July 25 art - (No Sit Spot) - July 25, 2025
11 hours ago
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Moose Recipes!
Moose Nose
Ingredients
1 moose nose
salt & pepper
3-4 bay leaves
onion
Directions
1 Place nose in large pot -- hide, hair and all!
2 Boil for 2 hours.
3 Don't look in the pot during cooking.
4 Cool dish down until you can handle it, then skin the nose without fainting.
5 Discard the hide. Wash the nose in cold water. Place the nose in a pot of clean, cold water. Add salt & pepper to your taste, bay leaves, and onions. Boil until tender.
6 Chill and serve sliced on crackers with a smear of cream cheese.
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Canadian Moose Soup
Ingredients
2 1/4 lbs moose (1 inch cubes)
12 cups water
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
1 turnip, chopped
2 parsnips, chopped
1/4 cup rice
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Directions
1 In a large boiler add 12 cups water, 2 ½ lbs. Moose meat.
2 Add chopped onion and let boil for one hour. Add chopped.
3 vegetables and simmer for 30 minutes. Add rice and simmer.
4 until rice is cooked. Makes 10-12 servings.
Ingredients
1 moose nose
salt & pepper
3-4 bay leaves
onion
Directions
1 Place nose in large pot -- hide, hair and all!
2 Boil for 2 hours.
3 Don't look in the pot during cooking.
4 Cool dish down until you can handle it, then skin the nose without fainting.
5 Discard the hide. Wash the nose in cold water. Place the nose in a pot of clean, cold water. Add salt & pepper to your taste, bay leaves, and onions. Boil until tender.
6 Chill and serve sliced on crackers with a smear of cream cheese.
-------------
Canadian Moose Soup
Ingredients
2 1/4 lbs moose (1 inch cubes)
12 cups water
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, chopped
1 turnip, chopped
2 parsnips, chopped
1/4 cup rice
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Directions
1 In a large boiler add 12 cups water, 2 ½ lbs. Moose meat.
2 Add chopped onion and let boil for one hour. Add chopped.
3 vegetables and simmer for 30 minutes. Add rice and simmer.
4 until rice is cooked. Makes 10-12 servings.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Thunder Bay: What's Happening
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
* Perogies for sale every Friday, Port Arthur Prosvita, 540 S. High St. Orders: 344-7490. Pick up after 2 p.m.
* Perogies & cabbage rolls for sale, Polish Br. 19, 102 S. Court St., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Polish lunches, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Orders: 345-1166.
* Herb Carroll 55 Plus Centre, 1100 Lincoln St., 625-2316:
– hot lunch, 12 p.m.
– progressive bridge, 1 p.m.
* Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre, 700 River St., 684-3066:
– hot lunch, 11:30 a.m.
– badminton, 12 p.m.
– contract bridge, 12:45 p.m.
– ladies only billiards, 1 p.m.
– carpet bowling, 2 p.m.
* RCL Br. 5, 229 Van Norman St., steak dinner & DJ music, 5-7 p.m. $12 advance or $15 at the door. Call 344-5511.
* Royal Purple chip bingo, Elk‘s Hall. Early birds, 12:30 p.m.; regular games to follow.
* Grief Support Group meeting, Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre, 700 River St., 1:30-3:30 p.m. Info: 684-3471.
* Social Bridge, Oliver Rd. Community Centre, 12:50-3:30 p.m. $5, includes coffee & light lunch. Info: 768-3618.
* Perogies for sale every Friday, Port Arthur Prosvita, 540 S. High St. Orders: 344-7490. Pick up after 2 p.m.
* Perogies & cabbage rolls for sale, Polish Br. 19, 102 S. Court St., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Polish lunches, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Orders: 345-1166.
* Herb Carroll 55 Plus Centre, 1100 Lincoln St., 625-2316:
– hot lunch, 12 p.m.
– progressive bridge, 1 p.m.
* Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre, 700 River St., 684-3066:
– hot lunch, 11:30 a.m.
– badminton, 12 p.m.
– contract bridge, 12:45 p.m.
– ladies only billiards, 1 p.m.
– carpet bowling, 2 p.m.
* RCL Br. 5, 229 Van Norman St., steak dinner & DJ music, 5-7 p.m. $12 advance or $15 at the door. Call 344-5511.
* Royal Purple chip bingo, Elk‘s Hall. Early birds, 12:30 p.m.; regular games to follow.
* Grief Support Group meeting, Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre, 700 River St., 1:30-3:30 p.m. Info: 684-3471.
* Social Bridge, Oliver Rd. Community Centre, 12:50-3:30 p.m. $5, includes coffee & light lunch. Info: 768-3618.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Roy Morris: My Great Grandmother's Gifts
June 13 - September 14
Roy Morris, They Live Within The Cliffs. We Know of Them, 2008,
acrylic on canvas, Collection of the Artist
Exhibition Sponsor:
"While Roy Morris is no stranger to art, this is his first solo show in a public gallery. Given that fact viewers will be amazed by the fresh, bold talent evident here. ... He arrives as a master of his idiom."
Glenn Allison, Curator
Roy Morris is a husband, father, and grandfather. Born at Bearskin Lake, he is a member of Muskrat Dam First Nation currently living in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, Canada.
See what other exhibits are at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery at their website.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A Little Humour
An avid duck hunter was in the market for a new bird dog. His search ended when he found a dog that could actually walk on water to retrieve a duck. Shocked by his find, he was sure none of his friends would ever believe him.
He decided to try to break the news to a friend of his, the eternal pessimist who refused to be impressed with anything. This, surely, would impress him. He invited him to hunt with him and his new dog.
As they waited by the shore, a flock of ducks flew by. they fired, and a duck fell. The dog responded and jumped into the water. The dog, however, did not sink but instead walked across the water to retrieve the bird, never getting more than his paws wet. This continued all day long; each time a duck fell, the dog walked across the surface of the water to retrieve it.
The pessimist watched carefully, saw everything, but did not say a single word.
On the drive home the hunter asked his friend, "Did you notice anything unusual about my new dog?"
"I sure did," responded the pessimist. "He can't swim."
-------------------------
Two men went bear hunting. While one stayed in the cabin, the other went out looking for a bear. He soon found a huge bear, shot at it but only wounded it.
The enraged bear charged toward him, he dropped his rifle and started running for the cabin as fast as he could. He ran pretty fast but the bear was just a little faster and gained on him with every step. Just as he reached the open cabin door, he tripped and fell flat.
Too close behind to stop, the bear tripped over him and went rolling into the cabin.
The man jumped up, closed the cabin door and yelled to his friend inside, "You skin this one while I go and get another!"
-------------------------
Ten common fishing terms explained
Catch and Release - A conservation motion that happens most often right before the local Fish and Game officer pulls over a boat that has caught over it's limit.
Hook - (1) A curved piece of metal used to catch fish. (2) A clever advertisement to entice a fisherman to spend his live savings on a new rod and reel. (3) The punch administered by said fisherman's wife after he spends their life savings (see also, Right Hook, Left Hook).
Line - Something you give your co-workers when they ask on Monday how your fishing went the past weekend.
Lure - An object that is semi-enticing to fish, but will drive an angler into such a frenzy that he will charge his credit card to the limit before exiting the tackle shop.
Reel - A weighted object that causes a rod to sink quickly when dropped overboard.
Rod - An attractively painted length of fiberglass that keeps an angler from ever getting too close to a fish.
School - A grouping in which fish are taught to avoid your $29.99 lures and hold out for spam instead.
Tackle - What your last catch did to you as you reeled him in, but just before he wrestled free and jumped back overboard.
Tackle Box - A box shaped alarmingly like your comprehensive first aid kit. Only a tackle box contains many sharp objects, so that when you reach in the wrong box blindly to get a Band Aid, you soon find that you need more than one.
Test - (1) The amount of strength a fishing line affords an angler when fighting fish in a specific weight range. (2) A measure of your creativity in blaming "that darn line" for once again losing the fish.
He decided to try to break the news to a friend of his, the eternal pessimist who refused to be impressed with anything. This, surely, would impress him. He invited him to hunt with him and his new dog.
As they waited by the shore, a flock of ducks flew by. they fired, and a duck fell. The dog responded and jumped into the water. The dog, however, did not sink but instead walked across the water to retrieve the bird, never getting more than his paws wet. This continued all day long; each time a duck fell, the dog walked across the surface of the water to retrieve it.
The pessimist watched carefully, saw everything, but did not say a single word.
On the drive home the hunter asked his friend, "Did you notice anything unusual about my new dog?"
"I sure did," responded the pessimist. "He can't swim."
-------------------------
Two men went bear hunting. While one stayed in the cabin, the other went out looking for a bear. He soon found a huge bear, shot at it but only wounded it.
The enraged bear charged toward him, he dropped his rifle and started running for the cabin as fast as he could. He ran pretty fast but the bear was just a little faster and gained on him with every step. Just as he reached the open cabin door, he tripped and fell flat.
Too close behind to stop, the bear tripped over him and went rolling into the cabin.
The man jumped up, closed the cabin door and yelled to his friend inside, "You skin this one while I go and get another!"
-------------------------
Ten common fishing terms explained
Catch and Release - A conservation motion that happens most often right before the local Fish and Game officer pulls over a boat that has caught over it's limit.
Hook - (1) A curved piece of metal used to catch fish. (2) A clever advertisement to entice a fisherman to spend his live savings on a new rod and reel. (3) The punch administered by said fisherman's wife after he spends their life savings (see also, Right Hook, Left Hook).
Line - Something you give your co-workers when they ask on Monday how your fishing went the past weekend.
Lure - An object that is semi-enticing to fish, but will drive an angler into such a frenzy that he will charge his credit card to the limit before exiting the tackle shop.
Reel - A weighted object that causes a rod to sink quickly when dropped overboard.
Rod - An attractively painted length of fiberglass that keeps an angler from ever getting too close to a fish.
School - A grouping in which fish are taught to avoid your $29.99 lures and hold out for spam instead.
Tackle - What your last catch did to you as you reeled him in, but just before he wrestled free and jumped back overboard.
Tackle Box - A box shaped alarmingly like your comprehensive first aid kit. Only a tackle box contains many sharp objects, so that when you reach in the wrong box blindly to get a Band Aid, you soon find that you need more than one.
Test - (1) The amount of strength a fishing line affords an angler when fighting fish in a specific weight range. (2) A measure of your creativity in blaming "that darn line" for once again losing the fish.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Nipigon: Fishing festival a hit
By SPECIAL TO THE CHRONICLE-JOURNAL
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
The 44th annual Nipigon Fall Fishing Festival has been declared a huge success, with the fishing derby bringing in 268 fish plus 61 perch from the kids.
A total of 96 salmon were entered, along with 132 walleye and pike combined and 40 lake trout. Prizes are now given by draw rather than size, a format organizers say increases entries. Ryan Bonde of Thunder Bay got the top salmon prize while Emily Cooney of Red Rock had the largest perch in the kids‘ Huck Fin Derby.
Thunder Bay‘s Drifters won the 16-team slow-pitch tournament.
Winners in the inaugural Nipigon Idol contest were Terri Lee Lanigan of Thunder Bay, Tim Albertson of Dorion and Tatum Blanchette of Nipigon in the senior category; Kayla Netemegesic, Nipigon, Nakita Dubray, Nipigon, and Cole Larson, Thunder Bay in the intermediate division; and Jory Zechner, Nipigon, Jonna Zechner, Nipigon, and Hailey Tees, Red Rock, in the junior category.
Kylie Perala was delcared festival queen and Taria Turri festival princess.
John Zechner Jr. of Nipigon was overall winner in the annual Walkathon/Run. Kayla Kjellman, Nipigon, was tops in the female division.
Read more at The Chronicle Journal
Find Nipigon at NOmap.ca
Friday, August 29, 2008
Recipes: Walleye
Walleye with Beer Batter:
Serves 4
2 lbs. Walleye fillets
3 eggs
1/2 can cold beer
2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
Beat eggs until fluffy. Add beer and 1 tsp. salt. In separate bowl, combine flour, cornmeal and remaining salt. Dip fillets into liquid batter then into dry mixture, and back into liquid batter. Fry in butter until light brown and fish flakes with a fork.
------------------------
BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Fish Skewers
4-5 lbs walleye (or Northern Pike) fillets -- cut into 1" cubes
1 lb bacon strips, cut in half
Italian style dressing
Your favourite BBQ sauce
Bamboo skewers
Marinate cubed fish in Italian style dressing for 1 hour. Wrap bacon strips around marinated fish cubes. Spear into skewers so bacon doesn't unravel. Repeat until skewers are full. Cook over medium heat on barbecue; turn continually. Brush on your favourite BBQ sauce when the bacon begins to get crisp. Continue turning periodically until fish is white and bacon is crisp.
Caution: Keep a watch on the skewers. The fat from the bacon causes flare-ups.
-----------------------
Orange Pecan Walleye with Wild Rice
Freshwater Fish thanks Chef Christian Ticarro
in Minnesota
for this delicious recipe!
For the Pickerel/Walleye:
2 Pickerel/Walleye fillets, 8 - 10 oz each
Salt & pepper
Canola oil
For the Orange Butter Sauce:
1/4 cup white wine
1 - 2 shallots
1 sprig fresh thyme (optional)
Splash of heavy cream
1/2 tsp unsalted butter
Lemon juice
Orange juice concentrate
Salt & pepper
Toasted pecan pieces
For Wild Rice:
Combine:
2 cups cooked wild rice
1/4 cup dried white figs
1/4 cup diced dried apple
Chicken stock (or water)
Salt & pepper
Pickerel/Walleye:
Season fish with salt & pepper. Sear fish top side down in a hot pan until almost cooked through (5 minutes) and remove from heat.
Orange Butter Sauce:
Roughly chop shallots. Add wine, shallots and thyme to sauce pot, reduce until almost dry. Add cream and butter into mixture. Strain shallots and thyme out. Season with lemon juice, salt & pepper, orange juice concentrate and toasted pecans.
Top Pickerel/Walleye with butter sauce and serve with wild rice.
Serves 2
Serves 4
2 lbs. Walleye fillets
3 eggs
1/2 can cold beer
2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
Beat eggs until fluffy. Add beer and 1 tsp. salt. In separate bowl, combine flour, cornmeal and remaining salt. Dip fillets into liquid batter then into dry mixture, and back into liquid batter. Fry in butter until light brown and fish flakes with a fork.
------------------------
BBQ Bacon-Wrapped Fish Skewers
4-5 lbs walleye (or Northern Pike) fillets -- cut into 1" cubes
1 lb bacon strips, cut in half
Italian style dressing
Your favourite BBQ sauce
Bamboo skewers
Marinate cubed fish in Italian style dressing for 1 hour. Wrap bacon strips around marinated fish cubes. Spear into skewers so bacon doesn't unravel. Repeat until skewers are full. Cook over medium heat on barbecue; turn continually. Brush on your favourite BBQ sauce when the bacon begins to get crisp. Continue turning periodically until fish is white and bacon is crisp.
Caution: Keep a watch on the skewers. The fat from the bacon causes flare-ups.
-----------------------
Orange Pecan Walleye with Wild Rice
Freshwater Fish thanks Chef Christian Ticarro
in Minnesota
for this delicious recipe!
For the Pickerel/Walleye:
2 Pickerel/Walleye fillets, 8 - 10 oz each
Salt & pepper
Canola oil
For the Orange Butter Sauce:
1/4 cup white wine
1 - 2 shallots
1 sprig fresh thyme (optional)
Splash of heavy cream
1/2 tsp unsalted butter
Lemon juice
Orange juice concentrate
Salt & pepper
Toasted pecan pieces
For Wild Rice:
Combine:
2 cups cooked wild rice
1/4 cup dried white figs
1/4 cup diced dried apple
Chicken stock (or water)
Salt & pepper
Pickerel/Walleye:
Season fish with salt & pepper. Sear fish top side down in a hot pan until almost cooked through (5 minutes) and remove from heat.
Orange Butter Sauce:
Roughly chop shallots. Add wine, shallots and thyme to sauce pot, reduce until almost dry. Add cream and butter into mixture. Strain shallots and thyme out. Season with lemon juice, salt & pepper, orange juice concentrate and toasted pecans.
Top Pickerel/Walleye with butter sauce and serve with wild rice.
Serves 2
Thunder Bay: Bayou Boogie
King Louie, played by Louis Ting, Debbie Ting-Strausbaugh and Queen Gerry, played by Geraldine Ting, spin umbrellas during Thursday’s promotion in Thunder Bay of the annual Bayou Boogie. The event opens today at Grand Portage Lodge and Casino and continues throughout the Labour Day weekend. The Hymers Fall Fair and Nipigon fishing festival are also on the holiday weekend calendar. (Sandi Krasowski)
Read this and more at the Chronicle Journal.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Thunder Bay: Fun, games and corn at Hymers Fair
By THE CHRONICLE-JOURNAL
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The Labour Day holiday weekend will be filled with fun, games, music and corn at the 2008 Hymers Fall Fair.
First held in 1912, this year‘s fair runs Sunday and Monday, and is to include traditional events like daily prizes, produce and livestock competitions, and variety shows.
“It is fairly traditional, and that seems to get the people coming back – they don‘t seem to mind,” fair secretary Debbie Hoover said Tuesday.
However, this year will also feature some new content, including a silent crafts action, an oxen display presented by Fort William Historical Park, and an air band contest in which participants mime along to their favourite tunes.
Each year‘s fair has a governing theme, which influences the events and food.
Last year‘s theme was goats, and this year‘s is corn.
Visitors can expect a wide array of corn-based baking and cooking this year.
Average fair attendance in previous years has been around 10,000 people over the the two days.
The fair officially opens at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Further information and directions to get there are available online at the fair‘s website.
Read this at the Chronicle Journal
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
The Labour Day holiday weekend will be filled with fun, games, music and corn at the 2008 Hymers Fall Fair.
First held in 1912, this year‘s fair runs Sunday and Monday, and is to include traditional events like daily prizes, produce and livestock competitions, and variety shows.
“It is fairly traditional, and that seems to get the people coming back – they don‘t seem to mind,” fair secretary Debbie Hoover said Tuesday.
However, this year will also feature some new content, including a silent crafts action, an oxen display presented by Fort William Historical Park, and an air band contest in which participants mime along to their favourite tunes.
Each year‘s fair has a governing theme, which influences the events and food.
Last year‘s theme was goats, and this year‘s is corn.
Visitors can expect a wide array of corn-based baking and cooking this year.
Average fair attendance in previous years has been around 10,000 people over the the two days.
The fair officially opens at 2 p.m. on Sunday.
Further information and directions to get there are available online at the fair‘s website.
Read this at the Chronicle Journal
What to Keep in Your Car in Case of an Emergency
Posted on August 26th, 2008.
by Amy Nutt
When you drive a car, chances are that not every single road trip that you ever take is going to end well. While most of them will go off without an incident, chances are that at some point in your life you are going to be stranded temporarily and when that moment comes, you need to make sure that there are a number of devices that you keep in your car to help you get through it. Here are some suggestions to get your started along the road to being prepared for anything that might come your way.
Blankets
Even in the warmest climates of the world there are cold nights. The tropical areas of the world in particular have people in them that are susceptible to cold weather and when your car breaks down, chances are that you might have to say in it overnight if you are in an area where emergency roadside service response time is lower than normal. During this period of staying outside in the cold weather, blankets can keep you warm and potentially save you from hypothermia.
Flashlight
At the same time that you are going to be in cold weather during the night, you might also find that you are on an area of road that is not well lit. There are many such roads in existence in the world today and the only way that you can fix the problem is to bring a flashlight with you. Flashlights are extremely inexpensive nowadays and can really help you out when you’re in a jam.
First Aid Kit
If you or someone you know is in the car during an accident, then there is a chance that the person might get injured. While most automobile accidents are minor and do not result in any injuries, having a first aid kit on hand to treat injuries that might arise is something that can mean the difference between life and death. It costs you practically nothing to keep a first aid kit handy, just in case.
Air Pump
One of the most common road problems in today’s world is a flat tire and an air pump can help you put air back into the tire. While an air pump can not fix a flat tire, it can at least temporarily put air back into it so that you can drive it to the closest repair station.
Membership Info for Auto Clubs
Emergency roadside assistance is one of the major benefits inherent to auto club membership, but if you really need it then you need to be able to prove that you are a member of that specific auto club. The best way to do this is to carry your membership information with you wherever you happen to go.
Method of Contact
You want to keep some sort of contact method in your car at all times. If you carry a cell phone, then that can be your method of contact. Alternatively, you can have a service installed in your car that allows you to communicate at the push of a button. Whatever method you use, having a way to contact someone if you are in a car accident is extremely important and should not be ignored.
Other Items
The above items that were mentioned constitute the things that you absolutely should have in your car in case anything does go wrong. However, other items such as recreational items are also a good idea depending on the people you normally ferry. Those items are however personal decisions as to whether you want them or not, while the items mentioned above are absolute must haves.
Read more at The Baron
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
What's going on in Thunder Bay:
• Yuk Yuk‘s, Sat., Sept. 27, 8 p.m.
4th annual Grand Kam Canoe and Kayak Tour, presented by the Children‘s Centre Foundation Thunder Bay at Fort William Historical Park, Sat., 10 a.m. A 5 km tour and a 20 km marathon will take place where participants can paddle in singles or doubles. Admission is free, cost to participate in the paddle is $30 per person, or a minimum $30 in pledges. For more information, visit www.childrenscentre.ca or call 343-5012.
• TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, held each September, when more than 50,000 Canadians help clean our shorelines. Last year, 87,000 kilograms of garbage was recovered from more than 1,700 kilometres of shorelines, oceans & waterways. Let‘s continue to preserve Canada‘s natural resources, protect our wildlife and ensure our oceans & waterways are kept clean. Participation in a shoreline cleanup is easy. Choose a location, date & time and register by visiting www.vanaqua.org/cleanup or call 1-877-427-2422. All registrants will receive cleaning supplies and the first 50,000 will also receive a free T-shirt. Registration deadline is Sunday.
Sundays in the Park, with Flipper Flannigan‘s Flat Footed Four on the Tbayel Family Stage, 2-4 p.m. at Chippewa Park .Concert is free to the public. In case of bad weather, the show will be moved inside the Pavilion. Hosted by The Friends of Chippewa Park. Info: Kerri 623-5111.
• Labour Day Picnic, Mon., Sept. 1, 12-3 p.m. at Lakehead Labour Centre ball diamond, 929 Fort William Road, sponsored by Thunder Bay and District Labour Council. All friends and families of labour invited. For more information, call 474-4229, ext. 7.
• Dinner with Jacques Demers, presented by Thunder Bay Literacy Group, Wed., Sept. Enjoy dinner with NHL legend and literacy champion Jacques Demers at the Da Vinci Centre, 340 Waterloo St. Symposium 6 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 or for a table of 8, $275, available at UPS on Memorial Ave., the Da Vinci Centre & the United Way. Join the TBLG for this very special evening and help celebrate 25 years in the community helping adults reach their goals. Info: 475-7211 or visit: www.tblg.org.
art
• The Pictograph Gallery presents On the Wild Side, wild flowers, wild animals, and wild men, Friday, 1-3 p.m. and runs until Sept. 20. Artist Crystal Babcook. Watercolours, oils, and acrylics. The Gallery is open Tues.-Sat., 12-3 p.m. and is located on the lower level of The Atikokan Voyageur Mall. Info: 807-597-4344.
music
• Thunder Bay Youth Choir, directed by Susan Sutherland. Young people ages 8-12 are invited to sing in the choir. Only a few places are left. See www.susans.ca for more information.
Serendipity Gardens Cafe & Guest House, Rossport, ON, 807-824-2890.
• Musician Justin Lecroix will play Sat., 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10. Visit: www.justinlecroixband.com.
• Musician Mike Lynch will play Tues., Sept. 2, 9 p.m. Admissions is $10. Visit: lynchmusic.ca.
• Dulcisono Women‘s Choir. Looking for a place to sing? Dulcisono invites sopranos & altos (ages 16+) to make new friends while singing a variety of music, old & new, sacred & secular, spirituals & more. Rehearsals are Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m. For more information or to arrange an audition, call musical director Susan Marrier 768-5321, or Elaine McLean 767-6028.
dancing
• RCL Polish Combatants Br. 219, 209 N. Cumberland St., 345-1861. Fri., 9 p.m.-1 a.m., with Quest. No cover.
RCL Port Arthur Br. 5, 229 Van Norman St., 345-8232. Sat., 3-6 p.m. Music by Town & Country. Prizes, spot dancing & fun for all. $3 cover. Everyone welcome.
museums
• Founders Museum Pioneer Village, corner of Hwy. 61 & Gillespie Road. Do you enjoy tender beef on a bun & politics? Then make it out to the 4th annual Olde Tyme Conservative barbeque and live auction, Thurs., 4-8 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults & $5 for children under 12 years. Hosted by the Thunder Bay-Rainy River Conservative Association. Info: Jason 623-1219.
chess
• Giant Chess, Intercity Shopping Centre, continues until Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info: chessguy_eh@yahoo.ca.
Read this and other stories at The Chronicle Journal
Thunder Bay on NOmap.ca
4th annual Grand Kam Canoe and Kayak Tour, presented by the Children‘s Centre Foundation Thunder Bay at Fort William Historical Park, Sat., 10 a.m. A 5 km tour and a 20 km marathon will take place where participants can paddle in singles or doubles. Admission is free, cost to participate in the paddle is $30 per person, or a minimum $30 in pledges. For more information, visit www.childrenscentre.ca or call 343-5012.
• TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, held each September, when more than 50,000 Canadians help clean our shorelines. Last year, 87,000 kilograms of garbage was recovered from more than 1,700 kilometres of shorelines, oceans & waterways. Let‘s continue to preserve Canada‘s natural resources, protect our wildlife and ensure our oceans & waterways are kept clean. Participation in a shoreline cleanup is easy. Choose a location, date & time and register by visiting www.vanaqua.org/cleanup or call 1-877-427-2422. All registrants will receive cleaning supplies and the first 50,000 will also receive a free T-shirt. Registration deadline is Sunday.
Sundays in the Park, with Flipper Flannigan‘s Flat Footed Four on the Tbayel Family Stage, 2-4 p.m. at Chippewa Park .Concert is free to the public. In case of bad weather, the show will be moved inside the Pavilion. Hosted by The Friends of Chippewa Park. Info: Kerri 623-5111.
• Labour Day Picnic, Mon., Sept. 1, 12-3 p.m. at Lakehead Labour Centre ball diamond, 929 Fort William Road, sponsored by Thunder Bay and District Labour Council. All friends and families of labour invited. For more information, call 474-4229, ext. 7.
• Dinner with Jacques Demers, presented by Thunder Bay Literacy Group, Wed., Sept. Enjoy dinner with NHL legend and literacy champion Jacques Demers at the Da Vinci Centre, 340 Waterloo St. Symposium 6 p.m. Dinner 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 or for a table of 8, $275, available at UPS on Memorial Ave., the Da Vinci Centre & the United Way. Join the TBLG for this very special evening and help celebrate 25 years in the community helping adults reach their goals. Info: 475-7211 or visit: www.tblg.org.
art
• The Pictograph Gallery presents On the Wild Side, wild flowers, wild animals, and wild men, Friday, 1-3 p.m. and runs until Sept. 20. Artist Crystal Babcook. Watercolours, oils, and acrylics. The Gallery is open Tues.-Sat., 12-3 p.m. and is located on the lower level of The Atikokan Voyageur Mall. Info: 807-597-4344.
music
• Thunder Bay Youth Choir, directed by Susan Sutherland. Young people ages 8-12 are invited to sing in the choir. Only a few places are left. See www.susans.ca for more information.
Serendipity Gardens Cafe & Guest House, Rossport, ON, 807-824-2890.
• Musician Justin Lecroix will play Sat., 8:30 p.m. Admission is $10. Visit: www.justinlecroixband.com.
• Musician Mike Lynch will play Tues., Sept. 2, 9 p.m. Admissions is $10. Visit: lynchmusic.ca.
• Dulcisono Women‘s Choir. Looking for a place to sing? Dulcisono invites sopranos & altos (ages 16+) to make new friends while singing a variety of music, old & new, sacred & secular, spirituals & more. Rehearsals are Tuesdays, 7-9:30 p.m. For more information or to arrange an audition, call musical director Susan Marrier 768-5321, or Elaine McLean 767-6028.
dancing
• RCL Polish Combatants Br. 219, 209 N. Cumberland St., 345-1861. Fri., 9 p.m.-1 a.m., with Quest. No cover.
RCL Port Arthur Br. 5, 229 Van Norman St., 345-8232. Sat., 3-6 p.m. Music by Town & Country. Prizes, spot dancing & fun for all. $3 cover. Everyone welcome.
museums
• Founders Museum Pioneer Village, corner of Hwy. 61 & Gillespie Road. Do you enjoy tender beef on a bun & politics? Then make it out to the 4th annual Olde Tyme Conservative barbeque and live auction, Thurs., 4-8 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults & $5 for children under 12 years. Hosted by the Thunder Bay-Rainy River Conservative Association. Info: Jason 623-1219.
chess
• Giant Chess, Intercity Shopping Centre, continues until Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info: chessguy_eh@yahoo.ca.
Read this and other stories at The Chronicle Journal
Thunder Bay on NOmap.ca
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Adventure Trails in Northern Ontario
"Friday, August 22, 2008
By: Amy Nutt
When you think of natural resources in all their glory and splendor, you think Northern Ontario. Canada's best kept secret, Northern Ontario is one hell of a joy ride. If you've got the adventure bug, sniff out your choice of adventure trails traipsing through this region and get ready to go on the most exciting trip of your life. Trust us, outdoor adventures have just got better.
From paddling down meandering rivers in canoes, walking down endless trails in magnificent forests of white pine to going on your ATV dirt bike for a whirl or spinning a ghostly yarn around a campfire - Northern Ontario is the place to be.
For the adventurous at heart, the sky is truly the limit here. When it comes to adventure trails, hiking in Northern Ontario is the most common activity that adventure enthusiasts take up. What better way to begin than to start of your hike at Ontario's rooftop, the magnificent Ishpatino ridge, situated in Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Wilderness Park? If day hikes are a piece of cake for you, then night vision hikes organized by the Canadian Ecological Center in Mattawa are the next trails you should explore..."
Read the rest of Amy's blog entry about Adventuring in Northern Ontario at All about Dirt Bike
Monday, August 25, 2008
Terrace Bay Drag Fest
Aug 13th, 2008 by star22
The Red Rock Folk Fest was pretty amazing. There were musicians from across the country performing. And, there were a lot of fun activities including voyageur canoe rides, yoga workshops and kayaking on the river with local outfitters. The folk fest was held on Aug 8,9,10 in Red Rock, Ontario. Here is a photo from the event. There will be a video coming soon!
Read this and other stories about the North Shore at superiornorthblog.ca
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Blog: Jay Kerr
"August 19, 2008
Photography in Northern Ontario
My photography road trip was better was better than expected with Lake Superior Provincial Park being the big surprise. If landscape photography is your thing then this park is a must stop on your travels.
I camped at the southern end of the park in Agawa Bay. The Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 17) takes you to the north end of the park in less than an hour but in between are an endless choice of trails, lakes, waterfalls, valleys and rugged coastline to photograph.
Every trail and location I visited was more impressive than the last. Each of these locations was never more than 10-20 minutes apart which is astonishing when you consider that you can drive for hours across Ontario without the landscape changing very much. The close proximity of trails, coves, and scenic lookouts is perfect for the photographer that wants to shoot multiple locations in a morning or evening.
If it was raining at the north end of the park I was able to travel south for 30 minutes where I had perfect conditions for an 8 km hike. Some of the coves had strong mist and fog in the mornings but if you travelled north 10 minutes you had warm morning light. Incredible...."
Jay Kerr, a web designer in Toronto, Canada, talks about his recent trip to Northern Ontario on his blog, The Wonderful World of Bombippy. Check it out!
I am from Northern Ontario:
I'm not a hunter, a curler or a cross country skier.
I don't live in a log cabin or a trapper's shack.
I don't eat moose meat every night.
And I don't drive a four by four.
And I don't know Bobby Curtola, Cosmo Filane or Shania Twain,
Although I've heard them all sing.
I have met Myrna Lorrie and she was very nice.
I drink whatever I want but especially clear unpolluted water.
I don't play bingo every night of the week and
I catch pickerel and pike, not Walleye and Northerns.
And I pronounce it To-Ron-To, not Trawna,
And I know that if you came from THERE to help me HERE, then the
cheque is in the mail along with a few other things.
I go for a sauna at the camp, not a steam bath at the cottage
And I've had heat stroke and frost bite in the same month.
Persians ARE cinnamon buns with icing,
George the Porter IS Santa's helper
and Heather Houston IS the best curler.
And the town next to Terrace Bay IS PRONOUNCED SKRY - Ber, not Shry -ber!!!
North Bay is south and Thunder Bay is pretty quiet.
Kakabeka IS the Niagara of the North
and Sudbury is the world's largest meteor crater.
Northern Ontario is the home of the blackfly,
The BIGGEST part of the Precambrian Shield,
And the BEST part of Ontario!!
I AM FROM NORTHERN ONTARIO!!!
Found on a message board, relayed from somewhere else. :)
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Thunder Bay: What To Do
Special Events
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, 1 Paul Shaffer Drive, 684-4444. Toll free 1-800-463-8817 or order online www.tbca.com.
• Pat Benatar, Friday, 8 p.m.
Summer in the Parks concludes tonight with the first ever local Blues night, 6:30 p.m. at Marina Park. Mercy Rose will get things going followed by Mark Potvin‘s Blues Band. The season finishes off with Tracy K hitting the stage with her band Blue Thunder.
Motors & Muscles 2008, Sat., 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Thunder Bay Harley Davidson, 636 W. Arthur St. Events include: strongman competition, biker games, dyno machine, poker fun, bike raffle, food & refreshments, displays, draws, beer gardens & live entertainment. Proceeds in support of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.
26th Annual Westfort Street Fair, Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Events include: bargains on the street, various food vendors, a variety of crafters & artisans, children\’s activities, inflatables, face painting, mini putt, train rides & more. Entertainment by Rodney Larsen, Shaun Appell, David Jonasson & Tracey K, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: Jack 475-4755.
Sundays in the Park, on the Tbayel Family Stage, 2-4 p.m. at Chippewa Park. This Sunday The Resinators will take to the stage. All concerts are free to the public. In case of bad weather, the show will be moved inside the Pavilion. Hosted by The Friends of Chippewa Park. Info: Kerri 623-5111.
Art
Art of the Harbour, concludes tonight, 6-9pm at Marina Park, during the Summer In the Parks.
Chenier Fine Arts, 8 S. Court Street, Tues-Fri 11-5pm; Saturday 11-3pm. Gallery 1 features Landscape Images & Gallery 2 features Women in Art. New are the water inspired paintings by Kenora artist Pippi Johnson. Free Admission. Info: Debra 346-0409.
Music
Lakehead Choral Group, is a mixed voice (SATB) community choir inviting men & women (over 18 years of age) to join in and make beautiful music. Practices are Wednesday, 7:30-10 p.m. at St. Patrick High School. Christmas concert, Wed., Dec. 3. Spring concert, Wed., April 29, 2009. Call Sylvia at 622-4636 for more information and to arrange an informal audition.
Dancing
RCL Polish Combatants Br. 219, 209 N. Cumberland St., 345-1861. Fri., 9 p.m.-1 a.m., with Frankie T & The Night Hawks. No cover.
RCL Port Arthur Br. 5, 229 Van Norman St., 345-8232. Sat., 3-6 p.m. Music by Town & Country. Prizes, spot dancing & fun for all. $3 cover. Everyone welcome.
Museums
Founders Museum Pioneer Village, corner of Hwy. 61 & Gillespie Road. Do you enjoy tender beef on a bun & politics? Then make it out to the 4th annual Olde Tyme Conservative barbeque and live auction, Thurs., Aug. 28, 4-8 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults & $5 for children under 12 years. Hosted by the Thunder Bay-Rainy River Conservative Association. Info: Jason 623-1219.
Chess
Giant Chess, Intercity Shopping Centre, Mon., Aug. 25-Fri., Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info: chessguy_eh@yahoo.ca.
Thunder Bay on NOmap.ca
Thunder Bay Community Auditorium, 1 Paul Shaffer Drive, 684-4444. Toll free 1-800-463-8817 or order online www.tbca.com.
• Pat Benatar, Friday, 8 p.m.
Summer in the Parks concludes tonight with the first ever local Blues night, 6:30 p.m. at Marina Park. Mercy Rose will get things going followed by Mark Potvin‘s Blues Band. The season finishes off with Tracy K hitting the stage with her band Blue Thunder.
Motors & Muscles 2008, Sat., 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Thunder Bay Harley Davidson, 636 W. Arthur St. Events include: strongman competition, biker games, dyno machine, poker fun, bike raffle, food & refreshments, displays, draws, beer gardens & live entertainment. Proceeds in support of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation.
26th Annual Westfort Street Fair, Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Events include: bargains on the street, various food vendors, a variety of crafters & artisans, children\’s activities, inflatables, face painting, mini putt, train rides & more. Entertainment by Rodney Larsen, Shaun Appell, David Jonasson & Tracey K, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: Jack 475-4755.
Sundays in the Park, on the Tbayel Family Stage, 2-4 p.m. at Chippewa Park. This Sunday The Resinators will take to the stage. All concerts are free to the public. In case of bad weather, the show will be moved inside the Pavilion. Hosted by The Friends of Chippewa Park. Info: Kerri 623-5111.
Art
Art of the Harbour, concludes tonight, 6-9pm at Marina Park, during the Summer In the Parks.
Chenier Fine Arts, 8 S. Court Street, Tues-Fri 11-5pm; Saturday 11-3pm. Gallery 1 features Landscape Images & Gallery 2 features Women in Art. New are the water inspired paintings by Kenora artist Pippi Johnson. Free Admission. Info: Debra 346-0409.
Music
Lakehead Choral Group, is a mixed voice (SATB) community choir inviting men & women (over 18 years of age) to join in and make beautiful music. Practices are Wednesday, 7:30-10 p.m. at St. Patrick High School. Christmas concert, Wed., Dec. 3. Spring concert, Wed., April 29, 2009. Call Sylvia at 622-4636 for more information and to arrange an informal audition.
Dancing
RCL Polish Combatants Br. 219, 209 N. Cumberland St., 345-1861. Fri., 9 p.m.-1 a.m., with Frankie T & The Night Hawks. No cover.
RCL Port Arthur Br. 5, 229 Van Norman St., 345-8232. Sat., 3-6 p.m. Music by Town & Country. Prizes, spot dancing & fun for all. $3 cover. Everyone welcome.
Museums
Founders Museum Pioneer Village, corner of Hwy. 61 & Gillespie Road. Do you enjoy tender beef on a bun & politics? Then make it out to the 4th annual Olde Tyme Conservative barbeque and live auction, Thurs., Aug. 28, 4-8 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults & $5 for children under 12 years. Hosted by the Thunder Bay-Rainy River Conservative Association. Info: Jason 623-1219.
Chess
Giant Chess, Intercity Shopping Centre, Mon., Aug. 25-Fri., Aug. 29, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info: chessguy_eh@yahoo.ca.
Thunder Bay on NOmap.ca
AN EVENING OF ANISHNABE TALENT:
This Week Featuring
DJ "Indian Time" Stan Nolan
Friday, August 22nd, 2008
Indians through WTYM FM is a journey through time told by a media Disk Jockey named "DJ Indian Time". He uses his position as a voice of he people to tell a story of past events that shaped where we are today. Entertainment is suitable for all ages and will take place at the NEW 100 seat OCF Amphitheatre - rain or shine!
7:00 pm
TICKET PRICES:
$15.00 Adults, $10.00 Youth (13 to 16) / Elders (65+), $5.00 Children 5 to 12)
TO BOOK TICKETS INQUIRE AT 1-800-665-2248 OR 377-4404
Check out what else is going on around Manitoulin Island at The Great Spirit Circle Trail Website.
Check out Manitoulin Island on NOmap.ca
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Johnson & Johnson Introduces 'Nothing But Tears' Shampoo To Toughen Up Newborns
August 15, 2008 | Issue 44•33
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ—After decades of coddling young children, Johnson & Johnson unveiled its new "Nothing But Tears" shampoo this week, an aggressive bath-time product the company says will help to prepare meek and fragile newborns for the real world.
A radical departure for the health goods manufacturer, the new shampoo features an all-alcohol-based formula, has never once been approved by leading dermatologists, and is as gentle on a baby's skin as "having to grow up and fend for your goddamn self."
"We at Johnson & Johnson have been making bath time a safe and soothing experience for far too long," company CEO William C. Weldon said. "Years of pampering have left our newborns helpless, feeble, and ill-equipped for the arduous road ahead."
"It's time our children got the wake-up call that's been coming to them," Weldon continued. "It's time they cried their precious little eyes out."
The result of five years of intensive research and market testing, the company's "Nothing But Tears" shampoo contains only the most abrasive of natural ingredients and is nearly impossible to rinse from a baby's screaming face. According to directions printed on the label, the bath-time product is best used with scalding hot water for optimal toughening-up of newborns.
Available in an easy-to-find-and-open bottle, the new shampoo is also guaranteed to give children a "healthy dose of reality."...
Hahaahaha! I'm sorry folks but when I saw this, I couldn't resist sharing it with you.
Read the rest (Bad Language Alert!!) at The Onion.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Spotlight: Hearst
"Come and enjoy the hospitality of a community where 6 000 warm-hearted residents live and where 89% of that population is Francophone. Located in the heart of Ontario, Hearst lives its French heritage to the fullest. In 2006, Hearst was officially named the “Moose Capital” of Canada."
A true Canadian town to the core, filled with friendly people and many places to shop, or simply enjoy the Northern Ontario atmosphere. Hearst has a great number of bilingual residents, making it a great place for anyone to go visit and enjoy a little cultural diversity.
From August 28th 2008 to August 30th 2008
The Hearst, Mattice Val-Côté Chamber of Commerce presents Canuck Amusements again this year for 2 days of cotton candy, hot dogs, carnival games and rides! More details to be posted shortly. For more information, contact Cindy at (705)372-2838, extension 2143.
Go to the Hearst Website
Find Hearst on NOmap.ca
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Cochrane: Pioneer Days at the Heritage Village
By Nora Egan
Thursday August 07, 2008
This weekend marks the annual Pioneer Days at the Heritage Village. A time when friends can gather, enjoy the facility and meet new acquaintenances. A time to reflect on the past, the people, the community and where we are today.
What can you expect to see at the Heritage Village this weekend?
Kim Murray and Paul Latondress explained some of the activities that will take place over the two days.
On Saturday August 9, 2008 the official opening of the event will begin at 10:00 a.m. from that point people will be able to view various demonstrations, listen to live music and children will be able to take part in children’s games including face painting on site. New this year will be story reading by Dawn upstairs in the barn.
“This is the 17th annual Pioneer Days and both days are filled with activities,” advised Paul and Kim. “We have something for all ages and there will also be a reptile show,” commented Kim.
But there is more.... Every year the Pioneer Days features the live demonstrations of equipment used back in the early years. From rope making demonstrations to hay press and thrashing machine. People will be able to relate to the hard work our ancestors did during the early 1900’s. Something that will open the eyes of many who were not around during those days. Imagine having to heat a piece of iron to shoe a horse. Back in the early years that’s the way it was done, fire....iron... and hitting the steel to form a horseshoe.
The antiques provided for show will be operational during the two days so why not visit the Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village this weekend. Bring the family, stay for the day and take in the activities they have planned.
The full schedule of events is inside the Cochrane Times-Post. While you are there.... visit the Polar Bears, take in the interpretive talk at the viewing building and when your done... grab a bite to eat, talk with friends and meet new ones.
The Pioneer Days is all about renewing old acquaintenances and making new ones at the Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village.
Plan on taking in the entertainment lined up or if you haven’t visited the Heritage Village, this weekend is the time to do it.
Read this at the Cochrane Times Post
Cochrane on NOmap.ca
Thursday August 07, 2008
This weekend marks the annual Pioneer Days at the Heritage Village. A time when friends can gather, enjoy the facility and meet new acquaintenances. A time to reflect on the past, the people, the community and where we are today.
What can you expect to see at the Heritage Village this weekend?
Kim Murray and Paul Latondress explained some of the activities that will take place over the two days.
On Saturday August 9, 2008 the official opening of the event will begin at 10:00 a.m. from that point people will be able to view various demonstrations, listen to live music and children will be able to take part in children’s games including face painting on site. New this year will be story reading by Dawn upstairs in the barn.
“This is the 17th annual Pioneer Days and both days are filled with activities,” advised Paul and Kim. “We have something for all ages and there will also be a reptile show,” commented Kim.
But there is more.... Every year the Pioneer Days features the live demonstrations of equipment used back in the early years. From rope making demonstrations to hay press and thrashing machine. People will be able to relate to the hard work our ancestors did during the early 1900’s. Something that will open the eyes of many who were not around during those days. Imagine having to heat a piece of iron to shoe a horse. Back in the early years that’s the way it was done, fire....iron... and hitting the steel to form a horseshoe.
The antiques provided for show will be operational during the two days so why not visit the Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village this weekend. Bring the family, stay for the day and take in the activities they have planned.
The full schedule of events is inside the Cochrane Times-Post. While you are there.... visit the Polar Bears, take in the interpretive talk at the viewing building and when your done... grab a bite to eat, talk with friends and meet new ones.
The Pioneer Days is all about renewing old acquaintenances and making new ones at the Polar Bear Habitat and Heritage Village.
Plan on taking in the entertainment lined up or if you haven’t visited the Heritage Village, this weekend is the time to do it.
Read this at the Cochrane Times Post
Cochrane on NOmap.ca
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Red Lake: Norseman Festival 2008
"by Pamela O’Neill /Staff Reporter
The annual Norseman Floatplane Community Festival, which took place this past weekend, is something Red Lakers get the pleasure to experience every year and we all know exactly what to expect: tents for family entertainment during the day and partying at night, Norseman planes and rides, a street full of booths, and hundreds of people from all walks of life and various ages out to have fun.
So what made this festival different from previous ones? A couple additions to the 2008 schedule included a Guitar Hero Contest sponsored by Video Plus and the highly anticipated International Air Rally arrival and reception, both of which were a smashing success. (See full story on the 8th Inter-national Air Rally for details.) And something unique to us all that everyone was able to enjoy, a weekend full of pleasant weather.
Of course the festival wouldn’t have been the same without the customary Norseman Fly-By, Water Bomber Display, Car Show, fireworks that light up the sky, or the Mixed Slo-Pitch Tournament, as these are always crowd stoppers and pleasers.
Making a comeback from 2007 was the Soap Box Derby sponsored by North American Lumber, and after a year off, hypnotist Michael Leach’s return was a great way to start off the weekend on Friday evening.
As always, music could be heard both day and night throughout the streets. This year’s musical lineup included a mixture of both local and out-of-town talent such as The Service, RLMPS African Drum Choir, Small Rooms, Devon Slobozian, Jim McCann, Shyanne Hovorka, Papa Smurf, I Kill My Shadow, Jamshack, Prep Boy, Rahill, and Country Gospel...."
Read more at the Northern Sun News
Red Lake on Nomap.ca
Monday, August 11, 2008
Kapuskasing: Damp good time
"Kevin Anderson
Wednesday July 30, 2008
Back to main page — The weather didn’t cooperate and while it showed in the attendance Community Development Officer Chantal Rody said all things considered, this past weekend’s Lumberjack Heritage Festival was a success.
Early estimates put the attendance for the weekend’s festivities at approximately 5,000 people. No final numbers were available as of press time.
“The numbers weren’t as high as we were expecting but I believe the weather played a big part in that,” she commented. “The good news is the people who did come stayed for everything, which was nice to hear.”
Ms Rody said festival goers appeared especially pleased with the concerts, both Friday’s local line-up featuring Les Dead Ducks, The Dinosaurs and the Barrelhouse Blues Band and Saturday’s Rik Emmett performance.
“They all put on great performances,” she commented. “The local bands showed that there is a tremendous amount of talent in the area and Rik Emmett put on a great rock show that people really seem to have enjoyed.”
In addition to the much-heralded concerts, the festival featured the West Coast Lumberjack Show and a number of competitions."
Read more at the Kapuskasing Northern Times
Find Kapuskasing on NOmap.ca
Friday, August 8, 2008
David Kennedy - Photographing Loons
"The cry of the loon reminds us of our northern lakes and captures the wildness of this environment. In a similar way, seeing a loon is a wonderful experience to be remembered. On your cottage dock, you may see one swim by and, as you are boating, you may see a pair fishing out in the lake.
Photographing a loon, however, is not as easy as it may seem. The loon may not be close enough for your camera and lens combination. If that is so, you can try an environmental portrait where the loon is part of the photo but not the photo. If you do want to capture a portrait of the loon, you will need a longer lens such as an 80-400 mm zoom (which is an effective 120-600 mm lens on most single lens reflex digital cameras).
Even if you do have the loon (or loons) within reach of your camera, you are often faced with difficult lighting. The light may be too dark for a moving subject or you the light may be casting harsh reflections on the water that distract from your subject. You can compensate somewhat by choosing a higher ISO for the dark light and using a polarizer for the reflections. Or, you can wait to find better light on a bright but cloudy day.
Waiting is probably the most important trick to photographing loons. If you wait, you can study their behaviour...."
Read David's great photography tips on OspreyBlogs !
Thunder Bay: Exciting night at the festival stage
By PETER BURKOWSKI
Friday, August 8, 2008
" Youths and adults alike gathered for an evening of music and fun Thursday at the second annual Superior Youth Festival.
By 5:30 p.m., 100 people had already arrived at the Marina Park festival stage for the 5 1/2-hour event.
“We‘re really excited about the range of bands that we have,” said Youth Zone director Jaclyn Moneypenny. “It‘s going to be a good night.”
The festival‘s free concert featured headlining act Ten Second Epic from Edmonton, as well as local bands Twist of Fate, Empire Lies, Brett Cizmar and Z3, Exit West, Without the Glory and AVS.
X‘s For Eyes was also on the roster, but was replaced at the last minute by Vega.
“(Vega) have a girl in the band – so it‘s nice to at least get one girl out,” joked Moneypenny.
The concert opened with Brett Cizmar and Z3, a band put together less than a month ago. This was their first public performance together.
“I think (the set) went great actually – almost as good as we could have hoped,” said Cizmar.
He and his bandmates agreed that the new festival stage was no small part of their success.
“I love the venue . . . it makes me feel professional,” said Cizmar.
The Superior Youth Festival was presented by Youth Zone and the City of Thunder Bay in association with The Chronicle-Journal. "
Read this at the Chronicle Journal
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Don't approach injured animals, MNR warns
Posted By CHELSEY ROMAIN THE DAILY PRESS
Posted 14 days ago
"It isn't uncommon to see wildlife while travelling the highways or hiking the nature trails or Northern Ontario.
But officials are warning those who come across injured, sick or orphaned wildlife to use caution.
In most cases, the Ministry of Natural Resources suggests leaving the animal be and contacting a wildlife custodian, who knows how to handle the situation.
"The best bet is to leave it where it is and let nature take its course," said MNR information officer Ben Legouffe. "Most of the time it's a young bird that's just learning how to fly -- it will either fly or it won't."
Signs that an animal may be injured, sick or orphaned include blood or wounds on the body, a body covered in fleas, unusual or uneven loss of fur or feathers, closed eyes, dangling limbs, and difficulty breathing.
It is suggested by the MNR to check in on an animal over a period of 48 hours to see if it is truly abandoned or simply without an adult for a period of time. If the adult senses predators or people nearby, it will stay away, so people are asked to keep their distance.
"If we do interfere, we have to be careful what we do," Legouffe said. "After the 48 hours, you might want to give us a call."
Legouffe said what the MNR will do with the animal varies on the animal species and what state it is in. In some cases, Legouffe said, it is best to have the animal euthanized. In the case of young, abandoned animals, MNR officers will transport it to a wildlife rehabilitation centre where it will be taken care of and released when ready.
"Sometimes the mother gets hit and killed, and we'll try to get the orphan to a rehabilitation centre," Legouffe said.
"We've done that with small bears, moose, loons and birds of prey."
Most of the time it's advised not to approach an animal, but in an emergency situation it is advised to seek advice from a wildlife custodian to minimize the risk of being bit or scratched..."
Reaed the rest of this story at The Timmins Daily Press
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Marilyn's Big Adventure
"Onward to Kenora, where I pulled into the parking lot of McDiarmid Lumber, as suggested by Diane and Jerry, my cousin. We had previously agreed that I would call them when I arrived, so that they could come to guide me to their cottage. It’s just as well that they did. Not only is the road twisty with several turns, it is also badly damaged after the winter, with giant potholes and parts of boulders exposed. Jerry sat with me to guide me through the obstacle course until we arrived. The land in this area of Lake of the Woods is owned by an aboriginal tribe so the cottage lots are on a 79-year lease. Diane and Jerry have two acres and have built a beautiful cottage with a panoramic view of the bay. There are decks front and back, with a glassed-in porch, leading into the dining room, kitchen and high-ceilinged Great Room. And to top it off, there’s a hot tub on the back deck! There are three bedrooms, which is just as well, as they have a lot of visitors. And no wonder. It is a beautiful, serene location."
**The tale of Marilyn Cole, a self-confessed lover of adventure as she embarks on a year of exploring Canada and the USA, along with her faithful dog Ripley.
Follow Marilyn's adventures on Marilyn's Big Adventure Blog
Friday, August 1, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Jellicoe: Town Loves Its Lucky Jacksons
"Retailing family racked up 167 wins totalling $1.2 million
By JOE WARMINGTON
Jellicoe, Ont., population 53, is home to the Jacksons, a general store-owning family that has won more than $1 million in the provincial lotteries. Townsfolk say the Jacksons are just plain lucky.
"I'll just have to come back to the village and make some enquiries to make sure that you are Ned Devine"
-- actor Brendan F. Dempsey as Irish Lotto investigator Jim Kelly in the 1998 film Waking Ned Devine.
---
Like the fictitious Irish outpost of Tullymore in the movie Waking Ned Devine, the equally tiny Northern Ontario town of Jellicoe has also seen an investigator skulking around about a lotto win, too.
And like in the movie, the wonderfully kind residents also sent him away without any reason to doubt the lottery winning story.
But unlike in that script where the whole town split the jackpot of a resident who died with the winning ticket in his hand and replaced him with his friend, this town had one family win more than twice as many lottery jackpots as the town has people.
Tullymore had Ned Devine as one of its 53 residents.
Jellicoe had the Jacksons as part of its 80.
More specifically Jellicoe had its own Lady Luck in Corrie Jackson who, the CBC reports, "often won multiple times in the same draw, took the most prizes" including "eight wins in a single Pick Three draw and then seven prizes in the draw a week later."
Thanks to this story, Jellicoe now has the new nickname of being the Luckiest Town in Canada -- that not only has a multiple winner but also has an $800,000 prize that went unclaimed.
And no OPP investigation or nosy big city reporters are going to change that.
In fact, it seems friendly residents in this rugged and picturesque village known for good moose hunting on Hwy. 11, two hours northeast of Thunder Bay, are satisfied that nothing suspicious was going on with the constant winning of the Jacksons of Jellicoe.
"I don't think you will get anyone in Jellicoe to say a bad word about the Jacksons," said resident Fran McCullagh.
And I didn't. Everybody I spoke with echoed this sentiment. They not only back the Jacksons, they seem to love them...."
Read the rest of this story at the Toronto Sun Website.
Haha... ok. This is my hometown, and my family. I'm completely biased on the subject, because as I was growing up, the Jackson family was my family.
My mother worked a lot and most days I would end up at the Jacksons store, eating chips or microwave burgers that Barry would slip me, reading their comic books, playing their Sega games, or running around the aisles snapping rubber bands at Trevor and Robbie. Corrie called me their surrogate daughter, and the boys (Trevor, Robbie, Leon, and Barry Jr.) would introduce me as their little sister to their friends. I probably spent more time at the store than I did in my own cabin in the woods, so I can tell you, honestly, what Barry was like.
Barry was a joker; he was constantly teasing or joking around with his customers. He was friendly and open about everything. He was someone you could spend hours talking to about next to nothing at all. He was a good father that tried to give his kids everything they needed, and he taught them how to take care of themselves. For example, every week we would go to Geraldton where they would spend the night playing basketball together.
Apparently he was also a bit of a pool shark; when on a trip with him in Geraldton once, we stopped at the pool hall briefly and the man behind the counter called him "Barracuda." When I asked what it meant, the guy behind the counter replied that Barry was a pool shark, so they had to give him a fishy nickname. A customer overheard this and immediately challenged Barry to a duel. Barry asked me if I would be alright for a couple minutes (kids weren't allowed in the pool hall section of the building, so I would have to wait amongst the work clothing and such), and I said I'd be fine. I wandered the store for about 7 minutes, and then Barry came out of the pool hall. "Did you win?" I excitedly asked. He and the guy behind the counter met eyes and they started laughing. He turned to me, nodded, and casually said, "Ok, time to go."
Pool shark he may have been, but he was no thief. That wasn't his style. He didn't take too kindly to thieving.
There was another day, when I was very young, but had already gotten used to Barry slipping me food. Wandering through the store one day with my mother, I found myself a bag of marshmallows (YUM!). I tried to get my mother's attention to ask if I could have them, but she was too busy talking to Barry. Neither was paying attention, so, being spoiled by Barry to this point, I thought it would be no big deal to just rip the bag open and start eating them. Afterall, Barry would probably just give them to me anyway. Mom finished up and we walked out of the store, not noticing my quietness was due to a mouthful of squishy white goodness. Just as we were about to drive away Barry came out, after having watched me devouring the unpaid-for marshmallows. He proceeded to give me one hell of a talking-to about ALWAYS being sure I had permission first. As the tears built up in my eyes, he gently took the bag away. I may have been his surrogate daughter, but that didn't mean I could take things from them without permission. He wouldn't be having any thieves in his house. Man, did I ever cry when I got that look of disappointment.
Barry would never jack a jackpot, even if he did know how. Like I said; it wasn't his style. He played a lot though. He was constantly buying tickets for himself and that's all there is to it. They say you have to play to win, and damned if he didn't play all the time, but he played the odds, not the system.
Oh, plus he had a whole herds worth of horseshoes rammed up his arse. Lucky son-of-a...
Lise Koning
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Troutfest finalizes 13th annual musical line-up
by Jennifer Patenaude /Staff Reporter
The Trout Forest Music Festival is right around the corner and organizers have released the official bill for the 13th annual event, which is set for August 8 to 10.
“Surrounded only by fresh air, trees, a swimming hole and a thousand of your closest friends – the best little festival in Canada has lots of everything for you this year,” said Artistic Director Devin Latimer.
Latimer has selected various artists and performers from across Canada to entertain for the weekend of Music in the Woods. Six acts were also selected from the series of regional auditions that were held in Dryden, Kenora, Winnipeg and Ear Falls.
Regional performers this year include: Erik Bleich, Dryden auditions; Mel Stewart, Dryden auditions; Matthew Chapeskie, Kenora auditions; Marvin Young, Kenora auditions; Jim Teskey and Don Wilson, Ear Falls auditions; Cal and Luke Hamilton, Winnipeg auditions.
“We have bluegrass and country coming in from the North and West in the form of Hungry Hill from the Yukon, Barley Wik from British Columbia and Deep Dark Woods from Saskatchewan,” confirmed Latimer. “The blues are joining us from the east via Quebecer and Juno winner Ray Bonneville and Thunder Bay native Dave Jonasson. Add that to some High and Lonesome sounds from everybody’s favourite Winnipeg institution - Righteous Ike, The Perpetrators, Scott Nolan and Joanna Miller - and the roots of a great weekend are firmly in place.”
Learn more at The Northern Sun News Website
The Troutfest Website
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Berry-pickers report sasquatch sighting in Northern Ontario
"Two Ontario women say they saw what might have been the legendary sasquatch in northwestern Ontario last week.
Helen Pahpasay and her mother were north of Grassy Narrows, Ont., about 230 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg, to pick blueberries last Tuesday when they spotted a hulking figure from their truck at about 10 a.m. CT.
"It was black, about eight feet long and all black, and the way it walked was upright, human-like, but more — I don't know how to describe it — more of a husky walk, I guess," she told CBC News.
"It didn't look normal."
The creature seemed to spot them, then ran off into the woods, Pahpasay said. She and her mother debated chasing the creature to try to get a closer glimpse, but were so shaken they decided to abandon their berry-picking excursion and return home.
Others returned to the area later and found a large, six-toed footprint, Pahpasay said. "What do I think it was? Right now I'm not even sure what it was. But it really scared both of us," she said.
"There's been talk of Bigfoot, sasquatch. And I'm still not sure what it was, but I've never seen anything like it."
Pahpasay says she and her mother aren't the only people in the area with a sasquatch story. A couple of men from their community said they also saw the creature three years ago, she said, and a similar animal has been mentioned in old lore about the area.
"I've never believed it before, no. I'm not even quite sure what it still is today, even after what I've seen," she said.
Sasquatch, an aboriginal word meaning "hairy giant," refers to a large manlike creature some believe could be roaming woods from California up the West Coast and across Canada.
In April 2005, a ferry operator in Norway house, Man., captured on videotape three minutes of footage of what he said was a sasquatch. However, the video, which was shown on an American television network, was indistinct at best, failing to live up to its billing as "footage of the century."
In 2006, several people in northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan reported seeing a sasquatch-like figure in the woods around Flin Flon, Man.
Skeptics say it's preposterous that a large mammal could have evaded detection in North America throughout history. Despite numerous alleged sightings, no one has ever produced concrete evidence such as skulls or bones, they argue, while footprints, film or photos can be manufactured."
Read this at CBC.ca
Monday, July 28, 2008
Live From the Rock Folk Festival
2008 Confirmed Lineup
for
Live From the Rock Folk Festival
Billy Manzik
Blues Element
The Carruthers Brothers
Cosmic Granola
Dala
Daisy Chain
David Ross MacDonald
Dean McTaggart
Donny Parenteau
Doug McArthur
Duo-Twang
Heather Blush Trio
Heather Dale
Flamenco Caravan
Jim Hamilton
Kevin Sands; The Earth Kings
Manitoba Hal
Norm Sponchia
Oh Susanna
Pat Robitaille
Poor Angus
Rodney Larson
Stephen Fearing
The Gruff
The Knackers
Tim Williams
Vance Gilbert
Wild Turkeys
livefromtherock.com
Red Rock on NOmap.ca
Friday, July 25, 2008
Creefest!
Ardis Proulx Chedore
Friday June 13, 2008
Creefest planning is underway in Cochrane. August 14th to 16th 2008 are the days that it will be taking place and people are beginning to stir with excitement. But many of you may be asking the question; what is Creefest anyway?
Creefest is a regional summer festival. It is the promotion of Cree Culture through various venues such as celebrating the performing and visual arts. Mainly held outdoors in the summer month of August and hosted within a local First Nation community, Creefest features contemporary and traditional music, drumming and dancing, drama, story telling, visual & fine arts and crafts by local and regional artists.
What a great event to be coming to Cochrane! Organizers are busy getting ready for the events and little is clear. But they are encouraging the community to come out and help bring this event to life. An information session is being held on June 16th 2008, 6pm, at Abitibi Projects, which is newly located at 135 3rd Street. (The old H&R block building)
The meeting will be to discuss ideas for the upcoming festival. Perhaps your organization or group would like to do something during Creefest. If so, this meeting is for you.
Highlights of the summer festival may include: traditional food preparation, fiddle and step dancing, local and regional artists and crafts, traditional and contemporary music, comedy & entertainment. If you have any experience in any of these fields, you might feel like joining the group of volunteers helping to organize this year's Creefest.
The Creefest is open to everyone to come out and enjoy. "It's a celebration of life, and just being alive. That is what the festival is truly about." said coordinator Kara Loutitt.
Mushkegowuk council in partnership with the host organization Abitibi Projects, have come together to bring this festival and all the talent to Cochrane. Be apart of it and make Cochrane the place to be in summer 2008.
Read this and other stories at the Cochrane Times Post
Cochrane on NOmap.ca
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Nakina's 85th Anniversary
Nakina’s 85th Anniversary Celebration
from August 1st to 4th, 2008
in Nakina, Ontario
To celebrate Nakina’s history, culture and
to renew past friendships.
Plan on ‘Coming Home’
& participating in events that will revitalize you.
Please share the invitation with others who we may have missed and help ‘spread the word.’
Details of the 85th are available online at:
www.greenstone.ca/Nakina85th
Please confirm attendance on the 85th website or
contact Brian at (807) 329-5214 or bdowney@tbaytel.net
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Outdoorsmen Tips
TIPS:
-Dead cedar and pine branches that are still attached to the tree (aka; Deadwood, or squaw-wood) are filled with Coniferous resin which is very combustable, and burns even when damp. As well, since the branches are off the constantly damp ground and in the air, the deadwood is dry, making Deadwood, one of the best Kindlings in the Canadian Wilderness. -Prof. Gino Ferri, The Psychology of Wilderness Survival.
-Carrying a coal in a properly prepared device is much more effective then having to stop, collect enough tinder, and trying to create a new fire with a primitive fire starter like Flint and Steel or The Fire Bow. Try and use semi-damp Punkwood (dead rotting logs) to carry your coals, It is spongelike in feel and appearance, and burns for a long time, it also creates a heavy amount of smoke, making a good fuel for signal fires. -Caleb Musgrave, My Own Experiences
-All vegetation (excluding Mushrooms) in the Arctic is edible -Camping & Wilderness Survival: The Ultimate Outdoors Book By Paul Tawrell
-It's easier to set Passive Traps (Deadfalls, and Snares) rather than chasing a bunch of little rodents and other prey around all day. Passive Traps also take less energy to construct, than chasing and hunting. -My Own Experiences
-Carbon Steel blades CAN become stained. Best way to prevent stains, or to remove the stains without damage to your blade's finish is actually to polish it with ash from a fire. -Camping & Wilderness Survival: The Ultimate Outdoors Book By Paul Tawrell
-When no man-made trails are found out in the bush, follow a deer trail, they're the easiest paths through the woods -Pk McCallum on a snowshoeing trip in Owen Sound
-Don't eat only lean meat in the woods, rabbit meat has barely any fat in it, and definatly not enough to sustain the body. After a few weeks of eating only rabbit meat, you will begin to have the effects of Rabbit Starvation. Not a pleasant way to die. - Mors Kochanski, Bushcraft
-Rather than making several small shelters for a group, it is better to make a shelter just large enough for the entire party to get into. That way body heat can be shared to conserve fuel use.
-Stainless Steel belongs in the kitchen.-Unknown
-However thick the insulation of the roof of your shelter, you bedding should be twice that thick. If your roofing is so deep you can't get your arm through it. Than your bedding should be two arms deep, or more. - Most survival text on shelter building.
-Boiling water is the surest way to purify it. In regions full of pathogens (swamps, jungles, Equatorial regions, etc) 5-10 minutes is the safest. But in most Northern waters, where the two pathogens to fear are Giardia, and Cryptosporidim, 1-2 minutes of a hard rapid boil, will suffice. -Wild Arts Bushcraft
This information was found on the Wild Arts Bushcraft Blog. Check it out!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Bear Wrestling and Beer!
Cecil Shamus Fitzgerald
Cecil transplanted himself from Ireland around the turn of the century. He started to earn money by working on the Canadian railroad by day, and dominating the bare-knuckle boxing circuit by night.
After a few months he saved enough money to build a bar, and acted as its bartender, cook, bouncer, and live entertainment. On every second Tuesday, he would charge a nickel's admission to watch him wrestle a bear, before retiring with a record of 47-2.
Once his bear-wrestling shorts were retired, he decided to set out on a pilgrimage to find the world's best beer for his beloved tavern. His travels have seen him land in all the corners of the globe, with Cecil sending home cases of the ales he's sampled along the way.
Cecil's Eatery and Beer Society is open everyday in North Bay, Ontario. They still provide a great place to eat, and of course drink (90 different kids of beer, plus the 10 on tap)! Cecil's provides live entertainment, though perhaps there isn't as much bear wrestling these days. Now live music acts frequent the bar, nearly every night, and of course on Sunday's everyone can take a turn at the microphone on Kareoke night.
Check out the Cecil's Eatery and Beer Society Website
North Bay on NOmap.ca
Monday, July 21, 2008
Thunder Bay Harbour is Cleaning Up It's Act
3 cheers for the lake
By PETER BURKOWSKI
Monday, July 21, 2008
Ecological awareness joined up with summer fun on Sunday at the first Lake Superior Day to be celebrated at Marina Park.
Held on the third Sunday in July, Lake Superior Day is celebrated in communities in Canada and the U.S. which lie on the lake‘s coastline.
The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of environmental threats to the lake, and to encourage the public to take action to protect and restore it.
Sunday‘s celebration in Thunder Bay was sponsored by the city, EcoSuperior, the Zero Waste Action Team and the Lake Superior Binational Forum.
About 100 people attended.
“The event‘s gone really well – especially for a first time,” said EcoSuperior program co-ordinator Karen Copeland.
In addition to kite flying, live music, kayaking and tours of a coast guard rescue vessel, the celebration featured information kiosks about the threats to Lake Superior, and what can be done to overcome them.
“Even though (Superior) is the cleanest of the Great Lakes, it still runs into trouble with pollution, invasive species and overconsumption,” said Copeland.
Lake Superior Binational Forum Canadian chairman Glen Dale agreed, but added that locally, things are starting to improve.
“One (area of concern) has been Thunder Bay harbour, and it‘s in a very progressive cleanup stage,” said Dale. “Millions of dollars from government and industry funds have gone into cleaning up the lake.”
The Lakehead Region Conservation Authority also celebrated Lake Superior Day with a picnic at Silver Harbour.
Copyright © Monday, July 21, 2008 All material contained herein is copyrighted by
The Chronicle Journal, a division of Continental Newspapers Canada Ltd.
All Rights Reserved.
Read this story at the Chronicle Journal Website
Blueberry Wild Rice Recipe
"By: luvinlif2k
May 29, 2008
An Ojibway side dish from Extending the Table; posted for ZWT4.
SERVES 4 -6 (change servings and units)
Ingredients
1 cup wild rice
3/4 cup blueberry (fresh or frozen)
3 cups water
2 tablespoons sugar (optional"
I found this great, no fat, easy to make recipe on recipezaar.com. Sounds tasty, huh? :)
Friday, July 18, 2008
Outdoors Guide 2008
The July edition of the Outdoors Guide is now available!
Covering Northern Ontario's best hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation information, the Outdoors Guide has a little something for everyone. Best of all, it's free!
This months issue has articles on Outdoor Wisdom, Bowhunting, Crankbaits, and the list goes on.
Read it online Here!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Keeping Ontario Green
From Thursday's Globe and Mail
July 17, 2008 at 7:48 AM EDT
The boreal forest, named after the Greek god of the north wind, Boreas,
extends in Canada from the Yukon Territory to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ontario's portion of the forest is home to 200 animal species described as
"sensitive" by the provincial government, black spruce and jack pine forests,
and 24,000 (mostly native) Canadians. It also constitutes part of the final
frontier for logging and mining companies.
By closing off part of that frontier, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty
has taken a lead in Canadian conservation efforts.
Within the next 10 to 15 years, Mr. McGuinty pledged on Monday, half of
Ontario's boreal forest will be protected by a permanent ban on forestry and
mining activity. It will be restricted to tourism and traditional aboriginal
uses, such as hunting and fishing.
The protected area - to be mapped around the most valuable sites for carbon storage, species protection and resource development - will cover about 225,000 square kilometres. For the remaining half, the Ontario government has stated it will work with northern communities and resource industries on a sustainable development plan.
Some industry representatives have complained of too much uncertainty; they fear the rules for development could change along the 10- to 15-year timeline, affecting companies that had begun projects under different expectations. But the Ontario Prospectors Association has expressed confidence in the certainty the measures will bring. And aboriginal leaders and environmental organizations appear to be uniformly pleased with the protection of a region that currently absorbs 12.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
Mr. McGuinty, and any successor, will have to walk a fine balance to protect the province's $11-billion mining industry. But if the Premier succeeds in securing the permanent protection of half of Ontario's boreal forest, he will have created an admirable environmental legacy. The opportunity to match or even outdo his efforts remains for the rest of the provinces and territories.
They should not allow themselves to be left behind.
July 17, 2008 at 7:48 AM EDT
The boreal forest, named after the Greek god of the north wind, Boreas,
extends in Canada from the Yukon Territory to Newfoundland and Labrador.
Ontario's portion of the forest is home to 200 animal species described as
"sensitive" by the provincial government, black spruce and jack pine forests,
and 24,000 (mostly native) Canadians. It also constitutes part of the final
frontier for logging and mining companies.
By closing off part of that frontier, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty
has taken a lead in Canadian conservation efforts.
Within the next 10 to 15 years, Mr. McGuinty pledged on Monday, half of
Ontario's boreal forest will be protected by a permanent ban on forestry and
mining activity. It will be restricted to tourism and traditional aboriginal
uses, such as hunting and fishing.
The protected area - to be mapped around the most valuable sites for carbon storage, species protection and resource development - will cover about 225,000 square kilometres. For the remaining half, the Ontario government has stated it will work with northern communities and resource industries on a sustainable development plan.
Some industry representatives have complained of too much uncertainty; they fear the rules for development could change along the 10- to 15-year timeline, affecting companies that had begun projects under different expectations. But the Ontario Prospectors Association has expressed confidence in the certainty the measures will bring. And aboriginal leaders and environmental organizations appear to be uniformly pleased with the protection of a region that currently absorbs 12.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
Mr. McGuinty, and any successor, will have to walk a fine balance to protect the province's $11-billion mining industry. But if the Premier succeeds in securing the permanent protection of half of Ontario's boreal forest, he will have created an admirable environmental legacy. The opportunity to match or even outdo his efforts remains for the rest of the provinces and territories.
They should not allow themselves to be left behind.
Jessey James
Someone has been taking some amazing photos in Sudbury, Northern Ontario.
I've come across the page several times now and with every new posting I find myself impressed over and over with Jessey James' work.
Check out the pictures at Flickr
I've come across the page several times now and with every new posting I find myself impressed over and over with Jessey James' work.
Check out the pictures at Flickr
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
The Geraldton Music Jamboree
"In early 1994, the Town of Geraldton received notice that MacLeod Provincial Park would be closing. A citizens group was formed to find a way to keep the Park from being decommissioned and turned over to private ownership.
Subsequently, the Town of Geraldton entered into an agreement with the Province of Ontario to operate the Park under municipal management. Later that year, in a determined effort to preserve this beautiful natural resource and a way of life valued by so many residents, a small group of Park campers proposed the idea of a fund-raising musical event to be held in MacLeod Provincial Park. Any profits from the event would go towards the park’s operations. In 1995, the first Jamboree was born..."
This year will be the 14th Annual Music Jamboree at McLeod Park in Geraldton. The volunteers have consistently upped the anty, bringing in a variety of musicians to appeal to every taste. For example, last years line-up went from young up and comers Social Code to country legend Charlie Major.
Charlie Major - Tell Me Something I Don't Know
This years line-up is looking pretty darn hot as well!
Friday: Summerside, Tupelo Honey, Theory of a Deadman
Saturday: Bon Journey, Prairie Oyster, Honeymoon Suite
Sunday: Negus, Helix, April Wine
Check out the Geraldton Music Jamboree Website for more info!
Or, check our the Geraldton Music Jamboree's Myspace Page
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
You Might Be From Northern Ontario...
If you consider it a sport to gather your food by drilling through 36 inches of ice and sitting there all day hoping that the food will swim by, you might live in Ontario
If you're proud that your region makes the national news 96 nights each year because Wawa is the coldest spot in the nation, you might live in Ontario.
If your local Dairy Queen is closed from September through May, you might live in Ontario.
If you instinctively walk like a penguin for six months out of the year, you might live in Ontario.
If your dad's suntan stops at a line curving around the middle of his forehead, you might live in Ontario.
If you have worn shorts and a parka at the same time, you might live in Ontario.
If you have had a lengthy telephone conversation with someone who dialed a wrong number, you might live in Ontario.
"Vacation" means going South past London or Thunder Bay for the weekend.
You measure distance in hours.
You know several people who have hit a deer more than once.
You often switch from "heat" to "A/C" in the same day and back again.
You can drive 110 km/h through 2 feet of snow during a faging blizzard, without flinching.
You design your kid's Halloween costume to fit over a snowsuit.
Driving is better in the winter because the potholes are filled with snow.
You know all 4 seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter, and road construction.
Your idea of creative landscaping is a statue of a deer next to your blue spruce.
Down South to you means London.
Your 1st of July picnic was moved indoors due to frost.
You have more miles on your snow blower than your car.
You find 0 degrees "a little chilly."
You know you are from Northern Ontario when getting to camp requires more than one form of transportation.
You know your from Northern Ontario when you call your home away from home a 'camp' instead of a 'cottage'.
You know you live in northern Ontario when you get your van stuck in the ditch and random people walking around with shovels help to dig you out.
You know you live in Northern Ontario when you have to dig your christmas tree out of 10 feet of snow before you cut it down!
You know your from Northern Ontario when -15C isn't cold, it just means the hoodie is done up a bit, and 0 degrees definately isn't a little chilly, its warm!
When you go to London (ontario) for 4 nights, and everynight get another .. yes another, 24 pack of beer and the beer store cashier remembers you from last time (3 months ago)
You or a friend of yours has ran half naked or naked down a street and got busted/or not by the OPP!!!
When going to Thunder Bay is going to the "city" or when the lake actually freezes to the bottom
When after it snows two feet of snow they consider calling it a snow day.
When they decide to cancel all the school buses, but decide to leave the schools open.
When there are more reserves near you than towns or villages.
When everyone you know mines, logs, or works in a mill.
When you go for a Sunday drive and come back with mudd 6 inches thick on your vehicle.
When the roads on the lake are better than the ones I have in town.
When it takes you under an hour to run across town.
When going to Tim Hortons with a group of your friends is considered "A Night on the Town!!"
When you hose down your driveway in the winter to make a curling rink.
When the Tim Hortons drive through blocks the Trans Canada highway at all times of the day.
When going for a drive means offroading and getting stuck behind the mill and having to wait 2 hours for a friend to come unstuck you.
When you go for a Sunday drive and come back with mudd 6 inches thick on your vehicle.
When you know igloos are for the Inuit, we do have public transportation and roads, dog sledding is a sport and skidooing is a must since you might be allowed to drive yours across town!
When you have rain, snow, and exteme hot weather in the same week!!!!
When you ask for extra napkins at Timmy's or McDonalds incase you have to use the bush for a bathroom break because there isn't a gas station or park station open for a few hours of your very long drive!
When you have either gone blueberry picking in the rocks on the side of the highway with your parents, OR have gone worm-picking on rainy nights with your Dad!
When you know igloos are for the Inuit, we do have public transportation and roads, dog sledding is a sport and skidooing is a must since you might be allowed to drive yours across town!
You've all seen stuff like this, someone just took the time to fix'er up for Northern Ontario.
Stolen from You know your from NORTHERN ONTARIO when... on Facebook
Under the Northern Sky - Mooshoom on the Land
Xavier Kataquapit
Tuesday December 05, 2006
On an early spring morning in April, a lone hunter is sitting out in the open tundra. There are patches of snow but much of the land has shed its whiteness. It is time now for springtime colours of dark soil, grey clay and the faded yellow of last years wild grass.
The hunter is patiently waiting for the first early morning flight of geese. He knows that they fly early as they wake and they will not reappear again during the day in large numbers until evening.
This hunter in the blind is my grandfather or Mooshoom in the Cree language, James Kataquapit. It is the mid 1950s and life on the James Bay coast is not easy. The James Bay Cree are still following a mainly traditional nomadic lifestyle which revolves around the changing seasons and the movement of the animals, birds and fish. Springtime brings a sense of hope as the geese arrive to feed families along the coast.
Mooshoom is a seasoned hunter, tough and strong from hard labour and life on the land. He has been up before sunrise to prepare for his day of hunting. Although it is a cool morning, he has on a thin parka to cover himself up with layers of shirts and clothing underneath to help keep him warm.
His well-worn boots are ragged with constant use. Mooshoom walks everywhere. His pack contains a small amount of supplies for the day, including a packet of six shotgun shells and some bannock to feed himself. He has a single fire shotgun and he knows how to use it well.
Mooshoom is at home on the land and feels comfortable to be out alone. Out in the open, he sits alone in his blind or what can be called a blind. His camouflage is merely a few thin branches surrounding him.
To the untrained eye, it may seem that he is not well hidden but the blind is sufficiently set up to fool the wild geese. Looking windward, a small group of traditionally made decoys are sitting in the mud. They are black burnt logs with long slender necks made from thick branches that have also been blackened by fire. This quality of blind is based on a great expertise and a lot of knowledge from years of hunting and subsisting on the land. Mooshoom can build it in a very short time too. He does not have long to wait until the first early morning flights of geese are flying close to his blind. The geese are flying low on the horizon and are headed towards him. His location is not by chance but is situated on a carefully chosen flight path and landing area for geese.
As the birds come near, he begins calling them in a strong powerful honking sound, loud enough to travel far over the land. Mooshoom is on his knees, he curls into a tight ball and has his loaded gun on his lap. He keeps close watch on the birds but does not move an inch as he continues calling. The geese fly closer, turning to the direction of the goose call until they spot the small group of decoys. As they fly overhead and begin gliding down to land, he takes quiet aim while still hunched over.
Without moving much except for his gun, he fires. Two birds quickly fall and the rest of the group of birds frantically flap to escape the trap.
Mooshoom is an excellent marksman. He is a First World War veteran where he received more than enough experience to learn how to shoot properly. Marksmanship during the goose hunt is a necessary skill for survival. Shotgun shells are not in great supply and each shot has to be carefully taken in order to bring food home for the family.
For Mooshoom and other experienced hunters like him, it is normal to bring home more birds than the number of shotgun shells. He trains his young sons how to hunt and how to properly aim and fire the family shotgun. When he allows his sons to hunt by themselves, shotgun shells are carefully rationed one at a time with specific instructions that at least one bird per shell has to be brought back home.
There are no distractions in his world and no outside influences to occupy Mooshoom's thoughts except for the survival of his family. Mooshoom's thoughts often turn to the Nokoom, our granny and his children back at the camp on the James Bay coast near the mouth of the Attawapiskat River.
Nokoom is busy cleaning the geese and she expertly butchers them into long thin strands to be smoked in the family wigwam. The smoked meat will keep for several weeks and even months when properly stored. This will help to feed the family for a long time.
In the midday sun, Mooshoom sits back in the warm light to wait for the evening flight of geese. The world is silent except for the trickling water of melting snow and ice or the distant honking of a lone goose flying over the land. After a long, hard winter Mooshoom is happy to be back at his place on the land and in a position where he can feed his family. Life goes on thanks to Niska, the Canada Goose.
I love this piece and thought you might enjoy it as well.
You can read this and other articles at The James Bay Voice
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