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The Huron Expositor, 1986-02-12, Page 2OPINION �Huron . " xposltor 1- '- SINCE 1860, SERVING THE COMMUNITY FIRST +CNA BLUE RIBBON AWARD 1985 Incorporating Brussels Post 10 Main Street 527-0240 Published In SEAFORTH, ONTARIO Every Wednesday morning ED BYRSKI, General Manager HEATHER McILWRAITH, Editor The Expositor Is brought to you each week by the efforts of: Pat Armes, Beagle Broome, Marlene Charters, Joan Gulchelaar, Anne Huff, Joanne Jewitt, Stephanie Levesque, Dianne McGrath, Lola McLlwaln, Bob McMillan, Cathy Malady and Patrick Rattle Member Canadian Community Newspaper Assoc Ontario Community Newspaper Association Ontario Press Council Commonwealth Press Union Internal Ional Press Institute Subscription rates: Wee. Canada $20.00 a year (In advance) Outside Canada $60.00 a year (in advance) Single Copies - 50 cents each SEAFORTH, ONTARIO, WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1986 Second 'class mall registration Number 0698 Old before our time Column is two-edged job Well, I'm back at it. With this brief spurt of verbage, l have returned to that category of journAlism, which has been both blessing and bane to newspaperscribblere since the time of the hot lead press. I have rejoined the ranks of the exalted (or is that exhausted) newspaper columnists. Columnnizing, as 1 said, can be a two-edged undertaking. On one hand, the columnist enjoys the privilege of escaping, for a few paragraphs al least, from the often tedious routine of reporting "the facts ma'am,, fust the facts." One is free to editorialize, existentialize, or institutionalize, as one sees fit, This can be fun, . Un the other hand, by committing a collection Of vocabular to paper, under the auspices of a standing hetet, the reporter is committing himself to doing so again and again,am wee after week. U n those weeks when the creative juices decline • to flow, the columnist more often than not becomes eonl'used and begins banging his head,•rather than the more accepted fingers, against the keys of the typewriter, This cannot be fun. This column shall be inhabiting the space in this paper formerly occupied by the granddaddy of all columnists W illiam (3111) Smiley, whose ol'ten caustic brand of humor has entertained and enlightened the readers of hundreds of publications for roughly a quarter-century. Mr. Smiley retired his Sugar and Spice logo a scant two weeks ago. for health reasons, Notice 1 said FROM THIS ANGLE by Patrick Raftis I ant occupying his space, not taking his place, for it would be truly presumptuous to dub myself the successor to such an expert wordsmith as Mr, Smiley. I can remember countless times over the vears, when some relative or acquaintance has pointed out to me, some aspect or other of one el Mr. Smiley's columns, I can only hope, if the occasion eve' arises when a reader should choose to draw a cohort's attention to my own prose, it will be done with n fraction of the respect afforded Mr, Smiley by his readers. Al the very least, I hope it won't be simply to share an example of the way "that dolt Rants has managed to mangle the English language again this week," As I mentioned, this piece marks my return to column izing. I have colunmized before, but always under the restriction of a particular type of seined matter. ')'his is my first opportunity to 1y niy hand at a completely generalized type of column. The first column i wrote, began as a submission to my college newspaper. It was a light-hearted condemnation of the city's bus system, which took better than two hours .to transport me from home to school. 1 guess it wasn t as light-hearted as 1 intended, because the paper's editor, after deciding it should be a weekly feature, named my column "Wrath from Raftis." Now "wrath" is a fairly powerful word and I found 11 rather limiting to be expected to exude wrath on paper every week. Being a fairly laid-back sort I find 1 have to psyche myself up, just to get mildly ticked -off, let alone wrathful. When next 1 was called upon to columnize weekly, it was in my forme' role as sports reporter for the Goderich Signal -Star. Again, I toun(1 this confining. Not having the intricate sports knowledge of a M ilt Dunne II, or a W ayne Parrish, or even s for gosh sakes a Dick Bcddoes, !Found myself communicating mostly about my thoughts on the fringe elements of sports, I wrote about popular sports, obscure sports, imaginary sports and occasionally things with a connection to sports so nebulous as to be virtually non-existent: So here tam, at long last granted freedom to apply my wit and wisdom (both often in short supply) to any topic under the sun -- and what have 1 rambled on about? Writing a column. Ilea' with me, I premise never to 'do it again. The young keep getting older. It is increasingly becoming evident age is losing its significance In Canadian society - or at least it appears that way. Today nine -year-olds are no longer doing nine-year-old activities, and pre -teens, and teenagers as well, are fast throwing those years behind them in their rush to "grow up. ' It first became a problem in the modelling world some years ago, when producers dipped into the cradle to find those younger, and younger faces that would sell their products - thus creating the Lolittas. It was a concern then and it is a concern how, as more than cosmetics are being sold and teenagers and pre -teens struggle to keep up with the growing sexual demands of their society - and the chaos that can result; young adults are struggling to maintain the status quo, and parents are struggling to instill some values in their children, who, for all intents and purposes have never, been children. It's become a fast, and complicated world, a world where adults are succumbing to its pressures through ulcers, headaches,, alcohol, drugs, and suicidal tendencies. And unfortunately the youth, are following all too closely and all too soon, in their wake. A federal study released recently indicated most 15 -year-olds are underage drinkers and one in five uses marijuana or hashish at least once a month. The national survey of 33,111 students aged nine, 12 and 15 found two-thirds of 15 -year-olds drink alcohol at least once a month and 40 per cent at least twice a month. Of all the drinkers - one-third say they usually consume five or more drinks at a sitting. The results are to be used to help design federal health programs, but what they Indicate, is the Canadian society, and youth In particular, need help. More than 10 per cent of the 12 -year-olds and more than 25 per cent of the 15 -year-olds smoke, with more girls than boys in the older group; about 20 per cent of the 15 -year-olds say there is no harm In occasional use of marijauna. and 25 per cent consider alcohol the best way "to loosen up a party." The nine -year-olds average 13 hours of television viewing a week, the 12 -year-olds almost 18 hours and the 15 -year-olds 15 hours a week, at least double the time they spend reading. Nearly half the young people do not eat a balanced diet More than a quarter of the nine -year-olds reported they cannot sleep "most of the time" because they are worried, but there is no indication of what they are worried about Forty per cent of the Grade 10 students reported they learned about sex from friends, with another 26 per cent learning from parents and another 26 per cent from school More specific questions on sex and dating behavior were not asked based on objections from the provincial government, so it can only be imagined just how liberal their knowledge is. based on their exposure to such things, in this day and age. Perhaps we are becoming too advanced for our own good. Maybe we're in too much of a r ush to advance For when the children of today, are born to bear the vices that don't normally come until adulthood, we've lost something. We've lost the youth and innocence in our society. Perhaps it's time we stopped arid asked ourselves the question that is so often asked during war times, where have all the children gone? --- H.M. 4 SWEAT SOCKS Bend and stretch Photo by Patrick Raftis by Heather Mdlwraith Old habits die hard Old habits die hard or else they never die at all Have vnu ever given mucin thought to why we do certain things. what runtivates us to ad aparlicular way In a particular circumstance, or wiry we presume certain locations are conducive to certain emotions They say it is children who are the mi s't iniphessionahle. and while rd have to agree. there are mans of us. who even in the autumn years of our lives are still finding out there is still lots of time to Form life -lasting habits, But i will concur the majority of our habits, and the iasis for the majority of our actions. stem from our childhood years and the people and. things we were exposed to eve often wondered why it is 1 do things. and why it is 1 feel somewhat guilty if for some reason I 'sander (turn my nein ! way of handling a situation Sometimes I wonder too about my loyalties Why is it. for example. that Fre carried on a 25 veer love affair with the Montreal Canaille's 111 admit initially my interest was stirred by an overwhelming desire to remain loyal to my dad. who was (at one timet an avid Montreal fan it stemmed partly too. from a desire to be patriotic. and to cheer a Canadian -based team. without stooping to cheer for Toronto fele/ids such as Maurice (Rocket 1 Richard. Boom Boom Geffreon. and Jean Belleveau. followed by Guy Lafleur. Yvon Cournoyer, Pierre La - roadie. Jacques Lerraire. Serge Savard. Ken Dryden.., just made it easier to keep directing those cheers to Les Habitats. &sept for a brief eyrie when such players as Phil Esposito, Bobby Orr. Gerry Cheerers, Derek Sanderson graced the bench of the Boston Bruins. my loyalty has always been with the Canadiens. But why fm not exactly sure, and why T feel such guilt when i recall the years that loyalty "strayed-- rm still asking myself. But habits are prevalent in more than the mere choosing of the sports team we will remain loyal to. There must be a stubcote serous reason for virtually everything we do. from choosing our brand of toothpaste. shampoo or whatever Have yen ever gone into the grocery store, , seen a magnificent array of bargains yet refused to buy any of them, beeeau5e they weren't your brand? Why is it I find it difficult to wash my clothes in anything other than Tide, despite the fact. rue tried no other brand of laundry detergentt, and don't ever intend to? Why is it I refuse to use any other ketchup than Heinz? is it really because no other brand compares. or because the name is a ear/lover from my childhood? Why do I head toward the post office at approximately 10:30 am every day, al- though most days I know there wont be anything in the mail bolt, and it wouldn't really matter if Ipicked upmymail at noort, in the afternoon, or even if I left the box unattended for several days? Why is it Monday is the most popular day to do laundry and Friday to buy groceries? Why do doctors go golfing on Wednesdays - or wiry do We presume they do? How are habits formed? we do for There are a number of things inexplainable reasons. Advetiiserrierits are probably a thief motivator of certain actions, but in agreement with psycholog--real studies, rdhave tosayniost ofth'ethings ido, say_and believe today, sternfrommy "Carefree" days of yore - narriely my Childhood. And when aperson s editing, thoughts and perceptions, have been around for that long, it Would be safe to assume they've Iiecame habits -and asfinemtioned earlier- old habits die hard. Guest houses give atmosphere HERE'S THE BEEF by Carolanne Doig Staying in a guest house has so many advantages os'vrhotel living lintels are often impersonal. expensive. and boringly stars• dart! Not so n guest house The homey atmosphere is perfect for a comfortable stay it is also the best place to see how loir.I people live and an Ideal place to learn the problems. plans. and pastimes of the native people As well as getting a great view of the local s lifestyle. a guest house atmoasspphere offers a window into the rest of the world. The guests enjoy breakfast in the bright and cheery kitchen Here over coffee and rolls tourists from all over the world discuss fife in their own country Just the other morning 1 enjoyed breakfast with a tableful of visitors from Italy, New Zealand, England, Portugal, the U S. and Canada We didn't get into political. religious, or military discussions. We avoided issues that are constantly getting media attention instead we discussed all the aspects of the average workingperson's life We talked about wa'ke school. ):ids Money, books, movies, holidays. and the little things in tife. It didn't take long for us to discover people the world over are interested in their home. health. and happiness. Although issues like Central America, South Africa, Libya. nuclear weapons. and famine were of concern to all, the struggle of the average working roam throughout the wa:rid is very similar f•:veryrme wants to make a descent living, have a nice home, nice clothes, send their children to good schools. take a yearly vacation. and retire in comfort. The struggle to accomplish these goals is the sante whether the worker is in Canada. Bermuda, Italy, or wherever. The Italian salesmen was forted to spend much time away from his family He was concerned about sales quotas, competition and free trade. Just like home. Tine student from England was unsure about jobs after graduation, his upcoming exams worried himand like all students he had local] on dad for extra funds. Meanwhile the mother of two from New Zealand was run ragged with her six and four -year-olds, like mothers every. where, getting the kids ready for school, doing the shopping. and deciding what to cook for supper were her main concerns. The retired Canadian ',widower was learn. trig to cope with the timeliness that so often accompanies the autumn of one's Fife The Portuguese housevafe was busy with a part time job and complained about trying to Lose the pounds gained at Christmas, while the American secretary was bored with her job and leek of eligible then around Our conversations touched on things like the price of gas, cost of food, the latest movies, and best selling hooks The trials and tribulations of working for a living, raising a family, getting ahead, even the prospect of winning a big lottery came up during our breakfast rendezvous People truly are the same no matter where they're froth. Perhaps if the big gins sat down for breakfast with the average working people and had a sort of United Nations brunch, they'd ask the same question many people ask throughout the world "What in hell are we fighting about?" Broomball love it, or hate it Call it winter slow pitch or camball. Love it or hate it. To the chagrin of some and to the delight of many. the game of braomball is here to stay. Originating sometime during the 1800s. the game has progressed from the early days of pounding a frozen horse terd with a tom bheom. to a well organized Sport of national proportions. There are some people. however, who would haw you believe when Moses descended from the mountain, eine of the commandments on his stone tablets said, "Thou shalt love broomball." That platitude. hire others. unfortunately or fortunately. depending on your point of view. has not quite been obeyed by the masses. A couple of weeks ago t wrote a column lin hockey and neglected be mention broomball was one sport often neglected in town. 1 managed to light the fife under the tear end of a supporter, who gave me heck in the form of a letter to the editor. You see. 1 mentioned soccer. baseball and football never really gained a foothold' in towrt. You noticed 1 didn't name brooreball bemuse` in feet. it and softball have heed accepted and the article ways, baelcaliy, about hddrey. rmafriad our anorenrious protester missed the point and imust take exception to sortie of the statements expressed in the tetter. Our secret writer darns the broombali CORNUCOPIA by Dave Broome league contributed more than their share to get the new arena erected and received, in return. tittle or tits recognition fe0 thee. effotts. What do you want? A de? There were a lot of people that helped in this magnificent enterprise and none of them howled about lack of recognition. 13y Jimmy. it is heartening to imow the broomball league is so dean. so virtuous. so noble that when they play. we don't even need our arena manager around. Our writer also debited there is no ice to fitiod but the rental fee is ,$40 en hour 1 remernber stepping on the lee after broom- ball games and skating through straw, mild and other eeat things. Now, that was a couple Of years ago arid I would hope that league has moved up a notch or tWo in eines in' the meantime. Orsi Stindaynhonttingbunchhavetopaythe sante $40 an hoar tib whack a puck artu id. Oar writer suggests, albeit between the lines, the broornball game should get a break bei'ause the lee is not flooded. Give me a break. And finally, according to our complainant, the broombaf league has to almost beg for toe time. What does this person think our hockey players have been doiin.e for the last 20 years -- playing 24 bourse day, severs days a week? Our friend doesn't know the meanin'g of the word beg. Also, 1 would not suggest taking the broomhall out of town. Too rhttny people might cheer. Now let's get serious for a moment. Broomball is a genre that has to overcame some major obstacles to became totally accepted. It has to contend with 100. years of hockey tradition it has a stereotyped image of brutal, clumsy farm folk that most of us know simply is not tme and certainly not fair. Most of the fine people that play the game are exceptional athletes that are skillfully adept at their chosen activity and other sports as well And, they come from all walks of life. Brooriiball, a good game. is here to stay and, both it and hockey, can exist in harmony. What 1 don't need is someone, hiding behind the veil of anonymity. giving mea silly ledure about how f neglected broomball in a hockey article.