In February, my column outlined the “top 10 trends” identified by the Trends Research Institute in Rhinebeck, N.Y. They examine more than 300 social, economic, philosophical, and political topics all the time. The following areas show the biggest recent changes in social, economic, and political structures: I earlier wrote about […]
Columnists
It’s funny sometimes how myths are born. And how hard–or even impossible–it is to dispel them, even when faced with the facts. For example, the myths surrounding the older driver. Once again last week, our national bias on this topic surfaced in an Associated Press article titled “How Old Is […]
Unintentional falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries resulting in emergency room visits for all ages. They can occur from playground equipment, furniture, windows, stairs, ladders, and other sources. We can all set a good example for children by holding hand railings on stairs and escalators. Stress to young […]
The concept is old. The label dates from the ’80s. But the scope and relationships of “outsourcing” are changing as the trend is growing. Another term is “contracting out.” That has negative overtones for some people but the practice supports the growth of new businesses and greater specialization. Activities that […]
I have always admired these working giants, and I am glad they are making a comeback on the farm. I suppose my feelings are, at least in part, nostalgia. I quite easily can recall, as can many of you, when the really heavy work was done by a horse, or […]
Our most familiar harbinger of spring is most likely the robin. But its close relative, the Bluebird, is another. In Northern Ontario, there are only two other birds which are blue. But the bluebird can be easily identified by its red-brown breast, its deep blue head, back wings, and tail, […]
With April just around the corner, safety educators believe anyone can be an April Fool at any giving time. You are an April Fool if: Motor vehicle accidents are still the number-one cause of accidental deaths in Canada. But many people still do not heed the wise advice police officers […]
By Linda Wiens
Quetico Centre
Quetico Centre
The Thunder Bay Regional Hospital is required to have a plan for providing French language service. It does, and the board recently expressed its support. But is that what we need to serve our future population best? In Canada, according to the 1996 census, 59.2 percent of the population cited […]
There’s nothing like a Raggedy Ann or Andy doll to bring a smile to my face. And just for today, I have three of them visiting my office. A big Raggedy Ann–more than two feet tall–smiles from her perch by my copy machine. And a pair, sitting close and snuggling […]
Spring has arrived and it is time to spring into action. Start thinking about doing a clean-up and inspection of your home and yard. It also is time to look for any fire hazards. The Office of the Fire Marshal and Ministry of Natural Resources has an excellent pamphlet on […]
The sparrow family is the largest in the world. It includes grosbeaks, buntings, finches, and crossbills, as well as a host of real sparrows. There are 56 species of these birds in Canada. I suppose most people think of sparrows as those little brown birds which hang around the yard, […]
Lists have always been my weakness. For as long as I can remember, I’ve made lists in every conceivable manner. With pen and ink. On the typewriter. On the computer. On 3 x 5 cards. And 5 x 7 cards. On yellow paper. And pink paper. In my Day-Timer. And […]
