Season Two - E. 8 - The Underground Railroad as Part of our Local History

This is an episode that we had tried to put together last season, but it just didn't work out with every one's schedule.  However, we were much luckier this season. 

Our guests for this show were Wilma Morrison and Dr. Tim Epp.  Wilma works with the Central Ontario Network for Black History and Dr. Epp is an Associate Professor, Sociology at Redeemer University College. 

Wilma has vast knowledge about Black History in Niagara and in general and told us some very interesting stories.  Tim's research focuses on the connections between Black History and that of the Anabaptist's in the area.  It was interesting to see that two such culturally different groups could come together to form communities and working relationships. 

As we were wrapping up, I asked Wilma a question but she wasn't sure of the answer.  I remember reading once that people planted tiger lilies to indicate that someplace was safe for runaway slaves.  Does anyone out there know if this is true. 

Season Two - E. 7 - Christmas 1812

We were most fortunate to have as our guests, Peter Martin and Elizabeth Leblanc of Parks Niagara/Fort George to celebrate Christmas at the Fort, 1812 with us.

Even better, both wore period costume and brought along some articles for Mary, Jacquie and I as well. 

While we discussed what life would have likely been like at the Fort during Christmas, Elizabeth set us to work on a home made decoration that was popular at the time:  a Pomander made with an orange and cloves. While oranges were a treat and may not have been available to everyone, apples could easily be substituted. 

As we worked diligently setting whole cloves in an attractive pattern into our respective oranges, Peter read to us from actual letters from Fort George written by officers and enlisted men that described Christmas for them. 

If you were an officer, things were considerably better.  You might relax a bit, enjoy a feast for dinner, perhaps music and dance in the evening.  The enlisted did not have it so good.  Christmas day was much like any other for them, although they would likely have had some sort of "treat" at dinner.  
Thank you to Peter and Elizabeth for sharing their knowledge with us and making our first Christmas episode a memorable one. 

For more information contact:   http://www.friendsoffortgeorge.ca/

Season Two - E.6 - The End of the World and Other Hooey

The first time I met Dr. Brian Pihack, he was giving a lecture.  Someone in the audience asked his opinion of the supposed end of the world according to the Mayan calender and his response was "don't even get me started on that". 

"Let's Talk About It" didn't exist at that point in time, but later when we decided to do a show about the whole idea, I knew we needed Brian to be there. 

In the summer I had been to the ROM in Toronto to see the Mayan exhibit on loan to them with my son.  At the end of the exhibit, there was a giant clock on the wall, somewhat similar to the Doomsday Clock created in 1947 at the University of Chicago. It was counting down the seconds until December 22nd, 2012. 

The whole idea of the Mayans predicting the end of the world has always annoyed me.  The reason their calendar stopped is because they were virtually wiped out as a civilization about 1200 years ago.  And when it comes to all the Hollywood hype surrounding the issue, well, as Brian said, don't even get me started.  Still, I was interested to see what some other schools of thought were on the subject. 

As I expected, Brian completely ridiculed the idea of the Mayan's predicting the end of the world.  So, we started looking at some of the other scenarios we'd read about as far as the world ending in December. 

Alien Invasions?  Apparently, more people believe this one than I would have thought possible.  If you happen to be one, you should probably head to Bugarach in the south of France where apparently aliens will save the faithful who flock there when it all goes bust in December.

Then there are Solar Flares and Storms.  This at least seemed scientific.  Brian pointed out that they occur all the time and have since the beginning of time, so there is no reason to suppose they will suddenly become more dangerous. 

Giant meteorite?  Well...one is supposed to pass quite close to Earth...but that's not until February.  Besides which, it will miss us. 

The Magnetic Poles flipping?  This is supposed to happen in December, but according to Brian (and NASA, I looked it up), this also happens all the time with no hazardous outcome for earth. 

If you would like to contact Brian to discuss any of this further, you can find him at:
http://astronomyniagara.com/html/contact_us.html
 

Season Two - E.5 - Effortless Entertaining

Everyone who entertains should be so lucky as to have their own cheese guy.  I am referring of course to one Zack Johnson, official Cheese Ambassador at Sobey's on Glendale in St. Catharines. 

Zach knows an amazing amount of information about cheese:  what goes best with what, all the new varieties, which ones are available when, and the best way to present it!  He has saved me many times. 

So, when we were thinking about an episode on effortless entertaining, my first thought was of course, Zach!     

For the taping, Zach brought several varieties for us to sample, along with fruit, nuts and other accompaniments.  Just before we began, he arranged everything beautifully on an assortment of servers and it literally took him less than 10 minutes to do.  See.  Effortless.  : )

One of the cheeses he brought for us to try was a Parmigiana that had been aged for 30 years.  He cut a piece for each of us and then instructed us to first dip it into the dish of honey he had set beside it.   Now, I would never have thought of that in a million years, but it was amazing!  The sharp, slightly salty cheese and the sweet local honey.  Delicious.  I've served it at several functions since!  [Thanks Zach].

When we finished taping, no one left.  The crew all came in and we all stood around eating cheese and nuts and fruit and breads!   The best part was, there were leftovers for the taping the following day too. 

If you get the chance, go to Sobey's on Glendale [in St. Catharines], the cheese area is just inside the front door, and ask for Zach.  He'll set you up.  He also conducts cheese tasting periodically in the store so be sure to ask him when the next one is. 

Season Two - E. 4 - Paranormal Investigations

I must admit, I am a sucker for all of these shows on television that investigate hauntings.  One night I was watching just such a show and I started to wonder if we had anyone like those investigators in our area?    A relatively quick Internet search later and I found SOPS:  Southern Ontario Paranormal Society.  SOPS is a not for profit organization first begun in 2005 to investigate paranormal activity. 

http://www.sopsinvestigations.com/

I gave them a call and spoke with Steve Grenier the next day, and to my delight, he said they would do the show. 

The day we taped, Steve brought another SOPS member, Chris Stevenson and they talked about how they first got started, some of their investigations, and they even brought some of the electronic equipment that they will typically use in an investigation.  Mary, Jacquie and myself were enjoying every minute. 

Steve and Chris both mentioned that their first goal in beginning an investigation is to go in with an open mind.  They never assume anything, and will look for non-paranormal reasons for things as well as paranormal ones.

As always seems to be the case, we ran out of time much too soon.  As we were wrapping up a friend of ours arrived in the studio:  Danielle Murray who owns Dani's Bistro on St. Paul St. in St. Catharines.  When she realized who our interview guests were, she told me, in the way that people do, "don't think I'm crazy, but I think my restaurant is actually haunted".  

That was all I needed to hear.  "Danielle,come with me!" 

I introduced Danielle to the guys and they were happy to listen to her story. As they were talking, I turned to our Producer and silently mouthed : we totally need to do a follow up show on this! 

Luckily, she agreed, and Danielle and the SOPS team were also willing.  We were able to pick a Friday night, and the team arrived after Danielle closed for the night. 

Stay tuned for that episode! 

Season Two - E. 3 - Caring for Exotic Pets.

Meet Mike London from Reptile Kingdom.  What, you may ask, does he have in that rather large, air-hole punctured container?  A poisonous toad the size of a soccer ball?  A giant lizard with terrifyingly sharp claws?  Or perhaps it's a 50 lb boa constrictor named Sidney?  Any of those guesses could be correct as he brought all of them, and more.

Our first guest was a rather large Bearded Dragon which Mike set up on the desk in front of us and let wander.   I'm familiar with this particular lizard having driven from London, Ontario one spring day with one basking on my dashboard as I kept one eye on him and one on the 401 traffic!!  The one Mike brought to meet us was considerably larger, and surprisingly smooth.  Jacquie and Mary did quite well with this one I thought, considering their initial misgivings about the whole thing.

Next was a Tegu Lizard.   He was a little more intimidating as he roamed around the table with his oh so very sharp claws.  And in the same way that cats will rub themselves against the legs of my husband (so not a cat person), this Tegu seemed intent on visiting Jacquie! 

 

 



 This picture in no way does justice to it's actual size!!!    Each claw was the length of my middle finger at least. 

We also met Sidney.  Sidney is a 50lb Boa Constrictor, about 15 feet long.  She quite enjoyed exploring our desk.  I enjoyed the lizards a lot, but I think Sidney was my favourite.  At one point she hooked the end of herself over the edge of the desk in front of me, and then hung the rest of herself over the other edge and I will admit to a bad couple of seconds when I suddenly remembered that the desk has no front on it and she could have easily doubled back underneath it.  : )

Our final guest (we ran out of time) was a land tortoise, who made short work of the zucchini Mike gave him to munch on! 

As cool as it was to get up close to these amazing creatures, we all have to remember that taking one as a pet should never be taken lightly.  They require a lot of work.  The one thing people don't seem to realize, according to Mike, is that they will get bigger!  The tiny little lizard you buy today could grow to several feet long so be sure you are up to the task of caring for it! 

For more information, see Reptile Kingdom's website:
http://www.reptilekingdom.net/rescue.html

And if you find yourself in Fonthill, drop in for a visit!

 

Season Two - Second Episode - Homelessness in Niagara

Our very special guest this week is Elisabeth Zimmerman.  Elisabeth is the Executive Director of the YWCA for Niagara.  She is responsible for running the various shelters in Niagara, for women and children,  and families. 

In talking with Elisabeth one of the first things that is apparent, is just how great the need is.  Not only does she try to accommodate the homeless in Niagara, but also women at risk.  It is an incredibly daunting task to say the least. 

Elisabeth explained that despite what people may think, the homeless are not typically people too lazy to work, but rather people who work very hard, but simply can no longer make ends meet due to job loss or illness.  The YWCA has a number of campaigns in the works to raise awareness of the issues. 

Prior to taping this show, we were able to see first hand one of the downtown St Catharines shelters and meet some of the women staying there, along with the incredibly dedicated and hard working staff. 

If you have any questions, or would like more information, please see:
 ezimmerman@ywcaniagararegion.ca

http://ywcaniagararegion.ca/contact/

Please note too, that donations are always welcome!