The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1980-06-04, Page 35.area faartratits country and.. western charts BY CATA WOODEN While entertaining at his parents' parties as a teenager, Jim Medd discovered he liked the sound of coins dropping in his guitar case and made up his mind to make a career of playing country and western music. And that is just what he's doing. The Hullett Township singer's first album, called Country Comfort, has been in stores for only a few weeks and has already sold half of the 1,000 copies made in the first pressing. Country Comfort , has been a long time in the making. Jim says that to produce the album that -big34 minutes` Of &u -sic on it, 1,-000 hours of work, including 130 hours of expensive studio time was put into it - all part- time. The album was recorded at the eight - track King's Sound Studio in Wingham. Jim explained that the process involved in cutting an album is a long and complicated one. The first thing he did was lay down what is called a "bed track" way back in July. This included rough vocals, drums, bass, and guitar. Then other musicians were brought in to add to this, and then the voice was redone. Next came the "mixing down" process,during which the sounds were blended and edited. Finallythe master tracks were made and the tape was ready to be pressed into records. At that point, Jim could have sold the copyright to a record company who would have taken it from there but he decided to retain the rights and as a result, had to do all the legwork of finding a pressing company and getting the album cover made, and finally distributing the album to stores and radio stations. It is really the disc jockeys that make or break a musician's album. Country Comfort is- getting air time otT CKNX in Wingham, CFOS in Owen Sound, and Kitchener's CKKW. Jird is planning on get frigso a 45"s s`ngl s ode u bet e as that„, --i what radio stations prefer. Because the album was later coming out than he. had expected, Jim is finding himself a busy man these days. In ad- dition to distributing the album, he has had to put his crops in for the -year on his RR 1, Blyth farm. He says that his wife Margaret, "isn't too keen on the whole thing," because entertainers spend so much time on the road, "but she is behind me 100 per cent." His biggest fans are his daughters Mandy, 'four, and Melissa, one. Jim has been playing guitar„ and singing for most of his 26 years. His parents got him started at lessons, but made him Jim Medd recorded his album, Country Comfort, in the eight -track sound, studio in Wingham. It is the first' co uatry'1rd-.westernalbum-for..the'Blyth•area-'- farmer and 'is selling fast. (photo courtesy of Jim Medd) quit because he wouldn't practice. "I worked out songs on my own and played for a hobby until I was 16 or so, then I got into a band," He has been in several bands since then, playing. „at -receptions and dances. Jim has written some of his own songs, but none of them are featured on the album. "Since it was my first e studio,l I felta littler in more secure doingother people's material." The album includes songs by such artists as Tom T, Hall, Whalen Jennings, and, Merle Haggard, but Jim arranged the tunes to sound different , than other people have done them. The best cuts on the 11 - song album are "Shelly's Winter Love," an old Merle Haggard tune and "The Wonder of You" by B. Knight. Jim's rich, steady voice sounds best doing the slow numbers he calls, "tearjerkers". The album is suprisingly slick con- sidering the limitations of the Wingham studio, and the pressing is excellent. There's no doubt that this first album isn't going to be Jim's last. He says it's a result of "a lot of hard work and never giving up" and it shows. `ane f in furrow' byala. Karl Marx, says Lester Brown of Washington's Worlwatch Institute, was a city boy. And, in a nutshell, that is why the Russians seem unable to feed themselves. Marx, a German who worked in a London library, had a strange philosophy when it came to peasants. There are many who feel he had a strange philosophy about everything, mind you, but he seemed to vent a lot of spleen on peasantry. He called them "a class that represents barbarism within civilization, clumsily cunning, knavishly naive, doltishly sublime, a calculated superstition„a pathetic burlesque, a cleverly stupid anachronism.' No wonder. the Russian collective farms are not working. When the hierarchy in`the' country -- if they are Marxists and most of the old -guard Russians are -- think of the peasant farmer in those terms, it does not inspire loyalty. Estimates indicate that Russia has more than 300 million acres in grain lands. It is not enough to feed 260 million people. But 110 million Japanese can grow enough rice on 7.5 million aces to feed themselves. The Chinese, although still major importers, have not increased their reliance on outside grain to any great degree in the past decade. The population there- is more than a billion. Americans with about 390 million acres in grain feed themselves and many in the third world as well. Again, the blame for Russia's dependence on grain - exporting countries boils down to the fact that the emphasis there has been on arms instead of agriculture. Agriculture is an unpredictable mess. -They have put their best .brains ..to_work...on.military. problems and lack the . technology necessary to in- crease farm production: Most experts feel Russia's shortage of warm, irrigated, fertile land could be overcome with up-to-date science. Yet, Russia clings to the huge mechanized farms which 'are worked by squads of men and women who have no tie to the land. They are tied only to their own private,plots of land which out -produce the collectives five -to -one. China, apparently from all recent reports, has learned the lesson. From huge collective farms in 1958, China has returned to the family farm. By 1961, the work brigades had dwindled and the family farm successful. Mao Tse-tung had learned a lesson from the Russians. They invested heavily in industry and arms without first putting agriculture on a sound basis. Mao gave agriculture top priority. WATER WELL DRILLING "80 YEARS EXPERIENCE” • FARM • SUBURBAN • INDUSTRIAL • MUNICIPAL • • FREE ESTIMATES • GUARANTEED WELLS • FAST MODERN EQUIPMENT • 4 ROTARY & PERCUSSION DRILLS "OUR EXPERIENCE ASSURES LOWER COST WATER WELLS" DAVIDSON WELL DRILLING LIMITED 4 Rotary and Percussion Drills PHONE 357.1960 WINGHAM Collect Calls Accepted "ONTARIO'S FINEST WATER WELLS SINCE 1900" t,eners are appreuated by Rob Trotter Eldale Rd Eir.,,ra Orli N38 2C 7 Agriculturally, China is holding its own. Only a more drastic population explosion could halt this plan. Maybe that country's "one -child family" campaign will prevent it. So why this lecture on the differences between Russia and China? Because the emphasis in China has been on the right sector of the economy: agriculture, The Russian machine cannot succeed until the emphasis is changed. The only reason Russia invaded Afghanistan is to gain access to oil -rich countries. Without that oil, Russia cannot exist. They need food and oil and western technology and they will do anything to get it. The Chinese do not face these same dilemmas. They will someday be able to feed themselves. And until the North American people realize just how important agriculture is, the same dilemmas could face them. Farming is, in my humble, opinion, the most important industry in the country. Yet far- mers are treated as second-class citizens, ignorant rubes, without enough brains to carry them cult to the outhouse. They are called cry-babies and complainers, always at the ,.government trough 'with their hands out for another subsidy. They cry only when hit the hardest. They complain because their complaints are legitimate. They are not ignorant rubes or second-class citizens. They are decent, hard-working, respectable' people with more brains and ability than other small businessmen. They are the salt of the earth and deserve your _. _.,.-.$O,�•P tGODERICH SIONAIenAIR, WEPN.KSDAY, E: 4, � Goderich T�wnship' Council forbids burning of, hone. At the May 6 Colborne Tgwnshp, Council meeting, accounts totalling $34,878.63 were approved for payment. John Kuran, newly - appointed.. Road - Superintendent, reported that the crushing and spreading of gravel would begin soon after May 15. Council approved his request for an ad- ditional 2500 cubic yards of gravel to be stockpiled in order to complete the 1980, road department program of construction and maintenance. The repairing and replacing of the bridge at George Wraith's property was discussed and-tt was agreed that Maitland Valley Conservation Authority should be ,consulted regarding g rdin g Wraitfi's''"porid and the road superintendent was instructed to request the M.T.C. engineer to examine the bridge. • The drainage of the Sunset Beach Road was filed. The shoulders of the Nile Road were to be examined by the engineer of M.T.C. as was the • school bus turn around at Tom Moore's. Calcium is to be spread on the Robertson sideroad before gravel trucks start using it. Spot calcium in front of residences is to be left until gravelling is done. The Black Hole Road was to receive gravel. Hudson Milburn, By- Law Enforcement Officer, reported on a request from Natural Resources to burn the former Cook house on Highway 21 now owned by the Point Farms Provincial Park. Council agreed, that it should not be demolished by burning -Ind that a letter be sent to Natural Resources forbidding demolition by burning. Milburn also reported on the warble fly program and .said he had over -.hall of- the dog licences issued. Three building permits were approved. Leonard Fisher presented the 1980 "Colborne Township Cemetery Report for the first four months, which was approved by council. Council also discussed with Fisher hydro repair and installation. Council approved the use of the Lancaster bomber site as a parking lot for the June 28 Air Show, Council approved a grant of $50 to the Huron County Plowman's Association and a grant of ..$25 to the 1980 Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal. A letter from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food regarding' 1980 Tile Drainage Loans was read to council. • Established 1876 McKILLOP MUTUAL FIRE INSURANCE COMPANY HEAD OFFICE: 10 MAIN ST., SEAFORTH, ONT. Mrs. Margaret Sharp. Sec. Treas. Ph. 527-0400 FULL COVERAGE Farm and Urban 'Properties Fire, Windstorm, Liability, Theft Various Floater Coverages 'Homeowner's, Tenant's Pabkage, Composite Dwelling c DIRECTORS AND ADJUSTERS Ken Carnochan, R.R,#4, Seaforth Lavern Godkin, R.R.141, Walton Ross Leonhardt, R,R.#1, Bornholm John MoEwing, R.R.li1, Blyth Stanley Mcllwain, R.R.#2, Goderich Donald McKerch'er, R.R.t1, Dublin John A. Taylor, R.R.41, Brucelield J N. Trewartha, Box 661. Clinton Stuart Wilson, R.R.141, Brucelield AGENTS E.F. 'Gill' Durst, R.R.N4, Seaforth James Keys, R.R.Nt, Seaforth Wm Leiper,A,A,N1,Londesboro 482-3354 527-1'877 345-2234 523-9390 524-7051 527-1837 482-7527 482-7593 527-0687 527-1455 527-0467 523-4257 CALL AN AGENT OR THE OFFICE BUTLER - Ring Drive Silo Unlaoders Big Jim Silo Unloaders Volume Belt Feeders Convey -n -Feed Cattle Feeders Single Chain Conveyors Barn Cleaners Oswalt Ensilmixers FARMATIC- Blender Hammer Mills Blender Roller Mills Blender Mills for Ground Hi -Moisture Corn Augers Leg Elevators • ACORN - Cable Barn Cleaners Hydraulic Manure Pum- ps WESTEEL-ROSCO Grain Bins - 1,350 to 250,000 bu. Bulk Feed Tanks ACME - Fan -Jet Ventilation Systems ASTON - Ventilation Systems B&L- Complete Hog Con- finement Systems SLURRY -SLINGER Liquid Manure Spreaders CLAY - Parts and Service for Clay Equipment AERO -FLUSH Liquid Manure Pumps, Aerators, Separators. WE HANDLE EVERYTHING -ALMOST LOWRY FARM SYSTEMS R.R. 1, Kincardine, Ont. Phone 39S-5286 Reeve Bill Bogie in- 1980 interim statement of troduced the Ministry of operation for four znq~ntbs Natural 'Resources Land ending April 30, 1980. Use Strategy Information which was accepted by and indicated that council. Regarding three comments were required. properties with three A special council years' tax arrears, meeting was held May 8 council agreed that a to read and consider the letter be enclosed with engineer's report the 1980 tax notices fn regarding the Feagan forming the property Drainage Works owners that after October Extension No. 2 and the 15, 1980 the township will opening of the tenders for r establish their owner - the Lawlor Municipal ship. Drain. Drainage Three building permits Engineer, William were approved and one Shifflett of Gamsby and demolition permit. Mannerow Ltd., Guelph John Kuran, Road and Township Drainage Superintendent, Inspector, Fordyce Clark discussed t h e were also in -,attendance, _oy..e.ch.a.uling of the along with several "present pickup truck to propertyowners bring it to roadworthy assessed. After the condition since M.T.C. questions and objections had refused an ap- t until were ex la ned co -, .w .P ,t .� ,._,..p1i,eatlan�,.f.szr......a approved 'thi.e engineers plem entary subsidy_. allocation for a new one. He also discussed his report of a site review of For the closed work on the 1980 road projects the Lawlor Municipal with Ross Jackson, Drain the tender of P.Eng., of M.T.C. and Stender Drainage, Reeve Bogie. Listowel was accepted; John Hazlitt discussed for open work, the tender his application for a tile of Nicholson of drainage loan and Sebringville, Koppers for presented his resignation steel pipe and Cold- as a township fence stream Tile for the viewer. cement tile were ap- proved. Council discussed the Nivin's Drain and the Petition to extend it with Engineer Shifflett who informed council that due to the excessive fall, he should write a letter describing his findings regarding the Nivin's Drain westto and in- cluding the Connelly Drain to be circulated to all property owners and a Nivin-Connelly Drain meeting would be held in the Township Hall. Shifflett also discussed the Jewell -Lamb Drain indicating that a site meeting would be held. report regarding the Feagan Drainage Works Extension No. 2. A total of $24,700 in Tile Drainage Loans was approved by by-law. At the May 20 Council meeting, accountant Ben Straughan reviewed the TOP QUALITY BRED GILTS Closed herd conditions, open gilts come from one herd which is constantly being R.O.P. tested by Q.S. CO-OP. Those gilts have a reputation for sound legs & excellent mother ability. Open gilts also available. Gilts all vaccinated for Erysipelas, Leptospirosis 8 B.B. P. A.C. Shipping can be arranged. HERD BACKGROUND 1978 Ontario Pork Congress reserve champion Re: Car- cass 8 feeder pig class. 1978 Ontario Pork Congress reserve champion Re: Car- cass class. Ownl..,lOP testing' program starting Spring. LAURENCE VANDEN HEUVEL R.R. 2, Goderich, Ont. (519) 524-4350 marmassomiassanummi A. For sale "MEAT KING" Roasr Cockerels, day -6 . available May and June. Call McKinley Hatchery 1-800-265-8536. Order today and put meat on your table this fall.-20- 24AR- ALLIS CHALMERS D14 tractor, Allis 7' mower, Allis 3 -furrow plow. Phone 482-7644 evenings.-23AR FOURTEEN ACRES of standing mixed hay at Lot 18, Concession 6, Goderich Township. Phone 524-7071,-23,24 USED clay' auger and feeder for a manger up to 140 feet long, complete auger feeder, 70 feet long. -Contact Lynn Lowry Farm Systems Ltd., RR1 Kincardine 395-5286.-23- 24x 1969 ONE TON TRUCK with cattle box and complete cattle rope. Body in excellent con dition with new tires. Motor in excellent con- dition, no rust. LEO SELENT, RR1 Lucknow, Ontario. -23-26 YORK L INDRACE GILTS AND PUREBRED LAN- DRACE BOARS. Don Sowerby, phone 524- 7990.-23 IL Custom work CUSTOM 5REEP SHEARING - competitive rates. Gavin . Wright.,, Walton, 1-527-1638.-21-24 CUSTOM SWATHING and silo filling. Phone Henk Reini.nk 523- 9202.-23,24 CHAROLAIS - two ex- cellent full French herd sires, 2 years old. Cadet Roussell Breeding. Free Listed, guaranteed. Also purebred cows. Harrison Char -Haven Farm, Roslin, Ontario. 613-477- 2004.-23bc D. Livestock Ontario Pork Congress all breed swine sale - June 17th, 1980. Sale 8:00 a.m. Stratford, Ontario. For information contact: Ontario Swine Breeders Assoc., Tavistock, Ontario.-23bc "Performance Proven" SEED CORN M. W. DURST. PHONE 482-7309 - I FARM DRAINAGE SYSTEMS Simply The Best Investment For Your Farming Future LET US BE PART OF YOUR SUCCESS roth ol'ainage LIMITED. (519) 395-5838 You've got a right to equal pay for doing substantially the same work as a man. In fact, you've got a law. Getting pa`i'd the same as a man when you're doing substantially the same work is the law in Ontario The trouble is. many female employees haven't been paid according to the las' °' for one reason or another Examples. - • • It's not good enough for employers to set wage rates on the basis of lob title,. or to use minor differences in work to justify differences rn-pay For example men employed as clerks may have to do some purchasing of plant equipment or sup- plies perhaps while a woman clerk may do the purchasing of smaller sterns–stationery office needs. etc But minor differences such as locking up at night handling petty cash or lifting heavier loads do not make a "substantial difference' in the lob and d -o -net -ee-ess-artly entitle-The-maa.to--a-h-rg-her-rate- of pay The law states that when a woman is doing substantially the same work as a man she must be paid the same What "substantially the same" means. To clarify it for you substantially the 'same means that the skill. effort. responsibility and work- ing conditions required for the work are similar -and any difference in these are of a minor nature In considering skill. attention is paid to factors such as experience training and education required to do the work In considering effort. attention is paid to th'e degree of physical or mental exertion required . to do the work. And in considering responsibility. attention is paid to the degree of accountability to others in doing the work. Enforcement of the law. To enforce the equal pay law, the government of Ontario has added extra staff to the Employment Standards Branch Their lob is to make spotchecks info businesses across the province to audit pay practices apd to investigate complaints made by you to the Ministry of Labour Equal pay for equal work It's your right And it's the law If you want more information or feel you have a valid complaint. call or write your local Employment Standaida Bl ditch rrf t+re-Ontar-ro-Mn'tistry-of-t-afmtrr. To call your local Employment Standards Branch. check your telephone directory or ask Bell Directory Assistance for the toll free number Paying a woman less than a man for doing substantially the same work isn't just unfair, it's illegal-. Ontario Ministry of Labour Employment Robert G E,rtie tit: Standards Branch M1niSter