Canada, As I See It

Space...The Final Frontier   and Canada's place in it   There's a lot out there...space, that is...and a lot of Canadians have been a part of it. Join me, as I take a look at the Canadian people, Canadian places and Canadian things that are a part of it.   I'm still looking for your stories of your home province – please send them to me (audio file or a few paragraphs that I can read) to me at the...

Today, I'm going to look at something that is SO Canadian, some would say TOO Canadian. An orphaned girl, mistakenly sent to stay with an older couple in the fledgling province of Prince Edward Island, at the end of the Victorian Era.   Anne of Green Gables.   I'm still looking for your stories of your home province – (especially PEI) - please send them to me (audio file or a few paragraphs that I...

Today, I'm going to accentuate the Canadian Accent. It's a thing – subtle, but it's there. I give you an idea of what it is. There's a bit of joking, and a bit of seriousness – but hopefully after listening today, you'll get an idea of ANOTHER thing that makes a Canadian, a Canadian.   I'm still looking for your stories of your home province – please send them to me (audio file or a few paragraphs...

This week, we're back to my look at Canada's provinces. Today, it's Manitoba. Just to give you a heads-up – New Brunswick is next on the list, so if you have any stories about YOUR province, please email them to me, as an audio file or a few paragraphs that I can read. That actually goes for any one of the other ones that I have or have not spoken about. I'd like to hear YOUR stores about your hom...

Here we are – the 2nd Annual Live Broadcast.   I should have known that something would happen. The show actually went off pretty well. I discovered after the show that the audio from my microphone wasn't really coming through well on the broadcast. What actually happens is that when the show is over, I have the option to download it, and post it like a regular episode – and THAT is when I heard t...

This week marks a milestone in the podcast...a couple actually! It is the 2nd anniversary of the show, and the 90th episode.   It was due to be live, but it is not. I will endeavour to get that live thing happening soon – but what you'll here today is an unedited “live-to-tape” show. I'm going to call it the “Pseudo-Live Triple-Threat”. I'll be looking at a few of the subjects from my Canada T-Shi...

Today – something new. Today – an experiment. Today – I am telling you a story.   I've been working on this for a while, and due to the electronic/computer issues I have been having lately, it is time. It expands a bit on what I did last with with The Halifax Explosion.   Canada, as I see it is still a thing. In fact, I will be back next week, with a new episode. This week, I present to you: Theat...

It was a challenging week. I had a computer meltdown. Everything was safe, but the files looked like the proverbial frog-in-a-blender.   AND, this one was the one that had the most work to do on it! It's a little different than others...a bit more production, and more of a 'story' feel.   This week, I am talking about what was the largest man-made explosion before the atomic bombs were dropped in...

This week on Canadian Geography 101 aka Canada, as I see it, we take a look at British Columbia.   ...where it is ...how it got its name ...its native celebrities   and an introduction to a new bit...personal stories. If you do have any questions, or is there something that you would like me to talk about?   I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me know - I'll mention you...

Last week, it was the first big trip. This week, another first.   Today, it seems as though every entertainment venue you look at, has a corporate name attached to it. I'm not arguing it – in today's financial climate, it's almost necessary to survive.   But when did this all start? Well, put it this way, it was so long ago, that it can retire this year.   Join me, as I look at the first venue to...

You always remember the first. First day of school. First job. First love.   Today, I'm going to tell you about the first trip that Caroline and I took together. The first big trip.   Plenty of links to check out today, and a new one...a photo album. All can be seen at my site: https://whorpole.ca   Join me, as I take a trip down memory lane, on a highway...and a train...and a canoe...   If you do...

The Earth is made up of mostly water. 70% in fact. So water, most of the time, is the drink that people will choose to quench their thirst, or cleanse their palate.   But, thanks to the curiosity of some, and the adventurousness of others – there are many different ways that water can be transformed into an abundance of beverages. And since this is a podcast about all things Canadian – I'm here to...

Geography lesson today. Get your notebooks out! This week, I begin a look at Canada's provinces and territories.   This week, it's Alberta. Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention during the show – https://whorpole.ca   If you do have any questions, or is there something that you would like me to talk about?   I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@whorpole.ca – and let me kn...

Another week, another fire.   Thirty-seven years after the Titanic struck an iceberg and sunk in the North-Atlantic ocean, Toronto experienced it's own, deadly, preventable tragedy.   This week, I take a look at Canada's Worst Marine Disaster – the SS Noronic.   Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention during the show – https://whorpole.ca   If you do have any questions, or is th...

Hello everyone! Canada, as I see it is back after a summer hiatus. The third season (yeah, that's what I'm calling it) begins as I take a look at the Great Toronto Fire. Many of the fire rules and regulations in place today, were enacted due to this event. Join me, as I take you through the events of that evening in mid-April 1904.   Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention durin...

Wow...haven't we just had a week. There's certainly a lot to talk about. I've also got a bit of news of my own.   Join me for my longest podcast to date, as I explore the 2025 Canadian Federal Election.   Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention during the show – https://whorpole.ca   If you do have any questions, or is there something that you would like me to talk about?   I en...

Keeping with the spirit of the season (Hockey playoffs and such)... Today's story is about a player who many of you may not heard of before... Toronto Maple Leaf defenceman Bill Barilko.   Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention during the show – whorpole.ca   Go to my website – whorpole.ca for the links I refer to in this episode.   If you do have any questions, or is there som...

This week's subject probably lands in the, “did you know” category. AND, not only is the person I'm speaking about this week Canadian, he quite literally bled red and white. He wasn't just an actor, he gave his all, ALL of the time.   James Doohan. Lieutenant Commander Montgomery Scott. A Canadian, through-and-through.   Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention during the show –...

A chance encounter. And here I am – ready to talk about perhaps one of the first Canadian Actors I ever knew of. Come, listen with me, as I explore the life of William Shatner.   Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention during the show – whorpole.ca   Go to my website – whorpole.ca for the links I refer to in this episode.   If you do have any questions, or is there something tha...

This week I'm going to talk a little about not just ANY band...THE BAND. From being the back-up to one of Canada's most famous American singers, to sharing the stage at the Rock and Roll Hall of fame with some of the most well-known musicians.   Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention during the show – whorpole.ca   Go to my website – whorpole.ca for the links I refer to in this...

Remember when I did this last year? Had a show of random facts? Neither did I – I had to look it up. That's why I make copious notes. Well, I remembered that I did it..my memory isn't THAT bad. Thanks for joining me on this week's podcast. Be sure to tell everyone about the podcast. There are only two places in the world where it hasn't been heard, and one of them is full of penguins...and I'm not...

It's spring! Baseball spring-training is done, and it is now time to get to the the real deal! Join me as I look at Canada's teams, and a little bit of history of the game.   Remember, you can check out links about anything I mention during the show – whorpole.ca   Go to my website – whorpole.ca for the links I refer to in this episode.   If you do have any questions, or is there something that yo...

Canadian Prime Ministers.   We have a new one. Find out about the history of Canada's highest political office.   I'm answering several questions that must be burning a hole in your mind.   Go to my website – whorpole.ca for the links I refer to in this episode.   If you do have any questions, or is there something that you would like me to talk about?   I encourage you to contact me at AsISeeIt@w...

I'm tired.   There was a nano-second, when I considered whether or not I could/would keep doing this. I am forever encountering those who are looking for a short-cut, and I am seemingly always “on”. Yet they keep trying to ice-skate uphill.   Then a switch flipped. I know what I am doing. I know that I am patriotic. I know that I do enjoy doing this.   So, here's my rant. Like it or don't. I don't...

Maple Syrup.   It's time to stock up. AND plan your trip now to see how this ambrosia is made. Check out https://ontariomaple.com/ and find out where you can go to get this uniquely Canadian experience.   This week I'm talking about how it's made, AND I have a little bit of news on what's been happening in Ontario.   I'd like to know how you're listening to me. Are you using Podbean's app? Do you...