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Times Advocate, 1984-08-08, Page 41 Timos•Advocate, Aitquit 8. 1984 Ames - Times Established 1873 Advocate Established 1881 Amalgamated 1924 dvocate • Serving South Huron, North Middlesex & North Lambton Since 1873 Published by J.W. Eedy Publications Limited • IORNE EEDY Publisher JIM BECKFTT Ad%ernSint; Manager BILL BATTEN ROSS HAUGH Editor Assistant Editor HARRY DEVRIES Composition Manager DICK JONGKIND Business Manager Published Each Wednesday Morning at Exeter, Ontario Second Class Mail Registration Number 0386. SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Canada: $22.00 Per year; U.S.A. $60.00 C.W.N.A., O.C.N.A. CLASS 'A' and 'ABC' gif::.a'%`xE 410.�R»i9frx�aya�,4 Give some priority As long as people drive vehicles without the pro- per care, courtesy and common sense required for the task, there will be collisions with their resulting loss of life, injuries and property damage. The reality is, that accidents don't just happen; they are caused by driver failure in most instances. Traffic signs or lights, rumble strips, barricades and the other measures taken to reduce accidents can not, unfortunately, eliminate the problem entirely. However, it is imperative that those responsible for making highways as safe as possible review pro- blem areas periodically to ensure that all steps are taken to protect drivers from themselves or others. The two recent crashes at the intersection of Huron County Roads 11 and 6 in Winchelsea should prompt a review of the area to ascertain whether some action can be taken to make the corner safer. Ironically, one of the major contributing factors to the danger associated with the intersection is the pav- ing of County Road 11. It encourages drivers to pro- ceed at higher speeds and also results in the false con- clusion that the lengthy strip of unhindered (with stop or yield signs) journey will continue. An additional warning sign or rumble strip may be of some benefit and county officials should give the matter some priority. At the same time, drivers proceeding on County Road 6 would do well to proceed into the intersection with some care as well. Considerable at stake Beleagured by some internal strife in recent months over its mandate a ate to represent went Ontariofarmers, rmer s, the Ontario Federation of Agriculture is stepping un- daunted into the current federal election campaign. How concerted the effort may be, or how suc- cessful, remains to be seen, but the OFA is attempting to force farm crisis issues on federal politicians. It's a decided risk, particularly from the stand- point of the plan to publish where candidates stand on the policies outlined by the OFA. There are many things on which farmers can not agree, not the least of which is politics. Further divi- sion within the OFA ranks could be expected if some members feel that their favorite political party is be- ing dealt a blow by their farm organization. However, it would appear that the time has come for o farmers to consider moving beyond party lines if that is what is needed to stir politicians into some ac- tion on their behalf. The OFA has an opportunity to be a strong interest group in many ridings in this pro- vince, but only if they follow through with a published report that gives their membership some concrete basis on deciding how to vote. Thewfarm vote is a key in many federal ridings, but even more so in the next provincial election. No doubt there will be many observers at Queen's Park taking more'than a passing interest in how effective the OFA will be in the outcome of September 4. It could be that the OFA has as much at stake as the politicians. Costly for buyers The United Auto Workers have commenced con- tract talks with both General Motors and Ford in Canada, a bargaining round which is predicted to be one of the toughest in automotive history. Having made wage concessions to the manufac- turers during the tough years of the recent recession, the UAW leaders now demand pay hikes, increased benefits and shorter working hours. One of their strongest arguments for pay increases is the fact that quite a few of the senior executives in the manufac- turing companies are being paid tremendous salaries - some of them well over a million dollars a year. It would thus appear there is some justification for the .union's demands. It does not .seem to have occurred to either managers or union that such high wages and salaries continue to create a very high price for cars and trucks, and so contribute very materially to inflation. Auto workers are among the highest paidproductionworkers on the continent and certainly with management salaries ranging over a million dollars, their product is bound to be very costly for the buyers - which it is. Wingham Advance Times. The pressure is tremendous The joy of victory, the agony of defeat! Few people understand those words as much as Olympic athletes, and while the games are heralded as being important more for the participation than the winn- ing, most recognize that only those who participate to win can expect to achieve their goals. Even those athletes recognizing that their individual or team performances are below the standard of the top ranked harbour a dream that somehow they will muster the physical and mental thrust - that will carry them to victory. It is the goal which enables them to dedicate their very existence to the ideal of perfection, endure the hours of rigorous and monotonous training, justify the self denial and overcome the other drawbacks to becoming the best in the world. Each knows that past performances are just that. New hope emerges for all the competitors as they step into the starting blocks, regardless of how stacked the odds may appear to be against them. It is the philosophy that brings the add- ed joy to victory; the added agony to defeat. Both will diminish with time, but only future victory will completely erase the lingering agonies of defeat. * • '• • • The pressure of the Olympic Games stems primarily from the fact that the athletes realize that in most instances it will be their only opportunity in a lifetime to capture a medal and stand on the podium as their country's flag is raised for all the world to see. There will be other opportunities for na- tional or international recognition in other competitions, or course, but the four-year format of the Olympics augers against many having repeat opportunities. Those who are among the losers know that there will be new talent to challenge BATT'N AROUND with the editor them in the quest the next time the Games roll around and that they will also face considerable difficulty in maintaining the desire and dedication to provide a realisitc opportunity to reach a winning peak some four years further down the roa d Few facets on one's life carry such a "now or never" ramification and it is dif- ficult to comprehend the pressure that such a situation must bring to bear upon the talented athletes now assembled in Los Angeles. Some of the younger or more dedicated may be able to utter the "wait until next time" boast that is so much a part of the sports world, but for many others that is a recognizeabale impossibility. • • • • • It is that reality that adds to the feeling of awe with which this writer watches the various sports and the emotion which comes to the fore in seeing the winners mount the victory stand. The goose -bumps protrude to a con- siderable degree, especially in seeing the young Canadians who have distinguished themselves in the best showing ever for this nation in Olympic competition. There are those who suggest some of the glory may be tainted by the Com- munist withdrawal, but most of the athletes have proven otherwise by going out and establishing world records that can not be diminished by any detractors. The performance of cyclist Steve Bauer of Fenwick was perhaps the most chilling of all, despite the fact he had to settle for a silver medal. I don't think I know anyone who could even pedal a bike for 190 kilometres, let alone do it at top speed over a course that had heart -breaking hills to endure. To lose by a mere few inches after such a gruelling test would be a major disap- pointment, but the young man certainly should earn the respect and admiration of all who stop to think of the accomplishment. There have been other gritty perfor- mances that make one marvel at the abili- ty of some bodies to do what the young minds request. Some people may question the amount of TV time given to the Games, but this writer is not among them. It's a thrilling spectacle that is unequalled, although this old body does have trouble coping with some of the late night and early morning stays in front of the idiot box. It does help to point out how far a fellow is off Olympic conditioning! • ty L titin\\\•..:\ti:,::'ivk "Granted — Mulroney may not have anything to say, but he says it so eloquently." Down nostalgia lane I seem to have written quite a bit about com- munity newspapers over the years, but it hasn't been deliberate. So, if you'll forgive me, I'll write one more. Unless you want me to tackle, once again, Jim Ross of Exeter, whokis furious at me because he pays more in income e tax than I receive in salary, if you can figure that one out. Recently received a monthly statement from the syndicate that carries my coloumn coast to coast. Started looking over the old familiar names that have been running this column for 20 years or more, and got a bit sentimental. They run from Nova Scotia to Hay River, NWT, and if I ran a quiz, I'll bet half my readers couldn't spot, by province, half the newspapers. But my personal rela- tions with many of their publishers go back a long way. Never hear from most of them, but bump into them at the odd con- vention, and renew the old bonds. I'll just mention some of the real old-timers, who have stuck with the thin gruel and thick porridge of this column for more than two decades. Dutton Advance. Hello, Herb Campbell. I know you're semi -retired but hope you're still stroking a golf ball. John and Randy, Neepawa Press; George and Sandy, Estevan Mer- cury; remember that fishing trip in North Saskatchewan? Are you all alive and as well as can be expected? Remember the big fish dinner in my three-bedroom cabin, when the rest of you, in- cluding Barry Wenger of Wingham, were crowded into little cabins? Little did I know that Ir- win Maclntosh and wife Sugar and Spice Dispensed By Smiley &3P.," Barbara, when we saw them gourting at a conven- tion about 30 years ago, would wind up as Lieutenant -Governor and His Lady of Saskat- chewan. Irwin was with the North Battleford News and Barbara's father was with the Creemore Star if memory holds. And they wind up entertaining the Queen! The Blenhein News Tribune, the Bolton Enter- prise and the Bowman- ville Statesman are old customers, and I knew well their owners at the time: Russ Schearer, Werden Leavens, and John James. Where are you guys? Port Perry Star. I know Harry Stemp is still around, but where is Peter, the flute -playing lino operator with a vast amount of Norweigan good humorand common sense? Say the word Pete, and we'll have another round of golf, with an am- bulance in close attendance. Where is Gene Mac- donald of the Alexandria News, who could get a party going in a mausoleun? Not a word for years. I know Don McCuaig of Mu»x•,M,:F the Renfrew Mercury is out to pasture, cutting wood, catching trout, but let's have a word, old bud- dy, from the depths of the Ottawa Valley. I've never seen a copy of the Creston Review, the Parkhill Gazette or the Glenco Transcript, but they've been old friepds for decades. And what's this about you, Andy McLean, selling out the Seaforth Expositor to a young upstart, after 112 years in the business. Andy was a man who looked middle-aged when he was young, young when he was middle-aged, and almost juvenile as he grew older. Last time I met him and his charming wife and their daughter, Susan White who is going to carry on as editor, I thought the McLeans were indestructible. I suppose that any day now, I'll hear that Mac and Val of the Tilbury A wasted effort First you gather together the supplies you need secret- ly. Make sure you don't let him see what you're doing. You'll need a bottle of expen- sive shampoo and about four large beach towels. Giving the dog his annual spring bath is no easy task. I wish someone could explain to me why a dog who loves water hates having baths. Our springer spaniel will jump into the river for a swim at any invitaiton, even wading in the swollen river as soon as the ice goes out. He will dog paddle in the lake by the hour, and his ears will always perk up when he hears the words "go for a swim". But should he hear "have a hath," he disappears. For that reason, Pepper's baths are unfortunately few and far between. Ideally. baths would be taken more often than four times a year, hut when the hathee is nowhere to he found, such a plan is not feasible. Thus it usually ends up that Pepper has seasonal baths. And last week it was time for his an- nual spring bath. Quietly, we pulled the four large bath towels from the linen closet, and found the bottle of shampoo. Now when I say you need a good sham- poo, I know what I'm talking about -- afterall I'm married to a hairdresser. But the kind of shampoo that works best for Pepper is not found in my husband's shop. Pepper �xs After a lot of coaxing we get him into the bathroom and lock the door. The tub is fill- ed with warm water and Pep- per is pushed and pulled and poked into the tub. His tail is firmly between his legs, and Alehl Mary's musings By Mary Alderson prefers a flea and tick sham- poo. We've learned that human type shampoos do not take care of the "eau de wet( dog" perfume Pepper sometimes has. Nor does human shampoo discourage little parasiteg from making their home in Pepper's thick coat. Unfortunately, Pepper recognizes his bottle of sham- poo, and unless the door is firmly closed he will try for an escape. Or he may attempt to go into hiding. Ostrich -like, he figures that if he sticks his head under the bed, we won't see the rest of his body stick- ing nut. his head hangs so low we fear he'll drown. We use the removable shower massage to soak his thick carat. Usually one of us has to get into the tub with Pepper to make sure he's all wet, and by the end of the hath both Victor and f are wetter than the dog. After a soaking and a scrubbing and a rinsing, Pep- per is thoroughly miserable. Ile is sure he is being punish- ed for some terrible misdeed. Occasionally, when he wants to get his point across, he makes sorrowful whimpering noises. Finally it is time for the Times will be hanging up their hats while still in their prime. (In fact, Mac, I think you're already slip- ping. Had a letter sent along by your son Terry, who said he'd found it on your desk but you obvious- ly hadn't dealt with it.) Perth Courier, Win- chester Press, Meaford Express, Wheatley Jour- nal, Yorkton Enterprise, Swift Current Sun, Lacombe Globe, Lachute Watchman, Exeter Times - Advocate, Atikokan Pro- gress, Glencoe Transcript, Oxbow Herald, Weyburn Review (hi, Ernie), Westport Mirror (hi, Your TV Repair Man), Orangeville Banner, Hanover Post. And all the rest.of you guys who have put up for years with the bleatings and blurtings of this writer. Thanks. You represent something I admire and respect. You work under continal stress to produce a product that is valuable -cather than sensational, ontroversial rather than sensational, controversial rather than merely in- flammatory, optimistic rather than depressing. Hang in there those of you who are left, and you young fellows, carry on the traditions. You may not be the New York Times, but you are probably more important to your community than it is to the world. Last note: George and Elda Cadogan, veterans both, hope to see you again before we hit the wheelchairs. Love, Bill four Targe beach towels One goes on the floor and three go on the dog as he scrambles and scratches his way out of the tub. It is very,very impor- tant to get those three towels thrown over him before he has the chance to shake. We blot, rub and fluff him dry over and over with the towels before he is allowed to escape from the bathroom. Even so. when we let him into the hallway, he shakes and the ceiling, walls and floor are soaked. Then he shakes again in the living room and again and again and again in the kit' chen. Flow so much water can come off one dog is unbelieveable. Then we sit him down -and go over him with hlowdryers It takes about a half hour with two blowdryers running on high to almost dry that dog. Eventually, his head conies up, his tail starts wagging and he loses that woebegone look. When we're finally finished he looks gorgeous. His white col- lar is bright and clean, his black fur is fluffy and plea- sant smelling. Proudly he struts out the door. And then he finds the mud- diest patch in the yard, rolls on his back; kicks all four feet in the air and moans with delight. 1