was abusive. She was worried that he might kill her. She was wet her bed until age 12 which led to additional abuse at the hands of her father.
Susanne started high school at Mercy High School in Burlingame, California. However, she had trouble with her schoolwork because of dyslexia and her father’s continuous rages all night.
She would often fall asleep in class. At school she performed the lead role in the production of HMS Pinafore.
She was expelled at the age of 14 for writing sexually suggestive notes to a boy that were never sent to him.
When she was 17 Susanne’s father ripped off her prom dress and told her that she was wearing nothing, and she responded by hitting him in the head with a tennis racket.
In 1964 she graduated from Cappuccino High School in San Bruno California where she won the best “doll award” for her role in the senior musical Guys and Dolls.
She helped organize her class’s Senior Ball.
After that she attended Lone Mountain College. This was a college that was run by the Catholic Society of Sacred Heart order.
She left in 1965 when she found out that she was pregnant. She married her child’s father Bruce Somers days later at the age of 19.
Her situation led her to have low self-esteem. She was arrested for check fraud in your car was impounded.
Early Career
She began acting in small roles during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
She appeared on various talk shows promoting her book of poetry and had small parts in movies such as Blonde in the White Thunderbird in American Graffiti.
That led to appearances on the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson.
She also appeared in an episode of the American version of the sitcom Lotsa Luck. It was based on the British sitcom called On the Buses. Her character was a seductive female. This was in the early 1970s.
She also appeared in the Rockford files in 1974 and had a small role in Magnetic Force in 1973.
She had a guest starring role on the show called the 6 Million Dollar Man in 1977.
She was even a passenger on the first episode of The Love Boat and in 1976 she appeared on One Day at a Time.
Three’s Company
There was two actresses that tried out for the role of Chrissy during the first two pilot episodes of the ABC column Three’s Company, based on the British sitcom Man About the House.
Susanne was asked to try out for the show by ABC President Fred Silverman. He had seen her first appearance on the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson.
She was hired the day before the taping of the third and final pilot for the show.
She portrayed Christmas “Chrissy” Snow. She was the stereo typical blonde and was employed as an office secretary.
When she first started, she made $3500 per week from the show.
The series costarred John Ritter and Joyce DeWitt. It was a comedy about two single women living with a single man pretending to be gay in order to bypass the landlord policy that prohibits a single man sharing an apartment with a single woman.
Three’s company was an extreme success in the ratings and eventually a spinoff was created.
It was called the Ropers.
It was loosely based on the British sitcom called George and Mildred.
Once Three’s Company began its fifth season in late 1980, Susanne demanded a salary increase from $30,000-$150,000 per episode to match what John Ritter was being paid and she wanted the same 10% of the show’s profits just like John as well.
The network was only willing to offer a $5000 per episode raise.
Susanne refused to appear in the second and fourth episodes of the season giving excuses such as a broken rib.
She finished the remaining season on her contract, but her role was decreased to just 60 seconds per episode.
After ABC fired her from the program and terminated her contract, she sued the network for $2 million saying her credibility in show business was damaged.
The lawsuit was settled by an arbitrator who decided she was owed only $30,000. She continued to try to fight that, but further rulings also favoured the network and its producers. She still says that she was fired for asking to be paid as much as popular male television stars.
After Three’s Company
In 1983, Susanne signed a deal with Columbia Pictures television. Susanne and John Ritter rekindled their friendship after 20 years of not just other shortly before John passed away in 2003.
In 1980 and 1984 she appeared on the Playboy cover.
In the 1980’s she Lived in Las Vegas and was an entertainer.
She was the headlining act at the former MGM Grand that is now called the Horseshoe Las Vegas for two years until the theatre burned down and then at the Las Vegas Hilton which is now called Westgate Las Vegas for another 2 ½ years.
In the early 1980s performed for US servicemen overseas as well.
From 1987 to 1989 she starred in the sitcom called She’s the Sheriff.
She played a widow with two young children who decided to fill the shoes of her late husband who was a sheriff of a Nevada town. The show ran for two seasons.
In 1990 she returned it to network television and appeared in numerous guest starring roles and made-for-TV movies.
Later Career
In September 1991, Susanne returned to series television in the sitcom called Step-By-Step with Patrick Duffy. It was a very successful part of ABC’s TGIF lineup.
In the early 1990s, she became the spokeswoman in a series of commercials for the thigh master which was a piece of exercise equipment which squeezed between one’s thighs and above the knees.
In 2014 she was Inducted into the Infomercial Hall Of Fame.
In 1991 the biological film called Keeping Secrets where she starred herself was made. It was broadcast on ABC. The movie was about her troubled family life and upbringing, but it also showed her rise to fame.
In 1994 she launched a daytime talk show called Suzanne Somers. It only lasted one season.
Step-By-Step continued to be on ABC until the end of the sixth season in 1997 when the series moved to CBS for its last season.
From 1997 to 1999 she cohosted the revised show called Candid Camera show on CBS with Peter Funt.
In the 2000’s, she appeared on the Home Shopping Network for more than 25 hours per month, selling household items, clothing and jewelry that she designed.
In the summer of 2005, she made her Broadway theatre debut in a one-woman show. It was called The Blonde in the Thunderbird. It was a collection of stories about her life and career. The show was supposed to go until September, but the reviews were very poor, so it only lasted one week.
In 2012 she began an online talk show that was called Suzanne Somers Breaking Through. Three of the episodes featured a reunion with former Three’s Company costar Joyce DeWitt because they had not seen or spoken to each other in 31 years. They discussed John Ritter and how glad they were that they both had the chance to speak to him before his death.
In the fall of 2012, The Susanne Show hosted by herself aired for 13-episode season on the Lifetime Network. She welcomed various guests that covered a wide range of topics related to health and fitness.
On February 24, 2015, she announced that she would be part of the 20th season of Dancing with the Stars. Her partner was professional dancer Tony Dovolani. They were eliminated in the fifth week of the competition and finished in ninth place.
In May and June 2015, Susanne starred In Susanne Sizzles at the Westgate in Las Vegas.
Personal Life
Susanne married Bruce Somers in 1965 and they had a son Bruce Junior in November 1965.
They divorced in 1968 and Susanne worked as a prize model on the Anniversary Game, a game show hosted by Alan Hamel.
Although he was already married, they began dating, she had an affair with him that led to an abortion. They married in 1977.
She had three granddaughters including Camelia Somers.
In 1971 her six-year-old son was struck by a car. This resulted in a lot of trauma, and she began to look for therapy for herself and her son.
The family bought a house in Palm Springs California in 1977 and they sold it in 2021 for $8.5 million. I
In January 2007 a wildfire in Southern California destroyed their home in Malibu California.
Health and Death
Susanne had hyperplasia (an enlargement of an organ or tissue caused by an increase in the amount of organic tissue that comes from cell proliferation in her 20s and skin cancer in her 30s.
In April 2000 Susanne was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy to remove the cancer, followed by radiation therapy.
In 2018 it was reported that she underwent an experimental stem cell therapy to regrow the breast she lost to cancer.
In 2020 she fractured her hip when she jumped out of a private tram to her house.
Susanne died at her home in Palm Springs California on October 15, 2023, one day before her 77th birthday.
Her breast cancer had returned earlier in the year.
Her funeral was held three days later with her internment at Desert Memorial Park.
I hope you enjoyed remembering Suzanne Somers. Let’s finish class by enjoying this tribute to Susanne.
Canada’s Remembrance Day, known as Jour du Souvenir in French, is a solemn occasion to honor the people who have served and continue to serve the country during times of war, conflict, and peace.
This annual holiday happens on November 11.
The wars that are most often discussed on this day are the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War.
However, our remembrance isn’t confined to any particular war. We should remember all conflicts that the Canadian Armed Forces have been involved in.
Why is it important to remember?
Veterans Affairs Canada runs the Canada Remembers program to foster understanding and appreciation among young and new Canadians who may have never experienced war. This initiative aims to help them comprehend the sacrifices made by those who served in times of war, armed conflict, and peace.
The Royal Canadian Legion calls those who have died in conflict “the war dead.” I hadn’t heard this term before, but it came up a lot in my research, and it seems important to know.
Canada’s history of commemorating veterans and the war dead dates back to 1890 with the observance of Decoration Day.
Decoration Day used to take place on June 2 to mark the Battle of Ridgeway in 1866. Between 1900 and 1918, another observance on February 27 celebrated Canada’s victory at the Battle of Paardeberg.
The first Armistice Day commemoration took place in 1919 when King George V urged all nations in the British Empire to observe it.
In 1921, Canada established Armistice Day as a statutory holiday, ensuring that both Thanksgiving and Armistice Day would be held on the Monday of whichever week had the date November 11. In 1931, the government amended the act, and the name was changed from Armistice Day to Remembrance Day. Canada has been honoring the memory of veterans on November 11 ever since!
Canada has introduced various days to remember and honor specific subgroups within veterans.
In 1994, Canada introduced National Aboriginal Veterans Day to acknowledge the contributions of Aboriginal soldiers.
In 2001, Canada introduced Merchant Navy Remembrance Day to recognize the sacrifices of Canadian merchant mariners.
Armistice Day was a nation-wide statutory holiday. Did you know that Remembrance Day isn’t a statutory holiday across Canada?
Remembrance Day is a statutory holiday for federally regulated employees, but it isn’t a statutory holiday across Canada.
It is also recognized as a provincial and territorial statutory holiday in six of the 10 provinces and all three territories.
Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec are the only provinces where it is not a statutory holiday.
Interestingly, the Royal Canadian Legion does not agree with making Remembrance Day a national statutory holiday.
The Legion’s concern is that designating it as a holiday might overshadow the day’s true purpose. A day off potentially may become more about leisure than remembrance.
The Legion believes that having schools remain open on this day is an opportunity for children to learn about its significance. Schools often hold special assemblies, with presentations about the remembrance of war dead.
Most people believe that the end of Remembrance Day should mark the earliest acceptable time to start the Christmas holiday season.
The Poppy: The Official International Symbol of Collectively Remembering
Poppies have been associated with those killed in combat since the Napoleonic Wars of the 19th century, more than 110 years before being adopted in Canada.
In 1915, John McCrae wrote the famous poem “In Flanders Fields”. John McCrae was a doctor serving with the Canadian Forces Artillery, and he was from Guelph, Ontario.
An American woman was inspired by McCrae’s poem. She wore the flower year-round, which inspired Madame Guérin of France to sell handmade poppies on “Poppy Days” to raise money for veterans, widows, orphans, liberty bonds, as well as charities such as the Red Cross. Madame Guérin later convinced friends in Canada to adopt the symbol as well.
The poem “In Flanders Fields” is now 108 years old. This poem is one of the reasons the poppy became symbolic of the sacrifice given by so many in WWI and WWII.
When do you start wearing your poppy?
In general, people start wearing their poppies on the last Friday of October leading up to November 11.
The Royal Canadian Legion suggests wearing poppies on the left lapel, or as close to the heart as possible.
Remembrance poppies are commonly worn in Commonwealth countries, but the style of poppy varies by country.
The Canadian poppy design features four petals, a black centre and no leaf. The remembrance poppy is made up of two pieces of plastic covered with a small black centre with a pin to fasten it to clothing.
From 1980 to 2002, the centres were changed to green. This change confused the people who were unfamiliar with the original design. Also, black reflects the actual colour of the poppies that grew in Flanders, Belgium. So the centres were changed back to black, and all new poppies have been made with black centres ever since then. People still wear them because they are rare.
There is also a “Canada Remembers” pin featuring a gold maple leaf and two poppies, one representing the war dead and the other representing those who remained on the home front.
Up until 1996, poppies were made by disabled veterans in Canada. It provided a source of income for them. However, since 1996, poppies have been made by a private contractor instead.
In 2000, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was installed at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, which is where the national Remembrance Service is held. Since then, a new tradition started: attendees laying their poppies on the tomb at the end of the service.
Although this is not part of the official program, the act is widely practiced throughout in the country, with others leaving cut flowers, photographs, or letters as well.
The national Remembrance Day ceremonies organized by the federal government take place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. These events are led by the Governor General of Canada.
The official ceremony is attended by the public, the prime minister, dignitaries, and the Silver Cross mother (we will talk more about this role later on). A member of the Canadian royal family may also participate.
The ceremonies are bilingual to respect Ottawa’s official bilingual status and the mix of anglophones and francophones in the Ottawa-Gatineau metropolitan area.
At 11:00 am, the moment of remembrance begins with a two-minute silence. This two-minute silence is also observed throughout the country, including in schools and workplaces.
Then, there is a speech, followed by the songs “Last Post” and “The Rouse” being played on the bugle, as well as a 21-gun salute.
A flypast of Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft takes place, followed by a choir singing “In Flanders Fields.”
Wreaths are laid at the base of the memorial by various parties, including the Silver Cross mother, who represents all mothers whose children died in Canadian conflicts.
The Memorial Cross (more often referred to as the Silver Cross) was first given on December 1, 1919 as a memento of personal loss and sacrifice on the part of widows and mothers of Canadian sailors, aviators and soldiers who died during the war.
Today, the National Silver Cross Mother is chosen by the Legion among nominations made by Legion Provincial Commands and individuals to represent the mothers of Canada at the National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa. In addition to her role in the official ceremony, she has other functions.
The viceregal and royal group then receive the playing of the Canadian royal anthem, “God Save the King,” in both French and English.
The Armed Forces personnel and veterans perform a march past in front of the viceroy and any royal guest, marking the end of the official ceremonies.
Similar ceremonies are held in provincial capitals, officiated by the respective lieutenant governors, as well as in other cities, towns, and even hotels or corporate headquarters.
Who has been to a ceremony like this before?
Who plans on going this year?
It’s okay if you haven’t made plans yet– you still have time!
The Royal Canadian Legion Branches host Remembrance Day ceremonies in communities across the country and abroad. Ceremony participants include veterans, current members of the Canadian forces, and cadet units from sea, army, and air branches.
To understand climate change, it’s important to recognize the difference between weather and climate.
Weather is the temperature, precipitation (rain, hail, sleet and snow) and wind, which change hour by hour and day by day.
Climate is the average weather and the nature of its variations that we experience over time.
The greenhouse effect is the natural process of the atmosphere letting in some of the energy we receive from the Sun (ultraviolet and visible light) and stopping it being transmitted back out into space (infrared radiation or heat). This makes the Earth warm enough for life. For several thousands of years, the atmosphere has been delicately balanced, with levels of greenhouse gases relatively stable. Human influence has now upset that balance and, as a result, we are seeing climate change.
Ten Reasons Why Climate Change Is Important to Us
We are all concerned about climate change. People think that it will only affect future generations and then start to ask themselves, will climate change even affect me? No matter what cause you care about, climate change is already affecting our world today. We still have time to limit the worst impact of climate change. Here are 10 great reasons why we should all care about climate change
There are a lot of animals that are affected by climate change.
Snow leopards, turtles and polar bears are some of the animals that are affected by climate change. Climate change will mean a lot of big changes for animals around the world. Climate change will affect their ability to find food and cause their habitats and homes to disappear.
2. Believe it or not it can also affect your coffee fix in the morning.
If you are a person that needs a copy to be able to get going in the morning, mornings may start to get difficult for you. The effects of climate change on coffee are well documented and coffee producers are already seeing reduced harvest, more pests and are going through some very difficult times. Even if you don’t drink coffee, it must be noted that wine production may also be affected by climate change.
3. Beautiful coral reefs are affected by climate change as well.
Fish and sea life are affected because their beautiful homes crumble under the stress of our changing climate. Warmer air and ocean temperatures cause coral bleaching. This means corals lose their colour and may die. Ocean acidification (acid coming into the ocean) because of increased CO2 in the atmosphere can make the problem even worse. Today, the ocean is 26% more acidic than it was in 1990 and the great barrier reef has just experienced unprecedented back-to-back bleaching events 2016 and 2017. This is very bad news for people that wish to see the great barrier reef one day.
4. Another reason is that we all need clean water to live.
Did you know that two in every three people worldwide live in regions of severe water shortages? Even a small increase in global temperatures will destabilize the water cycle and could make water shortages even worse. Climate change can also affect rainfall patterns, this means both drought and flooding will be more common and even more intense.
5. Globally, temperature records have been broken in recent years and flooding has gotten worse.
More frequent and more intense extreme weather is a documented result of our greenhouse gas emissions, and the annual cost of flooding may increase to 15 times what it is now by the night 2080s. We need our politicians to take serious action on reducing the carbon footprint in our society.
6. Rain forests are beautiful.
They are very unique, irreplaceable and sometimes they are described as the “world’s lungs”. They are seen as some of the most precious habitats on the planet. In the Amazon for example, rain forests are home to an astonishing 1 in 10 of all the known species on the earth. But over 1/3 of the Amazon rain forest is already threatened by climate change. This is a double-edged sword too: worldwide forest destruction is mainly because of agriculture. This is a major cause of climate change because of the creation of an incredible amount of greenhouse gases.
7. People deserve to breathe clean air.
There has been an increase in carbon emissions and because of this increase we are facing compromised air quality. This can affect human health, especially our children. Air pollution can cause asthma, heart and lung disease. For example, Beijing’s terrible smog is a visible reminder of this. Also, air quality has been making headlines in the UK as well and the MPs have labelled this a public health emergency there.
8. Clean technology is exciting.
The news is not all bad when it comes to climate change. Some of the biggest advancements in technology over the past few years have been because we are trying to limit, and come up with alternatives to, our CO2 dependency. Solar panels, wave energy conversion and wind farms are allowing us to harness the power of nature in a clean way. We are learning to harvest energy without harming our environment or destroying habitats. Some exciting gadgets like the Wall – E sized robot can insulate your house to save energy. Creating more of this technology could mean a cleaner, healthier future for us and our planet. Clean technology doesn’t just help nature, but it also has the potential to build better, more accessible and people-friendly cities.
9. We must remember that we are all affected, no matter where we live in the world.
Climate change doesn’t just affect forests or coral reefs, or even people in far off countries. It affects all of us. It can cause extreme weather and a large increase in food prices. It also can cause humans to have less opportunities to appreciate the natural world so people everywhere will feel its effect. Reducing our carbon footprint is absolutely necessary to create a world where people and nature can thrive.
10. We must remember that this can affect future generations in our society.
We are very fortunate because we live in the beautiful, diverse and nurturing planet. Our children and all future generations deserve to live in the same way. Millions of people are working together for our planet. Events like Earth Hour are a reminder that together, humanity is capable of coming together to make changes happen for the right reasons. So much has changed already since we first heard about the possible effects of climate change. It is very important that we use our action, our voices and our votes to tell political and business leaders that action on climate change is absolutely essential to keep our earth clean.
NYDP Communication Enrichment Class 
