Olympians' Impressive Words

A Look at some notable quotes from the PyeongChang Winter Games

published by The Canadian Press

At the end of the day, a medal's a medal ~ and I'm going to hold this medal tight to me and it's going to be as good as the individual event. I'm going to enjoy it ~ and that's for me to decide.

Canadian figure skater, Patrick Chan, when asked

if a 'team gold medal' could make up for missing individual gold.

We also needed to deliver a message to prove that we're ready and trained. We're committed to this and want to be an integral part of the team ~ and to contribute as best we could. We approached it as if it all came down to us. Ice dancer, Tessa Virtue on preparing for the 'free dance' after learning that their Canadian teammates had already clinched a gold medal in the team event.

I could feel the pressure when I got here, especially after my silver medal (at 2014 Winter Games) in Sochi. Now, I've won everything there is to win in my sport. The feeling is unbelievable! I've lived this moment a million times in my dreams ~ and can't wait for the medal ceremony Tuesday. Canadian moguls star, Mikael Kingsbury after winning his first Olympic gold medal.

This 'mixed doubles' is so much fun to play. If I was just starting out curling, and I had the choice to play 'team curling' or 'mixed doubles' I'd certainly play 'mixed doubles! It's quicker...it's more athletic...and you don't have to take 3 hours to play. Canadian curler, John Morris after combining with Winnipeg's Kaitlyn Lawes to win the gold medal.

I'm really stubborn. I was like, 'I wanted to compete. I will compete!' Canadian snowboarder Laurie Blouin, who won a silver medal in 'slope-style' despite a hard crash in training a few days earlier.

Clearly what we want is for great performances to be applauded

and that's what the Olympic Games is about. We are not in control of social media

...and unfortunately these incidents do occur from time to time.It's regrettable.

International Olympic Committee spokespeson Mark Adams on Canadian short-track speed-

skater, Kim Boutin receiving angry tweets after her controversial bronze medal

in the women's 500 metres.

A lot of work has gone behind this and I'm really proud to win this medal ~ right now, it's a lot of emotion. Short track speed skater, Kim Boutin after being bumped up from 4^th to 3^rd to win a bronze inthe women's 500-metre event.

I have had some really touching messages from people who are 'still in the closet' and they said that I've really inspired them ~ and helped them to try to accept themselves more! Canadian pairs figure skater, Eric Radford on being the first openly gay male athlete to win an Olympic gold medal.

I don't know if it's been quite like I expected. I believe when the guys were trying to 'make the team' they were playing harder. Then, once they made it, they were worried about being injured. So I'm hoping we get back to the team that's ready to go ~ and play hard again. Canadian men's hockey coach Willie Desjardins, a day before his team opened its Olympic tournament against Switzerland.

The Canadians, there's no surprise. They always come 'full on.'

Big heart and a lot of drive and straight-line hockey. And we play similar.

Switzerland men's hockey coach Patrick Fischer on taking on Canada.

It's the energy she brings on and off the ice every single day. She's got a heart of gold. She never takes a moment off. Sometimes we have to scale her back just in terms of importance of rest and recovery and how that can influence your performance. Canadian women's hockey coach Laura Schuler on Marie-Philip Poulin who heads up a new leadership group in PyeongChang.

I always felt that I was able to do something special on the ice, but I was never able to show it. I had hit a wall in my career. I found that different way and got way more than I ever would have hoped. Speedskater Ted-Jan Bloeman on how his move from the Netherlands to Canada boosted his career.

It's incredible. The first one was awesome, but to come out here and race it with these guys...it's such an amazing feeling to do it in a team format. I put together the best run I could...they followed it up and we got the redemption from 4 years ago ( finishing just off the podium at the 2014 Games). Alex Gough on winning her second luge medal in PyeongChang by helping the relay team win silver.

It's the sweetest (ending) it could possibly be right now. Canadian figure skater, Eric Radford, on winning pairs bronze with Meagan Duhamel in what is likely to be their last Olympic appearance.

It was a close game, could have gone against us. Anytime you win here, feels good because that one especially was a grind. Canada's men's curling skip, Kevin Koe whose team beat Norway 7-4.

We're here to win a gold medal! Canada's women's hockey forward, Meghan Agosta

on movng into second all-time with her 18^th Olympic goal in a 2-1 win over United States.

“Skaters Sing New Lyrics ~ Sort Of,”

wrote Joshua Clipperton of The Canadian Press.

From PyeongChang, Korea Republic: Canada's Olympic athletes are still getting used to their national anthem's new lyrics. Moments after winning the country's first gold medal at the Winter Games, with a dominating performance in the 'team figure skating event,' Monday, Patrick Chan searched the new gender-neutral version to O Canada on his phone. “I looked it up; I googled it really quick to ensure that I knew when it was coming,” he said with a grin.

Bill C-210 passed by the Canadian Senate last month changed the national anthem's

official lyrics from “in all in thy sons command to...in all of us command.”

The Olympic Committee informed athletes about the switch ahead of the Games in South Korea.

While the skaters were all in on trying to sing the new version, it didn't quite come off as planned. “We reminded each other before we went to the presentation,” stated Eric Radford. “OK, these are the new words. Then we were singing and we got near the end and I was like, Where did that lyric go. I don't even remember what I sang. “When the anthem came, I still sang the wrong lyric,” added Meagan Duhamel. “I laughed to myself and thought, It's an old habit, I guess!”

Scott Moir, who carried the Canadian flag with icedance partner, Tessa Virtue, said,

it was important to set the tone by belting out the new lyrics after their victory.

“We're so proud of Canada for making the change.

That's why we marched in together with the flag. It's 2018. It's about time!”

Scripted by Merle Baird-Kerr...February 16, 2018

All comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Feathered Friends

How enriched life is by friends!

Good friends, new friends, old friends, feathered friends.

(Laural Burch)

The hen is the worst of all the animal creatures ~

because she never cackles until the egg has been laid.

(President Abraham Lincoln)

Morton Feldman, spending some time in the park as he wateched our feathered friends, stated,

“They're not free! They're fighting over bits of food.”

Bird Tales ~ Amazing Stories About Feathered Friends

Morning Commotion: Early one morning while vacationing on Cape Cod, we were awakened by a loud noise right outside our window. I looked around outside and found a young bird in a tree having been disturbed. My wife, thinking there was a snake in the house, I ran to the rescue. Instead I found a red-tailed hawk perched on a rocking chair inside our enclosed porch ~ apparently, having flown through a slit in the screen door. It was amazing to see the gorgeous flier up close. Cautiously I guided the hawk to the door as my wife watched from a distance. The bird hopped out the door and quickly flew off, circling the house a few times as if to say, 'thanks.' (Kevin from New York)

Reindeer Games: My son was working on the mechanical reindeer for our Christmas display when a hawk suddenly flew at him. It dove toward him; instead, it grabbed the deer display with its claws and began hissing and flapping its wings. The reindeer continued its automated movements, knocking the hawk off its perch...and into the snow. The bird rolled over...stared up at the deer...spread its wings...and then disappeared. I guess the hawk was no match for a reindeeer! (Jane from Montreal)

Humming Along: I grew up in the Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia where hummingbirds were a common sight. I've lived in Edmonton for 36 years now, and until recently, had never seen one here. In August of 2013, while sitting at my kitchen table with a coffee and the crossword puzzle...and overlooking my garden, noticing something land on a garden plant ~ wondering if it was a grasshopper; to my shock it was a hummingbird. Took several photos: the highlight of my summer. (Teresa)

Beware of Mockingbird: Sitting on my porch, a flash of movement in a vacant lot across the street, I saw a squirrel with a northern mockingbird following close behind. The duo made their way to my neighbour's roof...the bird pecking away at the squirrel's head. Some time later, the same mockingbird was seen chasing a red fox through my yard and across the road onto the vacant lot! (Barbara)

Some Like it Hot: I stood at our sliding glass doors and watched the flurries of our first major snowstorm. With camera in hand, I hoped the weather would draw the birds to our feeders and heated birdbath. At least a dozen robins descended on our garden at once to use the steaming birdbath! They landed on it...under it...and some even hovered overhead...completely oblivious to me with a camera while awaiting their morning's warm bath...and visit to our feeding station. (Julian, from Iowa)

Tanager Takes Out Wasps: Every summer the wasps do their best to 'decorate' our 4 porches (about 96 ft. In lenght) with their nests. A male summer Tanager, seemed to be dodging something because it was bobbing its head up and down; it had actually pulled down a wasps' nest. (George from Michigan)

Buzz Off! There was a buzzard on my roof...a large red-headed turkey vulture was sitting on the highest point of my house. (According to an old wives' tale, I knew, a vulture on your roof is a bad sign, but since it wan't doing any harm, I left him alone. Soon, several dark shadows flew overhead ...and looking up on the roof, there sat more than 20 vultures perched around an injured bird. Hearing a loud squawk, the group of birds parted. With their wings flapping slowly, they let out soft clucks, then rising together from the roof, they flew away. The lone bird joined them, wobbling at first before flying with the rest of the flock. (Kit from Vermont)

Fireworks at Ballpark Threat to Osprey: Aminor-league baseball fan in Florida is on a mission to help a pair of ospreys whose nest atop the left field lights is in the path of the weekly fireworks show.

Celine Sullivan is a longtime fan of the Daytona Torgugas.

She tells the Daytona Beach News Journal she watched the smoke and flaming debris swirl around the ospreys during a fireworks show after the home opener. Sullivan and David Hartgrove of the Halifax River Audubon chapter asked the team to either stop the fireworks show ~ or move it. It was not an issue last season when the nest was atop the first base lights. Team president and city spokesperson Susan Cerbone say they'll work on a solution. The team is an affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds.

(The foregoing are excerpts from the National Geographic magazine and local press)

Our Friend, The Bird

Our world is enhanced by birds on the wing;

They grace our blue skies as they chirp and they sing.

Their early spring songs bring joy to the ear,

A summer of songs many months we shall hear.

The robins, the sparrows, a help to mankind,

eat pesky mosquitoes and bugs that they find.

Geese on the lake or ducks on the shore,

they want to be friends and ask nothing more.

A companion for man, their songs fill the air,

enjoyment they bring, so much to share.

The hunmingbird's quickness shows lightening speed,

as it pollinates flowers seed after seed.

Year after year, there's a ritual sight

as geese form a V on their ritual flight.

Let's be their companions, protect what they need,

and our fine, feathered friends will return our good deed.

(Linda Macleod of Uxbridge, Ontario submitted this poem

on behalf for her friend, Ken Parsons, who sadly passed away at age of 81)

Compiled by Merle Baird-Kerr...April 17, 2018

Comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Significant Plant of Planet Earth

Consider a tree for a moment.

As beautiful as trees are to look at, we don't see what goes on underground ~ as they grow roots. Trees must develop roots in order to grow strong and produce their beauty. But we don't see the roots. We just see and enjoy the beauty. In much the same way, what goes on inside of us is like the roots of a tree. (Joyce Meyer)

“Mother Nature is Always Speaking,”

wrote Radhanath Swami, after living as a wanderer in the Himalayan foothills.

“She speaks in a language understood with the peaceful mind of the sincere observer. Leopards, cobras, monkeys, rivers and trees. They all served as my teachers.”

The “Joshua Tree” about which I've recently written, lives and thrives uniquely in California's Joshua Tree National Park, adjacent to the Mojavi Desert. It reminded me of an entry sign at John Muir's Redwood Forest near San Francisco: Advice From a Tree (written by Ilan Shamir)

Stand Tall and Proud

Sink your roots deeply into the Earth

Reflect the light of a greater source

Think long-term

Many Trees 'Unique to Specific Locations in the World.'

Rainbow Eucalypcus (Pacific Islands (Kauai); Dragon's Blood Trees (Socatra Island, part of Yemen's territory due to the trees' red sap); Bamboo Fronds (grasses) in Japan and Hawaii; Angel Oak Tree (Charleston area in South Carolina); Joshua Tree (Mojavi Desert in California); Pakistan's Spider Trees; Japanese Maples (Eastern Asia); Giant Sequoias (California); Tree Tunnel (Northern Ireland).

Giant Blobabs (Madagascar); Dead Vlei Trees (renamed Namib in the Namibian Desert); Blossom Cherry Trees (from the German city of Bonn to the guards of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo and to District of Columbia's Basin marking the beginning of spring); California's Redwoods ~ which are the tallest trees in the world growing along the Pacific coast near the Bay area); Bristlecone Pine in the American West; Ponderosa Pines in Bryce Canyon, Utah; Blue Jacaranda in the South Americas;

the Banyan Trees located in Hawaii and Zealand.

Canada's Tall Trees

The second-largest Douglas Fir may have been found near Port Renfrew standing alone in 'a clear-cut' on Vancouver Island ~ estimated 1,000 years old. Canada's largest and greatest is Cheewhat Grant ~ a western cedar in a remote location near Cheewhat Lake within the Pacific Rim National Park (south-western Vancouver Island). The tree measures 20 feet in trunk diameter...182 feet in height...450 feet regular telephone poles worth of wood. It was discovered in 1988.

The Pacific Rim National Park was created in1971.

Plant Survives!

(and so can you and I in dire circumstances)

Little House on the Prairie (now on TV reruns), tells of a family surviving a hurricane in Minnesota that destroyed their rural country home. Alphonso, the husband, married to Laura, was injured and wheel-chair bound. His hope for his family's future was doomed. Loving Laura, their baby and his farm, he gave up hope of ever walking again...of not being a responsible husband...of lacking the ability to reconstruct his collapsed home. One day, he wheel-chaired over to his almost demolished house... ...viewed the broken windows and doors (with the semblance of 'what used to be')...and deriding himself with, “What's the use of even trying to even rebuild my crippled life?”

“I wanted to die ~ but now I need to live!”

With stunned amazement, he saw Laura's father attempting to assemble the broken pieces. Considering his inabilities, he thought that any resurrection to a 'living home' was impossible.

Unbelieving, he noticed a lonely 'alive green plant' which outlived the hurricane:

green and flourishing at a basement corner, giving him the Will to Live!

To Laura's father, he stated, “I wanted to die ~ but now I want to live!”

With assistance, Alonzo managed to get out of his wheel-chair...

and standing, was able to saw lumber to begin his home restoration.

Like the Joshua Tree, we adapt to our environment ~ whether residing in Canada's Northland or coping with the hot, humid summer days of south-western Ontario. As for me, I choose a Canadian location with pleasure to enjoy Nature's Gift of Four Seasons!

Waterdown Sapling with Vimy Ridge Lineage Receives Heritage Label

Although published a year ago by Natalie Paddon from The Hamilton Spectator,

this sapling of approximately 100 oaks were sent across the country

to commemorate soldiers in battle.

“A two-metre sapling that is a direct descendant of the English oaks at Vimy Ridge is the only tree in Hamilton to receive heritage designation. While planted on the grounds of the Waterdown Legion only in June, the Vimy Memorial Oak Tree is significant because of its lineage. The fenced-in sapling is one of approximately 100 oaks sent across the country to commemorate the more than 10,000 Canadian casualties in the Battle of Vimy Ridge. The story of the trees, stems from acorns collected by Canadian soldier, Leslie Miller ~ who died in1979 ~ sent them home. They were planted on his rural Scarborough property, where they grew into a forest of oaks on land now owned by the Scarborough 'Chinese Baptist Church. For the 100^th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, efforts were made bygrafting hundreds of branches from the tips of the trees to saplings of English oaks from British Columbia. The work was done at Connon Nurseries in West Flamborough in 2015.

Coun. Judy Partridge suggested putting the tree forward

for Heritage designation. “One hundred years from now, that tree is going to be still standing and I believe it is important that no one chops it down without adhering to the heritage designation.”

“It has created a landscape in Flamborough that's going to highlight

the military history for Canada. It's something that's leaving a legacy.

“On the grounds of the Legion, a green wrought iron fence donated by Versitch Industries Inc. encloses the tree to provide protection. One acorn fell from it last fall.”

Chad Sugg advises: “Love the trees until their leaves fall off ~

then encourage them to try again next year.

Chinese Proverbs: The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is NOW!

Keep a green tree in your heart ~ and perhaps a singing bird will come!

Wise words from Albert Einstein: Look deep into nature ~ then you will understand everything better!

Written by Merle Baird-Kerr...March 13, 2018

Comments appreciated: mbairdkerr@cogeco or inezkate@gmail.com

Marine Conservation

The ocean stirs the heart ~ inspires the imagination ~

and brings eternal joy to the soul. (Wayland)

Voltaire states, “The progress of rivers to the ocean is not so rapid as that of man to error.”

Water and Air ~ the two essential fluids on which all life depends,

have become garbage cans. (Jacques Cousteau)

Life will let you get away with something for a while,

but sooner or later, you will pay the price.

Everything you do in life causes effects that you experience.

When you get the bill, be prepared to pay. (Author unknown)

What Are Mangrove Swamps?

They are coastal wetlands found in tropical and sub-tropical regions ~ salt-loving trees, shrubs and other plants growing in brackish to saline tidal waters ~ often found in estuaries where fresh water meets salt water and infamous for their impenetrable maze of woody vegetation. In North America they are found from the southern tip of Florida, along the Gulf Coast to Texas. Florida's southwest coast supports one of the largest 'mangrove swamps' in the world.

Mangroves once covered 3/4 of the world's tropical coastlines.

Only 12 species today live in the Americas.

They range in size from small bushes to the 60-metre giants found in Ecuador.

The Yukatan Peninsula: When in Mexico's northern peninsula a few years ago with an Oakville friend who yearly spent January and February in Progresso, a small town, facing the Gulf of Mexico, we visited a few coastal areas in my 2-week vacation each of two years. This was Mayan country, and although the townspeople spoke 'broken English', they were most friendly and hospitable. Several times we walked into town...from a local bar, had lunch and a Corona beer brought to our umbrelled table on the sandy beach and enjoyed several hours. By bus, a few times we visited Merida, the capital city of the Yukatan (population of about 900,000). It's a gorgeous colonial-era Mexican city.

Touring around by taxi, we visited a few ancient Mayan cities that over the past several years, have been discovered ~ hidden in thick vegetation ~ barely accessible. At Chichen Itza (75 miles from Merida) it is the most visited Maya ruin. With stairs to the top of this once Mayan temple, we sat on steps, viewing the surrounding tropical landscape; with imagination, one's mind recedes into the lives of yore when native tribes built these cities and with families resided for many years. When vacated, lush forests with heights and foliage buried these once vibrant cities.

Along the coastlines were numerous birds...so amazing to observe the hundreds of pink flamingos placidly standing in shallow blue waters of the Gulf; and along a rocky coast were many pelicans, flying in to watch for a good fish catch. One side-trip by a small sight-seeing boat, along the west coast took us to a 'mangrove' appearing as a small island inlet to the lush green forest touched by Nature's hand. The boatman asked if we'd enjoy a brief swim in this quiet lush green wilderness. I declined ~ fearing reptiles and gators who possibly inhabit the waters around this verdant area of trees, plants and vines. This was the first time I'd seen a mangrove!

You needn't look further south from Florida to experience a mangrove rehabilitation.

The Indulgent Voluntourist

“There's no reason you can't stay in luxury

while being a mangrove rehabilitation voluntourist in Miami.

It's good for you ~ and good for the planet,” writes Steve MacNaull.

“Feeling virtuous, my wife and I tuck into the elaborate tasting menu at KYU. The extravaganza of wine-and-dine at the Asian-inspired barbecue hot spot in Miami's warehouse-turned hipster justified our stint of voluntourism earlier in the day. Granted, our hand in 'mangrove rehabilitation' along the Oleta River15 kilometres away was short-lived. We spent just a few hours in the morning planting cord and black needle grasses in the saturated shore bordering the mangrove.

But that's what voluntourism is all about.

“You take a sliver of time out of your indulgent holiday to save the environment...walk rescue dogs...read to under-privileged kids...and feel better about yourself. It's one of travel's hottest trends.

Give back a little while on vacation.

“Our voluntourism stint is triggered by a visit to the sleek new 250,000 square-foot, 6-level Frost Museum of Science in downtown Miami. After admiring hammerhead sharks and schools of tuna through the oculus of the 500,000-gallon, martini-glass-shaped aquarium and catching the laser show set to the music of Queen in the planetarium, we find out about the Frost's volunteer opportunity at its satellite Batchelor Environment Centre ~ located on Biscayne Bay campus of Florida International University adjacent to the formerly wrecked red mangrove along the Oleta River.

Infill, invasive Australian pine trees and litter overtook the site

before Frost showed up with armies of volunteers to make it right again!

“Usually, it's locals who give of their time to pick up garbage, rip out invasive species and plant native grasses, shrubs and trees. Increasingly, tourists are jumping on the band wagon, inspired by a visit to Frost and hearing how mangroves are essential to Florida's marine environment.”

“Mangroves are superstars,” says Fernando Bretos, the museum's curator of field conservation, as if he's referring to Beyonce and Jay-Z. “They maintain healthy water...provide habitat for water and air species...and protect against high sea levels and hurricanes. We could simply hire a contractor to do all this work,” he said, “but inspiring locals and tourists alike to get involved, gives them a chance to see firsthand how important mangroves are.”

“On the day my wife and I drop by, there are 40 volunteers ~ planting grasses, beach creeper and ferns on the brackish water's edge and blackbead and cocoplum shrubs and green buttonwood trees.

Mangroves are actually the trees that can grow in a couple of feet

of salt or brackish (a mix of salt and fresh) water.

“The trees and associated swampy shoreline vegetation are essential in attracting manatees, bull sharks, crocodiles, stingrays, barracuda, snapper, tar and mullet to the waters. Crabs, lizards and raccoons to the land. Bald eagles and ospreys in search of prey. All of these species have returned to this stretch of the mangrove, thanks to Frost and volunteers.

“Bretos hands us trowels and dozens of bunches of cord and black needle grasses to plant in the soppy soil at the mangrove's edge. We're happy to get our sneakers and knees wet and our hands dirty!

We're also happy to spend the rest of the time at our luxurious hotel.”

Scripted by Merle Baird-Kerr...April 8, 2018

Comments most welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Walks of Life

No one saves us but ourselves; no one can and no one may.

We ourselves must walk the path. (Buddha)

Over every mountain, there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.

(Theodore Roethke)

John Muir's advice: In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks.

Getting There is Half the Battle

Lee, a student from Pelican Falls First Nation High School in Sioux Lookout, in a Spectator photo, works with teacher Robrt Docherty to reconnect the wiring on his team's robot in preparation for competition on Saturday and Sunday in the Ontario District-First Robotics Competition at McMaster University. Unlike most teams, the Pelican Falls First Nation team has to disassemble and reassemble their robot every time they compete. Teacher and coach, Robert Docherty says the robot taken apart for their trip, entails a 4-hour drive to the closest airport, then a 2-hour flight into Toronto, and finally the drive to Hamilton where it is reassembled. The team first competed at the competition last year and was worried they would not be able to return this year, but Indigenous and Northern Affairs was impressed with their skills shown in a video and agreed to fund the 12-member team.

Docherty says, “There are about 5 full-blown science geeks on the squad

and competing at this level allows them to interact with 800 other like-minded students.”

(Truly, Our Youth ~ our Future!)

Spec Cartoonist Among Nominees

Seventy-five local artists including Graeme MacKay, have been nominated in11 categories for the 2018 City of Hamilton Arts Awards. MacKay is nominated in the lifetime achievement category, along with music teacher, Kosha Braun, the late McMaster music professor and flutist David Gerry, and visual artist Brian Kelly. Prizes for established artist awards are $2,500 ~ emerging artists receive $1,000. A special $2,000 award will also be handed out for the Shirley Elford Emerging Artist Prize in fine craft.

Winners will be announced June 6 at a public event at Theatre Aquarius Dofasco Centre for the Arts.

Perfect Way to Honour Mr. Custis

Scott Radley, writes in The Hamilton Spectator: “It was just days after the Hamilton public school board created an online poll asking for suggestions for a name to be given to its high school under construction aross the street from Tim Horton's Field, that CHCH sportscaster, Bubba O'Neill made his pitch. Bernie Custis Secondary. He's right, of course. The man behind that name was a football star. He was a pioneer. He was a legendary coach. He was an educator. Seems multiple generations of Hamiltonions are fans of this legend ~ so many aware, not only what he accomplished on the football field; so much respect and love for him as a coach or as their teacher or principal.”

The Reader's Digest version states:

In 1951, after graduating from Syracuse University, the star quarterback was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. But black men didn't play quarterback in those days ~ so he was told he'd be a 'safety.' He didn't agree and was eventually sold to the Tiger Cats where he became the first black quarterback in pro-football history, earning his way onto the 'all star team' in his first season. He went on to win a Grey Cup with Ottawa. When he retired, he began working as an elementary school teacher and later as a principal while coaching junior football. Eventually, he took over the Sheridan College squad leading it to an 86-14 record and 6 straight championships.

Is Hall Door Opening for Austin?

Drew Edwards from The Hamilton Spectator reports: Kent Austin will finally get his chance to make the Canadian Football Hall of Fame! He has been named by an anonymous member of the public and therefore will be considered by the hall's selection committee this year. Austin, who spent 10 years with Saskatchewan, B.C., Toronto and Winnipeg, is currently 12^th all-time in career passing yards with 36,030. Every player above Austin on that list is either already in the Hall of Fame (Anthony Calvillo, Damon Allen, Ron Lancaster) or likely on the way there, (Ricky Ray, Henry Burris). There are already several players in the hall that have lesser passing totals than Austin.

Kent Austin has some strong numbers:

the 2^nd highest yardage total in a season as well as the 5^th highest per game passing yard average. He won 2 Grey Cup titles as a player. So, what's Austin missing? Personal accolades like Most Outstanding Player awards and all-star nods, which are also taken into account. During Austin's 4 of 5 best seasons from 1990 to 1994, he was bested for those honours by fellow quarterback Doug Flutie, considered one of the best players in the history of the game.

Life is a journey that must be travelled, no matter how bad

the roads and accommodation. (Oliver Goldsmith)

Liberals Name Catherine Tait as CBC President ~ First Woman to Hold that Role

The federal government is making a Canadian television and film executive the first woman to head CBC/Radio-Canada. Catherine Tait called this appointment her dream job during an announcement on Parliament Hill, standing alongside Heritage Minister Melanie Joly. Tait, whose appointment is for a 5-year term, says she wants the broadcaster to think digital, with consumers able to access content anywhere and at any time. “The CBC needs to be an inclusive storyteller for Indigenous Peoples, women, newcomers and LGBTQ+ communities,” she says.

Fire Department to Donate Trucks to First Nations

The Hamilton Fire Department is donating 2 of its surplus tanker trucks

to First Nations in northwestern Ontario.

The two 1997 Freightliners are to be given to Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation and Couchiching First Nation, which are both east of Fort Frances. “The trucks which have 1,350-gallon tanks, should help the tiny communities,” said Hamilton Fire Chief David Cunliffe. “These trucks will function and do a great job for them,” he added. In February, Ontario's chief coroner announced a panel of experts will review fire deaths in First Nations. The rate of fire-related deaths in Indigenous communities is more than 10 times higher than in the rest of the country, the federal government's First Nations Fire Protection Strategy notes. Shylo Elmayan, project manager for Hamilton's urban indigenous strategy, put the city contact with the two small northern communities.

You can't cross the sea merely by standing

and staring at the water. (Rabindranath Tagore)

Scripted by Merle Baird-Kerr...April 7, 2018

Your comments welcome: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com

Nature's Spring

'Tis the season for the flight of wings...of 4-footed friends...

the salamander migration and bird tales.

Mother Nature welcomes us: she has thawed the winter snows...

will bring us refreshing raindrops...awakens the trees to birth their tiny leaves...

and induce humans to dream of gardens with colourful blooms,

of summer berries and the harvesting of autumn's vegetables.

Springtime is the land awakening!

King Road to Close for Annual Jefferson Salamander Migration

No Through Traffic on Road until April 1: I'ts once again time for the annual migration of these salamanders. The City of Burlington closed the roadway from the base of the Niagara Escarpment to Mountain Brow Road March 11 until April 1 to provide the endangered Jefferson salamander safe passage during its annual breeding migration. The closure is a partnership between the city and Conservation Halton. The Jefferson salamander is a nationally and provincially-protected endangered species. Fortunately, since the first full road closure in 2012, there has been no road mortality observed by Conservation Halton staff during the road closure period.

Coyotes are Out and About: A west Mountain school is advising parents of coyote sightings on its property. Westview Senior Elementary issued the alert March 6, saying coyotes are residing in the woods adjacent to the school and have been sighted on the property while students are indoors. There have been no reports when the animals are sighted ~ students and staff are kept indoors as precaution.

Of interest, Burlington has coyote visitations also.

Man's Best Friend really may be this, especially to Miguel Guzman of Villa Carlos Pax, Argentina. Although his owner passed away in 2008, the loyal dog, Capitan, has stayed by his grave ever since. Capitan left the family home shortly after the funeral and the family thought he was lost. Veronica, the owner's wife, one day found him at her husband's graveside. Because the dog won't leave, he has become a mascot of loyalty to the cemetery workers who feed him and ensure he has vet care if needed.

Fortunately, the Donkey Was Very Co-operative: Grant LaFleche resports from the St. Catharines Standard that sometimes, the subject of a hard target search by police officers isn't a hardened criminal hiding from the law. Sometimes, after years of training and experience, often dealing with the worst people have to offer, cops are called upon to corral a lost donkey. Early Friday morning, Niagara Regional Police received a 911 call for an unusual road hazard in Thorold. The call came in about 3 a.m. from a motorist. The hazard was not a pothole or the lost payload from a transport turck. It was a lost, light-brown donkey. Working with the local humane society, police officers managed to corral the beast. Apparently, the donkey was very co-operative...was returned to his home without incident by the humane society after police got it off the road. It demonstrates the varied nature of calls to which officers are called upon daily to respond.

Olympic Star Saving Canines from Dog-Meat Trade

Reported by The Canadian Press, “Canadian skating figure skater Meagan Duhamel strode slowly from cage to cage Thursday, greeting some of Canada's newest arrivals from South Korea, at an emergency dog shelter in Montreal. “You're scared eh? That's OK,” she said, reaching out a reassuring hand to a big golden-coloured dog named Bear. Duhamel was on hand as Humane Society International 's (HSI) Canadian branch detailed its latest operation, bringing more than 80 dogs to the organization's emergency shelter in Montreal, from a farm in Si-heung-si, The Olymipic star, who ended her competitive career in the recent Winter Games in South Korea with a bronze medal in pairs figure skating and a gold in a team event, added her voice to those calling for an end to the dog-meat trade.

After inspecting many of the canines, Duhamel said it is heart-breaking to see them when all they want is love. Some of the dogs that were destined for the dinner plate were clearly suspicious and scared of interacting wtih humans at the Montreal shelter. “But there are others who are friendly and loving and I believe they'll adjust very well into homes and a loving family,” said Duhamel, 32. “I just hope they all find a home and people who will treat them well.”

A senior campaign manager for HSI's Canadian branch

who was in South Korea for the recent removal, described the conditions as deplorable.

“Multiple dogs were crammed into tight quarters with fellow pups.They were exposed to the elements and living off restaurant waste with no water, no socialization or proper vet care.

Duhamel, a vegan for the past decade, has travelled extensively in Asia over the past 15 years and had heard about dog meat being readily available in South Korea and China. To help, she started by making a monetary donation and volunteering to fly with dogs back to North America.

That's how she ended up adopting Moo-tai, a miniature dachshund mix,

who was rescued from a South Korean farm a year ago.

HSI says there are 17,000 facilities in South Korea where some 2.5 million canines are raised for human consumption yearly. HSI has helped shutter 11 dog-meat farms and rescued about 1,300 dogs in South Korea.

Bird Tales

(Shared stories about feathered friends that will truly amaze you.)

Tapping the Tank: Each day, this yellow-bellied sapsucker comes to drink at our oriole feeder. Then when it's finished, it flies to a large propane tank and taps like crazy. The sapsucker begins its routine in spring and continues its pecking through the summer, several times a day! (Marcie from Peterborough)

Tweet Revenge: As my husband and I sipped our coffee one morning, we watched a squirrel scamper from our roof onto an overhanging tree limb. At the same time, a blue jay swooped in to perch on the same branch. The two startled each other so much that the squirrel fell to the ground, stunned and the jay flew away. After a few minutes, the squirrel returned and found a spot on our garage roof to sit and nibble on a nut. That's when the blue jay emerged and flew right at the bushy-tailed critter and gave it a sharp peck. I believe it got its revenge! (Gretha from Florida)

Lost and Found: When my friend is having a bad day, she sits outside on her front steps to observe the natural wildlife that surrounds her 40-acre property. As she was trying to lift her mood one particularly troubling morning, she noticed a baby bird hopping near her. It seemed to purposely make its way right over to her. Then it threw its head back, begging for food. My friend lifted the little bird up into her hands and began to search for its nest. All the while, the hungry little bird kept begging to be fed. Once she found the nest and returned her wee feathered friend, she stepped back to ensure the parents would return. After that, she felt better ~ and her problems didn't seem so bad.

Nature always seems to have a way of balancing us out. (Dana from Oklahoma)

Bern Williams concludes that the day the Lord created hope

was probably the same day he created Spring!

Written by Merle Baird-Kerr...March 20, 2018

Comments appreciated: mbairdkerr@cogeco.ca or inezkate@gmail.com