The Goderich Signal-Star, 1983-07-20, Page 4itet
v
AVE
SY: :':S
Par thepaste raldays, even weeka, the
number tone concern on the •
Canadians and residents of the ILS. midwest
itrasibeantotiveepcool.
teal.Beetle the `meat's Whatits all. been
abed/hese la:Aa glorious weeks.
We hemerdt been s. with weather like
this for several yew ,, well not in recent
mresnory amenity. mrd not once, has this
heard one otter. rte of
vomicus.
Despa'te the heat, most people are
Idiscoveeing inventive, ingenious and
&weight novel ways to keep their cool
While those a'bomit them are losing theirs.
I have et/tabled onto an al poet foolprot f
method cif naintarai e; ¢ composure and
&lily temperature. I simply stay in the air-
conditioned office and don't make any
sudden or ipiidk movements. It seems to be
a most effective strategy in the winter as
well.
In fact, management eit yearfnvrILe
weekly„ love been se bold as Atytwalitit est
my movements are g 'blit.., •10• or
quick or producflve, Ilegardless of the
weather,
'There are, however, disadVarasiestosny
kettltdiataplan. Even'ta ly a have to leave
the !building, get In the fentit_y vehicle and:
-delvethome.
-:And-cal , mit basheep a s hone initseli.
Within :30 seconds of entering the car, most
cf my clothing vaguely resembles wet
let-
tuce and hangs limply from arty brnbeand
torso. And after arrwmg ata daifinethei it
is ,neccessary to literally and gingerly peel
'oneself from the interior.
But ire any good plan, there ere 'con-
lingencies, employable alternatives should
the original plans go, awry. And me plan is
T110 exception •
If it is entirely impossible to eernainin-my
air-conditioned (office with restricted
inenvennle t, I entertain Plan B. Plan B: Was
to retain in the en conditioned office
eveintghrt, rather than iris'king limp clothing
during thedrive home, with a large con-
tingenteftthe tem* Staff .
We would bave tosdiscarrd some articles of
. elething, I reasoned, if the heat became
raileearable duringthenight.
Noone wouldand Plan B was
abandoned. in a urrry. Reluctantly, I
triggered Plan C, Which while it ban Its
merits, does not compare favorably with
Plana.
Plan 'C, reduced to simple terms,, calls Tor
the ingestion of several ice -cube cooled
liquids, to combat the intense heat and
humidity.
Plan C also has it drawbacks in that
many ice:vibes melt before the refreshing
liquid can befully consumed. The C plan is
most accommodating and flexible in that it
allows' one to either return to the freezer for
I
14'44
t4
4-, -:1.1,.
�: Itibes rto *Octal the liquid -or, the
a' clic ed bealw ran simply add more
refrealiinglIquidtethelvevithes.
Bather-vonageated, 'I admit, but it has
been %gown ;to ward O•inany heat -related
- maladies, d employed nen C religously at
an outdoor wedding en the weekend but
found that it 'had :harmful side effects the
fo1owing day. 'There is norelief.
A rather popular variation on Plan C to
sip -refreshing -and -cooling-beverages -while
wearinglittleor no clothing in the comfort of
your home.
It -has been the only sensible approach to
living that I have been able to produce
during the current heat wave and it is a
practice I would recommend on hot, muggy
nights.
It's a jungle out there and it takes great
ingenuity 'to survive the heat of the night.
For the most. part, I just refuse to move. It's
the -coolest -alternative -of all.
4/PCNA
Second •clian•s;',
mnmilill regiisltroThIon
nomas '0716
6
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Code revision needed
The Criminal Code of Canada may come under some
revision with respect to ,. 'u r t_ 1 e and driving.
That the code required revision was never a point of
(contention. But only now has Justice Minister Mark
MatGuigan announced that the federal government may
take stiffer action against drinking drivers.
The proposal osal calls for a reduction in the blood-alcohol
content level required for an impaired driving conviction.
The government is also considering vhaeging the law to
. allow doctors to take blood samples from hospitalized
drivers and penalties may be increased for persons con-
victed of a drunk -driving offence for the second time.
Under present law, driving is prohibited when the
alcohol level exceeds 80 milligrams per 1 e A millilitres of
blood, Drivers can be fined between $50 and $2;000 for first
offences and sentenced up to six months in jail. Jail
sentences, however, are rarely unposed for first offences.
Police also have the authority to suspend drivers'
licences for a I2 -hour period. While suspensions for the
marginally impaired have done some id the law must
get tougher with the -' �o, •11,11g driver.
Even the measures announced by MacGuigan will
never offer complete solutions to the problem of the Me
paired driver_ it will take better law enforcement and an
edii`cated public to realize thedangers of drinking and
-driving. .
The minister would not admit that he is also considering
lowering the impaired limit but such a measure, combin-
ed with stiffer penalties and the right for doctors to take
blood samples, would at least reinforce the fact that the
government recognizes the problem and is attempting to
offer solutions.
Some provinces are already altering highway traffic
laws to permit doctors to take blood samples from
hospitalized drivers who have been injured in car ac -
Common sense approach
,„
'cidents. Under the law, as it now stands, doctors can only
take blood samples :for medical reasons and could be
charged with assault if they take a sample.
Reform to the Criminal Code of Canada would also in-
clude better financial compensation for victims of crierie.
MacGuigan at least understands some of the inequities of
the judicial system when he says that victims are often
forgotten in the criminal justice system.
Some ,of the proposed ref rms to the code ask that police
be given the right to photograph stolen property and use
photos asevidence,- jjudges huuldeeinsider restitution; •
raise the penalty to $500 from $50 as the maximum a judge
can ordera criminal to repay under a charge of wilful pro-
perty damage and permitting a statement from the vic-
tims of crime on how the crime has affected them.
The changes to the Criminal Code at least coffer a start
on effecting needed 'changes to the criminal justice
system in this country. And the changes help to address
two key -areas.
Thinning drivers have been getting away lightly in this
country and considering the pain and suffering that drink-
ing drivers have inflicted -on innocent victims, the fines,
sentences and procedures for determining impairment,
need t3 be revised.
Drivers should have to pay and be accountable for their
selfish and senseless acts. Victims of crime should also be
entitled to a fair and equitable settlement and criminals
should be responsible for some form of -restitution
whenever possible.
If the Criminal Code takes a tough stand against drink-
ing drivers it may help alleviate the problem somewhat,
but as-MacGuigan stated, education of the driving .public
on the dangers of drinking and driving , may be one -of the
most effective deterrents.
TORONTO — Motor vehicle fatalities in 1982 were the
lowest in 24 years, said Ontario Minister of Transportation
and Communications James Snow.
In 1982, 1,138 people died in highway -related accidents,
down 211 per cent from 1981. Within that total, pedestrian
fatalities declined 24.5 per cent — from= in 1981 to 179.
Injuries dropped 7.5 per cent, down to 92,815 from
100,321 in 1981.
-i'm very glad to see this trend continue," said Snow,
"but it still appalls me that just over 94,000 people were
killed or injured on our highways last year. To put that
figure in perspective, that's more than the total popula-
tion of Guelph or Peterborough-"
Snow expressed special concern over the number of
motorcyclists killed and injured. Last year, 126 motorcy-
cle drivers and passengers died in accidents, up from 107
in 1981- a 17.8 per cent increase. Injuries were up as well,
from 5,189 to 5,641.
"What is particularly distressing about the motorcycle
statistics is the high number of riders who died breaking
the law. Up to one third of all motorcycle fatal, accidents
involved unlicensed motorcycle drivers.
"Fourteen per cent of those drivers and 18 per cent of
their passengers killed were not even wearing their
helmets. And 37-5 per cent of the drivers killed were im-
paired or had been drinking.
tte'4%
a. -:
Beatin' the heat
By Dave Sykes
DEAR READERS
SHIRLEY KELLER
Last week, if you remember, I was expounding
concerning the picturesque ride I had around the
local countryside. As' one young former Goderich
resident told me later that week, "I couldn't
agree with you more. I'd give anything to be able
to move back here. I love this area"
What I didn't mention about that picturesque
ride was the number of cyclists I passed - or met
- on the road, and the number -of times my heart
was in my mouth for their safety as well as my
own peace of mind.
Then last week I picked up a sister -publication
from York Region and found there a column by
John Slykhuis, an excellent writer who has the
very same kinds of problems with cyclists as I
have.
Writes John, "I don't have anything against
bicycles generally. They're great for exercise,
enjoyable to ride; and who can forget the first
bike we got when we were kids?" -
I remember my first bice ... it was a balloon -
tired boy's bicycle that had been converted into a
pretty unattractive girl's bicycle by removing
the crossbar. But that's another story. For
another time.
John claims, as I do, that bikes do not belong
on the major thoroughfares.
"They're a menace," says John. "They have
no right to be there."
Cyclists don't pay a cent for using the roads,
says John, unlike motorists who have to buy a
licence, pay through the nose for gasoline and
are generally subject to a host of government
taxes, laws and restrictions.
• •No licence is required to ride a bike," says
John.
He also claims bicyclers aren't required to
pass any tests to determine whether they can
handle their bikes, or whether they have a
modicum of knowledge about basic traffic
regulations.
"NO mechanical fitness tests are required for
their. machines," insists John.
Trust John Slykhuis to have the solution ... but
wonders of wonders it is one I have suggested
from time to time myself. Maybe coming from
John's own pen it will seem fresher, more ap-
pealing to the legislators.
"Eventually, by requiring bicycle licences.
($20 would be reasonable) we could afford to
have paved strips alongside the roads like they
do' in Europe," suggests John.
Now that idea should appeal not only to
motorists .... but to cyclists as well. I should
think not all' cyclists feel completely at ease
about using the nation's highways along with
speeding sportscars, heavily loaded transport
trucks;` -whining" motorcycles and -every other
licenced motor conveyance knowrf to man.
I should imagine cyclists have some harrowing
experiences in a highway biking excursion of
several hundred miles. It's probably why so
many of them have taken to displaying flagged
antennae and wearing sturdy helmets.
But what of the Ivor motorist who is pro-
ceeding down the highway at the speedlimit and
discovers smack in front df Thin a cyclist hugging
precariously to the edge of the paved portion of
the road.
There's another vehicle approaching from the
opposite direction. And a quick glance in the rear
view mirror tells the first motorist there's a
gravel truck on his back bumper.
The motorist in the first vehicle mentioned is
like the filling in a sandwich. If he swerves out,
he risks hitting the oncoming car. If he stays in
his lane, he risks hitting the cyclist.. If he applies
the brakes, he risks getting booted in the hind
end by the truck.
It's a horrible mess which demands perfect co-
ordination on the part of all three motorists and
the cyclist.
The dangers are compounded when there's a
string of traffic from both ways ... and more than
one bicycle.
With nerves frazzled, is it any wonder
motorists and cyclists occasionally lose their
cool and begin ranting and raving at each other?
And that, quite understandably, increases the
odds for catastrophe just that much more.
Until cyclists are banned from major
thoroughfares, there are some rules which ab-
solutely must be -obeyed for even minimum safe-
ty standards to exist.
1.Cyclists should keep to the right of the
highway and ride in a straight line, single file.
2.Cyclists should never carry riders or
packages which obstruct vision or prevent pro-
per control of the cycle.
3.Cyclists must make certain their bicycles
are in perfect running condition, with brakes
operating properly.
4.Cyclists should not weave in or out of traffic,
or swerve from side to side.
5.When biking at dusk or when light is poor,
cyclists should wear white, or reflectors, to be
seen.
6.Cyclists should know and obey the highway
traffic regulations of the area.
7.Cyclists should display a white light in front
and approved reflector material behind.
8.Cyclists should always use proper hand
signals for turning and stopping.
Finally, in my opinion, cyclists should always
look for and follow the least travelled routes to
their destination. That makes biking safer for
everyone. Even motorists.
On Sunday I had such a most enjoyable
experience that I must tell you about,
especially as it goes a little beyond strictly
personal pleasure.
It is not often that one is given an oppor-
tunity to chat with an actor and actress of
note who also happen to be among one's
favourite performers. You can imagine my
delighted surprise and eager anticipation
when i received an invitation to meet
Nicholas Pennell and Amelia Hall at a
private reception for a group of Stratford
theatre faithfuls and Foundation members,
in a eery pleasant home in Clinton.
Before selecting the Stratford perfor-
mances we want to attend during a season,
my husband and I always look for those with
Nicholas Pennell's name in the cast. Just
last week we saw and heard his interpreta-
tion of being Macbeth I emphasize '`heard"
separately, because English - in particular
Shakespeare's English - is beautiful as
spoken by Mr. Pennell in whatever part, in
whatever mood_
It was my good fortune to listen and talk to
Mr- Pennell directly for a few private
minutes. (By the way, he had a beer, but I
did not notice the brand of his choice 1.
Among other things said I was particularly
impressed with the aims Stratford Festival
has for the Third Stage and the contribution
by established actors and actresses towards
producing and polishing a new crop of
suitably trained performers.
Thinking about the Stratford Festival
makes me realize fully and in a very per-
sonal way that I am a Canadian of long stan-
ding now, because I have been present at the
birth, growth and coming of age of several
major Canadian cultural institutions and
enterprises which now enjoy domestic and
international acceptance and fame on the
highest artistic levels.
I attended Stratford performances when
the Festival first started in a tent thirty-one
years ago and I have not missed a eheson. A
recent newcomer to Canada, i lived in
Toronto then. The now defunct Telegram
had special theatre trains going to Stratford
performances. At one time each customer
received a red rose as well, but we always
had a copy of that day's Telegram and the
ticket also included dinner provided by a
church group in Stratford. In most cases an
accordion player spent a bit of time in each
carriage. It ,,was quite an event, very
sociable, very friendly. In a way we were
pioneers. Many people said at the time that
the Stratford Festival "cannot be done".
Since our family moved to Goderich, the
number of performances we attend during a
season has grown to five or six. It draws one
lice a family reunion - it is nice to witness
the good growth and accomplishments, but
the unnecessary and restrictive squabbling
is very annoying and unsettling. I hope it
has no occasion to return.
I also hope that we are not much longer
denied the extra dimensions brought to a
self-assured and mature theatre by some of
the quite extraordinary stars of wide intme
national fame and excellence whose perfor-
mances delighted our hearts and stimulated
our minds for awhile in the past.
At this time I am writing mainly about
Stratford, but whether it is Stratford, Blyth,
the many theatres in Toronto or elsewhere -
there is something for everyone. You just
have to give yourself a chance., If the
murders in Macbeth are not to your liking or
the political intrigue and self-destruction of
Richard II is not your cup of tea - the light
and romantic side of Shakespeare in the
comedy "As You Like It" will give you
pleasure and Moliere's "Tartuffe" simply
cannot fail to light up your whole evening
with laughter that makes your sides ache.
You cannot say you do not like Shakespeare
or you do not like this or that until you give it
a try. It is not fair to deprive yourself of such
pleasures.
You are so right - I am a fully converted,
theatre admirer, because I like to be kind to
myself.
Now - can anyone explain how it is possi-
ble that I forgot to ask Nicholas Pennell for
his autograph?
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