Hi...

My Mom mentioned the other day that, when she was a child, one of her neighbours was the fantastic musician, Jackie Washington!  


She said she used to love falling asleep while listening to him play and sing, almost always also accompanied by several members of his family and friends. Lucky Lady!!! :-) 


Take a listen: 

http://borealisrecords.com/products-page/jackie-washington/well-meet-again/ 

So, while you're listening to Jackie...


here's the answer to the question of what Stem Cell Research, Insulin, and the CN Tower have in common:  


They all have their origin in Toronto, Ontario. 

"Till, McCulloch lauded for work as fathers of stem cell science.

Fifty years ago today, two young, unknown scientists at the University of Toronto and the fledgling Ontario Cancer Institute (OCI) published accidental findings that proved the existence of stem cells - cells that can self-renew repeatedly for different uses.

Today, acclaimed the world over as the “fathers of stem cell science,” Drs. James Till, a biophysicist, and Ernest McCulloch, a hematologist,..Their work changed the course of cancer research and lit the way to what we now call regenerative medicine - the use of stem cells for bone marrow transplants and many other types of disease research,”...

Over the years, international excitement generated by the stem cell discovery has inspired and attracted many talented scientists to Toronto the study with Till and McCulloch at OCI and the University.

“Toronto is truly the city where stem cell science was born, thanks to Till and McCulloch,” said Paige.

“The promise of stem cell research for healing and helping humanity is the great living legacy of Professors Till and McCulloch."

Source: http://www.facmed.utoronto.ca/about/communications/news/U_of_T_celebrates_50_years_of_stem_cell_research.

http://www.utoronto.ca/gairdner50th.htm

Hey kids!  


Did you notice where the article mentioned that this world-changing scientific discovery was the result of "accidental findings" ? 


Sarah and Madisson did. 


Learning this information was one of their own "accidental findings" which led them to write their book called "They Don't Call It 'The Golden Horseshoe for Nuthin'!"  --- the one you're reading right now! :-) 


Okay, so moving on to learn about another "accidental finding".  This one led to the discovery of Insulin!   (I've pasted an entire article below because it discusses how dogs helped people with diabetes and how Banting did not give up on his idea and his dreams! See the paragraph in brownish-red print)  


Oh by the way, this research, experimentation and world-changing, Nobel Prize-winning discovery took place at The University of Toronto! 


                        

The Discovery of Insulin

Before the discovery of insulin, diabetes was a feared disease that most certainly led to death. Doctors knew that sugar worsened the condition of diabetic patients and that the most effective treatment was to put the patients on very strict diets where sugar intake was kept to a minimum. At best, this treatment could buy patients a few extra years, but it never saved them. In some cases, the harsh diets even caused patients to die of starvation.

During the nineteenth century, observations of patients who died of diabetes often showed that the pancreas was damaged. In 1869, a German medical student, Paul Langerhans, found that within the pancreatic tissue that produces digestive juices there were clusters of cells whose function was unknown. Some of these cells were eventually shown to be the insulin-producing beta cells. Later, in honor of the person who discovered them, the cell clusters were named the islets of Langerhans.

In 1889 in Germany, physiologist Oskar Minkowski and physician Joseph von Mering, showed that if the pancreas was removed from a dog, the animal got diabetes. But if the duct through which the pancreatic juices flow to the intestine was ligated - surgically tied off so the juices couldn't reach the intestine - the dog developed minor digestive problems but no diabetes. So it seemed that the pancreas must have at least two functions:

• To produce digestive juices
• To produce a substance that regulates the sugar glucose

This hypothetical internal secretion was the key. If a substance could actually be isolated, the mystery of diabetes would be solved. Progress, however, was slow.

Banting's Idea

In October 1920 in Toronto, Canada, Dr. Frederick Banting, an unknown surgeon with a bachelor's degree in medicine, had the idea that the pancreatic digestive juices could be harmful to the secretion of the pancreas produced by the islets of Langerhans.

He therefore wanted to ligate the pancreatic ducts in order to stop the flow of nourishment to the pancreas. This would cause the pancreas to degenerate, making it shrink and lose its ability to secrete the digestive juices. The cells thought to produce an antidiabetic secretion could then be extracted from the pancreas without being harmed.

Early in 1921, Banting took his idea to Professor John Macleod at the University of Toronto, who was a leading figure in the study of diabetes in Canada. Macleod didn't think much of Banting's theories. Despite this, Banting managed to convince him that his idea was worth trying. Macleod gave Banting a laboratory with a minimum of equipment and ten dogs. Banting also got an assistant, a medical student by the name of Charles Best. The experiment was set to start in the summer of 1921.

Banting, right, and Best, left, with one of the diabetic dogs used in experiments with insulin. Credits: University of Toronto Archives

The Experiment Begins

Banting and Best began their experiments by removing the pancreas from a dog. This resulted in the following:

• It's blood sugar rose.
• It became thirsty, drank lots of water, and urinated more often.
• It became weaker and weaker.

The dog had developed diabetes.

Experimenting on another dog, Banting and Best surgically ligated the pancreas, stopping the flow of nourishment, so that the pancreas degenerated.

After a while, they removed the pancreas, sliced it up, and froze the pieces in a mixture of water and salts. When the pieces were half frozen, they were ground up and filtered. The isolated substance was named "isletin."

The extract was injected into the diabetic dog. Its blood glucose level dropped, and it seemed healthier and stronger. By giving the diabetic dog a few injections a day, Banting and Best could keep it healthy and free of symptoms.

Banting and Best showed their result to Macleod, who was impressed, but he wanted more tests to prove that their pancreatic extract really worked.

Banting's and Best's laboratory, where insulin was discovered. Credits: University of Toronto Archives

Extended Tests

For the increased testing, Banting and Best realized that they required a larger supply of organs than their dogs could provide, and they started using pancreases from cattle. With this new source, they managed to produce enough extract to keep several diabetic dogs alive.

The new results convinced Macleod that they were onto something big. He gave them more funds and moved them to a better laboratory with proper working conditions. He also suggested they should call their extract "insulin." Now, the work proceeded rapidly.

In late 1921, a third person, biochemist Bertram Collip, joined the team. Collip was given the task of trying to purify the insulin so that it would be clean enough for testing on humans.

During the intensified testing, the team also realized that the process of shrinking the pancreases had been unnecessary. Using whole fresh pancreases from adult animals worked just as well.

Testing on Humans

The team was eager to start testing on humans. But on whom should they test? Banting and Best began by injecting themselves with the extract. They felt weak and dizzy, but they were not harmed.

Collip continued his work to purify the insulin. He also experimented with trying to find the correct dosage. He learned how to diminish the effect of an insulin overdose with glucose in different forms. He discovered that the glucose should be as pure as possible. Orange juice and honey are good examples of foods rich in glucose.

In January 1922 in Toronto, Canada, a 14-year-old boy, Leonard Thompson, was chosen as the first person with diabetes to receive insulin. The test was a success. Leonard, who before the insulin shots was near death, rapidly regained his strength and appetite. The team now expanded their testing to other volunteer diabetics, who reacted just as positively as Leonard to the insulin extract.

The Nobel Prize

The news of the successful treatment of diabetes with insulin rapidly spread outside of Toronto, and in 1923 the Nobel Committee decided to award Banting and Macleod the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

The decision of the Nobel Committee made Banting furious. He felt that the prize should have been shared between him and Best, and not between him and Macleod. To give credit to Best, Banting decided to share his cash award with him. Macleod, in turn, shared his cash award with Collip.

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for insulin has been much debated. It has been questioned why Macleod received the prize instead of Best and Collip. However, Macleod played a central role in the discovery of insulin. It was he who supported the project from the beginning. He supervised the work and it is also most likely that Macleod's contacts in the scientific world helped the team in getting a speedy recognition of their discovery.

Frederick G. Banting and John Macleod were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923 "for the discovery of insulin."

The Legacy of Insulin

Banting, Macleod, and the rest of the team patented their insulin extract but gave away all their rights to the University of Toronto, which would later use the income from insulin to fund new research.

Very soon after the discovery of insulin, the medical firm Eli Lilly started large-scale production of the extract. As soon as 1923, the firm was producing enough insulin to supply the entire North American continent.

Although insulin doesn't cure diabetes, it's one of the biggest discoveries in medicine. When it came, it was like a miracle. People with severe diabetes and only days left to live were saved. And as long as they kept getting their insulin, they could live an almost normal life.

Source: http://www.nobelprize.org/educational/medicine/insulin/discovery-insulin.html





So, now on to the CN TOWER!!!  (in Toronto, of course)

CN Tower -

Satya Josyula -

Panoramio

CN Tower - 

Satya Josyula - 

Panoramio

Below is a view of the middle of the Golden Horseshoe as seen from the CN Tower, Toronto & you can also see some of Hamilton's lights in the upper right portion: 

View from the CN Tower [002974] -

Thorsten -

Panoramio

View from the CN Tower [002974] - 

Thorsten - 

Panoramio

Okey dokey!  So more on the CN Tower another day...


'til then...
Patti Zonta

Hi...


So, as promised a few days ago, here's a bit of geographical history about how "The Falls" began...

Man and woman on Canadian side of Niagara Falls, circa 1858http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Falls

Southern Ontario's Golden Horseshoe, (the Niagara Escarpment), existed before the Glaciers!



Southern Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe, (the Niagara Escarpment), began over 425 million years ago when it emerged from the sea of the Paleozoic Era before glacial times.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Escarpment  

Today, it's an internationally recognized biosphere reserve, stretching from Watertown, New York to Manitoulin Island in Northern Ontario. The estimated current population of the region reaches approximately 1,000,000. 


The “Great Lakes”, consisting of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, hold 20% of the world’s fresh water supply. 99% percent of this water is of glacial origin.

Situated between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, the Niagara Escarpment boasts spectacular waterfalls, rivers and beaches. The most famous waterfalls, Niagara Falls, is one of the natural Wonders of the World.

Panoramic view of American and Horseshoe Falls from Canada.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Falls

Reports show that approximately 13 million people visit Niagara Falls annually. ( Source: http://nyfalls.com/niagara/niagara-falls-faq6.html ) 


Over 425 million years later, this diverse and majestic natural phenomenon, sculpted by wind, water and ice, is also fondly referred to as the “Niagara Region”, the “Niagara Peninsula”, the “Niagara Escarpment”, and the “Golden Horseshoe”.





What exactly is the Niagara Escarpment:

The Ordovician and Silurian rock forms of the Niagara Escarpment date back to 430 - 415 million years ago.  

A view of the American, Bridal Veil and Horseshoe Fallshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Falls

The Niagara Escarpment “table”, consisting of Ordovician and Silurian rock, extends approximately 1,900 square kilometers along the east and west sides of the Niagara River and forms a small part of Ontario’s Great Lakes low lands.


The Niagara Escarpment is not a fault-line or a rift-line as is the popular belief. It is, however, two things at once: 


It is a “cuesta” that runs generally along the shoreline of Lake Ontario. “

Schematic cross section of three cuestas, dip slopes facing left, and harder rock layers in darker colors than softer oneshttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuesta

Cuestas” are created through erosion. 

In structural geology and geomorphology, a cuesta(from Spanish: "slope") is a ridge formed by gently tilted sedimentary rock strata in a homoclinal structure.^[1][2] Cuestas have a steep slope, where the rock layers are exposed on their edges, called anescarpment or, if more steep, a cliff. Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuesta

"Other “Cuestas” around the globe are the Gulf Coastal Plain in Texas, the Jurassic, Chalk, White Horse Hills and the Cotswolds, (also called Cotswold Edge), in the United Kingdom, and the wine regions of Cote d’Or and Cotes du Rhone in France.

This geography explains why the Niagara Region also boasts many award winning wines and vineyards.

http://www.appletreebb.ca/niagara-on-the-lake-wineries.html

The Niagara Escarpment is also an “isthmus”. An “isthmus” is a narrow portion of land surrounded by water which joins two larger pieces of land together.


The Niagara Escarpment joins Lake Erie to Lake Ontario by way of Niagara Falls.  

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niagara_Peninsula

A “peninsula”, on the other hand, is a piece of land that projects into a body of water and is connected with the mainland by an isthmus. 


Therefore, the Niagara Escarpment is, by definition, simultaneously a cuesta, an isthmus, and a peninsula. 

http://www.merriam-webster.com/  (June 17, 2010)
http://www.niagarapeninsula.com/?pg=14  (June 17, 2010)

(http://www.niagarafrontier.com/origins.html  June 17, 2010)

I'll talk about the human history of the Niagara Region, (including daredevils and romance), in future posts...

http://www.infoniagara.com/history/human_history.aspx

http://www.skylon.com/

In the meanwhile, would you happen to know what Insulin, Stem Cell Research, and the CN TOWER have in common? 

http://www.cntower.ca/en-CA/Home.html

'til next time, 
Patti Zonta

• 
  

• 
  

Hi....


Did you know that a Nobel Prize winner and two Astronauts hailed from the Niagara Peninsula?  


Two of them lived in the Village of Ancaster and the third in Milton!

Dr. Bertram N. Brockhouse:

http://media.cns-snc.ca/history/pioneers/b_brockhouse/bbrockhouse.html

"Dr. Bertram Brockhouse, (1918-2003), who lived in Ancaster, Ontario, won the Nobel Prize in Physics 1994.Dr. Bertram Brockhouse (1918-2003) was a Canadian physicist who conducted pioneering research into neutron spectroscopy and neutron scattering techniques. Initially based at the National Reactor Universal (NRU) in Chalk River, Ontario, Dr. Brockhouse moved to McMaster University in 1962, where he held a professorship in the Department in Physics until his retirement in 1982. During these years, Dr. Brockhouse continued to conduct original research, designing and building new spectrometers at MNR and supervising numerous graduate students. Dr. Brockhouse’s research achievements were recognized both nationally and internationally during his career as he was the recipient of several awards, most notably the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1994, which he shared with Clifford G. Shull. Dr. Brockhouse was inducted into the Order of Canada in 1982 and passed away in Hamilton, Ontario in 2003. His memory lives on today at McMaster University in the eponymous Brockhouse Way and in the Brockhouse Institute for Materials Science, an interdisciplinary research organization that co-ordinates materials-related research on campus, and in the recently renamed Brockhouse Way." 

          Source:
  http://mnr.mcmaster.ca/index.php/overview/history-of-the-reactor/nobel-prize-bertram-n-brockhouse.html

                                                                             ***


Dr. Roberta Bondar:

http://www.robertabondar.com/astronaut.php

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center Houston, Texas 77058

"Dr. Bondar is a neurologist and researcher. After internship in internal medicine at Toronto General Hospital, she completed post-graduate medical training in neurology at the University of Western Ontario; neuro-opthalmology at Tuft’s New England Medical Center (Boston) and the Playfair Neuroscience Unit of Toronto Western Hospital; and carotid Doppler ultrasound and transcranial Doppler at the Pacific Vascular Institute (Seattle). She was appointed Assistant Professor of Medicine (Neurology), McMaster University, 1982-84; Scientific staff, Sunnybrook Medical Centre, Toronto, 1988-present; Visiting Research Scholar, Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico, 1993-95; Adjunct Professor, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, 1992-1994; Distinguished Professor, CATE, Ryerson, 1992-present; Visiting Distinguished Fellow, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1993-94; Visiting Distinguished Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario, 1994-present.

 She was one of the six original Canadian astronauts selected in December, 1983 and began astronaut training in February, 1984. She served as chairperson of the Canadian Life Sciences Subcommittee for Space Station from 1985 to 1989, and as a member of the Ontario Premier’s Council on Science and Technology from 1988 to 1989. In early 1990, she was designated a prime Payload Specialist for the first International Microgravity Laboratory Mission (IML-1). Dr. Bondar flew on the space shuttle Discovery during Mission STS-42, January 22-30, 1992 where she performed life science and material science experiments in the Spacelab and on the middeck.

Source:  http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/PS/bondar.html

“When I was eight years old to be a spaceman was the most exciting thing I could imagine.”
A childhood dream to be an astronaut was realized when Dr. Roberta Bondar launched from Earth in January 1992 aboard NASA's space shuttle Discovery as the first neurologist in space and Canada's first woman astronaut. As a payload specialist she conducted over forty advanced scientific experiments for fourteen nations.

Back on Earth, Dr. Bondar and her team of researchers examined data obtained from astronauts on 24 space missions to better understand the mechanisms underlying the body's ability to recover from exposure to space."

Source:  http://www.robertabondar.com/astronaut.php


                                                                                 ***


Chris Hadfield: 

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/gallery/images/shuttle/sts-100/html/jsc2001-00431.html

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center
Houston, Texas 77058

"Graduated as an Ontario Scholar from Milton District High School in 1977; (Milton is a town within Ontario's  "Golden Horseshoe"). Received a bachelor degree in mechanical engineering (with honors), Royal Military College, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, in 1982; Conducted post-graduate research at the University of Waterloo, Ontario in 1982; Received a Master of Science in aviation systems at the University of Tennessee in 1992... 

Recipient of the 1988 Liethen-Tittle Award (top pilot graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School). U.S. Navy Test Pilot of the Year (1991). Honorary Doctorate of Engineering from the Royal Military College (1996). Member of the Order of Ontario (1996). Honorary Doctorate of Laws from Trent University (1999). Vanier Award (2001). Meritorious Service Cross (2001). NASA Exceptional Service Medal (2002). Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal (2003). Inducted into Canada's Aviation Hall of Fame (2005). Commemorated on Royal Canadian Mint silver and gold coins for his spacewalk to install Canadarm2 on the International Space Station (2006).

Raised on a corn farm in southern Ontario, Chris Hadfield became interested in flying from a young age. As an Air Cadet, he won a glider pilot scholarship at age 15 and a powered pilot scholarship at age 16. He also taught skiing and ski racing part- and full-time for 10 years.
Hadfield joined the Canadian Armed Forces in May 1978...

 In June 1992 Chris Hadfield was selected to become one of four new Canadian astronauts from a field of 5330 applicants. He was assigned by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas in August of the same year, where he addressed technical and safety issues for Shuttle Operations Development, contributed to the development of the glass shuttle cockpit, and supported shuttle launches at the Kennedy Space Center, in Florida.  Between 1996 and 2001 Hadfield was NASA's Chief CAPCOM, the voice of mission control to astronauts in orbit, for 25 consecutive space shuttle missions. From 1996 to 2000, he represented CSA astronauts and coordinated their activities as the Chief Astronaut for the CSA."

Source:  http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/hadfield.html

                                                                          ***

Well now, I don't know about you, but I am certainly impressed!  


& I'm pleased to mention that I met Dr. Bondar many years ago, when she was on a professional visit to McMaster University. I don't think she would recall meeting me, but I certainly will always remember how excited I was to meet someone so accomplished and successful.  And she is really nice! Very graceful and kind. 


So...from space to underwater --- we'll visit Tobermory, (at the Northern end of the Bruce Trail), in an upcoming post.


Speaking of trails, did you know that Hamilton's annual "Around the Bay" Road Race is the oldest North American road race? (This year it happens on March 25!)

"The Hamilton Herald Newspaper and cigar store owner "Billy" Carroll, originated and sponsored the first "Around the Bay Road Race", run on Christmas Day, 1894. It is now the oldest road race in North America, older than the Boston Marathon which was born three years after the Around the Bay Road Race.

            01_1896 Start

http://www.aroundthebayroadrace.com/images/history%20album/index_html.html

24_Start 2005

Add capti http://www.aroundthebayroadrace.com/images/history%20album/index_html.html  on

'til next time...
Patti

Hi...


So, how's this for a fun fact?  


Did you know that it is estimated that 13 million people visit Niagara Falls every year ! http://nyfalls.com/niagara/niagara-falls-faq6.html


Peak season in June through to August.  

http://www.everything-niagara-falls.com/Photos-of-Niagara-Falls.html

13 MILLION!!!!  Can you blame them?  It's so GORGEOUS!

http://www.everything-niagara-falls.com/Photos-of-Niagara-Falls.html

& one of those 13 million people is Nik Wallenda, who will be walking across Niagara Falls this summer, (2012) on a tightrope!!!

http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/travel/10692549-502/wallendas-

"Wallenda’s Niagara Falls tightrope walk OKd"

By CAROLYN THOMPSON February 17, 2012 3:58PM

   

NIAGARA FALLS, Ontario — Daredevil Nik Wallenda is set to walk an 1,800-foot tightrope across Niagara Falls this summer, a feat the seventh-generation member of the famed Flying Wallenda said has been his childhood dream. Wallenda said last week “I feel like I’m on top of the world...”

          niagara-falls-tightrope-walk-okd.html



More about this story and other Niagara Daredevils soon!

For now, did you also know that one of the 1st movies to be made at "The Falls" starred Marilyn Monroe & Joseph Cotton?  It was called "Niagara" and was filmed in 1953.  

Some other famous celebrities hailing from Canada's "Golden Horseshoe" area are Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Ivan Reitman, (all of whom lived in Hamilton, ON), John Candy, (Toronto, ON),  Jim Carrey, (Burlington & Scarborough, ON), just to name a few.  I'll post websites with their biographies, and that of other celebrities soon. 

& because I'm somewhat of a Geography nut (just one of may many passions),  I'll soon post the how-and-when the 7th Wonder of the World began.

Following posts will focus on industry --- & you'll be surprised to learn that it's not all about "steel", it's also about visual artists, astronauts, writers, physicists, and more, who have literally changed our world...for the better! 


Many people joke that the Hamilton air is the source of so much creativity in such a small area.  Being that I love physics, I believe it has a lot to do with the ions in that air, not smog, and potential energy, (pardon the pun).   


As soon as I can figure out how to paste two particular photos to this post, I'll post a couple of photos of Hamilton, ON taken, (by me) this past summer, (2011), from my balcony with my Canon camera. 


The air in Hamilton is no longer "smoggy". It's extremely clean & fresh, thanks to global industries with a conscience, such as Arcelor Mittal Dofasco, Canada; so now our skies look like this and our trees are greener than ever!

til then...

Patti  

Hi...

Since this is Black History Month, please check out my post, from a few days ago, about The Underground Railroad! 

Also please check out this site which provides a lot of interesting information about Harriet Tubman and the giant role this very small church in St. Catherines, ON played in civil rights history.

http://www.stcatharines.ca/en/experiencein/BritishMethodistEpiscopalChurchSalemChapel.asp

And....here's a very important name in musical history.  Jackie Washington was a wonderfully amazing man who chose to make Hamilton, ON his home. He is sadly missed... but his amazingly wonderful music lives on! Check it out at this site...  http://borealisrecords.com/artists/jackie-washington/

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2009/06/30/jackie-washington.html

And... 

before moving on to answer the questions I posed yesterday, I would love to shanelessly drop a name here: Virginia Frances Schwartz, whom I still call "Ginny" because she was a classmate in high school! "Ginny" has gone on to become an award-winning author.   

http://virginiafrancesschwartz.com/biography.htm

 

http://virginiafrancesschwartz.com/biography.htm

 In her own words,  "One of the ways in which I have dealt with suffering in my own life was developing into a spiritual person. That means that I look to a higher place than just my own mind for everyday guidance. The songs and prayers of the slaves in Send One Angel Down and If I Just Had Two Wings mirror the spiritual belief that helped slaves endure centuries of degradations. In Messenger, the fatherless narrator is soothed by prayer, literature, poetry and a belief in the afterlife. These books explore ways to nourish a spirit that has been crushed by abuse and overwhelming family or social problems. Spirituality, or thinking about God, helps us to recognize our true self and develop our potential."


Virginia is an amazing, accomplished person who is proud of her roots here, in the Niagara Peninsula:


"I grew up in Canada in the heart of the fruit belt that stretched across Southern Ontario from Niagara Falls to Toronto. When I was young, it was completely rural, “like a slice of heaven” as my grandfather says in my latest novel about my family, Messenger. My backyard was a 20 acre orchard of blossoming fruit trees where I played, daydreamed and read."


http://virginiafrancesschwartz.com/biography.htm

And now, here are the answers to the questions from 2 days ago ---  TWO days ago???? Yikes! 

......................

Why are "The Royal Botannical Gardens", Hamilton / Burlington, Ontario called "Royal"?

http://www.rbg.ca/Page.aspx?pid=351

http://www.osrbg.ca/

http://www.rbg.ca/Page.aspx?pid=315#coots

“In December 1929 the Parks Board approved the suggestion that the name Westdale Park be changed to something more grand, Royal Botanical Gardens. This change was prompted by Thomas Baker McQuesten, a lawyer who eventually became the Member of Provincial Parliament for the City of Hamilton, who was a frequent visitor to Royal Botanic Gardens, in the town of Kew, in the south-western area of metropolitan London, England. Royal Botanic Gardens, also called Kew Gardens, has been a model for many botanical gardens around the world since the 18th century. McQuesten was authorized by the City of Hamilton to approach the Government of Canada for permission to use the term "Royal" in the name of the park.
A Royal Charter was granted by King George V of England for the name "Royal Botanical Gardens" in 1930. RBG is the only botanical garden in Canada with the right to use "Royal" in its name.”
http://www.rbg.ca/Page.aspx?pid=394 “Royal Botanical Gardens Lead Canadian Endangered Plant Recovery Project in Global Eco-Partnership
Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario, will receive a five-year grant to help save Canada’s endangered plants from extinction, as part of a worldwide “eco-partnership” established with a (US) $50-million donation from HSBC, one of the world’s largest financial services organizations.
The money comes from Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), which received (US) $11.6 million from HSBC to fund a living gene bank in botanic gardens around the world. The gene bank will protect 20,000 endangered plant species…”“HSBC launched the five-year global conservation program, called Investing in Nature, earlier this year in partnership with BGCI, the Worldwide Fund for Nature, and Earthwatch…”

Source: http://www.ashs.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&catid=109:horticultural-landmarks&id=308:royal-botanical-garden

  So, to carry on in the same vein, or tributary, of thought...Did you know that Hamilton, Ontario is called The Waterfall Capital of the World? 

This is why...

http://www.cityofwaterfalls.ca/

http://www.cityofwaterfalls.ca/albionfalls.html

http://www.cityofwaterfalls.ca/

 I found this blog (below) in my online search for photos ---- LOVE IT!!! & HAD to SHARE it with you...because GOOD NEWS travels! 

"Hamilton:Waterfall Capital of the World?
November 9, 2008 by newyorkoutdoors

I know many of you enjoy discovering waterfalls using my guidebook “200 Waterfalls in Central & Western New York.” Well, I left New York recently for a short jaunt west into Ontario, Canada – to a city called Hamilton.  It’s easy to get to – take the bridge across the Niagara River at Niagara Falls and follow the QEW to the end of Lake Ontario – before the QEW bends north around the western end of the lake. I headed there for a family reunion.
During a chat with my cousin, she queried “do you know that Hamilton is considered the waterfall capital of the world?” I admitted that I didn’t know this, but I had certainly enjoyed many waterfalls in and near Hamiltonas I thru-hiked the Bruce Trail. Then I get home and this article pops up: Hamilton:Waterfall Capital of the World?It’s karma – I was meant to pass along the secret. Plan a visit to Hamilton, maybe during spring melt when the waterfalls are gushing. Here’s a handy web site to guide your visit.Photo: Fruitland Falls by Joe Hollick" 

Source:  http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2787624284410590937#editor/target=post;postID=1278593776176229872

Hope you found today's post about freedom, flora, and waterfalls fun & informative!  


Please be sure to listen to some of Jackie Washington's blues tunes too! 


Next time, I'll talk about the geological history of Niagara Falls and in the posts following that, mention of a Niagara Falls miracle and some of the stunts-persons who have performed at Niagara Falls. 


'til then, 
Patti