Canada, As I See It

It's Grey Cup Sunday – and so what more fitting than to talk about the CFL? Tune in and listen to a guy who doesn't have a sports-related bone in his body, talk about football! The show is recorded this week – but hope to get back to doing another live show soon. I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below. Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

This isn't live anymore, but it was on Sunday Nov 10 at 11am. Here it is, warts and all. And yes, I get it, the title really doesn't have anything to do with what I talked about (other than the random stuff - but that's just me, and you knew that when you signed up for this)!   Let me know if you'd like to hear more live shows.  Who knows? Maybe it can become a regular (or at least a more frequent thing). And I still have a whole lot of room to store recordings of you saying "This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada". You can email them to me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca Thanks to everyone for listening live - it really helped me get through it.  And thank you for downloading the podcast, I see it, and I DO appreciate it! I will talk to you again next week!

So many things going on this week. We've made the switch back to standard time, which means we've miraculously gained an hour of sleep (which we will all lose again on March 9th next year). This show completes one year of me doing this podcast. Next week, we celebrate. I take on three subjects this week – you'll just have to listen to find out what they are.   And once again, I've got Andy introducing the podcast this week. Andy is battling against ALS, and is looking to raise awareness and funds for research. Check out his site at this link: https://myalschallenge.com   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below. Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

I don't think that you even have to be Canadian to know what today's subject is about.   There ARE plenty of ways that CBC could be interpreted... If you're a doctor, it's a Complete Blood Count If you're a student, it's the Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Washington and if you're a mechanic, it is Cornering Brake Control.   But you would most likely figure that it would be the broadcast network “up there” where you can watch your hockey games. To most everyone though, you know that I am speaking of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!” If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below. Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

This week, I’m talking about, not only a Canadian first, but something that started a whole industry. Pablum seems like a nondescript name, but the idea was something that makes me think, “why hadn’t anyone thought of this before?” These days, baby formula is kept under lock and key at a lot of retailers. So, it's kind of a big thing, eh? Find out how it all started on this week’s podcast.   https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/pablum   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below. Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

I don't think the person this week, needs much, if any explanation. Terry Fox. I think he had to be the first person of my generation that I remember who “made a mark”. Sure, there were other “events” that created headlines, etc - but this was a person who chose to do something, and who caught the attention of millions of people, just so that he could help other people.   If you would like to learn more about Terry, and to contribute – please visit https://terryfox.org Oh, and that number that I mentioned at the end of the podcast is now 1140.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below. Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

Numbers. Sometimes they just don't add up.   And sometimes they just weren't meant to – sometimes a number is just a number.   This week, I have a whole bucket-full for you to listen to me talk about.   In the right order, they could be winning lottery numbers! You're welcome.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below. Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

And now that we've been firmly back in Canada for a week, it was only right that the weariness that we gained on the trip, should now catch up to us. Join me this week, as I recuperate from a cold, for an “extra-low” voice edition of Canada, as I see it.   This week I'm looking at Orange Shirt Day, also known as the Day of Truth and Reconciliation. I mention a couple of addresses in the pod.   If you'd like to learn more about Orange Shirt Day, please visit https://orangeshirtday.org   If you'd like to learn more about the Residential School System in Canada, please visit https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/residential-schools   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below. Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

On this first day of fall, the Autumnal Equinox, the day that the Sun crosses what we call the celestial equator, an imaginary extension of Earth's equator into space...I'm going to look at something that is man-made – something we use to help mark the smaller bits of our seasons, our months, our weeks...even our days...the concept known as Standard Time.   If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

As Robert Burns said, “The best laid plans of mice and men, often go awry.” He wrote that in 1785, but it could have as easily been written after watching us trying to get across the border a couple of weeks ago!   The trip to see my kids and grandkids and celebrate the wedding of one of my daughters was actually though a great success, and we had a wonderful time. While it was unfolding though, my son-in-law suggested making it into a podcast – so here it is Zach! The cheque for a writing credit is in the mail.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below. Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

We're a few weeks before the autumnal equinox, so I'm just getting this subject in before the horn sounds...lawn sprinklers.   It's also a special time for my family.   Join me as I fill you in on how we got those automatic lawn waterers, and what has changed in my life. I'm getting a little thin on voices to introduce the show. I could really use some help! If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

While going through the “Canadian points” that were on my t-shirt, I would occasionally come across ones that were DEFINITELY not Canadian. I'm sure that whoever created the shirt would just throw in some filler, thinking “hey, no one will notice”. Well, James noticed. I did write about them in my essays, but you really don't need me to talk about them as well! Today's subject is one that you would THINK wouldn't be Canadian, but go figure – this fact was legit! It is “The green ink used in printing US greenbacks”. I'm getting a little thin on voices to introduce the show. I could really use some help! If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

Fortunately, I keep my shows numbered, so I can keep track of them. This week, show #44, is about The Automatic Foghorn. Join me, as I talk about the low frequency sounds that help keep our ships safe. I'm getting a little thin on voices. I could really use some help! If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

Sometimes, it's not a matter of just being the first person to do something, you have to TELL them that you are, and be able to prove it. I have a couple of stories to tell – and they're both about being the first. Canadians aren't necessarily the pushiest about “being number 1” - but we do make sure that can back it up. I'm getting a little thin on voices to introduce the show. I could really use some help! If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

Last week it was Ontario. This week I'm moving eastward! Join me as I take a look at a couple of subjects brought to you by a couple of people from Canada's east coast.   Remember a couple of weeks ago, when I said I had a new voice? This week, it's here. I am getting a little thin on voices. I could really use some help! If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

Happy Simcoe Day Weekend! Simcoe Day is all about Ontario, and so it makes sense that Ontario should be the subject matter of the podcast. I have spoken about the province I live in before, but it was thanks to a request that I received from a listener that I expand on what I said, and it is this person who introduces the show.   It's a busy day today and tomorrow here in Toronto – if you can handle the heat and humidity, why not get out and enjoy some of the festivities!   Here is Ontario Tourism's site – if you would like to investigate, and learn more: https://www.destinationontario.com/en-ca Please also check out these two videos (that I reference in today's podcast), they are both about showing off Ontario, and all that can be experienced.   A Place To Stand https://youtu.be/o0F10Sc3Vcw?si=5_qF35guwAAtKkqR   Ontario – Yours To Discover https://youtu.be/36D2CUcMVXQ?si=GnaPFkBdBBL-c_4G     I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below. Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

WOW. Things are moving. This week saw a 500% increase in my weekly downloads. I'm seeing people listen in countries all over the world – and it's really exciting.   I've got a couple of subjects that couldn't be more different. The one that gave the title to this week's podcast came from an essay I wrote back in August of 2020.   I also got another voice for the introduction. You'll hear it in a couple of weeks – and I'll let you know when it's this one's turn!   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below. Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

Moving on up, and out in the world! Today, I am expanding on a subject that I spoke about a few weeks ago – AND it is due to someone who asked me about it from halfway around the world!   This week, I look at the history of the First Nations people in the land we call Ontario. And of course, this opens up a library of books – quite literally.   Please check out the links below to begin your journey.   https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/first-nations-in-ontario https://chiefs-of-ontario.org/firstnations/   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below. Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

I have a couple of important points to touch on this week. One is the obvious – it's in the title.   The other is concerning the person introducing the show this week. Andrew Dundas is fighting a life battle with ALS – it is a disease that progressively paralyzes people because the brain is no longer able to communicate with the muscles of the body. He is looking to raise money and awareness to fight this. He has embarked on a “Virtual Mobility Challenge”. You can learn more about what he is doing by going to – https://myalschallenge.com   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below. Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca

Weather, history and Christmas in July. (And yayyy, it looks like there will not be a problem uploading from the cottage!)   Welcome to what purports to be summer in Canada. We have our days – it gets up to 30C – and MAY hit 40C (without the heat index!) But there are also those unsettled days where we can have sweater weather, umbrella weather, and Mother Nature's fireworks.   Lots of exciting news this week. Join me, as I get into just the surface of it.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you listen from my site (whorpole.ca)? Or do you use one of the many podcast platforms that you can listen to this podcast on. I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you on the show (unless you don't want me to) – and you'll forever be able to say, “I got James to say my name, way back before he was a super celebrity!”   Don't forget - tell someone about the podcast, and let them know to contact me at the address below. Let me know their name in an email to me, and if they contact me, I will mention both of you in a future podcast. If YOU want to be a part of MY podcast, send me a recording of you saying, “This podcast is produced by the Fireside Chat Club of Canada”.   Send it via Facebook Messenger, or by email to: AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca