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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2007-12-19, Page 66 Times–Advocate Wednesday, December 19, 2007 Opinion Forum News Reader "inspired to act" We hear so many opposing attitudes on the matter of cli- mate change. Opinions clash, information contradicts; it can be very confusing and daunting for someone who believes and is interested in the matter, let alone the many people who find it all very hard to accept. At times, it can be easy to just remain in a state of denial, ignoring the threat of cli- mate change all together. It is a mystery man's intelligent and well -delivered speech that has inspired me to act, even given me hope on the matter. Using a simple "Column vs. Row" explanation, he reveals that the issue at hand is far beyond whether or not you believe climate change to be true. The issue, instead, is whether or not we should act, as this is the only variable of which we have control. He presents it in such a format that all people should be clear as to what they must do. Every thinking human being should take the time to listen to this man. Please see for yourself at: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=zORv8wwiadQ JULIA HAGGARTY Lucan Letters to the Editor Wby doesn't your recipe taste like Grandma's? Stirred With Love In the days of our ancestors, Grandma didn't have much to work with in the way of ingredients. Basic staples were limited to flour, sugar, and salt, plus eggs, meat, and vegetables from the land. Imagine not only having to create something flavorful to break the monotony, but also the hassle of cooking the meal without our modern conveniences. Yet, somehow Grandma's cooking always tasted wonderful! I remember watching and taking diligent notes while my husband's Grandma tried to show me how to make his favorite Italian creme pie. She did not hesitate to make two instructions very clear: Use a wooden spoon that has been designated strictly for the custard and only stir in one direction. She insisted that divert- ing from these instructions would produce an inferior result. She must have stirred with a special love ingredient, because I could never duplicate it exactly. In trying to duplicate heirloom recipes from our ancestors, one runs into headlong into major differences in food staples of old compared to today's commercial prod- ucts. Today's sugar and flour is more refined. Eggs have a different flavor because of commercial foods they feed upon and likewise with meat products. Vegetables are hybridized to withstand vigorous transportation, handling by machines, and to extend shelf life. Milk products are homogenized and pasteurized. All of these factors are bound to affect taste. Cryptic measurements If you were able to get that heirloom recipe written down, it might con- tain some rather cryptic measurements. Have you ever tried to figure out how much is in a jigger, a wineglass, a tumbler, or a coffeecup? What's the difference between a spoonful, a saltspoon, a dessertspoon, and a kitchen spoon? How hot is a slow oven as opposed to a quick oven? How do you judge a glob of butter the size of an egg, walnut or hazelnut? There are many web sites and books that have been written to tackle this "heirloom" measuring problem. Look up an old family recipe this Christmas and try bringing some past Christmas cheer into the year 2007. http://homecooking.about.com/od/foodhistory/a/recipehistory.htm K1 EP TYH ' PIRI'r! S Papa John's offers cozy community feeling By Nina Van Lieshout TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF CREDITON — Offering home -cooked meals in a cozy setting, "Papa John's Corner Cafe" is giving the community that comfortable small- town feeling. Papa John's, found on Victoria Street in Crediton, is a family affair, owned by John and Ruth Miller. Their daughter Candace and sons Scott and Chad, along with their families are also involved. Close friends are also part of the journey, including their kitchen manager Darlene Broom. Nine-year-old Emma and six-year-old Hanna even helped create the name of the business. Papa John's, which has been completely renovat- ed by family and friends, serves only home -cooked meals, along with baked pies. Candace says since opening Nov. 20, there has been a positive expe- rience. "It's good. We've got- ten a lot of positive com- ments," adding they hope to "give something back into the community." And John agrees, explaining a restaurant is something he's wanted to open "for years and years. It's always some- thing I've loved, where people can sit down and relax." Papa John's speciality dish is fish and chips, made with homemade batter. There are also daily specials and a chil- dren's menu. The business, open everyday, is available for special events and offers gift certificates for cus- tomers. Although Papa John's hasn't been open long, more renovations are being considered, featur- ing "a farmer's market, gift shop, antique store and auction centre," according to Candace. Papa's John's held its grand opening Saturday. Free coffee and cake was served. A raffle for a gift certificate was also a part of the event. Family affair — Papa John's Country Cafe in Crediton is drawing a lot of customers with its cozy atmosphere and home -cooked meals.The cafe is a family affair, owned by John and Ruth Miller.Above from left are granddaughter Emma, John and granddaughter Hanna; back row are Ruth, daughter-in-law Jenny and her husband Scott and sister Candace Miller. Missing from the picture is other son Chad, wife Marie and their son Cole Miller. (photo/Nina Van Lieshout) Shop locally and support your hometown's economy It seems more and more these days national chains are displacing our locally -owned businesses. Ontario's small towns are at risks of losing their sense of community as the impact of this trend has the potential to affect our economic well-being. Economists may argue that this is a natural trend occurring in our country. This can be tough news for the family who owns their own small business. Does it really affect the economy? Sales can even go up a little when a chain drives out a small independent store, so what might be our main problem? When local businesses are forced to `close up shop' the community is left with a real social and economic void even if it is difficult to measure. A community changes when local entre- preneurs must close their doors. If we are to build a strong local econ- omy we need to consider if the promises of growth and tax revenues have improved when a town agrees to build new larger super store. There is nothing wrong with a national sales plan or merchants who choose to be part of a chain. Smaller independent businesses continue to offer the buyer choices and freedom that don't always come with a national chain. Smaller businesses will usually hire local supporting services. They hire signmakers and contractors for con- struction, designers, architects. Opportunities grow for local accoun- tants, insurance brokers, computer consultants, attorneys, advertising agencies and others to help run it. Often local stores carry a higher per- centage of locally -made goods than the chains. Another benefit to local shopping is maintaining pride in our community. Can you name a favourite restaurant or cafe? Or a local shop that always has unique gift ideas? We love the idea of a business that stands out locally but sometimes we forget that their survival will depend on our patronage. Our community -minded businesses have become an essential part of fundraising for charities, serving on local boards, and supporting a variety of causes. Many of those whose livli- hoods are invested in their business also return care and revenue directly back into their community. Crime of the month SOUTH HURON — Huron County Crime Stoppers and the Huron County OPP need help in solving a break and enter and theft between 8 p.m. Nov. 10 and 7 a.m. Nov. 11. Suspects entered a barn on Kirkton Road in South Huron via a sliding steel door. Once inside, they stole several items, which included a Dewalt18V Impact Driver DW056K-2, a Dewalt 18V Cordless six piece Combo DWDC6KITA and a Marquette 12V tractor battery/charger. The total value of the theft is approxi- mately $6,000. If you have any information about this crime, contact Crime Stoppers at 1 -800- 222 -TIPS (8477). You will not have to reveal your identity or go to court and could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.