No Stupid Questions

Bigger isn't always better

Why does the Region of Durham leave 15-litre water bottles, such as those sold by Fernbrook Springs at major retailers in the region, advertised as 100-per cent recyclable, behind at the curb?

    Katherine Ross-Perron, a waste technician for the Region of Durham, said currently the Region does not accept or collect any plastic bottles over 10 litres.
    There are several processing concerns.
    “Because they’re so large and they’re so light, they tend to take up a lot of space in the collection trucks,” said Ms. Ross-Perron. Accepting them may mean additional costs since that might require more trucks on the road.
    As well, the Region’s processing facilities are designed to handle regular sized containers only.
    However, that may change as the Region is currently transitioning to a new Materials Recovery Facility.
    “Once we’re in our new facility, it’s something we’re going to look at,” said Ms. Ross-Perron.
    She adds that the problem has only come up in the last five years since the vendors selling the water moved from a deposit/return system to the current recyclable material. When they made the switch, they didn’t consider the impact over-sized products would have on municipal recycling.
    “If you’re buying that product, return it to the place you bought it and let them deal with the space,” advises Ms. Ross-Perron.

Why don't school buses have seat belts?

According to the Ministry of Transportation, information from all types of school bus collisions demonstrates that the current school bus design provides a high level of protection to occupants and that seat belts may actually adversely affect the safety of children on school buses (Transport Canada).

Instead of requiring seat belts, school buses are designed and constructed differently from passenger cars. School buses protect passengers through "compartmentalization", a design that includes:

• Seats with high backs;
• Seats filled with energy-absorbing material;
• Seats placed close together to form compartments;
• Strong seat anchorages.

Studies have shown that adding seat belts to the current seating configuration of a school bus can increase the chance of head and neck injuries. For a seat belt to be effective, it must be worn correctly, snug and on the upper thighs. Because school vehicles carry passengers from the very young to high school students, if seat belts were used, they would need to be readjusted and their use monitored. A seat belt not worn correctly may cause serious injuries.

-- Source: mto.gov.on.ca

Proceed with caution

Why is it that people will sit at an intersection and wait for a pedestrian to cross five lanes of roadway and hold up two or three other cars? Cars could have easily been through the intersection without interfering with said pedestrian. Some people might think waiting is being courteous. No, it is inconsiderate to other drivers as well as the pedestrian who is made feel they need to rush across the street.

According to the Ontario Driver's Handbook, drivers, including cyclists, must stop and let all pedestrians cross. Once people have cleared your side of the road you can go with caution. Do not pass any vehicle within 30 metres of a pedestrian crossing.

It's a piece of cake

Why do we say things that are easy are a cakewalk?

The Cakewalk was a dance. Its origins in slavery and the plantation south, the Cakewalk was the sole organized and even condoned forum for servants to mock their masters. A send-up of the rich folks in the "Big House," the Cakewalk mocked the aristocratic and grandiose mannerisms of southern high-society. Much bowing and bending were characteristic of the dance, which was more a performance than anything else. Couples lined up to form an aisle, down which each pair would take a turn at a high-stepping promenade through the others. In many instances the Cakewalk was performance, and even competition. The dance would be held at the master’s house on the plantation and he would serve as judge. The dance’s name comes from the cake that would be awarded to the winning couple.

See source, more information and a video clip of a Cakewalk here.

Hung out to dry

How can a new subdivision ban a clothesline if it is not an actual municipal bylaw?

According to Derek Hannan, manager of bylaw services for the Town of Ajax, there isn't a bylaw outlawing clotheslines.

"It's a covenant in deed of the property. It's an agreement with the developer" that clotheslines can't be put up, he says. This doesn't apply to umbrella-style clotheslines, only those clotheslines that stretch across a property.

"If you get a good gust of win, clothes will be flapping in your neighbour's yard."

It has to do with "sightlines and enjoying your backyard," Mr. Hannan said.

Canadian Geese

Why is it that some geese go south for the winter and others stay? Is it just a matter of food that keeps them here in Canada?

After researching this question we discovered that geese are migratory animals, but in more recent years the species has begun to transform. There are now a group of geese that are non-migratory and do not go south, or as far south each winter. The goose is becoming very adaptable to “human-altered areas”. Geese migrate south because of the lack of food that is found in Canada during the winter months. But if a goose can find food and open water in its home land of Canada then it will not migrate south. This means with more mild winters the geese will stay North as long as they can.

The best answer we could find was found on this website. This is the website’s explanation “Some migratory populations of the Canada Goose are not going as far south in the winter as they used to. This northward range shift has been attributed to changes in farm practices that makes waste grain more available in fall and winter, as well as changes in hunting pressure and changes in weather.”
To sum up this answer, it seems that the geese are adapting to the way the humans are changing the environment and do not have to go south, or as far south anymore.

Bedtime story

Where did the expression “sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite” come from?

After researching this questions, I discovered two believable, but different theories about why we use the expression, “sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite”.

The first explains that in the old days before modern mattresses, a bed use to consist of a square frame with ropes tied across in a weave like pattern to act as springs. This bed was similar to a hammock. The tighter the ropes on the bed, the better higher quality of sleep you got. The bedbugs part, well I think that is pretty self-explanatory. The bedbugs part refers to the tiny critters that make your warm cozy bed, their home.
Another theory behind the “sleep tight” saying is explained by the Oxford dictionary saying, “ It seems that tight in this expression is the equivalent of the only surviving use of the adverb tightly meaning ‘soundly, properly, well, effectively”. For more go to ask Oxford.
It is up to you which theory you enjoy the most. I hope this answers your question.
Sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite!

Eggs-eptional myth

    I saw a commercial that gave the impression March 20 is the only day of the year that you can stand a raw egg on its end. Is that true or just a myth? 

    After researching this question we discovered according to www.badastronomy.com, that there is no real science behind this story to prove that the first day of spring is the only day of the year you can stand an egg on its end.
    People suggest, since the spin axis of the earth points 90 degrees away from the sun on this day, you should be able to balance an egg on its end. This actually happens two times a year, not just the first day of spring, but also on the first day of autumn the earth points 90 degrees away from the sun. On the Spring and Autumn Equinox, the earths axis is pointing perpindicular to the sun, yes, but this has nothing to do with the gravity that is needed to stand an egg on its end.
    Other theories found claimed that since the first day of spring has equal amounts of sunlight and darkness, each getting 12 hours, that this day is perfectly balanced. The perfect balance is rumoured to stand an egg on its end.
    Every year this is shown on news networks as a one-time a year thing. After researching the question though, many say that they are able to stand an egg on its end all year long, it takes patience but eventually you can be successful in this task any day of the year.
    Most scientific findings point to this specific story being a myth, but you can always do your own experiment any day of the year. All you need is an egg, some patience and a little bit of time.
    Good Luck!

Knock, knock, superstition is here

Where does the expression “knock on wood” come from?
    People use the expression knock on wood after saying something that they don’t want to happen. The saying is believed to continue good fortune by warding off evil. Knock on wood coming from the expression “touch wood”, has a few surrounding theories of its origin. One theory is that the Irish knock on trees to let the little people know you’re thinking of them so they will send good luck your way.
    Another belief is that the sound of the knock is to prevent the devil from hearing your words of good fortune and him sending evil your way.  It is also believed that the expression could come from the Christian faith, the knocking on wood comes from the wooden cross of the crucifixion. Knocking on the wood of the cross brings good luck and respresents good faith.
    There is many variations of the commonly used saying. In england it is touch wood, while in North America the phrase has been transformed into “knock on wood”.
    Germans also use the expression “knock on wood” as a superstition while in Norway they knock on a table. No matter where you are from, or how you say the expression it still has the same intention in its meaning. Whether you are superstitious or not you may still find yourself knocking on wood to protect your good fortune, just in case.

Accessing records

Q: How can I look up my grade school records at an Oshawa  school I attended from 1936 to 1948? It was torn down a number of years ago.

According to the Durham District School Board, you can visit www.archives.gov.on.ca. This site contains various kinds of records between 1903 and 2003.

Hugs and kisses

   Why do we use an 'X' for a kiss and an 'O' for a hug?

    Using the famous x’s and o’s to represent hugs and kisses has been used for hundreds of years and it is natural now to the English speaking world to understand the representation without having to think about it. So, asked the question, we did some research into why we don't use a’s and b’s, and instead x’s and o’s became such a universal sign of hugs and kisses?
    Several sources have similar definitions. We've compiled the similarities from each to give you this answer:
   One theory is that X represents two mouths coming together to form a kiss. Another theory is that in earlier Christian history, illiterates used the St. Andrews cross 'X' to sign documents. They would then kiss the X to show good faith. This is the most commonly recognized reason for using the x to represent a kiss.
    The origin of the O is not as easily traced back into history. It is believed that the Jewish people and some shop owners in North American began to use an O to sign their documents instead of an X. However, we were unable to find any specific reason as to why they started using the O instead of the X when signing documents. The O is easily recognized as the representation of a hug because of its circular shape resembling the warm embrace of a hug.
    For more on this, try out trivia-library.com.

What's good for the goose...

Why is it that some geese go south for the winter and others stay? It it just a matter of food that keeps them here?

For this question, we turned to Dennis Barry of Whitby, a self-described "lifelong student of nature" and husband of 'Out Walking' nature columnist Margaret Carney. Mr. Barry knows birds; he is the organizer and founder of the Minden Christmas Bird Count, co-ordinator for Haliburton County for the past two Ontario Breeding Bird atlasses, has banded eastern bluebirds in Durham Region, is involved in the Oshawa Christmas Bird Count and has studied birds in various parts of the world. He writes:

    Food is the key, but there's a bit more to it than that.
    Historically, Canada geese nested in southern Ontario, but were all killed off sometime after the settlers arrived. A flock was reintroduced at Toronto Island in the middle of the last century.  Virtually all the resident Canada geese in southern Ontario now are descended from that flock.  In the 1950s there were almost no Canada geese in Durham Region in summer or in winter, only migrants in spring and fall.
    One change that allowed the current Canada geese to be able to winter is a change in farming. In the 1960s farmers began growing corn that was allowed to form cobs that ripened in the fields. Up to that time corn was cut green and used to fill silos. The seed corn had to be left in the fields to ripen and dry before it could be harvested. This often meant it remained until winter. When it was harvested, some remained in the fields, or was spilled during harvesting. Since the fields couldn't be cultivated after the ground was frozen, lots of corn was left for winter food for Canada geese and other birds such as mourning doves that also now winter in much larger numbers than they did 50 years ago.
    Another factor is warmer winters with much less snow cover on average. Corn and also winter wheat are easily accessible to geese all winter. Once in a while a heavy snowfall covers this food source. Then the geese move just far enough south to get to available food, and return as soon as the snow melts again.

All I want for Christmas is....

Where do all those Santa Claus letters addressed to the North Pole go? Is there a ‘real’ Santa Claus that reads them?

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus...and almost 11,000 elves who help answer more than one million letters from children all over the world every year.

Letters addressed to Santa Claus, North Pole, HOH OHO, go to Canada Post's Santa letter-writing program, run by thousands of Canada Post employees and retirees. Each letter that includes a return address receives a reply from Santa.

Almost 11,000 postal elves volunteer to help Santa with his mail. Letters are answered in English, French, and more than 20 other languages, as well as Braille. E-mail is answered in English or French.

Canada Post encourages children and students to write to Santa. It is a fun learning experience that helps teach kids how to write and send a letter. To ensure that children will receive a reply from Santa before Christmas, they should write as early as possible. Remember to include your return address.

Take a colder shower

Why can't homeowners control the temperature on electric hot water heaters, to conserve hydro?

Axel Starck, vice president of Veridian Connections,  said thermostats are inside hot water tanks and shouldn't be touched unless 'you know what you're doing'. There are concerns with allowing customers to control the thermostat -- if it's set too low, you could run into 'unhealthy' warm water conditions, and if it's too high a person could scald themself. It's preset to a certain safe level, he said.

He added if power-saving is the concern, Veridian will soon offer a program which allows heaters to be turned off while a customer is away from the home and doesn't need hot water during that time. For more information, visit the veridian website.

Put a cork in it

Where does cork come from?

According to howstuffworks.com,  just about every tree has an outer layer of cork bark, but the cork oak (Quercus suber) is the primary source of most cork products in the world, including wine bottle stoppers. These trees primarily grow in countries that run along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, where there's plenty of sunshine, low rainfall and high humidity. The countries that produce the most cork include Portugal, Algeria, Spain, Morocco, France, Italy and Tunisia.

Show them the money

Where does the money from speeding tickets and other police fines go?

Fines for criminal offences go to the Province. Money from speeding tickets goes to regional government.

The Region of Durham uses the revenue to cover operating costs for delivery of services under the Provincial Offences Act, consisting of administrative, prosecutorial and court support functions, including payments to the Ministry of the Attorney General. Net revenue is shared 60/40 between the eight local municipalities (based on assessment values) and the Region. Durham's share of net revenue is used to reduce the tax bill.

Mooooove over, I'm getting up

Q: Is it easy for a cow to lay down? How do they get up?

A: It is very easy for a cow to lay down. According to  CowsUnlimited.com, a cow stands up and lays down about 14 times a day, even though it may weigh 700 to 1,500 pounds.
   Wikipedia  tell us that, unlike horses, cows do not 'lock their legs' when they sleep. Cows lie down while sleeping and most of their sleep is very light and easily disturbed — typical of herd prey animals; they take only short naps at regular intervals throughout a 24 hour period, which means that at any given time, some members of the herd are aware and alert.
    A cow gets up back end first, according to Howie Herrema, a third-generation dairy farmer in Uxbridge. And they go down front end first. He has seen a  calf stand as early as 10 minutes after being born, and says most will stand in the first half hour.

Where can I get a wife like that?

Q. What was that hilarious list from a 1950s book on how to be a good wife?

    A: According to the urban legend-debunking site snopes.com, no one has turned up the home economics textbook that supposedly contains the following list of instructions for wives.
    But, Snopes says, "whether the piece at hand is a genuine excerpt from a yet-undiscovered home economics textbook, it is nonetheless a relatively accurate reflection of the mainstream vision of a woman's appointed role in post-war America."

1. Have dinner ready: Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal — on time. This is a way of letting him know that you have been thinking about him, and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they come home and the prospects of a good meal are part of the warm welcome needed.

2. Prepare yourself: Take 15 minutes to rest so you will be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your makeup, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people. Be a little gay and a little more interesting. His boring day may need a lift.

3. Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives, gathering up school books, toys, paper, etc. Then run a dust cloth over the tables. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift, too.

4. Prepare the children: Take a few minutes to wash the children's hands and faces if they are small, comb their hair, and if necessary, change their clothes. They are little treasures and he would like to see them playing the part.

5. Minimize the noise: At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of washer, dryer, dishwasher or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to be quiet. Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and be glad to see him.

6. Some Don'ts: Don't greet him with problems or complaints. Don't complain if he's late for dinner. Count this as minor compared with what he might have gone through that day.

7. Make him comfortable: Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or suggest he lie down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him. Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soft, soothing and pleasant voice. Allow him to relax and unwind.

8. Listen to him: You may have a dozen things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first.

9. Make the evening his: Never complain if he does not take you out to dinner or to other places of entertainment; instead, try to understand his world of strain and pressure, his need to be home and relax.

10. The goal: Try to make your home a place of peace and order where your husband can relax.

Best foot forward

        Why does the Blue Heron stand on one leg. Does his foot hurt?
Well, unfortunately, there's no conclusive scientific evidence that the one-leg hunting trick is painful, but every indication from Ducks Unlimited and several nature sources, is that the blue heron is "tireless" and patient in its hunting. So it seems unlikely it hurts. But according to Seattle Audobon the Great Blue Heron’s long legs allow it to hunt in deeper water than most other herons and egrets.
The website facts describe the reason for the one-legged stance is that "herons have special patches of powder down feathers, which they rake with a foot, causing the powder to fall on fish it has caught. The powder causes the fish slime and oil to clump up so that the herons then can simply brush it off with a foot. Herons also rub the powder especially on the underside of their bodies to repel swamp slime and oils."
The picture above was sent by our reader and was taken on White Lake in Haliburton.

Murphy's Law

Where did the saying Murphy's Law come from? I use that expression all the time but do not know who Murphy is.

According to Wikipedia, Murphy's Law broadly states that things will go wrong in any given situation, if you give them a chance. "If there's more than one way to do a job, and one of those ways will result in disaster, then somebody will do it that way." It is most often cited as "Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong" (or, alternately, "Anything that can go wrong, will").

There are two theories as to who Murphy was.

One theory stems from a 1949 project at Edwards Air Force Base. A Major Edward A. Murphy was an engineer helping the United States Airforce conduct rocket sled experiments, testing human tolerance for g-forces during rapid deceleration. Murphy proposed technology using sensors for this experiment which were mistakenly all hooked up backward. The phrase was said to have been coined following a press conference some months later.

Wikipedia says there's another documented account involving a Justice of the Peace named William L. "Billy" Murphy in Laramie, Wyoming in 1885, who discovered the Union Pacific Railroad had built a monument on "vacant" government land, instead of railroad property. Murphy obtained legal rights to the property, then wrote for outdoor advertisers to bid on leasing spaces on "his" pyramid. He also gave notice to the railroad company that its "rock pile" was trespassing on his "farm" and gave them a deadline to move it or lose it.

The railroad found the law was all on Murphy's side. Everything had gone wrong with this project!

A top-level railroad lawyer was sent with a black valise, from Omaha headquarters to Laramie, with orders to get clear title to the monument at any cost.

Murphy was tricked into meeting alone with four powerful railroad negotiators who locked the door when he entered the room. The four legal experts then frightened Murphy into thinking he had broken the law by filing a homestead on the land. They told him all the witnesses who signed his homestead claim could be charged with perjury. They told Murphy he would surely lose his Justice of the Peace position, ruin his reputation, and risk prison.

Then they switched tactics and "generously" promised Murphy they would try hard to keep the matter quiet and save him from all those troubles — if only Murphy would just sign a relinquishment of his homestead claim and promise to never tell anyone. Their bluff worked.

In exchange, the railroad gave Murphy the deeds to two vacant lots in Laramie City, then worth about $385.

Alas, Murphy later learned that the railroad lawyer had been carrying $15,000 in cash in his black valise to pay for the relinquishment, and had authority to pay twice that amount if necessary. Murphy had the law on his side and could have profited monumentally. Even for Murphy, everything that could have gone wrong, had gone wrong!

Eating crow

What does it mean to 'eat crow'?

It means to be proven wrong after having strongly expressed one's opinion.

According to  English Usage FAQ, the origin of the expression is ultimately unknown, but almost all authorities cite an incident that took place during a truce in the war of 1812. The story goes that an unarmed British officer encountered an American hunter near the Niagra River, gained control of his musket and thereby forced him to eat the crow he had just shot. The American complied, but when his musket was returned, forced the British officer to do the same.

The Legend of Uncle Don

Was there a radio host who actually ended a children's show saying, 'There, that oughta hold the little bastards?'

There is a recording of this that exists, but according to the Urban Legends page at Snopes.com, this is all a myth and the recording isn't authentic. The Snopes site goes on at great length to debunk the popular legend that a radio host named 'Uncle Don' uttered these words over the air before the engineer cut to a station break, was subsequently fired and died an impoverished drunk.

According to Snopes, there are several versions of this tale involving various announcers, but most often the gaffe is attributed to "Uncle Don" Carney of station WOR, who broadcasted through seven states between 1928 and 1947. There is a lengthy piece on the Snopes site arguing that this on-air mistake never happened, and that Uncle Don was never penalized for anything on his show.

But in the mid-1950s, a series of "Blooper" records contained this supposed radio recording, which Snopes claims is a recreation by an actor. Real or not, it is hilarious. To hear the broadcast as the host signs off his radio show, visit the Snopes page and scroll down.

Sleeping tight

"No Stupid Questions' has a friend out there who keeps asking questions! Good!

Today she wants to know, "Is this true? In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase, 'goodnight, sleep tight.'"

This quote can be found all over the internet on several sites, and yes..it's true, although rope beds are certainly not limited to Shakespeare's time. In fact, you can still buy rope beds today, and if you've ever tried relaxing in a hammock, you've already tried out the concept!

According to IdiomSite.com,  "sleep tight" indeed is a term which means "sleep well". Beds made of ropes would become slack and loose, which made sleeping uncomfortable. So, in order to sleep well, one had to tighten the ropes.

And at Shakerworkshops.com, which sells reproductions of rope beds from the 19th century, we're told in the old days the chore of tightening the ropes usually fell to the older boys of the household. They used a tool called  a bed key. Each boy worked on the opposite side of the bed. They worked their  way around the bed tightening the ropes. Rope tightening is just a fact of life  when using a rope bed.

Sleeping tight

"No Stupid Questions' has a friend out there who keeps asking questions! Good!

Today she wants to know, "Is this true? In Shakespeare's time, mattresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase, 'goodnight, sleep tight.'"

This quote can be found all over the internet on several sites, and yes..it's true, although rope beds are certainly not limited to Shakespeare's time. In fact, you can still buy rope beds today, and if you've ever tried relaxing in a hammock, you've already tried out the concept!

According to IdiomSite.com,  "sleep tight" indeed is a term which means "sleep well". Beds made of ropes would become slack and loose, which made sleeping uncomfortable. So, in order to sleep well, one had to tighten the ropes.

And at Shakerworkshops.com, which sells reproductions of rope beds from the 19th century, we're told in the old days the chore of tightening the ropes usually fell to the older boys of the household. They used a tool called  a bed key. Each boy worked on the opposite side of the bed. They worked their  way around the bed tightening the ropes. Rope tightening is just a fact of life  when using a rope bed.

Blue moon

Why do we use the expression 'once in a blue moon'?

According to failedsuccess.com, there are rare examples of the moon actually appearing blue, after volcanic eruptions or unusual weather conditions. It suggests the most likely origin is the Maine Farmers' Almanac. When there were two full moons in one month, the first was printed in red, the second in blue.

hiccups

Is there any real way to get rid of hiccups or are they all just old wives tales?

A hiccup is a sound produced by unintentional movement of the muscle at the base of the lungs (diaphragm) followed by rapid closure of the vocal cords.

According to about.com, there is no sure way to stop hiccups, but there are a number of common suggestions that may be effective:
    •     Hold your breath.
    •     Breathe repeatedly into a paper bag.
    •     Drink a glass of cold water.
    •     Eat a teaspoon of sugar.
You should contact your health care provider if hiccups persist for more than a few days.

Lights on at night

Why are the lights still on at the Durham Regional headquarters building in Whitby at 11:30 p.m. any given night, even Sundays?

According to Glenn Kippen, director of support services for Durham Region, some emergency lighting is on 24 hours a day. Other lights are on motion sensors for the benefit of cleaners, who are on site until midnight, and for security staff. He notes Durham Regional Police occupy the third floor 24 hours a day, and police and security are constantly coming and going from the lower floors.

Oshawa mural signs

Why is the attractions sign for the Oshawa Downtown Murals at the Harmony
Road exit on Hwy. 401, the farthest east from downtown?

James Anderson at the Oshawa mayor's office said the murals are advertised at
the Harmony Road exit because it is the "eastern gateway to Oshawa."
The murals are advertised on both sides, for the benefit of those
travelling east and west. There are also signs at other exits directing
people to the downtown, he said, so no matter where people exit the highway,
they can find the attractions.

Is it true your ears and nose never stop growing?

This took a bit of cyberspace sleuthing, but a reference was found at about.com. As the body ages, the nose does lengthen slightly and may look more prominent. And, yes, the ears lengthen slightly, probably caused by cartilage growth. But the word "slightly" would suggest there's no fear you'll end up looking like Pinnochio.

Of course, that isn't all we have to look forward to as we age. But here are 10 great tips for retaining a youthful attitude.

"What is that yellow dust covering my lawn?"

    Well, that certainly isn't a 'stupid question'. We went to our gardening expert, Veronica Sliva, and a little research led her to a ministry of environment website where they addressed this question, which they get quite often it seems.
    Here's what they say in their release:
   " This is the time of year that (we) traditionally receives numerous calls from (residents) concerned about yellow dust. While it is natural to be concerned, what people are noticing is a normal event, part of the life cycle of trees and many other plants throughout the province. The fine yellow dust that may have been seen on vehicles or properties is plant pollen, a naturally occurring substance released at this time of year by trees such as fir, spruce and pine.
    Pollen is most abundant in the early morning hours and on clear, hot, sunny and windy days. The pollen cycle usually lasts about two weeks. Although pollen may be a nuisance which can cause allergic reactions in humans, it is not an environmental hazard."

In the beginning, there was no Whitby

Today's Question: "Where did Whitby get its name?"

    We went to intrepid reporter David Blumenfeld, the Whitby beat writer to track this down. Here's what he reports:

    The Town of Whitby takes its name from the ancient seaport on the northeast coast of England -- Whitby, Yorkshire. In the late 18th century, when townships were first being set out along Lake Ontario, what is now the Town of Whitby was first known as Township 8, then later Norwich. When it came time to survey the township between 1792 and 1795, an unknown person from north England decided to name the townships east of York (now Toronto), after towns on the Yorkshire coast. Thus, York, Scarborough, PIckering and Whitby were born all in a row on Lake Ontario, just as they are on the northeast coast of England.

    When Whitby Township was named, it consisted of all what is now the Town of Whitby, and the City of Oshawa.

    Mr. Blumenfeld informs us that this information is available on pg. 5 of Whitby town archivist Brian Winter's book, 'Chronicles of a County Town, Whitby Past and Present'. Look there if you'd like to know more on the subject. It's available at the Whitby Library.

Was there a Ronald McDonald?

    Someone asked us recently if there ever was a real Ronald McDonald behind the worldwide mega-giant burger maker. So we did some research and at wikipedia.com we found out there may not have been a Ronald, but there were MacDonalds, as in two brothers.
    In 1937, brothers Dick and Mac McDonald opened a hot dog stand called the Airdome in Arcadia, California.Through the years they found hamburgers were the big seller and decided to concentrate on that. The brothers implemented their innovative "Speedee Service System", a streamlined assembly line for hamburgers and decided to sell only hamburgers, milkshakes, and french fries. In 1954, entrepreneur and milkshake-mixer salesman Ray Kroc became fascinated by the McDonalds' restaurant during a sales visit, got involved and took on franchising the restaurants into the giant global chain it is today.
    So no, there was no Ronald, he's a figment of some advertising idea man's imagination, but there was a MacDonald behind the original burger store when it got started.