Invasive Species

We have more to learn from animals

than animals have to learn from us...deemed Anim.

Lee Woodruff aspires: Maybe there weren't fairytales

or dreams didn't often come true,

but this moment felt very close ~

as close as it gets to 'perfect in an imperfect world.'

Police Search Home After Overnight Assault

Hamilton police searched a house following an alleged assault late Monday night. Officials shut down Gainsborough Road near Keats Road while they conducted their investigation. Paramedics and police were called shortly before midnight with reports that a shooting had occurred. (Excerpts from report)

'Large Sum' Stolen from Ribfest Event

Halton police are asking for the public's help in finding those responsible for stealing money raised during the Burlington Ribfest which ran from August 30 to September 2. At some point during the overnight hours, someone broke into the' Rotary Club of Burlington' office

and stole a large sum of cash.

Calgary Boy Cut by Razor Blades Lodged in Slide

A Calgary family says it's in shock after a 4-year old boy was cut by disposable razor blades wedged into a playgound slide. Gillian Webster says her son James, was cut on his buttocks and hand at the playground on Monday morning. Not requiring stitches,the child was in the care of the family's dayhome provider. Police say the blades were removed before the officers arrived. There are no security cameras in the area and investigators are seeking tips from the public.

Highway Driver Has 'Right of Way'

In his Letter to the Spec, Rodney MacNamara from Cayuga (a driving instructor) responded to a recent offence about a highway driver's 'right of way.'

“The merging vehicle is crossing a dotted line into traffic and should signal immediately to look for a gap and merge without causing significant traffic slowdown. There is no law that you 'have to let someone in'. Courtesy, of course dictates that we can slow slightly or move over if safe to do so.

Driving to the end of the merge lane and forcing people to slam on the brakes

so you can get in...is dangerous and you do not have the right to do so.

Driving tractor-trailer for over 45years, I have seen the attitude of merging, change from courtesy to cutting in at the last minute, which has led to others becoming blockers.

Merging can be done safely if all use common sense.

All of us are imperfect human beings

living in an imperfect world, stated Harucki Murakami.

And Maxwell Maltz responds, You may live in an imperfect world,

but the frontiers are not closed ~ and the doors are not all shut.

Thieves Steal Over $10K in Phones at Burlington Centre

Halton Regional Police are looking for two suspects after a major theft inside Burlington Centre Mall.

The suspects were caught on security camera and police released some images Tuesday in the hopes they trigger arrests in the case. The brazen theft occurred inside the Value Mobile on August 12 when two men walked into the store and stole mobile phones with a total value over $10,000, according to Const. Naresh Dabas. One suspect is described as black...in his 40's...six feet tall...weighing 250 pounds. He has a shaved head...full beard ...and was wearing a striped peach and white-coloured polo top ...peach-coloured pants ...and white shoes.

The second suspect is described as a white man in his 30's...
six feet tall...190 pounds...clean shaven...wearing a beige T-shirt...blue jeans...

black shoes...and carrying a plastic shopping bag.

Anyone with information, can call police at 905-825-4747. Tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or at haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

Smokers Should Collect Their Own Garbage

To Readers Write ( a daily column in Hamilton's Spectator)

Chuck Farauto from Hamilton wrote:

I relate entirely with Dr. Stewart's opinion of the unreported problem with the cigarette butt.

Besides the single-use plastic garbage issue and the manufacture of the same, as with all single-use plastics, the problem begins with allowing the unrestricted manufacture of the garbage and ends with the user discarding it anywhere they like.

Why aren't these culprits being held accountable for our mess of garbage?

The cigarette butt for me, takes on an especially distasteful element, that being those who choose to smoke cigarettes have been given (or have taken) the inherent right to use our public spaces for their ashtrays. There is little or no thought given by the smoker to the offensive nature of their flicking the ashes of their smokes into the air...on the ground...around their feet...in public doorways...table tops...

anywhere at all. Then again ~ without regard, they flick their butts out car windows...doorways... streetscapes...again anywhere at all without regard to this behaviour.

Kudos to the city for enacting a bylaw

to limit smoking in public parks.

I say enact toothy bylaws to nail these inconsiderate users in every public place.

Let it be known this disgusting habit of polluting public space is not acceptable.

Imagine smokers being forced to carry around a container of their ow

to put their ashes and butts in ~ and empty it out at home.

(The foregoing was published July22 ~ page A8)

Statement by Christopher Dawson

“We must recognize that we are living in an unperfect world

in which human and superhuman forces of evil are at work ~

and so long as these forces affect the political behaviour of mankind,

there can be no hope of finding peace.”

Once an invasive spcies arrives,

it's about impossible to get rid of it.

(Author unknown)

Author: Merle Baird-Kerr...September 25, 2019

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

Girls in Uganda

The enclosed writing by Amina Mohamad was forwarded to me by her mother, Dilu who is a long-time acquaintance whom I met at a business organization many years ago. After forced departure from Uganda, Dilu and her family (with two small girls) emigrated to Canada in 1972. Today, Amina is owner and operator of Triple F Photo Tours.

When I first had the thought of getting back into photography'

I knew it had to be much more than just taking photos for pay or for enjoyment.

I knew there had to be a way of giving back ~ using the camera as a tool.

Having worked in film and television...wardrobe assistant...producer manager...and sometimes when I got lucky, on-set photography ~ I eventually walked away from it all after burning out. One of the highlights of my career was a self-financed documentary that I produced, directed and shot in Uganda on the return of the exiled Asians under Amin's rule.

My family and I were one of those exiled Asians and I was only 3 when life changed us forever. I always dreamed, as a child of returning to Uganda one day ~ and when the 30^th anniversary came up, I decided to tell the story. It was at that point in2007, I saw the plight of girls ~ and knew I had to do something to change it for the better. It was definitely not going to be just giving money ~ as unfortunately in many cases, the money never reaches the people who need it most.

Remembering clearly August 2017, I woke up in the middle of the night with inspiration . I shook my husband awake...and exclaimed, “I know what I want to do for the rest of my life ~ I want to go to Uganda and train girls in photography.” He turned around and went back to bed ~ and I started writing out my plan.

Exactly one year later in August 2018, I embarked on my first training ~ it was my friend, Venex, who is a journalist by trade in Uganda, who suggested I train local girls, who were studying to beome journalists...or were journalists, but not getting full-time employment because they did not own a camera...or did not know how to use it to tell their stories. Thus, they were not getting paid or hired.

From my first training we had immediate success. Joanita is a 22-year-old young journalist and during the training, or even at her interview, failed to say she was not getting paid for her work because she did not own a camera. Following the initail training, she went to show her editor the camera ~ and was put on full-time payroll ~ and is now getting published 4 times a week.

In a country where the average monthly income is $50 USD,

she is now able to support herself, her mother and siblings.

Joanita and girls like her are the reason I keep working hard to make this a success!

I have just returned from my second trip this past June ~ where I trained 18 girls; 3 girls had their cameras, but didn't know how to move past the auto setting. Over 3 days, we worked from a small space in the slums ~ and they learned all the basics: how to hold the camera...the exposure triangle... composition and more. It was exciting for them...and for me as it fulfilled the philanthropy in me.

Something like this from far away is not feasible without support

from locals on the ground ~ and international sponsors.

Kelby One provides me with free licences each year so the girls can learn editing

and watch photography videos to keep up their training.

Youth Arts Movement Uganda is my partner on the ground in Uganda

and he offers free editing training to the girls on a bi-weekly basis.

As well as attendance at his monthly photography and film training camps,

so they can take their training to the next level.

I further their training with online reviews and bi-weekly assignments

that are delivered through a Whatsapp group.

To successfully run this program, I need to raise $5,000 each year.

I need to pay for the editing space...buy cameras (mostly used)

as I cannot afford 15 new cameras at this time...

and run the training for an entire year.

There are no costs to the girls as they cannot afford it.

The whole idea is to bring them up to a level where they can find employment

with the help of the camera and subsequent training.

Once the girls finish their training, they are expected to mentor the next year's girls, which not only keeps the training going ~ but helps each girl to bring up another girl,financially and otherwise.

Now for the camera I rely on to tell my stories:

I use the Fujifilm X-T3 and my 2 lenses I take to Uganda are the 18-55 kit lens and the 70-200mm lens for safari shots. I love Fuji and what it has done for my personal photography.

When someone signs up for a photo-tour toUganda,

a portion of the cost goes towards training a girl in photography.

Our travellers not only see the beauty of Uganda ..but they get to interact

and help train, or in some cases, improve upon their own photography.

My mission is it to make it life-changing for both traveller and student.

With gracious thanks to Amina for this challenge in her life;

we're all grateful for her goals in bettering lives for girls in Uganda.

Submitted by Merle Baird-Kerr...September 16, 2019

Thoughts and comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

Girls in Uganda

The enclosed writing by Amina Mohamad was forwarded to me by her mother, Dilu who is a long-time acquaintance whom I met at a business organization many years ago. After forced departure from Uganda, Dilu and her family (with two small girls) emigrated to Canada in 1972. Today, Amina is owner and operator of Triple F Photo Tours.

When I first had the thought of getting back into photography'

I knew it had to be much more than just taking photos for pay or for enjoyment.

I knew there had to be a way of giving back ~ using the camera as a tool.

Having worked in film and television...wardrobe assistant...producer manager...and sometimes when I got lucky, on-set photography ~ I eventually walked away from it all after burning out. One of the highlights of my career was a self-financed documentary that I produced, directed and shot in Uganda on the return of the exiled Asians under Amin's rule.

My family and I were one of those exiled Asians and I was only 3 when life changed us forever. I always dreamed, as a child of returning to Uganda one day ~ and when the 30^th anniversary came up, I decided to tell the story. It was at that point in2007, I saw the plight of girls ~ and knew I had to do something to change it for the better. It was definitely not going to be just giving money ~ as unfortunately in many cases, the money never reaches the people who need it most.

Remembering clearly August 2017, I woke up in the middle of the night with inspiration . I shook my husband awake...and exclaimed, “I know what I want to do for the rest of my life ~ I want to go to Uganda and train girls in photography.” He turned around and went back to bed ~ and I started writing out my plan.

Exactly one year later in August 2018, I embarked on my first training ~ it was my friend, Venex, who is a journalist by trade in Uganda, who suggested I train local girls, who were studying to beome journalists...or were journalists, but not getting full-time employment because they did not own a camera...or did not know how to use it to tell their stories. Thus, they were not getting paid or hired.

From my first training we had immediate success. Joanita is a 22-year-old young journalist and during the training, or even at her interview, failed to say she was not getting paid for her work because she did not own a camera. Following the initial training, she went to show her editor the camera ~ and was put on full-time payroll ~ and is now getting published 4 times a week.

In a country where the average monthly income is $50 US,

she is now able to support herself, her mother and siblings.

Joanita and girls like her are the reason I keep working hard to make this a success!

I have just returned from my second trip this past June ~ where I trained 18 girls; 3 girls had their cameras, but didn't know how to move past the auto setting. Over 3 days, we worked from a small space in the slums ~ and they learned all the basics: how to hold the camera...the exposure triangle... composition and more. It was exciting for them...and for me as it fulfilled the philanthropy in me.

Something like this from far away is not feasible without support

from locals on the ground ~ and international sponsors.

Kelby One provides me with free licences each year so the girls can learn editing

and watch photography videos to keep up their training.

Youth Arts Movement Uganda is my partner on the ground in Uganda

and he offers free editing training to the girls on a bi-weekly basis.

As well as attendance at his monthly photography and film training camps,

so they can take their training to the next level.

I further their training with online reviews and bi-weekly assignments

that are delivered through a Whatsapp group.

To successfully run this program, I need to raise $5,000 each year.

I need to pay for the editing space...buy cameras (mostly used)

as I cannot afford 15 new cameras at this time...

and run the training for an entire year.

There are no costs to the girls as they cannot afford it.

The whole idea is to bring them up to a level where they can find employment

with the help of the camera and subsequent training.

Once the girls finish their training, they are expected to mentor the next year's girls, which not only keeps the training going ~ but helps each girl to bring up another girl,financially and otherwise.

Now for the camera I rely on to tell my stories:

I use the Fujifilm X-T3 and my 2 lenses I take to Uganda are the 18-55 kit lens and the 70-200mm lens for safari shots. I love Fuji and what it has done for my personal photography.

When someone signs up for a photo-tour toUganda,

a portion of the cost goes towards training a girl in photography.

Our travellers not only see the beauty of Uganda ..but they get to interact

and help train, or in some cases, improve upon their own photography.

My mission is it to make it life-changing for both traveller and student.

With gracious thanks to Amina for this challenge in her life;

we're all grateful for her goals in bettering lives for girls in Uganda.

Composed by Merle Baird-Kerr...September 16, 2019

Thoughts and comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

Meeting Dr. Livingston

A few days ago, I received a note from my son:

Last night I accompanied Pastor Matt on a pastoral visitation for one of the senior church members.

Upon entering the hospital, my immediate memory flash was about …

Meeting Dr. Livingstone!

What do I know about him? Not Much!

“Dr. Livingston, I presume?”

asked Henry Morton Stanley

as he met this man...unheard of and unseen for four years,

…supposedly 'disappeared' off the planet.

Early Life: David Livingstone was born 19 March 1813, in the mill town of Blantyre, Scotland in a tenement building for workers of a cotton factory along the banks of the Clyde River. At the age of 10, he was employed in the cotton mill. He and his 12-year-old brother worked 12 to 14 hour days as 'piecers' (tying broken cotton threads on the spinning machines). He was a student at the Charing Cross Medical School from 1838-40; his courses covered...medical practices , midwifery and botany.

His father, Neil, was a Sunday School teacher and a tea-totaler who handed out Christian tracts on his travels from door to door as a tea salesman. He read extensively books on theology, travels and most missionary enterprises. Understandingly, young David became a very avid reader; however he enjoyed scouring the countryside for animal, plant and geological specimens in local limestone quarries. David's deep interest in nature and science

led him to investigate the relationship between religion and science.

At Anderson's College in Glasgow, he attended Greek and theology lectures. Then later, at London Missionary Society for missionary training. Livingstone hoped to go to China as a missionary, but due to the First Opium War in1839, he was encouraged by the LMS missionary, Robert Moffat, that African slave trade might be destroyed through the influence of 'Legitimate Trade' and the spread of Christianity. Livingstone, then focused his ambitions on South Africa.

Exploration of Southern and Central Africa: Livingstone was one of the first Westerners to make a transcontinental journey across Africa. His motto, inscribed in the base of the statue dedicated to him at Victoria Falls was: Christianity, Commerce and Civilization…which would form an alternative to the slave trade which was still rampant in Africa at that time. It was the abolition of African slave trade ~ his primary motivation. To him, the key to achieving these goals was the navigation of the Zambezi River…a Christian commercial highway into the interior. He returned to Britain to try to garner support for his ideas ~ and to publish a book on his travels which brought him fame as one of the leading explorers of the age. With the help of the Royal Geographical Society, Livingstone was appointed as “Her Majesty’s Consul” for the east coast of Africa.

Zambezi Expedition: The British Government arranged to fund Livingstone’s idea and he returned to Africa as head of the Zambezi Expedition to examine the natural resources of southeastern Africa to open up the River Zambezi. Unfortunately, it turned out to be completely impassable to boats past the Cahora Bassa rapids: a series of cataracts and rapids that Livingstone had failed to explore on his eastern travels. The expedition lasted from March 1858 until the middle of 1864.

The River Nile: In January, 1866, he returned to Africa, this time to Zanzibar from where he set out to seek the source of the Nile…identifying Lake Albert on Lake Victoria as the source (which was partially correct as the Nile ‘bubbles from the ground, high in the mountains of Burundi’ (halfway between Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria).

The year 1869, began with Livingstone finding himself ill while in the jungle. He was rescued by Arab traders who gave him medicines and carried him to an Arab outpost.

Geographical Discoveries: He discovered for Western science, numerous geographical features such as Lake Ngami, Lake Malawi and Lake Bangweulu…in addition to Victoria Falls and the course of many rivers, especially the upper Zambezi. The farthest north he reached (the northern end of Lake Tanganyika), was still south of the equator. He did not penetrate the rain forest of the River Congo any further downstream than Ntangwe near Misisi.

Livingstone was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Geographical Society of London

and made a Fellow in the Society with which he had a strong association the rest of his life.

Stanley Meeting: Livingstone completely lost contact with the outside world for 6 years and was ill most of the last 4 years of his life. Henry Morton Stanley, who had been sent to find him by the New York Herald newspaper in 1869, found Livingstone on November 10, 1871 in Ujiji on the shores of Lake Tanganyika…greeting him with the now famous words:

“Dr. Livingstone, I presume?” to which Livingstone responded,

“Yes, I feel thankful that I am here to welcome you.”

Despite Stanley’s urgings, he was determined not to leave Africa until his mission was complete. His mission made him confused…and he had judgement difficulties at the end of his life. He failed to find connections to the Nile River…and retired to Lake Bangweulu and its swamps to explore possible rivers flowing out northward.

Death: David Livingstone died in Chief Chitamba’s village near Lake Bangweulu (present day Zambia) on May 1, 1873 from malaria and internal bleeding caused by dysentery.

His Legacy:

In Canada: The “The Livingstone Range” ~ mountains of southern Alberta.

David Livingstone Elementary School ~ Vancouver, British Columbia

David Livingstone Community School ~ Winnipeg, Manitoba

Bronze bust ~ Halifax, Nova Scotia

Gold bust ~ Borden, Ontario

David Livingstone Avenue ~ Barrie, Ontario

Other Memorials:

Livingstone made geographical discoveries for European knowledge.

He inspired abolition of the slave trade; he inspired explorers and missionaries.

He opened up Central Africa to missionaries who initiated the education and health care for Africans.

He developed trade by the African Lakes Company.

He was held in esteem by many African chiefs and local people.

His name facilitated relationship between them and the British.

Merle Baird-Kerr…information assembled April 26, 2015

Your views appreciated…email  mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

Stark 'Spec Headlines'

(September 10 Issue)

Daily receiving this newspaper, much I have enjoyed for many years.

There is always the Positive news...and always the Negative.

Such is Life!

These Elate Me

Majestic Forest once covered much of Hamilton ~ a rain forest of towering oak and walnut from Dundas to Lake Erie.

Flamborough Farmers Can Really Thresh – part of a successful Guiness World Records attempt ~ using a tractor and threshing machine.

Monarchs at Sam Lawrence Park were congregating among flowering trees

as they begin their migration.

Serena Sees a Lot of Herself in Emerging Star Anrescu. Bianca, the 19-year-old daughter of Romanian immigrants, won the title by defeating Serena Williams.

Jackson Bennett's Debut as 'running back' with the Tiger Cats on Labour Day, included scoring the game-winning touchdown.

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moirwill be the judges at the first episode of Battle of the Blades at First Ontario Centre on September 19.

Nurse's Hoops Passion Shows Through. The day after the Toronto Raptors captured their first National Basketball Association championship in June, Nick Nurse received a video from the Chicago Cubs ~ the message was from Gary Pressy, the Cubs' organist for more than 3 decades :

Nick, great job on the great run to the championship.

And there's a song here that fits the moment.

Pressy, seated at his organ proceeded to play Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

Make sure I see you in the summer here at Wrigley Field!

Horoscopes: For Pisces, Robbie Robertson says he's not slowing down. The76-year-old's projects include musical scores, books, TV...and always writing. A Canadian rock legfend, he says,

I'm motivated to keep discovering and learning.

Being Pisces,I daily read ~ giving me enlightenment and goals for the day.

“A Year of Dreams “ for Tenille Towers. She was named 'female artist of the year

and won for 'single of the year' for her song, Somebody's Daughter.

At the Movies, I check out what's being shown...and if of interest, I wait 'til it arrives at the 'movie complex' in downtown Burlington ...and there view it for $5.00...flat fee!

Tips and Techniques for Garden Transplanting: Great advice by Jessica Damiano.

In the Living section, Paul Wilson writes about Entertainment...local plays and movies.

Food: Take advantage of the late-season bounty with corn soup,

finished with a contrasting swirl of green pepper puree.

Comics: Zits I always read...also Hi and Lois...Drabble...Mutts...Sherman's Lagoon...sometimes Dilbert...Hagar the Horrible...Pickles and occasionally Rhymes with Orange (sometimes confusing).

Crossword Puzzles I attempt to daily solve...and Sudoku when 1 to 3 stars, 4 and 5,too difficult!

Life News: Glancing at Death Notices, I agree with a friend who states,

“If my name 's not there, I'm really delighted!.”

The daily photo Eye on the Area fascinates me...often I remove for placement in a Scrap Book for my son, who when working out of country, totes along a book with local colur pics...and working staff is amazed 'how beautiful his home locale is'!

An aerial colour photo of Dundurn Castle on Burlington Bay

reminds us that the castle was restored as a centennial project 50 years ago.

Following a painting of this iconic scene, City Hall ordered 65,500 postcards for promotion.

Non-Elation That Make me Cringe!

Eight Puppies Found in Trash still have their umbilical cords attached.

Two Women Failed to stop for a school bus ~ which had activated its lights,

and extended its STOP sign.

A 29-year-old woman is charged with 'careless driving'

after police say she fell asleep at the wheel on Sunday.

“Why do I still have pain months after knee replacement surgery?”

(asked a writer to Mayo Clinic News Naional)

No one seems willing to help me.

From the Negative ~ to Positive!

Sunwing Plane Blows Tire on Landing in Toronto:

Passengers were aboard a flight from Mexico when a tire on the plane blew out.

All disembarked safely after a rough flight to Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Crews Tackle Dorian's Aftermath

Canadian soldiers armed with chain saws

fanned out across the Halifax area to clean up the tangled mess

of fallen trees and power lines left by post-tropical-storm, Dorian.

I close this writing with a Rhymes With Orange cartoon:

A wide-eyed orangy cat is racing along a green rug in his human household.

And being questioned why he was racing, replied in feline language,

“The Vet said to throw treats down the hall to give my cat exercise!”

Author: Merle Baird-Kerr...September 12, 2019

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeo.ca

.

Stark 'Spec Headlines'

(September 10 Issue)

Daily receiving this newspaper, much I have enjoyed for many years.

There is always the Positive news...and always the Negative.

Such is Life!

These Elate Me

Majestic Forest once covered much of Hamilton ~ a rain forest of towering oak and walnut from Dundas to Lake Erie.

Flamborough Farmers Can Really Thresh – part of a successful Guines World Records attempt ~ using a tractor and thressing machine.

Monarchs at Sam Lawrence Park were congregatng among flowering trees

as they begin their migration.

Serena Sees a Lot of Herself in Emerging Star Anrescu. Bianca, the 19-year-old daughter of Romanian immigrants, won the title by defeating Serena Williams.

Jackson Bennett's Debut as 'running back' with the Tiger Cats on Labour Day, included scoring the game-winning touchdown.

Tessa Virtue and Scott Moirwill be the judges at the first episode of Battle of the Blades at First Ontario Centre on September 19.

Nurse's Hoops Passion Shows Through. The day after the Toronto Raptors capatured their first National Basketball Association championship in June, Nick Nurse received a video from the Chicago Cubs ~ the mesesage was from Gary Pressy, the Cubs' organist for more than 3 decades :

Nick, great job on the great run to the championship.

And there's a song here that fits the moment.

Pressy, seated at his organ proceeded to play Take Me Out to the Ballgame.

Make sure I see you in the summer here at Wrigley Field!

Horoscopes: For Pisces, Robbie Robertson says he's not slowing down. The76-year-old's projects include musical scores, books, TV...and always writing. A Canadian rock legend, he says,

I'm motivated to keep discovering and learning.

Being Pisces,I daily read ~ giving me enlighentment and goals for the day.

“A Year of Dreams “ for Tenille Towers. She was named 'female artist of the year

and won for 'single of the year' for her song, Somebody's Daughter.

At the Movies, I check out what's being shown...and if of interest, I wait 'til it arrives at the 'movie complex' in downtown Burlington ...and there view it for $5.00...flat fee!

Tips and Techniques for Garden Transplanting: Great advice by Jessica Damiano.

In the Living section, Paul Wilson writes about Entertainment...local plays and movies.

Food: Take advantage of the late-season bounty with corn soup,

finished with a contrasting swirl of green pepper puree.

Comics: Zits I always read...also Hi and Lois...Drabble...Mutts...Sherman's Lagoon...sometimes Dilbert...Hagar the Horrible...Pickles and occasionally Rhymes with Orange (sometimes confusing).

Crossword Puzzles I attempt to daily solve...and Sudoku when 1 to 3 stars, 4 and 5,too difficult!

Life News: Glancing at Death Notices, I agree with a friend who states,

“If my name 's not there, I'm really delighted!.”

The daily photo Eye on the Area fascinates me...often I remove for placement in a Scrap Book for my son, who when working out of country, totes along a book with local colour pics...and working staff is amazed 'how beautiful his home locale is'!

An aerial colour photo of Dundurn Castle on Burlington Bay

reminds us that the castle was restored as a centennial project 50 years ago.

Following a painting of this iconic scene, City Hall ordered 65,500 postcards for promotion.

Non-Elation That Make me Cringe!

Eight Puppies Found in Trash still have their umbilical cords attached.

Two Women Failed to stop for a school bus ~ which had activated its lights,

and extended its STOP sign.

A 29-year-old woman is charged with 'careless driving'

after police say she fell asleep at the wheel on Sunday.

“Why do I still have pain months after knee replacement surgery?”

(asked a writer to Mayo Clinic News National)

No one seems willing to help me.

From the Negative ~ to Positive!

Sunwing Plane Blows Tire on Landing in Toronto:

Passengers were aboard a flight from Mexico when a tire on the plane blew out.

All disembarked safely after a rough flight to Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Crews Tackle Dorian's Aftermath

Canadian soldiers armed with chain saws

fanned out across the Halifax area to clean up the tangled mess

of fallen trees and power lines left by post-tropical-storm, Dorian.

I close this writing with a Rhymes With Orange cartoon:

A wide-eyed orangy cat is racing along a green rug in its human household.

And being questioned why he was racing, replied in feline languge,

“The Vet said to throw treats down the hall to give my cat exercise!”

Author: Merle Baird-Kerr...September 12, 2019

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeo.ca

MILLIONS of STARS

MILLIONS of STARS ~

Studded in the Midnight Sky

The day, hot and humid, gave us relief as the sun set in the western sky.

With cool refreshing cocktails, we escaped to the balcony as the sun approached the fading of its orb. The residential street was slow in traffic. As wafting by was an occasionally breeze ~ the night became silent ~ as o'er the horizon, the yellow moon rose.

Together we sat as Nature turned on her 'lights of the night' with a twinkle here ~ and a glimmer there, the evening sky became alert! My evening friend directed me to the North Star...to Ursa Bear and other 'nearby galaxies' shining ever so brilliantly. In the far distance of the northwest was a sparkling star ~ . He told me it was Vega ~ and with watchful eyes, she was surrounded by a host of twinkling starlets.

Oh! the wonders of astronomy ~ its planets and shooting stars!

“Wonders of the night sky has fascinated humanity for millennian ~ from celestial sights in summer to bright stars and constellations. The true joy of a moonlit night is something we no longer understand. Only the 'men of old', when where there was no light, could understand the true joy of a moonlit night,” observed Yasunari Kawabata.

“A sunset is the sun's fiery kiss to the night,” stated Crystal Woods.

“A starry sky is something that touches your soul. Our civilization's religion, philosophy, science and literature ~ all have roots with our views of the heavens,” observed Alisha Sevigny.

A few years ago, when our balconies were replaced, my table and chairs were stored. During this time, my statue of a 'sitting Yoga' disappeared. Shopping for another statue, I found a few 'on sale' at a local nursery. All, being white, my eyes dwelt on a female with a hand to her brow and seemingly looking into the future. She spoke to my inner soul.

Much too heavy for me to lug, a garden assistant lifted it to a cart...

to the cash register for payment...then lugged it to my veheicle.

Upon arriving home, the 'super' kindly carting it in

a shopping basket...

coming to my 3^rd floor apartment...kindly placed my new statue

upon my balcony's black iron stand.

And there, with hand to her brow, she peers into the night sky at Vega's constellation!

And you've guessed ~ I've named her Vega!

Vega is the 5^th brightest star in the night sky ~ and the second brightest star in the northern celestial hemisphere. Vega is known as Alpha Lyrae, as it is the principal star in the constellation Lyra, the lyre.

Located just 25 light years from Earth, visible in the summer sky only of the Northern Hemisphere.

She 'stars' with Deneb and Altair. Surrounded by a disc of debris, possibly as the result of a planetary collision, she is the 5^th brightest star in the sky! Vega is the Second Most Important star in the sky.

A Scientific Opinion

Vega will only last another few hundred million years ~ before coming a 'Red Giant.'

And someone replied to said astronomer, “Well, That's a d___long time!

Most of us watching this night video, will be dust ~ within 50 to 60 years.

And someone else concluded: “ So any possible civilizations

in the world would be referred to as Vegans!”

Written by Merle Baird-Kerr...August 11, 2019

To comment: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca

IG and Uana

By ANI...on assignment from Wild Writings Press...Planet Earth

I've been to Yukatan a couple times (each of 2 years when adjoining friend Eleanor), who'd winter there escaping Oakville's harsh weather. Said she, “We'll fly into Merida (Where's that? I asked.).

“'Tis the capital city of Yukatan, near a million population ~ very metropolitan...30 minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. And there on the coast is Progreso, a bustling Mayan port town. Most speak the Mayan tongue...some speak Spanish...and a few can English-ize.” With dictionary in hand, we struggled in Spanish. And there we met ANI, our English-speaking journalist.

Each day we'd walk into town ~ or take a local van;

and at the beach bar, there we met IG

who recommended lunch and chilled Corona beer.

(and since that day ~ Corona's been my favourite).

Our home 'on the Gulf' had 2 swaying palm trees,

a long sandy beach with view of Gulf waters ~ and ocean going ships.

At end of 'his day' Ig brought us sunhats and told of his race.

He was born Mayan, who as a child, loved Iguanas

so 'Iggie' (his Papa nicknamed him.

Our specie of Lizards is Iguana dwelling in Mexico's Yukatan.

They thrive in tropical, sub-tropical forests, in deserts and coastlines.

Spending most of their time in the canopy of trees,

they descend to mate and lay eggs ~ then probably change trees.

Primarily as 'herbivores', their daily activity

is feeding on leaves, flowers and fruits.

They live near the water 'cause they're excellent swimmers.

The Green Iguana, lengthen 5 to 7 feet (from nose to tail); they have strong jaws with very sharp teeth.

Tails are long ('bout half of body length) and being very sharp ~ used for 'defence' to punch any enemy!

Reproduction

(as reported by ANI in her journalist assignment)

Iguanas tend to breed in dry season, ensuring that the young hatch in wet season when food is more readily available. In 'courtship' more than one female may be present. Courtship behaviour of males includes head-bobbing...extending and retraction of the 'dewlap'...and nuzzling or biting of the female's neck. “Dominate Males' may mark rocks, branches and chosen females with a waxy substance secreted from their femoral pores. During mating, the male approaches the female and climbs on her back, straddling her. To restrain his mate, he grips her shoulder skin with his teeth.

Coplulation may last for several minutes.

“About 65 days after mating, a female is ready to lay her eggs. Over a 3-day period, an average of 10 to 30 leathery white or pale-cream coloured eggs are deposited into a nest ~ which is located about a metre deep and may be shared by other females if nesting areas are limited. After laying the eggs, females may return to the nest several times ~ but do not stay to guard it.

“Incubation lasts 90 to 120 days. The hatchlings 'pip the egg open with a special tooth' that falls off shortly after the hatching. The absorbed yolk provides nourishment for the first week or two of an Iguana's life. After the eggs are hatched, there is no direct 'parent investment' in the young.

“The diet of the Iguanas,” as reported by ANI, “is related to age.

The young consume insects and eggs.”

ANI further states that Iguanas can live for more than 20 years in captivity;

although those 'in the wild' live only 8 years.

Behaviour ~ as observed by ANI:

“In the wild, most disputes among Iguanas

take place over 'basking sites.'

Usually, adequate food ~ but 'good perches' are limited.

During breeding season, males become 'terratorial'.

They will bite at each other ~ yet, injuries in the wild are rare

as ample space, there is, for males to retreat when threatened.

Injuries in captivity are more common.

Females display some of these behaviours when nesting sites are limited.

IG, unhappy with mate, UANA, related to ANI: She doesn't wannna eat that food..she doesn't wanna go there...wants cosmetics for her sensitive skin...wanna a different nest...doesn't wanna attend another 'gathering'! So, now, ANI ~ her name no longer is AUNA : I call her WANNA!

“Green Iguanas may travel considerable distances.

Females migrate to the same nesting site for several years, then travel back to their home territory. Once their eggs hatch, the hatchlings may disperse over long distances.

Colour, Habitat and Predators

“Although called 'green iguanas' these animals are variable in colour, The young may appear more blotchy or banded between green and brown. In the morning, when body temperature is low, skin colour will be darker helping the lizard/iguana to absorb heat from sunlight. As hot-mid-day sun radiates, their skin becomes paler, helping to reflect the sun rays ~ minimizing the heat absorbed.

Iguanas prefer to bask in tree limbs that over-hang water ~

so when threatend by a predator ~ they can dive into the water

and swiftly swim away.

Hawks and large birds are potential predators of juvenile aguanas. Humans eat both iguanas and their eggs. Humans also use these reptiles for crocodile bait and poach them for the pet trade.

Travelling With ANI:

Arranging with a taxi and driver who understood bit o' English, ANI had suggested tours to view Mayan country, wild life and historic places. The SPEED HUMPS on roads were the biggest we'd seen...so' slow-down' and 'slow-over' were absolute MUSTS! Along Yucatan's west coast was a scenic cove where sea-going birds often landed. How marvellous their wings and air speed! Along the coast at Celestun, were hosts and hosts of pink flamingos! And parrots, brilliantly coated, a pleasure to see.

Discoveries in recent years have unearthed several years of civilizations...one of great interest was the famed Chichen Itza encompassing a massive pyramid with 'ball court' and stone temples. Climbing the many steps, we rested atop ~ visualizing history, as new, in an earlier year. Nearby was a Cenote like a miniature clear-blue lake. Several there are in Yucatan. A Mayan, lazing nearby, invited us to step into this natural swmming hole (formed by the collapse of porous limestone bedrock which revealed a sub-terranian world of a groundwater pool.) How wonderfully refreshing on this hot, very humid day! It was at these Cenotes that Mayans communicated with gods. Further south, we travelled by boat into a 'mangrove'...unsettled I was (due to fear of snakes and other reptilian creatures!)

Comments for ANI MAL ~ kindly email to

mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca 

Written by Merle Baird-Kerr...July 9, 2018