I was thinking today of a man I knew far too briefly. I met him in Galway Ireland two years ago, shared drinks and visited him at his home the next day. A few short weeks later he was gone, felled in his mid 50s by a sudden heart attack. This was not a random meeting....
There’s probably a way to automate the writing of a weekly column. We already have artificial intelligence programs to cover news events. Take an issue, insert trending posts via an algorithm of sources and ‘presto’ you’ve got a reaction piece. Same basic approach...
We were warned a worldwide pandemic was a certainty and there were plans developed in preparation, yet no one followed them. Now we’re facing an economic hangover, resulting from the decisions made on how to control viral spread. And both history and current realities...
There’s an eclectic blend of nostalgia and current events in the Summer 2021 Back in the Bay Magazine. Editorial content includes features with dozens of familiar names in North Bay and Callander, all representing the interlacing communities of theatre, volunteer...
Joe Cundari’s work ethic and creative spirit served him well as a North Bay home renovator and builder for 42 years. One of his childhood passions, however, was set aside while focusing on his contracting business and family priorities. “I wanted to be an artist all...
The World Culture Fusion Fest is off and running toward its fall celebration in North Bay. It started Saturday, July 3 with a dozen creators fusing together at Lee Park and virtually. From there, they take 15 separate journeys to create original electro-ethnic fusion...
I’ve been reading news reports about municipal councils concerned about the cost of Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. I wrote about the Integrity Commissioner process before and although FOI appeals are already handled by a central office, the Information and...
I’ve got a thing for firewood. My wife knows it. When we’re driving through the country, and she sees a long row of firewood, she looks at me and says, “You’re thinking about that firewood, aren’t you?” She knows me too well. I’ve got a load of wood in the back yard...
This is a popular spot for snakes. Numerous cracks in the rock and holes made by tree roots provide great overnight sleeping areas. I've seen a dozen (garter snakes and water snakes) in the area in just 30 minutes of quiet sitting as they head towards their various...
Shadflies have emerged from Lake Nipissing a bit earlier than usual this year. These photos were taken near the boat launch in Callander Bay, Saturday June 12 where they've been seen since June 8. Residents of the area are used to the 'shads' stealing the show and...