In Northwestern Ontario, there are six species of bats. By far, the most common one is the Little Brown Bat, which is found in almost all of Canada below the tree line. The average length of this little animal is about 3.5 inches. As its names tells you, it is […]
Columnists
“I read books by many different spiritual teachers, philosophers and professionals in all fields so that I’m constantly growing. Every day is a new opportunity to learn more.” That was the quote on my calendar one day last week. Interestingly, it happened to be the same day when I learned […]
The osprey is one of our largest hawk-type birds, which is sometimes called the Fish Eagle. And you have to admit that, with a six-foot wing span, this is quite a substantial bird. It lives on fish and it is very well adapted for its role in life. Those huge […]
In spite of major drought and forest fire danger, far fewer and less extensive fires have occurred than any previous time with similar conditions so far this fire season. Why? Major technology changes. It’s easier to recognize them in a historical context. At one time, fire watch was held by […]
In today’s society, nothing seems to be quite as important as being on the cutting edge of fashion. Not ethics, not moral values, not character, not reputation, not good deeds, and definitely not common sense. They all take a distant second place to fashion. How else do you explain the […]
It’s hard to imagine what a big outing shopping was a half-century ago. Driving to Watertown. Twenty miles north on Route 12. What fun we had in the back seat of the car! And it was even more fun to walk up and down the square. Looking in the shop […]
For most average fishermen in Ontario, “the” fish to catch is the walleye, which is common over the eastern half of North America to the Mississippi valley, Saskatchewan, and the Mackenzie River. The walleye is called by many names (whiteeye, pikeperch, glasseye, and the most common wrong name–pickerel). Pickerel means […]
Cliff McIntosh
Nothing is ever as simple as it seems. Here’s an example. Doesn’t it make sense to tend and nurture the commercial forest like a farmer’s fields? Conventional wisdom says of course! But there is a major controversy among professional foresters. Some say to get a greater yield/hectare, the commercial forest […]
With the first frosts of autumn nipping at us, the final harvests of the garden are underway. An unrelenting expenditure of money and labour has resulted in a surplus–if not a bounteous and wanted crop. It started back in June with the first crop of radishes. After gorging on the […]
Oh, they will argue otherwise, saying that they’ve decided to go to the people in November so the “silent majority” can put the bus issue behind us once and for all. But the bottom line is they caved. Blinked. Folded. Wilted under pressure. All because councillors were fed up with […]
Birthdays should never be feared. They should always be celebrated. And I just might be the luckiest person in the whole world when it comes to birthdays. My special day is always celebrated high in the Colorado Rockies. Far away from people, with a total absence of noise and confusion. […]
The Ruddy Duck is a curious little duck in very many ways. No other is anything like it, nor even comes close. It is a western species, ranging mainly from southern Manitoba to B.C., and north and south from these. There is a fairly good-sized population in Northwestern Ontario, and […]
