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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1984-11-21, Page 16.a' Page 2—Crossroads--Nov. 21, 1984 ornollimilliftwo, Bill Smiley Let's stop whining Aren't you sick to death of the gloom and doom the media is imposing on us? 1 am. Let's have a little light and cheer in the country for a change. Sure, our economic situa- tion is a mess. Of course, we have high unemployment. Naturally, inflation is not t wrestled to the ground, but has us pinned two rounds out of three. But this is happening all over the world, and we're about 500 per cent better off than. most of the rest of the people in said world. Do you live on a sampan in Singapore or Hong Kong, ex- isting on a handful of rice a day? Those people don't have high mortgage rates, high . interest rates. They have nothing, except what native cunning and hard. ,native feed their bellies. Does a nice lady in Somali- land or Eritrea bring you into the office and chat about which welfare program you should apply for? Her chil- dren are eating mud, be- cause there's nothing else. Are you stuck in Ulster, as a Catholic, without a hope of getting a job from the Protestants, your children dirty, hungry, growing as vi- cious as small animals who are starving'? Are you black, with a good chance of getting your head pulverized by a white police- man if you say anything but, "Yes, sir"? Are you suffering from "nerves" and taking all kinds of pills from your very well fed doctor, while mil- lions of people in the world have rickets and ringworm and elephantiasis and bleed- ing bowels because they don't even know what a vitamin pill looks like? Are your little. boys run- ning around barefoot in the rain, selling their sisters for a cigarette or a chocolate bar? Nope, they are prob- ably riding around on bicycles, and whining be- egt.use their allowance doesn't run to more than a carton of french fries and a Dairy Queen every day. Are you worried about whether you should spend $50 or a little more on a wedding present when in most countries most mothers are wondering whether a cow or a bushel of maize is a suitable dowry? And they haven't a cow or any maize. Tut and tut and tut. We are in an economic depression, many people are unem- ployed, our government seems to be living in Alice in Wonderland, with its ridiculous six and five desperate attempt to appear credible. But when have you last missed a meal? When have you been cold, cold, cold? When is the last time some cop stopped you on the street and asked for identity papers? When is the last time somebody pounded on your door at 4 a.m. and you shivered with fear, knowing what was coming? When have you last been hit on the head with a club for saying "Trudeau is a fink?" There's lots wrong with this country, but there is a hell of a lot more right with it, when we take a look around. We read about farmers and small businessmen and big companies going broke. Well, that's the capitalist system, and that's the system we embrace. We don't hear much when the farmers have a bumper crop and spend the winter driving south in their Buicks. We seldom hear about the small businessman who's making a quiet fortune, unless he's suddenly become an entrepreneur and is a Big businessman. We scarcely hear a word when a huge company makes a huge pro- fit. But now the tears are flowing, we need a Wailing Wall, located about Winni- peg, and thousands of paper towels to wipe up the tears. Help from the government means help from you and me. Come on, Canadians, let's stop whining. My father and mother didn't whine during the Big Depression. They did the best they could, and des- perately tried to avoid going on Relief, now euphemis- tically called Welfare. Get rid of your boat. Sell your second car. There is - such a thing,,,as walking. Cut your kid's alliii ance to zilch, and let them earn it by working. So you like steak? Eat hamburg. Stop buying that crap from California and Florida in the winter: lettuce for $1.50, mostly water; grapes, oranges, celery, those little hard bitter tomatoes. Eat spuds and porridge. They're good for you. Dig a root cellar under the patio deck and fill it with carrots and turnips. Get a couple of chickens, and if they don't lay, eat them. Cut out those long-distance calls about nothing, and write a letter. Wear a sweater and keep your thermostat down. We can lick inflation, but not by living the way we do. We can lick unemployment, with some guts. ' But not government guts. There aren't any. • And if you're out of work, take your UI, but get looking for something else. This country still has limitless op- portunities, if you want to work. Ask the immigrants. If you don't, you'll become like those millions in Britain, during the first depression, who just gave up and sat around the dole, steadily eroding their very souls. End of sermon. But cheer up and forget the headlines. There's a place for you, if you have any guts. Jim was a talented exec- utive. When he started with his company he was young and inexperienced but he worked hard and had the drive, energy and ambition to lead him to the top lev- els of management. Jim asked me what was wrong with his life. He felt he should be the happiest man on earth because of his wife, family, job and possessions. But he was tense, worried, nervous, with all of the physical problems associated with his state of mind. Jim was looking for magic. No pill seemed to do what he wanted. After weeks of counseling, I could only tell him that he had left something very important out of his life as he was climbing the execu- tive ladder. I offered a plan so differ- ent from what he was ex- pecting that he tried it. I asked him to read the 23rd Psalm six times a day for one week. I explained that he must read it thoughtfully and carefully. He was to make no excuses, but to find or make the time in his day for this exercise. The key lay in not reading in a hurry but to let the Psalm soak into his thinking. It sounds simple, if not foolish. It is not. The 23rd Psalm is one of the most powerful, and at the same time, among the most beautiful pieces of writing in existence. I have used this therapy often and I have yet to see a person not changed by letting his thind soak in the healing of this Psalm. The only persons with whom it did not work were those who did not follow the simple but important directions. Those who read it six times in a row in- stead of at intervals, those who repeated it by rote or skipped it, defeated the technique which makes the therapy work. ", The 23rd Psalm is a dif- ferent kind of thinking from the self-centered, frenzied thinking of the av- erage, pressured person. The Psalm has only 118 words and can quickly be memorized. In fact the av- erage person has heard it often enough to have al- ready committed it to memory. The difference lies in not just knowing the words, but in thinking their thoughts. It made such a difference for Jim that he says this will be a lifelong practice for him. There are dark places in all of our lives to which H. GORDON GREEN • The little woman and I had an argument the other day. She said I was getting unro- mantically heavy around the middle. Too much time being spent at the table, she said. I replied that I hadn't changed in weight in the last 30 years and that she was only imagining. "I'11 prove it to you," I said. "I'11 get my old army tunic and put it on for you!" But when I went down cellar to the rack Where we hang forgotten garments of various sorts, I discovered that my army tunic was no longer there. Nor was my army battle dress or my army fatigues or my army greatcoat. Gone. All gone. My first thought was that the little woman had given them to the Salvation Army, but she soon put me right about that. "It's those daughters of yours," she told me. "They've been shopping at that rack of old clothes for the last ten years." And while I was pondering the mystery of why my daughters, smart young college women both of them, should find my old army togs in good fashion for them- selves, I just happened to notice in the New York Review a very scholarly article on what it describes as "the language of fashion". I discover, for instance that the skin tight sweater so courageously worn by girls these days, and. the man's shirt open to the waist are the sartorial equiv- alent of "dirty words". I discover too that when you see someone wearing garb like embroidered blouses, shawls and skirts which look as though they had come from Russia, it's a safe guess that the wearer is tellin ou that he is either a circumstances, )late and our own foolishness have brought us. Disappoint- ment is one. Another is loneliness and yet another is death. These fears and others are familiar to us all. H.E. Fosdick says this Psalm is the songbird of the Old Testament and the bird's song is the sweetest when the night is darkest. When people are going through difficult times and asking for help, I tell them to find a place where they can be by themselves, a quiet place where they can stop running in circles and thrashing about. There they can lay aside the un- ending details of compli- cated living. Then they can deal with today's burden, become still in their own valley and find the quiet crossroads Published every Wednesday by Wenger Bros Limited as the lifestyle and entertainment section in The Listowel Banner, The Wingham Advance - Times, The Mount Forest Confederate and The Milverton Sun. Members of the Canadian Community Newspaper Association, Ontario Community Newspaper Association, and the Ontario Press Council. Controlled distri- bution in Ariss, Arthur, Drayton, Harriston, Moorefield, Palmerston, Bloom- ingdale, Breslau, Conestogo, Elmira, Heidelberg, Linwood, Maryhill, St. Clements, St. Jacobs, Wallenstein, Wellesley and West Montrose. Display and Classified advertising deadline — 5:00 p.m. Thursday week prior to publication date. Advertising and Production The Listowel Banner 188 Wallace Ave. N., P.O. Box 97, Listowel, Ont. N4W 3H2 The Listowel Banner 291-1660. The Wingham Advance -Times X57-2320. The Mount Forest Confederate 323-1550. The Milverton Sun 595-8921 Accounting and Billing The Wingham Advance -Times Josephine St P.O. Box 390, Wingham, Ont. NOG 2W0 gY vegetarian, or that he believes in transcendental meditation, yoga or astrol- ogy. Same for the person who dresses like an Indian. This article tells me that those who ignore the trend toward denims and patched slacks and prefer to sally forth dripping in mink,_ plat- form shoes, white linen suits and similar finery are mere- ly trying hard to tell the world that they are "leading an honourably futile existence". What then of the couple who are quite wealthy enough to wear finery but who will show up at a party dressed in dirty old denims and dirty old shirts? The Re- view article says that there is no mystery here at all. Such a couple are merely de- claring in the language of clothes that they consider themselves superior to who- ever else may be there, and that they are out slumming! But there doesn't seem to be any easy way to, explain a young woman who will come to her college class draggle - headed, rubber -booted, in mended trousers and faded peasant shirt to voice the doctrines of Karl Marx on Tuesday, and who will then appear a day or_two later at another class in the same building prim and pretty with flounces down to her ankles and her hair looking as though she had just come from the beauty parlour. Nor is there any scholarly clue as to why those pretty daughters of mine should have stripped me of every garment I was able to sal- vage from the army. On second thought, maybe it was just as well. I was only kidding myself in thinking that 1 could still get into them. Coming Events Ilse,► ANNUAL BAZAAR Tea and Bake Sale at Ger/ Care Nursing Home, in Harriston, Saturday, December 1, 1:30 p.m. Come and bring a friend. LIVE THEATRE The Grey -Wellington The- atre Guild presents "On Golden Pond" at Harriston Town Hall Theatre, Main Street, Harriston on Nov, 15, 16, 17 and Nov. 22, 23, 24. Curtain time: 8:30 p.m. sharp. For tickets: Ron Owers Office Outfitters, Brown's Guardian Phar- macy, Acheson Pharmacy,' Wallace's Discount (Sears), Moran's Pharmacy, Sted- mans and Stewart's Phar- macy. 024,N21 COPY for Crossroads Classi- fieds must be received by 5 p.m. Thursday of week prior to publication. presence of their Creator. The healing . of the Psal- mist's song is heard most clearly at such times. Whichever way the path- way leads, no matter how steep or rough the way, they will not then be afraid, because the Shep- herd knows the way. BEDWETTING Does your child safer the problem of bedwetting? Does It affect him emotionally or psychologically? Does it weaken his educational ability or maturity? Aro there other damaging effects? Can you or your child handle this problem without embarrassment. or is the youngster denied camping trips or sloop -overs with friends? How many different methods have you used to try to correct this habil? How many defeats or failures can a child accept? THOUSAN0B OF HAPPY PARENTS ARE WILLING TO TELL YOU PER- SONALLY HOW THEIR CHILD WAS CORRECTED BY THE PROVEN U E.S.C. METHOD. DRY YOUR CHILD THE OUICK, EASY, SIMPLE WAY WITHOUT TEARS, DRUGS. SHOCKS OR 01S - COMFORT. FOR FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION WRITE TO U.E.S.0 , BOM 3311, CAMBRIDGE. ONT N3H 473. Name Address Phone Child's age UNITED ENURETIC CENTRE CHRISTMAS BAZAAR At St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Hwy. 23 North on Sat., Nov. 24, 1-4 p.m. Crafts, baking, tea tables and special draw. BENEFIT DANCE For Don Marybelle Dittmer, who recently lost their barn in a fire. Dance is on Satur- day, November 24 at Monk - ton Community Centre, 9 to 1 a.m. Ladies please bring lunch'. Refreshments avail- able. Donations at the door or may be left at the Cana- dian Imperial Bank of Com- merce, Monkton. ©©1J 4)l©ft% • =11 $ 0 JANITOR POLICEMAN N'' W OPEN Perth Bargain Centre 214A Main St., Atwood 356-2866 New to You Furniture Large and Small Appliances. Open: Monday thru Saturday 9:00 to 4:00 Closed Wednesdays. For the month of November we will be open Thursday night from T to 9 p.m, Come in and browse and enjoy coffee With us. AUCTION SALE Consignment sale at , Brussels Arena, Brussels, Ont. on: Thurs., Nov. 22 at 6:00 p.m. ANTIQUES & COLLEC- TIBLES: Depression glass; china; coal oil lamp; press back potty chair with tray; child's rocker, pine child's school desk; press back chair; large oak buffet with dark stain; platform rocker; settee and chair; settee with 4 matching chairs in ex- cellent condition; pine corner piece over 100 years old; oak book- case; 2 wardrobe clo- sets; ginny lynn bed (stripped); Duncan Phyfe table; chester- field and chair in ex- cellent condition (green); 2 over stuffed chairs; 1 counter with 3 top cupboards; 2 night lamps; 1 hanging lamp; 1 table lamp; pillows; blankets; bed covers; 2 portable sewing machines; Frigidaire dishwasher; Hoover spin washer; 2 horse collars. FRENCH IVORY MANICURE SET; and many misc. items. Plan to attend this good auction. TERMS: Cash or Che- que with proper I.D. Auctioneer not respon- sible for accidents day of sale, or for errors or omissions. WEISBROD AUCTIONS Walton, Ont. 887-6050 UCTION SALE Of,furniture for: ABRAHAM HAASNOOT Fordwich. Sale to be held in the Kurtzville Comm. Centre on: Wed. Evening N 'v. 28 Sale time 6:30 p.m. Antique 3 piece bedroom Suite; antique table; kitchen table & chairs; small table; platform rocker; book case; dresser; bureau; B & W por- table TV; antique dock; dresser; radio; wooden chairs; vacuum cleaner & attachments; electric fan; Kerosun heater (kerosene); deep freeze; 2 cf✓iairs; flower stand; lawn chairs; sleeping bag; weed sprayer; extention cords;, picnic table; step ladder; 22' aluminum ladder; Beauticut lawn mower; plastic gas can; water hoses; rakes; shovels; tarp; lawn Dutch windmill; dishes; ornaments & numerous other articles. TERMS: Cash or -Cheque. Not responsible for accidents or loss of property. Auctioneer: GRAHAM JACKSON Listowel 291-4528 AUCTION SALE Of 2 Lot§, One With Building, 1974 Monte Carlo and Other Items For the Estate of: CLIFFORD NICHOLS at Robertson St., Harriston, 3 blocks west of lights on Hwy. 89 and watdh for signs on Hwy. 89 - Saturday, November 24 at 10:30 a.m. PROPERTY: Lots 14 & 15, Robertson St., Har- riston. Each lot 66' wide x 149' deep. Terms of property Tots selling with reasonable reserve bid, 10% down day of sale, balance in 30 days. CAR: 1974 Monte Carlo, 12,490 original miles, selling certified. MISC: 2 new wicker chairs; wooden rocking chair; card table & folding chairs; floor lamp; forge parts; lathe; 16' extension ladder; nail kegs; electric lawn mower; Harriston Quebec heater; shovel; bicycle; beam scale parts; axes; sledge; router; work bench kit; draw knife; jig saw; wood turning lathe; drill bit; chainsaw; router guide; small tools; work wheel kit; router design kit; scroll saw; hammers; electric rotary sander; hand post hole auger; chrome table & 4 chairs; chesterfield; tub chair; 'new stainless steel sink; some doors & win- dows; approx. 2 cords of wood; and many other items. NOTE: This in only a partial listing and building is packed with boxes and can't be properly advertised. TERMS: Cash or Cheque with proper-I.D. day of sale. The Estate or auctioneers not responsi- ble for accidents day of sale. Any an- nouncements or corrections given verbally day,,, of sale. Lunch booth. • Auctioneers: GRAY'S AUCTION SERVICE BARRY & KEITH GRAY Harriston, Ontario (519)338-3722 or 343-3607 ESTATE AUCTION SALE Consisting of good quality antiques, household effects, glassware & china in- cluding 'Royal Crown Derby' for: MRS. SHEILA ANN ELVIDGE 261 Main Street, Palmerston, Ont. Also to be sold at the same time and place misc. items and 1975 Ford LTD car, selling as is, no reserve,for the Estate of: FRED TUDOR Palmerston. Sale to be held in the Palmerston Community Centre on: Tuesday Evening, Nov, 27th at 6:00 p.m. TERMS: Cash or Cheque with I.D. Auctioneers: ELVIDGE & McDONALD Durham 369-3743 or 369-5946 Perth County Soil and Crop Improvement Association Annual Meeting Tuesday, December 4, 1984. 10:30 -3:30 p.m. Elma Community Centre, Atwood Features include: • Ken Stevenson, Ridgetown College (High yield research at Ridgetown) *Com High Yield , Competition Results • Perth & Huron County Corn Hybrid Trial Results e Perth County Conservation Award *Reports on several other farm trials and projects Soll and Crop Newsletter $6.00 For Reservations or Information call 271-0280 (Stratford OMAF Office) 1 AUCTION SALE Of Appliances, Furniture, Antiques, Dishes, Tools & Misc. Items For: FLOYD METZGER 293 Main St. E., Palmerston. Sale will be held in the Palmerston Arena Complex on: Saturday, December 1st at 11:00 a.m. APPLIANCES: Woods apt. size chest freezer; Westinghouse 24" electric stove; Acme 24" electric stove (older); Beatty wringer washer; Comm. electric roller iron;- humidifier; Eureka upright vacuum cleaner; electric broom; small electrical appliances. FURNITURE: Chesterfield & chair (green floral); Westinghouse stereo cabinet radio -record player; 2 piece sectional chesterfield (brown corduroy, like new); chrome kitchen suite, con- sists of oval table with leaf & 4 swivel castor chairs,:,platform rocker; corner china cabinet; mag. table; 2 swivel rockers; bed & dresser; older style chesterfield & chair;, floor & table lamps; wicker storage box; bed & dresser; flower stand; desk cabinet; quilting frames & clamps; luggage; bedding; stool. OFFICE: Two 4 drawer steel filing cabinets; National hand cash register in working order. ANTIQUES: Kitchen cabinet & acces.; corner what -not; flour chest; 3 trunks; floor Tamp; Ray- mond treddle sewing machine; dresser; drop front secretary table desk; desk chair; 2 side settee chairs & matching arm chair. DISHES: Quantity of everday & good dishes; chest of silver complete for 8; approx. 20 salt & pepper sets. SNOW MACHINE: 1979 Lynx Arctic Cat snowmobile in good condition. MISC: 10 h.p. riding lawn mower; Fisher air- tight wood stove; two Cascade 40 water heater tanks; ped. bathroom sink with taps (blue); fibreglass laundry rinse tubs; stove hood; electric barbecue; stereo car speakers; portable flush camper toilet; lawn furniture; Col- eman cooler; 21" air fan; 10' electric baseboard heater; electric ext. cords; garden tools. TOOLS: Sutton 250 m.m. 10" table saw & motor; B & D power router; skill saw; 2 bench grinders; 10" table saw; 2 electric 1/4" drills; electric belt sander; jig saw; 2 cellar jacks; compressor pump; steel tool box; quantity of hand tools. TERMS: Cash or Cheque with proper I.D. sale day. Owner or auctioneer not responsible for accidents or Toss of property sale day. Auctioneer: BOB GILMORE 485 Victoria Ave. S. Listowel Phone 291-3489