This past week, I was happy to accept two new responsibilities in Ottawa. Following the New Democrat caucus retreat last week, I was asked by NDP leader Tom Mulcair to serve as our critic for forestry and to sit as a member of the Veterans Affairs committee. It has been […]
Columnists
Occasionally there are questions about whether soil sample values can change depending on the weather in a given year, or the time of year the sample was taken. There is no easy answer. Soil test values do vary over time. But for most soil tests, the variation is relatively small […]
There aren’t many perfect people in the world, if any. We all seem to have our faults. But in my lifetime, I’ve had the privilege to have close connections to a few “near perfect” people. The first one was my father, Nicholas Gingerich. My father wasn’t rich or well-educated, but […]
What to do with all that abundance of garden produce? You only can eat so many zucchinis and the loaf, although supposedly healthy, has so much fibre, one’s bowels can be permanently distended—not to mention the gas. Fortunately, the frost has put an end to excessive production . . . […]
I am a hurrier. If a group existed where I could join in with other such flawed individuals to help me kick the habit, I would do so with an eager heart. I would raise my hand and say, “My name is Wendi Stewart and I hurry.” I can’t help […]
National Geographic has labelled this area, and south into Iowa, Wisconsin, and North and South Dakota, as the centre of the continent. If one examines the crest of Rainy River First Nations, they, too, mark this area as the centre of North America. Archeologists who have dug at and researched […]
The other morning at the Bakery in Rainy River, Don pulled up to the debating table with his youngest daughter. A bubbling, effervescent bundle of joy; all smiles giggles and sunshine. That is, until bored with her toast, she headed for the cookie and candy counter. First Auntie blocked her […]
Nothing like a good frost to remind you that are our warm days and nights are coming to a close. Alas, summer once again has flown by. It will be interesting to see what will take place now with some of my longer-season soybeans. I’m doubtful we will have beans […]
By Gary Sliworsky Ag rep, Emo Every year there are questions about whether it is better to apply fertilizer in the fall, or wait until spring. The answer, as in most things, is that it depends. The one nutrient where the answer is clear is nitrogen (N). With Ontario conditions, […]
This past week, I got a nice break from bass fishing before the last two tournaments of the year that are going to take place over the next couple of weekends. It’s nice for me because I’m kind of rejuvenated to get back at it. Last week, I spent a […]
My parents used to have parties when I was little—parties with lots of people; invariably my mother on the piano and a stack of records on the record player. They danced. I suppose they drank, though I don’t recall that part. My sister and I watched, through the heat grate […]
In recent years, the price of electricity has increased substantially. Monthly bills that once were affordable have risen to the point that many people are struggling to make ends meet. This has led many to enter into contracts with energy retailers, who promise savings and protection from high prices. Unfortunately, […]
