Ross’s Ramblings: Tragedy of the Foam remembered, for all the right reasons
Late in the afternoon on July 13, we will be remembering the tragic drowning deaths of seven young men at the mouth of the Niagara River. In 1874, a long time ago, they
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Ross’s Ramblings: Local Legion presents a mini Woodstock music festival
Some five years ago, I explained in The Lake Report why I missed Woodstock back in August of 1969. I had been working for the summer on Cape Cod, and mistakenly thought the
Ross’s Ramblings: Canadian hockey makes me ashamed, not proud
TD Bank’s ad “Let’s make Canada proud” scrolls across my television screen during the current Stanley Cup playoffs. For a long time, I have been puzzled by Canadian hockey. We are a nation
Ross’s Ramblings: Mother’s Day downtown was the kindest day of the year
Thousands of tulips were effulgent, in so many colours, and the people walking on Queen Street were so happy and friendly and kind. In our stressful world, with so many people suffering so
Ross’s Ramblings: Not Maple Leafs forever. Time for some big changes
“Great Clips, the official hair salon of the NHL.” That ad was on the Scotiabank Arena boards during Game 4 between the big bad Boston Bruins and the uh, high-scoring Toronto Maple Leafs.
Ross’s Ramblings: Have quality leather shoes gone the way of the dodo?
My mind has been rambling as the warmer weather approaches and I want to discuss a puzzling trend: what is happening to leather shoes? I spend time on Queen Street downtown every day
Ross’s Ramblings: Professional crowd counters say eclipse crowd closer to 50K
From the Path of Totality to the Sea of Tranquillity, this week I’d like to share reflections on our 2024 solar eclipse. Enough back patting and finger pointing. Our much anticipated eclipse has
Ross’s Ramblings: Say what? Niagara Region uses emergency power to postpone eclipse to Wednesday
The promotion of our time in the Path of Totality has been impressive and I have admittedly been a wet blanket. I haven’t shied away from declaring that I don’t think Niagara Falls
Ross’s Ramblings: Self-fulfilling eclipse prophecy just might come true
Here on the Path of Totality, eclipse hype continues unabated. Indeed, Niagara Region chair Jim Bradley has proactively declared a state of emergency ahead of the solar eclipse on April 8. I know,
Ross’s Ramblings: Sometimes not conforming to ‘norm’ is the way to go
Swimming against the current can be a good thing, with positive results. Stay the course with me as I put my thoughts to paper after a chance incident in Niagara-on-the-Lake last week. In
Ross’s Ramblings: Gouge by the gorge eclipses even Y2K hype
I tend to resist media hype and I chuckle at grandiose statements. Been there. Done that. The next total eclipse in this area will be in 2044, so this is the chance of
Ross’s Ramblings: Brock keeps focus on sports, not spectacles
No gambling ads, no bad behaviour by players or spectators. Just a great sporting event in a packed and eponymous Bob Davis Gymnasium up at Brock University last Friday evening. There were about
Ross’s Ramblings: Library’s artificial intelligence series shows how little I know
May I encourage more locals to come out to seminars and workshops organized around our town? So much to learn, so much work done by the presenters — and so few attendees. I
Ross’s Ramblings: Open or closed? What’s up with Family Day in NOTL?
We haven’t really figured out Family Day, have we? As I rambled a few years ago, I hope the decision-makers will finally decide if Family Day is a holiday or not. As much
LOVE REPORT: For Mary Lou Turner, always a joy
Ross Robinson Love can be described as a strong positive feeling toward someone or something. To that end, I can happily say that I love Mary Lou Turner. She is a joy to
Ross’s Ramblings: Going to Mexico to avoid Canada’s overpriced dental cartels
So many of us have inaccurate ideas about life in other countries. For example, it is easy to believe there are murderous cartels in Mexico, often controlling the illegal drug and arms businesses.
Ross’s Ramblings: I tried to watch the all-star hockey weirdness
Yes, I gave it my best shot, but I just couldn’t relate to the big hockey show in Toronto last weekend. The hardest working people were the talking heads who laboured mightily to
Ross’s Ramblings: Why this NOTL lad loves to travel
St. Augustine, it is said, wisely wrote, “The world is a book. The person who does not travel reads only one page.” Travelling is a great teacher, and my recent 19-day dental trip
Ross’s Ramblings: Travel in Mexico without guacamole
Reflecting on my peripatetic life, I realize I have often studiously avoided the local foods that define an area. Recently, this meant 19 days in Mexico without tasting, seeing, or even smelling guacamole.
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Ross’s Ramblings: Aging characters contribute to character of NOTL
The festive season is well behind us and I had plenty of time to be thankful for the characters of Niagara-on-the-Lake. They have a big influence on our town. Yes, we have built
Ross’s Ramblings: Niagara punches way above its weight musically
The holiday season brought even more musical and cultural events to our wonderful part of the world, and it was tiring to try to keep up. When will the good times end? Music
Ross’s Ramblings: Sandy Sugarswirl at North Pole delights Niagara children
It’s been a wonderful 33 years for one Canada Post employee, who was very busy over the holidays writing letters to Niagara area children before Christmas. In a world — and a country
Ross’s Ramblings: Our town shines as a primo holiday season destination
So much to do, and so many spirited local folks making Christmas-y things happen. Last weekend, visitors from nearby towns and faraway countries descended on Niagara-on-the-Lake, enthusiastically getting into the holiday spirit. People
Ross’s Ramblings: Enlightening encounters and braving the chilly elements
So much going on in our town and so much to learn. Last week, I came upon the Learn & Live seminar at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library, presented by Trevor Kwolek of Great
Ross’s Ramblings: Of historic buildings, colourful celebrations and sad sports
Do Ross’s Ramblings focus too often on Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Old Town? At the risk of over-rambling, this week I will touch on three diverse subjects. Firstly, a somewhat high level (for me) discussion of
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