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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-09-23, Page 4PAGE 4--GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1987 I spent a miserable two weeks in a quaint ball yard at Michigan and Trumbell on Saturday. In terms of elapsed time it may only have been three hours but if felt like days as I was unduly subjected to the insipidi- ty of Detroit Tiger fans. The only redeeming factor about being in Detroit last Saturday, was that Pope John Paul II, who appeared before a par- tisan Polish crowd in the suburb of Ham- tramck at an entirely unrelated sporting event, venerably parted the skies and allowed for the development one of the most gorgeous afternoons for baseball, or pope watching, depending on one's spor- ting inclinations. In retrospect, I should have made the pilgrimage to Hamtramck. There, at least, the outcome was never really in doubt and no-one took sides or seriously disputed bad or close calls. DAVE SYKES But at Tiger Stadium, a summer playground haunted with the memories of the likes of the famous Ty Cobb, Hank Greenberg, George Kell, Al Kaline, Nora! Cash and, more recently, Jack Morris, Darrell Evans, Allan Trammell and young Mathew Nokes, 1 was part of a handful of Blue Jay fans. A pennant drive can do strange bungs to people. In fact, sports in general has the ability to reduce reasonably sane humans into drooling, screaming idiots. After the recent, dramatic Canada Cup victory by Canada over the Soviet Union in the third game of the best -of -three hockey series, the offical Soviet news agency Tass, commented that Canadian hockey players were talented, spirited and unrelenting in their desire to win and deserving of their victory. The fans, however, didn't fare so well in the assessment of the Russians cover- ing the series. In their opinion, Canadian hockey fan.;, at least the ones in evidence at the Copps Coliseum in Hamilton, were overzealous, crazy and bordering on weird. The press coverage made reference to screaming fans, many of whom had painted their faces in the col- ours of their Canadian hockey heroes. Behaviour unheard of in the Soviet Union. Siberia, maybe, but not the Soviet Union proper. Quite simply, though, sports has the ability to pit friend against friend, neighbour against neighbour, Maple Leaf fans against intelligent life forms and Blue Jay fans against the rest of the established baseball world. • But, the fact that peoople are given a choice gives therm the opportunity to make less than intelligent selections. Blue Jay fans, by virtue of their allegiance, are among the most erudite and knowledgable fans in baseball. Regardless, on a van trip to Detroit last weekend, the few Blue Jay fans in at- tendance became the object of much derision and ridicule. And we were at a distinct disadvantage as the Tigers won ! they continue to win tnrougn tracKery, deceit and other surreptitious means 1 defeating the Milwaukee Brewers 5-2 while the scoreboard in Detroit told a sad tale from New York where the Yankees defeated the Jays 4-2. First place belonged to the Tigers. The fans stood, they clapped, they cheered wildly and generally became obsessed witht their good fortune. It was difficult to be Jays fan in the face of adversity, but we weathered the storm and watched grimly while Tiger fans held their parade. The bond between and individual and his favorite athlete or team is a strong one; one that drives people to desparate depths. This pennant race is going to drive me crazy over the next week and half. I'm already beginning to drool from the Detroit experience. Opinion THE NEWS PORT FOR GODERICH & DISTRICT SINCE 1848 G 0t he deric LL WN= u1964 SIGNAL -STAR P.O. BOX 220 HUCKINS ST. INDUSTRIAL PARK GODERICH, ONT. N7A 486 PUBLISHED BY SIGNAL -STAR PUBLISHING LIMITED Founded in 1848 and puri bled every Wednesday at Goderich, ,Qntario. Member of the CCNA and GCNA. Subscrip- tions payablq in advance $22.00, (Senior Citizens $19.00 privilege card number required) in Canada, $60.00 to U.S.A., $60.00 to all other countries, Single copies 60°. Display, National and Classified„advertising rates available on re- quest. Please ask for Rate Card No. 16 effective October 1, 1985. Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with the reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for but that balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. On the event of a typographical error advertising goods or services at a wrong price, goods or services may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell, and may be withdrawn at any time. The Signal - Star is not responsible for the loss or damage of unsolicited manuscripts, photos or other materials used for reproduc- ing purposes. General Manager SHIRLEY J. KELLER Editor Advertising Manager DAVE SYKES DON HUBICK FOR BUSINESS OR EDITORIAL OFFICE...please phone (519)524-2614 Second class mail registration Member: number 0716 CCNA Meaningful commitment There are many noble associations quietly chipping away at inequitable situations within our societal structure and Big Brothers .is one group that has figured prominently in the lives of many Canadian boys and 'men. September is Big Brother Month in Canada and it gives us the opportunity not only to reflect on the fine work of this organization but also to appeal to volunteers. A story in this week's paper suggests that men who volunteer for Big Brothers don't have 9 to be gifted athletes, high -placed business executives, community leaders or any type of "hero". Rather, they need the time of any male over 18 years of age who is able to give a lit- tle of himself, to spare some time, compassion and share some thoughts and aspirations with a young boy who may desperately need a role model or simply a male perspective. Within the North Huron District, 12 matches exist but President, Catherine Boddy says at least six more boys need big brothers and other volunteers are required for committee and administrative work. The screened applicants spend three or four hours a week with their little brother and a commitment of a year or two is required. After a reorganizational meeting, the group is looking for more big brothers and volunteers. If you have the time to contribute to this wor- thy venture, contact Catherine Boddy at 524-9132 or Ralph Smith at 482-7295. If you have some time, then think it over. There is a young boy who may need your help, guidance, and companionship. Don't be afraid of the commitment, it can be meaningful for both of you. D.S. • Doomsday delayed It's difficult for the average person to get a clear picture of the global peace -war situation, when one day's news contains word of an impending arms reduction deal and the next day brings a story of violent military action. Still, even in light of the U.S. bombing of an Iranian vessel, apparently caught planting underwater mines in the much -contested Persian Gulf, the world has a right to be heartened at news that an "agreement in principle," to scrap about 2,000 intermediate-range missiles has been reached between the United States and the Soviet Union. The agreement is encouraging enough, that the Educational Foundation of Nuclear Science, is considering moving back the hands on the "Doomsday Clock,” which it sym- bolically created in 1947. The hands on the clock, Which started out at seven minutes to mid- night, have been moved up to three minutes to midnight following such historic events as the first Soviet atomic bomb test and the first U.S. hydrogen bomb explosion. Still, we're a long way from stopping the clock altogther, as American Secretary of State Geoge Shultz pointed out. "This doesn't solve all the problems by a long shot. But you've got to start and I think this does get us going and I think it's very significant," he said. Intermediate range weapons represent about four per cent of the total U.S. and Soviet nuclear arsenals, so, in that respect, the deal may not seem to be all that far reaching. However like anything, the importance and ultimate effectiveness of this deal is all you view it. Do we shrug out shoulders and concede the two superpowers still have 96 per cent of their nuclear capablity left, or do we take up the reins and say they now have four per cent less missiles, why stop there? The superpowers' next target. is an eventual 50 per cent reduction in more deadly long- range missiles. Let's all hope the current spirit — call it "Glasnot," call it sanity — prevails long enough for them to reach that goal. - P.R. St. George's Church installs a heating system worth $11,000 50 YEARS AGO September 22, 1937 An audience estimated at 1,000 assembl- ed at the West Street rink on Monday night was disappointed in not having an oppor- tunity of hearing the Conservative leader, Hon. Earl Rowe, who.was announced was indisposed having attracted a throat ail- ment over the weekend. In his place came Denton Massey, MP of Toronto; who gave the principal address of the evening. Other speakers were the two local candidates Dr. R.H. Taylor and W.H. Logan, Mrs. G.T. Cockshutt of Brantford, president of the Women's Conservative Association of On- tario and A.B. Douglas, K.C. of London, president of the Western Ontario Conser- vative Association. In all probability an attempt will be made by the women of Goderich to invade the inner sanctum of the Town Hall by nominating one of their number for a place in the"Town Council at the next municipal election. The matter arose at a largely at- tended meeting of the Local Council of Women at MacKay Hall on Monday after- noon. It was suggested that Town Council, which represents hundreds of women in half -a -dozen Goderich societies and organization, sponsor an independent can- didate andidate for the Federal House. September 27, 1962 St. George's Anglican Church is install- ing a new heating system at a cost of LOOKING BACK $11,000 and the Board of Management plans to take care of most of the amount right away, in cash or pledges, so that as little as possible need to be borrowed. The official opening of the new Ontario Hospital on Highway 21, three miles south of Goderich, has been set for Tuesday, Oc- tober 23. This date was announced .by the' Hon. M.B. Dymond, M.D., Minister of Health for Ontario, in a letter to the Signal Star early this week. Present for the ceremony will be Ontario Prime Minister the Hon. John P. Robarts, and other government officials. The new $3,5000,000 hospital within four weeks of its opening, is receiving the final polishing and fur- nishing in preparation for its first patients. While it is ar Qssipility that a few patients may be admitted prior to the opening, the main influx will not begin until later in the year. At that time, Huron County patients now resident in the London hospital, will be transferred to the Goderich establishment. Goderich Police Commission met in town council chambers Monday morning to interview three applicants for the posi- tion on the town police force recently vacated by the resignation of Constable Alex Sellar. Chosen from the three ap- plicants was Douglas C. Foley, Ilderton, who will assume his new duties next week. 75 YEARS AGO September 27, 1917 At town council, it was decided that the rate for this year is 37 mills. This will raise over $72,000 of Texas—Toronto Company offers to supply town with any quantity of 'hard or soft coal and several new stretches of sewers to be constructed. Ahmeek Chapter IODE wishes to thank all those who helped in any way with the collecting of papers sent away in the early part of summer, particularly those people who loaned their cars and those who helped with the baling and the packing. The handsome sum of $100.25 was cleared by the sale of papers and the TODE'intends collecting again in the spring. Housekeepers will kindly save their waste paper until then. By the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. King of Smith's Art Store, a number of townspeo- ple enjoyed the exquisite beauty of a night blooming cereus which flowered on Friday evening of last week. All who had the pleasure of viewing the large pendant blossom exclaimed in wonder at its loveliness and sweet fragrance. As seen through a magnifying glass, the fully open- ed flower seemed like the palace of some flower fairy, so delicate was it in colour and so perfect its white satin petals. 61211190, Some people were just not meant to be winners — and you're reading one of them. Over the years, I h'ave purchased countless lottery tickets, entered no end of draws and participated in a variety of pools. My number never comes up, my ticket is never drawn, and my picks in- variabley do no pan out. That is, until this fall. The editor of this publication has, for years, invited me to participate in the football pool he runs each year with great zeal. His zeal to include me only seems to increase when I inform him I don't follow NFL football (or any football except for the occasional Grey Cup game for that matter), don't completely understand the game and can't even name half the teams in the league. "You don't have to know anything about it," he assured me, while display- ing the same glint in his eye that poker players get when a newcomer sits down and"asks "How many tricks do I have to take to get a point in this game?" The term "pidgeon" springs to mind. However, 1 finally relented to join the darn thing and — wonder of wonders -- I actually finished among the leaders for the first two weeks, won it outright the very first time. Other participants seemed slightly an- noyed to learn I based my selections on such indepth knowlege of the teams as to place my bet on the team reported to have the most enthusiastic squad 'of cheerleaders. In some cases, I placed my bet on the teams whose first-string • quarterback I could name. This method accounted for exactly two of my picks each week. That fact that such un -scientific wager- ing could pay off surprised no one more than myself. After all, here was the man who drafted seven ( count 'em) New York Rangers, in last winter's playoff hockey pool, actually leading the way in a foot- ball pool. What was next? Would Jimmy The Greek be asking me to take over the task of oddsmaking? Would Mike Ditka be calling me for ad- vice on how to handle Jim McMahon? Not likely, but who cares? I wash actual- ly winning at something. Then, of course, came the inevitable bursting of my bubble, at the hands of Gene Upshaw and the National Football League Players Association. I can picture the meeting of team representatives now. "Okay guys," Players Association head honcho Gene Upshaw announced. "This is serious. Not only are the owners treating us like chattels and generally abusing our rights as sports celebrities — from this angle Patrick Raftis but up there in Canada, Raftis is winning the football pool. I say we strike, before this goes any further." 1 Upshaw's announcement, of course, was greeted with cries of "Solidarity Forever," and "Down with Raftis," as the players voted overwhelmingly to commence what could, in all probablity become a season -ending strike. To heck with you Upshaw — I may not be finished yet. The owners have vowed to continue to play, using players previously cast off as incapable of play- ing professional football. If they do, I may be at an advantage. I may even volunteer to play myself. While others in the pool, who base their selections on knowledge of players' strengths and weaknesses may be at a disadvantage in choosing winners from teams made up of NFL rejects, I will know just as much about these players as 1 did about the striking regulars. By the way? Did the cheerleaders go on strike too?