Biodiversity's Benefit

“We Need to Work Together to Improve the State of Nature”

(wrote Carolyn Zanchetta who is 'stewardship and co-ordinator'

of the Hamilton Naturalists' Club.)

The following are excerpts from her recently published writing.

“In the depth of winter, our communities are cold and grey,

and getting outside feels like an insurmountable task. Winter might not evoke scenes of living nature or vibrant wildlife, but there is still so much alive and active when we look around and appreciate the subtle beauty of nature in winter.

“Bright red cardinals flit from tree to tree competing with blue jays and juncos for space at the feeder.

Nuthatches and chickadees call back and forth from the forest. Without leaves obscuring the tree branches, this is one of the best times to spot owls, with the particular delight of visiting snowy owls around Windermere Basin and the Beach. Hear coyotes yipping near the escarpment. See squirrels sprinting along the power lines. Watch fish swim under the ice in Cootes Paradise. Deer freeze, watching you cautiously from the trail. Lichen colourfully coats the trees along the street as the snow piles up. The large variety of evergreens provides ample habitat for the sparrows that fluff their feathers to stay warm. These majestic trees are a glimmer of hope for the coming spring.

A plethora of diversity that we never see,

contributes even more than we could know to our eco-systems ~ and even our health!

Biodiversity is the variety of life within a region,

or throughout the types of habitat in the area ~

and also within the genetics of a species.\

“A healthy eco-system, a healthy community or a healthy species is diverse and resilient, able to adapt to change and overcome. But this essential variety of life is at risk in our communities and throughout the world. Everywhere, species populations are declining. Habitat loss, pollution, climate change and invasive species all threaten the flora and fauna that live alongside us.

As the Hamilton Naturalists' Club celebrates a century of protecting nature,

there is a renewed focus on conserving and enhancing our biodiversity.”

When previously, have we ever been informed about 'climate change'?

Only in current years have I realized our animals'great losses of habitat!

Consider the wolves and coyotes who now inhabit the edges of our cities!

Each seasons' weather is now unpredictable!

I recall April 6, a Thursday about 20 years ago we had a giant snowstorm;

I was viewing a West Lincoln home with my daughter and son

who were planning to purchase this 23-acre home and property.

Awareness of these 'bio-diversities' is Nature's Wake-Up-Call to you and me!

Critics Slam Proposed Oil Exploration Near 'Unbelievable' Sable Island

To me, the most graceful animals on Earth are horses and deer.

Although having had a yen to travel several islands, Sable is one I'd dearly love to visit, Just off the coast from Nova Scotia, it is a massive shifting sand dune adrift in the wilds of the North Atlantic and we must safeguard its tenuous existence. Its primary inhabitants are wild horses who have bred and lived on this island for many, many years. To visit the island, one must obtain a permit.

From Halifax, Nova Scotia, Brett Bundale reported in The Canadian Press:

A call for energy companies to bid on exploration rites around Nova Scotia's iconic Sable Island has prompted swift condemnation from a coalition of environmental...fishing...and tourism groups.

The rugged and wild wind-swept sandbar in the Atlantic Ocean

is a place of endangered species...wild horses...and legendary shipwrecks.

On Monday, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board

launched a competitive bidding process for two exploration licences

to probe for fossil fuels in the shallow waters encircling Sable Island.

Gretchen Fitzgerald, the director of the Atlantic Canada chapter

of the Sierra Club Canada Foundation, said at a news conference:

“This is a test for how we must change

if we're going to truly tackle 'climate change' ~ and protect global biodiversity.”

A colour photo of peaceful Sable Island uninhabited by mankind'

illustrates...barren land...some tree growth..and grasslands.

We do not see the wind and drifting sands ~ the ideal home for my yet unseen wild horses.

The foregoing assembled by Merle Baird-Kerr...February 7, 2019

Your comments welcome: mbairdkerr@bell.net

Interactions Between Animal and Man

Until one has loved an animal,

a part of one's soul remains unawakened. (Anatol France)

An animal's eyes have the power

to speak a great language. (Martin Buber)

Burglar at Large

In summer, 1995, the police were called to a large residential home in Poole, Dorset (England) after a ruby ring belonging to one of the residents disappeared. The lady in question, remembered leaving it on the basin window sill when she washed her hands ~ and when she came back a few minutes later, it was gone! A thorough search by staff had not found it. Being rather senile, the staff then assumed that the resident had mislaid it. Two days later, the police again were informed of the loss of some jewellery ~ this time a gold chain. The resident had taken it off when going to bed and left it on a dressing table by her window. In the morning, it was gone. Living on the second floor, it was unlikely that a passer-by had pinched it.

Suspicion then fell on a young student who had started working

at the home in his summer holidays. He protested his innocence and was vindicated

when another theft was reported.

Again, it was a ring ~ but the young man was on his day off at the time.

Anxious to conclusively prove his innocence, he decided to patrol the home's gounds to see if he could solve the mystery. His attention was caught early one morning by the antics of a group of magpies. To his amazement, he saw 7 young magpies fly up to an open window...one flew off with something shining in its beak...and return to its nest. Returning home, the young man reported to the police what he had seen. Using a high platform truck, a rep was raised to the nesting site. Carefully, he recovered a ruby ring...gold chain...and a diamond ring.

Police declined to press charges ~ warning residents to keep jewellery away from their open windows.

Well ~At Least I Tried ~

A Harley biker is riding by the zoo in Washington, D.C. when he sees a little girl leaning into the lion's cage. Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the collar of her jacket and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, under the eyes of her screaming parents. The biker jumps off his Harley...runs to the cage...and hits the lion square on his nose with a powerful punch. Whimpering from pain, the lion jumps back, letting go of the girl...and the biker brings the little girl to her terrified parents ~ who thank him endlessly.

A reporter, watching the whole event, addresses the Harley rider, “Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I've seen a man do in my whole life.” The Harley rider replies, “Why, it was nothing, really. The lion was behind bars...I just saw this little kid in danger...and acted as I felt right.”

The reporter says, “Well, I'll make sure this won't go unnoticed. I'm a journalist ...and tomorrow's paper will have this story on the front page. So, what do you do for a living?”

The biker replies, “I'm a U.S. Marine.” The journalist leaves.

The following morning, the biker buys the paper to see if it, indeed, brings news of his actions

and reads on the front page:

U.S. Marine Assaualts Aftrican Immigrant and Steals His Lunch

The Perfect Pet

A man goes into a pet shop and tells the owner he wants to buy a pet that can do everything. The shop owner suggests a faithful dog. The man replies, “Come on ~ a dog?” The owner than asks, “How about a cat?” The man replies, “No Way! A cat certainly can't do everything!!!” Thinking for a moment, the shop owner states, “I've got it! A centipede!” The man answers, “A centipede??? I can't imagine it doing anything...but OK ~ I'll try the centipede.”He takes the centipede home and says to the centipede, “Clean the Kitchen!” Thirty minutes later, he walks into the kitchen and...it's immaculate! All the dishes and silverware have been washed...dried and put away...the countertops have been cleaned...and the appliances are sparkling...even the floor was waxed! He is absolutely amazed!

Next, he says to the centipede, “Go clean the Living Room!”

Twenty minutes later, he walks into the Living Room: the carpet has been vacuumed...the furniture cleaned and dusted...and the pillows on the sofa plumped. It even watered the plants.

The man thinks to himself: This is the most amazing thing I've ever seen!

This really is a pet that can do everything!

Next, he says to the centipede, “Run down to the corner and get me a newspaper.”

The centipede walks out the door ~ 10 minutes later, no centipede ~ 20 minutes later, no centipede...30 minutes later, no centipede! By this point, the man is wondering what's going on. It should have been back in a couple of minutes. 45 minutes later, still no centipede!

He can't imagine what could have happened: Did the centipede run away?

Did it get run over by a car? Where is the centipede?

So, he goes to the front door...opens it...and there is the centipede sitting right outside. The man says,

“Hey! I sent you down to the corner store 45 minutes ago to get me a newspaper. What's the matter?”

I'm goin! I'm goin'! I'm just puttin' on my shoes!

Four Cats with Impressive Abilities

Four men were bragging about how smart their cats are. The first man was an engineer...the second man was an accountant...the third man was a chemist...the fourth man was a Government Employee.

To show off, the engineer called to his cat T-square', DoYour Stuff! T-square pranced over to a desk...took out some paper and a pen and promptly drew a circle, a square and a triangle.

Everyone agreed that was pretty smart!

But the accountant said that he could do better. Calling his cat, said, “Spreadsheet, do your stuff.”

Spreadsheet went into the kitchen and returned with a couple dozen cookies. He divided them into 4 equal piles of 3 cookies each. Everyone agreed that was good!

But the chemist said his cat could do better! Calling his cat, said, “Measure, do your stuff! Measure got up...walked over to the fridge...took out a quart of milk...got a 10-ounce glass from the cupboard and poured exactly 8 ounces without spilling a drop. Everyone agreed that was good!

Then the 3 men turned to the Government Employee and asked, “What can you do?” The government worker called to his cat and said, “Coffee Break, do your stuff!! Coffee Break jumped to his feet...ate the cookies...drank the milk...crapped on the paper...screwed the other 3 cats...claimed he injured his back while doing so...filed a grievance report for unsafe working conditions...put in for Workers' Compensation...and went home for the rest of the day on 'sick leave.'!

“Perhaps one reason we are fascinated by cats is because such a small animal

can contain so much independence...dignity...and freedom of spirit.

Unlike the dog, he demands acceptance on his own terms.” (Lloyd Alexander)

Writer: Merle Baird-Kerr...February 18, 2019

To Comment: mbairdkerr@bell.net or inezkate@gmail.com

Environment Effects

A full half-page news photo shows author Harley Rustad in the logged forest

on Vancouver Island, visiting the subject of his book,
 the huge ancient Douglas Fir.

Big Lonely Doug is a story about the second largest Douglas Fir tree in Canada,

that is about much more than one tree.

It is an education in modern forestry and an insight into how naturally occurring forests work versus the second-growth versions that are planted by the hand of humankind.

In Big Lonely Doug, the author paints a picture of a man who has a conscience and a heart, despite his history as a forest surveyor for 'big timber'. Dennis Cronin was responsible for 'fir flagging areas' to be clear cut, One day back in 2011, while surveying a first-growth timber stand near Port Renfrew, on British Columbia's Vancouver Island, he stopped short at the base of a massive Douglas fir. He flogged it for preservation, and by doing so, he managed to change the history of B.C.'s forestry industry.

If you love trees as we do, you will be interested to learn

that the forests of British Columbia are denser with biomass

than forests found in the tropics where the greater heat breaks down dead matter more quickly. A fallen log in the B.C. Rainforest can take over a century to break down. Rustad explains that in 1997, a University of B.C. Professor, Susan Simard published a study through her tests, using a Geiger counter that sugars were created by the tree in exchange for carbon dioxide ~ and as the sugars travelled down the tree's trunk into the ground, they were dispersed into a network of nycorrhizal fungi and up into the neighbouring trees. The strands of fungi were, in fact, tubes of a superhighway tunnel system, a massive underground network that connected trees together. Thus it was determined that Big Lonely Doug on his own, supported 42 smaller trees within its underground reach.

Fact is, there is now hope for the remaining old-growth forest

and much of the reforested land across the country.

In reading Harley Rustad's book, we discovered a deeper meaning for saving our forests and every tree...for replenishing 'clear cuts...' and reforesting our cities as well.

Agave's Last Gasp

“Go see it soon before it's out of bloom for another decade,” writes Kathy Renwald

in her recent Special to The Hamilton Spectator.

Go straight past the primulas...scurry left beyond the succulents...and witness the last gasp of the agave. Horticulture people are usually pretty pleased when plants bloom ~ and not so much when they die. That emotion is turned on its head at the Royal Botanical Gardens this month as the Agave is putting on its swan song. This beautiful plant, native to southeastern Mexico, needs a full 8 to 10 years to produce its one flower. “It's right on schedule,” says Alex Henderson, curator of collections, as he notes the RBG added this plant to the Mediterranean Garden in 2008. “This is the first time I've seen this particular plant in flower,” says Henderson (6-foot 4) and the flower stalk on the Agave is twice as tall as he is. It's pushing skyward in the greenhouse, surrounded by gorgeous cacti and succulents.

Clearly, the 'star of the show'

At least 25 clusters bloom from the bottom up...beginning with sulpher yellow wisps. Agaves are too important to go extinct. After all, this is a plant that produces twine, rope, mats, brushes and and also tequila. Nearly the whole plant (including the stalk, flowers, leaves and sap is edible).

The Planting of Trees

Brazilian, Antonio Vicente is a man who cares about nature. He proved that over 4 decades ago, when he used a government grant to start reforestation of a small section of land that was once 'rain forest'. The grant was supposed to be used to promote agriculture, but Vicente could see the danger in clearing land, so he did the opposite: he planted trees on his 31-hectare (77 acres) plot. Through his efforts over the decades, the rainforest reappeared ~ complete with birds, animals and water sources.

Climate Fact (8,000 Years Ago)

Adapted to a Desert Climate

The desert presented an evolutionary challenge for the inhabitants of Sahul, the continent that once united Australia, New Guinea and Tasmania. After the ancestors of modern Aboriginals made the crossing to Sahul around 50,000 years ago, they developed adaptations that allowed them to survive below freezing-temperatures at night ~ and days of often exceeding 100 degrees F.

Nature Consciousness

“For the first time in human history, our environmental impacts are happening at a scale that is affecting all life on Earth. Our list of globally threatened wildlife populations are declining. In Canada, iconic wildlife like caribou are in trouble...and the Atlantic whitefish, perhaps Canada's most endangered species, may be doomed to extinction. Our current environmental issues ~ from climate change to to bio-diversity loss ~ are all the result of many collective impacts. However, there are examples of hope: The number of protected areas continue to grow.

The total area of parks and protected areas now tops over 20 million km, or about 15% of the planet's lands and inland waters.

Historical Investment in Canadian Conservation

The Government of Canada continued to support private land conservation efforts through the Natural Areas Conservation Program. It also announced $1.3 billion over 5 years to protect Canada's lands, oceans and wildlife including a $500-million Canada Nature Fund in helping Canada's commitment to protect at least 17% of our lands and 10% of our oceans by 2020.

Keeping Fish in the Sea

Between 2016 and 2018, the amount of marine protected areas in the world has increased from 10.2 per cent to 16.8 per cent. Many important initiatives were in place to reduce unsustainable practice.

If you Conserve and Restore it, They Will Come

Many species will return if we protect and restore their habitats and reduce critical threats to their populations. Already, we've seen the return of swift foxes in Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Big Hope in a Small Package

Fewer than100 Poweshiek skipperling butterflies remain in Canada. This small butterfly is restricted to southeastern Manitoba and a site near Flint, Michigan. This precarious population got just a little larger when the Assiniboine Park Conservancy Conservation and Research Department successfully released 6 captive-reared butterfles at NCC's Tall Grass Prairie Natural area.

Key Biodiversity Areas to Guide Conservation

Many conflicts between resource development and conservation occur because important areas for nature have not been identified early in the planning process. In Canada, Important Bird Areas and some fresh-water KBA;s were announced with more to be identified by the Wildlife Conservation Society Canada...WWL Canada...and Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Technology can also allow everyone to Participate in Conservation

The foregoing assembled by Merle Baird-Kerr...February 6, 2019

To respond: mbairdkerr@bell.net or inezkate@gmail.com

Auto Perks and Advice

There's 3 things men always talk about:

Women...Sports...Cars! (according to Mario Lopez)

Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and faster

when the wheels are in perfect alignment,

you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals and values

are balanced. (Author unknown)

A Bug's Life:

Before Volkswagen wraps production this coming July, Mathew Guy looks back at the beloved Beetle.

Volkswagen's rounded little runabout drove the peace...love...joy movement of the 1960's. Small and efficient, it was there for drivers when the fuel prices skyrocketed in the 1970's. But it was a short-lived affair. The original rear-engine model left Canadian showrooms in 1979.

Volkswagen, in 1998 introduced the New Beetle

with engine in front and a 21^st century-ready design ~ it also was short-lived.

Volkswagen recently announced that the production of the 'Beetle' will cease in July 2019 due to market shifts. Volkswagen's boss hinted that the beetle could return some day.

Three eras of the Volkswagen were illustrated:

1952 ~ Humble beginning;

60's and 70's ~ Peak of popularity,

1998's ~ new look was a convertible appealing to 'hippies' and urban commuters.

2019 show-cases its Final Edition with paint colours paying tribute to past Beetles.

A dream without ambition is like a a car without gas -

you're not goin' anywhere. (Sean Hampton)

Questions Addressed to an Auto Expert

Q: by Min: “ I recently bought a new metallic black sedan. I always washed my car by hand ~ by hand, using a dishwashing liquid (advised by a friend). Should I continue to use it on my new car?”

A. by Ryan: “Dish soap should never be used to wash a vehicle; it's abrasive and will damage the finish. Instead, use an automotive-specific car-wash soap. One of my favourites is from Goclean. Not only is it a great protection ~ it's environmentally friendly and made in Canada.”

Q. by Thelma: “I'm going away and leaving my car in my driveway for 3 weeks. Is it better to leave the gas tank full ~ or half full?

A. by Ryan: “Store the vehicle with a full tank of fuel to help prevent condensation build-up inside the gas tank. In cold weather, I would also use an automatic trickle charger to keep the battery from discharging.

Vehicles vs Cyclists

Watching out for Each Other and Sharing the Road!

Canada will soon be emerging from hibernation.

Many will face the risks of 'sharing the road' with cars, trucks, buses and cyclists.

“On average, 7500 Canadian cyclists are severely injured each year ~ and 74 are killed!” according to Statistics Canada numbers from 1994 to 2012.

Jamie Stuckless, executive director of the Share the Road Cycling Coalition (an advertising group)

said, “People want to ride bikes, but they don't feel safe doing it.”

Safety Tips to Help Everyone Feel More Confident on the Road (from the recent CAA magazine):

Leave a Safe Space: When a driver is passing a cyclist, they should leave at least one metre between the bike and their car. (That's the law in Ontario and all Atlantic provinces.) That space is crucial because cyclists need room to steer around the myriad of obstacles that litter roads ~ including pot holes and sewer grates. Stuckless says “If the lane isn't wide enough to accommodate a one-metre buffer, drivers should change lanes ~ just like they would any other slow-moving vehicle.

Go Dutch: They are the bane of cyclists everywhere: car doors! In 2016, more than 200 cyclists in Toronto alone, barrelled into vehicle doors as they were being opened ~ a collision so common it has its own name 'dooring' . “ Those crashes are “incredibly painful” and in the worst case scenario, can send a cyclist careening into traffic, with potentially deadly consequences,” said Stuckless. That's why she recommends drivers exit their vehicle, using what's known as the Dutch Reach. The maneuver, which is de rigeur in the Dutch-loving-Netherlands, sees drivers use their right hand to open their door. The move forces them to reach across their body...turn their torso...and in the process, able to check their 'blind spot'!”

“It's easy to understand how invisible you can be biking at night:

Without lights, it's really hard for other road users to see you!”

Light Up: Cycling can be dangerous during the day, but the risks are magnified after the sun sets. “ Without lights, it's really hard for other road users to see you,” stated Stuckless. That's why it's important for cyclists to put 2 lights on their bikes: a white one at the front ~ and a red one (or reflector) at the rear. (In Ontario, it's also the law!”

Advice to cyclists: Lights should be on 30 minutes before sunset

and remain on 30 minutes after sunrise ~ and any other time when visibility is low.

Avoid Getting Hooked: One of the most frequent collisions between bikes and cars is what's known as a 'right hook'. That's when a right-turning vehicle runs into a bike going straight at an intersection. Cyclists should never pass cars on the right in a 'shared lane': Going into a vehicle's blind spot is asking for trouble. At the same time, drivers must make sure that bike lanes are free of traffic before they make a right turn through them.

Do Cyclists Practise These Signals?

Left Turn: Left arm pointing straight left.

Right Turn: Left arm bent at 90 degrees, fingers pointing skyward.

Right Turn alternative: Right arm pointing straight right.

Left arm bent at 90 degrees, fingers pointing at the ground.

Now, readers, I know and have observed that many, many cyclists

fail to signal their intentions, as required by law: biking through red lights...

passing and changing lanes without signalling...etc.etc.etc.

Traffic officers (police) are only occasionally trying to rectify these misdemeanors.

Advice for Drivers

Every move you make: checking for bikes before passing or turning

helps keep all road users safe.

Writer: Merle Baird-Kerr...February 24, 2019

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@bell.net or inezkate@gmail.com

Herd Families

Ancestry today creates sush a wonder! Who were they? And from where did they come? Native American Iroquois first settled there ~ building rail transportation and the Erie Canal. French fur traders, seeing a creek, called it 'Beau Fleuve' (a Beautiful River) that flowed nearby. It's also possible 'twas the' American Bison' whose range extended into this region. Today it's a city, close to Niagara.

Traditionally, Buffalo meat, was prized

as an essential part of Native American diet.

American Bison today live in both our Americas and in Europe

while the other two species dwell in Africa and Asia.

The European Bison ~ a Eurasian species

is the largest land mammal of continental Europe.

Its population, dramatically low, in past decades

(mainly due to human predation) was declared as endangered

but with gradual population ~ vulnerable is now the status.

My name is Buff ~ as a boy, was nicknamed by Ma.

Every Sunday, church we attended ~ all dressed up.

My always-Saturday-job: collect Sunday family shoes ~

clean and buff them to a shiny shine.

Ma always said, “ Tis not enuff to clean, clean, clean,

you must buff, buff, buff ~ and thus my name today!

Animals I loved and became a care-giver.

My wife and I, we have a wellness centre

where we cure injured animals ~ and birds with broken wings.

And Alo, our little girl is learning easy tasks.

These herbivore, the European Bison, have thick-set bodies

with pronounced shoulder hump and short neck.

They have a dense coat ~ dark to golden brown.

The mane is long, forehead distributed and underneath the neck.

Both sexes have horns, projecting out, then curving upwards.

Encompassing almost entire Europe, their range includes

Southern England and parts of Russia.

In middle ages, almost eradicated, they were hunted for hide

and to make 'drinking horns.'

Since 1989, 24 herds of those bisons have been introduced to the wild.

inhabiting deciduous and mixed forests with open grasslands and vegetation.

In this environment, they live 14 to 16 years.

In captivity, males live to maybe 20 and females to possibly 28 ~

livng in Wildlife sanctuaries and National Parks in Europe.

.

Being polygamous, males join the female herds to compete for the mating.

Gestation period is 264 days, the female birthing one calf at a time.

These European Bison have no natural predators...possibly a bear or wolf.

Estimation states that presently, there are about 3200 European Bisons left.

Comparison: African Buffalo throughout the African continent

and Water Buffalo in Asian countries

The Cape Buffalo of Africa are dark grey or black, looking a lot like bulls.

The Water Buffalo is the largest bovine, being 8 to 9 feet from head to rump with its tail adding an extra 2 to 2.3 feet. They weigh a massive 1,,500 to 2,650 pounds

The African Buffalo is smaller: 4.26 to 4.92 feet long from head to hoof

and weigh 910 to 935 pounds.

Water Buffalo live in tropical and sub-tropical forests of Asia spending most of their time in the water. Their weak hooves prevent sinking into mud at the bottom of the ponds, swamps and rivers.

The African Buffalo live in grasslands, savannas, swamps, lowland plains,

mixed forests and glades. Instead of taking a swim, they lie under trees

to cool while they nap. At night, they graze in the cool air.

Water Buffalo feed on aquatic plants while Cape Buffaloes, being herbivores, eat only vegetation ~ their favourite food being grass and herbs. Both eat shrubs and trees.

The African Buffaloes (Cape) live around 26 years;

and the Water Buffalo in years, about 25.in years

(according to University of Michigan studies)

The Wild Water Buffalo are endangered (according to the International University for Conservation of Nature). They have a population of less than 4,000. The African Buffalo is not endangered and has a population of 900,000 (according to African Wildlife Foundation).

The male Water Buffaloes have horns that curve backwards, growing to 5 feet.

The African Buffalo have a democracy: When ready to travel, they will stand and turn in the direction they want to go. The 'majority votes' wins ~ the head female will lead the herd in the winning direction.

The African Buffalo (Cape) are very aggressive

and have a tendency to attack humans.

Very protective of each other, they care for the sick and old members of the herd

to shield them from predators.

Animals Most Tourists Look Forward to Seeing on an African Safari

are The Big Five!

Rhinoceros, African Leopard, Cape Buffalo, African Lion and African Elephant.

The Cape Buffalo: One of the deadliest animals

you can encounter on a safari!!!

They have earned for themselves nicknames:

Black Death and Widow Maker!

They are known to stalk, attack and kill 'trophy hunters'

who have hurt them in the past ~

and have been observed to track down and kill entire hunting parties.

“An Elephant never forgets ~ but a Buffalo never forgives”

It was a sad day when my loving wife died from deadly virus.

Alo. My 10-year old daughter ~

she's assisted me in care of sick calves,

thorns in lions' paws, animal bee stings and injured birds

as they arrive at Buff and Alo's Rescue Reserve.

Composed by Merle Baird-Kerr...June 25, 2018

Comments appreciated: mbairdkerr@bell.net or inezkate@gmail.com

Local People of Distinction

Albert Einstein and his quotes of wisdom,

well complement the ambitions and achievements

of our local people.

You never stop failng ~ until you stop trying!

Life is like riding a bicycle: To keep your balance,

you must keep moving!

Training for the 125^th 'Around the Bay Road Race' ~ March 31, 2019

Manny Ferreira relates: “I have been running long distances for 6 years and am 54 years of age, which means nothing since I feel younger than I was in my 30's. Soon after turning 48, I decided that if I was going to be around as long as possible, my health had to come first.

“I run for my mental health...for fitness...for my love of the outdoors...and for those who can't. I run entirely outdoors as I dislike the awkwardness of a treadmill ~ it's not natural. My plan is to continue to run until the day I drop dead, since I can't imagine life without it.

“My plan was to run a marathon by the end of year 5, which I did at the 2017 County Marathon in Picton, Ontario. I have since run a second one last year ~ to build up my distance over the years, so I started with 10K...15K and several half-marathons.

“Two years ago, in March 2017, I entered my first “Around the Bay 30K” because that was the next logical distance on my journey. My favourite part is always the rolling hills of Northshore Boulevard, which also has some of the best local support. Some people put out fruit and cheer us on!

“Winter running requires dressing in layers. Underneath, I wear a tech shirt plus a thin thermal top

and an outer shell that makes the elements bearable. A cap that wicks the moisture and warm mitts are a must as the extremities are where we most feel the chill.”

(The foregoing written by Barry Gray in The Hamilton Spectator~February 23, 2019)

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence!

An Unfamiliar Rural Ontario

“Days By Moonlight” has all the twists and turns, surprises and character development

that makes for a fulfilling read, as illustrated in a black and white photo:

a lower line of leafless trees, foregrounds a spacious grey sky highlighted by a full moon.

In a special to the Star, Robert Wiersema, stated,

“Giller Prize winner, Andre Alexis takes us on an enjoyable, dreamy trip

in Days by Moonlight. His novel is deceptively simple ~ and almost overpowerfully rich.”

The novel centers on Alfred Homer, a 30-something botanist and illustrator, reeling from the terrible blow of the death of his parents and the end of a relationship. Alfred joins his father's friend, Professor Morgan Bruno on a road-trip through southwestern Ontario to trace the steps of legendary poet, John Skennen. This rural Ontario isn't one you'll find on any tourism maps, however.

The journey takes them through a dreamland of the familiar world: To a town where black citizens, over time, have developed a culture of silence...speaking only in sign language.

A town where an annual burning verges on human sacrifice;

a town where an Indigenous parade morphs into something altogether different

and scathingly hilarious.

It's a world of witches and spiritual quests,

visions and crappy taverns.

The depth of your skill or art is subject to originality ~

your own authentic style. (Marianne Boruch)

McMaster Appoints Indigenous Artist as Chancellor

Six Nations dancer plans to bring culture and the arts to university post.

McMaster University is the second Canadian university to announce its next chancellor will be of Indigenous heritage. Sante Smith, a renowned artist, dancer and choreographer, will take over as the honorary head of McMaster in November. Smith, very excited and overwhelmed says that she will bring elements of Indigenous culture and the arts to the post that involves presiding over convocations and ceremonial functions. She comes from Kahnyen 'kehaka (Mohawk nation,Turtle Clan, from Six Nations of the Grand River.)

Smith is a McMaster graduate with degrees in physical education and psychology

as well as a master's degree in dance from York University in Toronto.

(Published by Mark McNeil in The Hamilton Spectator)

Once we accept our limits ~ we go beyond them.

(Albert Einstein)

With a Song in His Art

In a 'Special to The Hamilton Spec' Regina Haggo writes,

Don Graves's musical background ~ colours his landscapes.

In the Arts section, are shown dramatic colour photos of:

Restless Sky: a vertical painting of orangey-bluish sky atop pine trees, waterfall and flowing river.

RBG Winter Trail: a 3-layered canvas of foregound earth... snowy ground cover.... with background

of a barren woodland.

Don Graves “Algonquin Corridor” defines autumn colours in 4 'depths of field' illustrated by foreground rocks...small lake...a hillside of glorious autumn colour...clouds scudding the blue sky.

These works of art by Don Graves can be viewed until March 30

at Teresa Seaton Studio and Gallery, 652 Spring Gardens Rd., Burlington.

(Wednesday to Saturday, 11 am to 5 pm.)

Regina Haggo writes, “Definitely a landscape painter, he begins by listening to classical music. What's more: the colours in a painting sing to him”. Explaining, Don Graves says, “When I look at a painting, the reds and greens are soprano sounds. I experience red when I hear a soprano. For me, an important voice is the alto, in which I experience as red or orange oxide. The bass voice comes to me as burnt umber, with some blue if the sound is deep. My voice is baritone, a warm sound that I experience as yellow ochre and sienna. Most unchanged voices feel like the blue family.”

“The link between colour and music is not a surprising one for the Burlington artist.

At university, Graves trained as a singer and conductor. He was the founder of Sheridan College 's Music Theatre School among other things. Then 'hearing loss' took him to painting.”

Compiled by Merle Baird-Kerr...February 23, 2019

To comment: mbairdkerr@bell.net or inezkate@gmail.com