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4 The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, Wednesday, March 25,1992 Former Publishers A Rev. W. R. Climie, 1854-1878 • M.A. James, 1878-1935 • George W. James, 1935-1957 \JCNA Produced weekly by James Publishing Company Limited For 138 Years, Our First Concern Has Been Our Community Publisher - John M. James Assoc. Publisher - Richard A. James Plant Manager - Donald J. Bishop Ad. Manager - Brian G. Purdy Editor - Peter Parrott Production Rick Patterson, Julie' Cashin-Oster, Laurens Kaldeway, Doug Lugtenburg, Sharon McMullen, Barb Patterson, Sean Pickard, Ralph Rozema, Jim Snook, Vance Sutherland, Jim Tuuramo Advertising Lavemc Morrison, Pat Patterson-Savage Editorial Brad Kelly, Lorraine Manfrcdo, Laura J. Richards Office Angela Luscher, Junia Carnegie, Grace McGregor, Nancy Plcasancc, Marilyn Rutherfoid, Barb Schouten P.O. Box 190, 62 King St. W., Bowmanville, Ontario, L1C 3K9 416-623-3303 Fax 416-623-6161 Too Much TV Time Ever wonder where your time goes? Here's one possible answer: Statistics indicate that if you're an average Canadian, a good deal of lime goes into watching the boob tube. In fact, Statistics Canada reports that in 1989, Canadians watched an average of 23.4 hours of television per week - down from 24.3 hours in 1984. Perhaps the government should pass a law requiring this statistic to be posted prominently near the on/off switch or the channel changer of every TV set sold. This would be something like the labels which appear on packages of cigarettes warning us of the link between smoking and health problems. Think about it. If you're an average Canadian, the amount of time you spend watching television is about half of the amount of time you spend on your job. It isn't that TV is such a bad thing. And many viewers will note that their time in front of the lube is spent on being educated and infomed and not merely entertained with game shows and cartoons. Some people will even point out that they can perform a certain amount of worthwhile activity while watching television. Nevertheless, when a pastime takes up an average of 23.4 hours per week, a strong case can be made for the merits of responsible and selective TV viewing. If we could cut our TV habit in half and merely watch 11 hours per week, that would leave more than one and one half hours each day to do some of those things we claim that we never have enough lime to do. There would be time to clean out closets, read a book, study the piano, exercise, write letters, or talk to the kids. And, bear in mind that this cutback in TV time still gives us over 11 hours - more than the equivalent of a full working day - to watch television. If we opted to go cold turkey and stop watching altogether, we'd free up about three extra hours per day. That's practically enough time to write a best-seller, launch a part-time career, solve Canada's constitutional crisis or work on a university degree. This is a free country, of course. And, if we choose to spend the equivalent of one day per week watching television, that's our business. But statistics such as the ones noted above draw attention to the fact that the influence of the Ty set is more widespread than we might suppose. Is 23.4 hours of television viewing the best possible use of one's time? You'll have to draw your own conclusions. By the way, the press release which Statistics Canada sent to newspapers last week also contained the results of a nation-wide literacy survey which claimed that 62 per cent of Canadians can meet everyday reading requirements. However, 2.9 million Canadian adults "cannot deal with most everyday written material because of inadequate reading skills." Statistics Canada did not make any attempt to link the high amounts of TV watching with low levels of literacy. No doubt, it would require a high-powered sociological survey to establish a connection between the two sets of facts. But, common sense suggests that there just may be a cause-and-effect relationship. Region Removes Union Jack News Item: Queen's Park C onsiders Raising Funds In Opening Casinos Across Ontario E •z-sr . v*-- 1 •i-*- Queens m 7 hear it's just temporary until the recession ends" by Laura J. Richards LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Le The Union Jack that once graced the council chambers for Durham's regional government government is no longer there. Instead, the Canadian flag has joined the Ontario provincial provincial flag and a portrait of Queen Elizabeth on the wall behind the chairman's desk. The absence was duly noted noted by Oshawa Regional Councillor Jim Potticary during during the Wednesday, March 18 meeting of council. Anniversary at College Durham College of Applied Arts and Technology, located in Oshawa, is celebrating its 25 th anniversary. Exciting events have been planned for Durham graduates the weekend weekend of November 13th, 14th. Activities will include tours, Monte Carlo Night, sports events and a 25th Anniversary Dance at the LVIV Hall. All graduates of Durham College arc invited to write or call with their current address to ensure they receive registration registration information. The Alumni Office is located at the College - 2000 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa, Ontario, LÏ.H 7L7, or call toll free 1-800-668-5843 - ext. 369, and local (416) 576- 0210 ext. 369. Be sure to set aside November November 13th and 14th, 1992, Hope to see you there. Ann Stowell-Smith 25th Anniversary Chair Two weeks ago, Mr. Potticary Potticary had requested that the region's administration look into why the Union Jack was still displayed. Town of Newcastle Mayor Diane Hamre told The Statesman Statesman on Thursday, March 19, that the Union Jack had been on the wall in the regional council chambers since 1974. Mr. Potticary has been in and about the council chambers chambers for almost as long, she noted. However, when he raised the issue on March 4, that was the first time anyone had questioned the practice; she said. The Canadian flag will stay, since "when you have a picture of the Queen, you don't need the Union Jack," Mayor Hamre pointed out. It is a pleasant walk, one I have taken many times, The terrain is inclined slowly to the north and continues gradually until it reaches its ultimate height of 950 ft. above sea level. level. To the west and to the south there is an unobstructed view. On a clear day one can see Scarborough Bluffs, the CN Tower, and beyond. In the night, light can be seen brightening brightening the sky above Toronto, Oshawa and Bowmanville as well as Niagara Fall, Buffalo and Rochester. In the morning, however, these can be seen a great arc of grey-brown spanning spanning from west to south and lying lying just above the horizon line. This coloured line is pollution that, in a few hours, can be by Rick James / sensed by smell. While looking about I realized realized that the area I viewed contained contained the greatest concentration concentration of motor vehicles in Canada. Considering Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Hamilton and all the smaller communities communities in between, it likely con- ' tains close to one half of all the motor vehicles in Canada. It is little wonder, that we in this area arc feeling some of the adverse adverse effects of modem living. A partial solution to the problem of pollution, which is largely carbon dioxide, was implemented when, a few years ago, lead was removed' from much of fossil fuel. With this however, came a fuel that had reduced power and a lower octane rating. For some time it has been known that the addition of ethanol ethanol to gasoline will step up the octane rating and restore the power of the fuel. This is only a small part of the ethanol story. The addition of ethanol to gasoline at a one to ten ratio greatly reduces the emissions of carbon dioxide; in fact, tests show that a 25% reduc tion is attained in most cars, Tills is achieved • without engine engine modification. A 1977 Mercury was driven for eight years on a 30% mix with gasoline gasoline and showed no ill effects. A Masscy-Ferguson diesel tractor ran beautifully on a SOSO SOSO blend of ethanol and diesel fuel, Some parts of the world have become fuel sufficient by the use of bio-mass technology to produce ethanol. The United States, that encouraged ethanol production, used 440 million bu. of com last year in ethanol production and expects to use 1.25 billion or more per year by the year 2000. The potential market for ethanol com in Ontario Ontario is about 100 million bu. or about one half the com yearly yearly produced in Ontario. This represents a new market for Ontario grain growers that should raise the price of com by 10%. There is a company in Western Ontario that is prepared prepared to invest $50 million to build an ethanol plant. They are awaiting permission. So what's holding us back! Obviously our elected mem bers of parliament are dragging their feet, (for want of a better word). If they are taking positive positive steps to introduce this new fuel, they have not made it known to me, and I have asked repeatedly. No doubt oil companies companies would not like to see their sales reduced by 10%. Canada can find. 2.7 billion dollars for the Hibernia oil project, project, that some say will never pay its way, but can find little or no money for alternate fuels or energy savers. The general public has indicated indicated to me that it is much more willing to spend money on fuel than it is on food. I really don't care anymore, whether Ontario eats my com or burns it, but I do care about a just return for a job well done. It's time to re-evaluate our priorities and make strides to persue a course that can benefit us all. Surely, we can be smart enough to copy theU.S.A.! Maybe it's the rarefied air, but today I think I get a clear view from the hill. R.D. Morton R.R. 1 Kendal, Ontario Provincial and federal politicians politicians had better be careful. It seems that a Canadian magician and the former yogi for the Beatles arc conjuring up a potion to sell to llie provincial provincial and federal treasury departments. The two want to build a new $1.5 billion Uiemc park near Niagara Falls. The theme park is to be called: Maharishi Veda Land. A news wire file story quotes Doug Henning, the magician, as saying, "It is a beautiful tiling that's good for the country. Step by step, people will be more enlightened enlightened as they walk through the park." The park would be located on 560 hectares, employ 5,000 workers, attract 2.4 million 1 people and make $246 million for a number of nameless backers. The land has already been bought and most of the financial financial backing has been secured. secured. However, the two men will be seeking financial help from the two governments. (Seems like everyone wants a piece of the action. Send them to Bob's Placc- the NDP casino.) Henning came up with the idea during conversations with Maharishi Yogi, an Indian-born Indian-born spiritual leader who brought transcendental meditation meditation to the Western popular culture. The mayor of Niagara Falls proper has put his support support ...behind. .this., interesting concept., . ; As for the yogi, via the telephone, telephone, he told reporters the park will help people get in touch with natural and universal universal law and solve Canada's Canada's unity problems. "In unity there is knowledge. knowledge. Ignorance is disruptive." disruptive." (Hmm-does that mean Quebec premier Robert Bou- rassa, the other premiers and our ' glorious government leader Brian Mulroney will have year-round freebie tickets tickets for this? It might be a good idea, if they get to foot part of the bill.) I don't know about you, but I am not thoroughly convinced convinced about this idea, arc you? The theme park will feature feature 33 rides and have 14- buildings. I wonder what kind of • rides will be in the park. According to the same news wire copy rides will include include the Corridor of Time which will take people through history from the be- - ginning of creation to the end of the universe. I have to tell you, I am just a wee bit curious about taking taking that particular ride. How ever, if it involves a roller coaster or elevators I will not be going on it. There is also something to be called Dive into Veda to make people feel like they arc shrinking. Ah, ha--this is the ride with elevators! Hmm! Seems to me Lewis Carol had that same idea with the Alice in Wonderland story. story. 1 really don't know about this idea. It may lake off, but then again it could be like those darned Bricklins front New Brunswick. Let me tell you a story about the infamous Malcolm Bricklin and the money lie was able to get front the New Brunswick government to set up a car manufacturing operation operation in that province. Malcolm, who could sell sand to Egyptians, appeared one day with this scheme to build a wonder sports car. The concept was beautiful. It had gull wings for doors and a low-lo-thc-grouhd body. The car was made out of fibreglass and was considered to be a "sports car for the connoisseur." And it was classy. However, because of problems problems within the company, the sports car was expensive. If you could gel one assembled, that is. The Bricklin was a sassy car. However, the New Brunswick economy just couldn't handle paying through the nose all the,time. When Mr. " Bricklin stepped aside, the business was left to die province which had to decide what to do with the plant. Needless to say, the good people of that province got stuck footing the back bills owing on that little escapade. So, Premier Bob and your cabinet ministers--watch out, the next Bricklin in disguise seems to be coming your way. . Vroom-vroom! Crew Looks for Photo of HMCS Bowmanville Dear Sirs: In 1989 I attended a reunion of H.M.C.S. Bowmanville. I was a member of the commis : sioned crew (Sunderland, Scotland Scotland 1944). As such, I was very interested interested in a photograph of the commissioning commissioning that was displayed at the reunion and would like to obtain a copy of it. I would very much appreciate appreciate any information that would put me on the right track. Thank you, Robert L. Husband, Keewatin, Ontario POxlCO. High tech equipment is great, that is until it stops working. Lately, we've been having our share of problems with our 20-year-old Goss newspaper press that makes our heart skip a beat or two : We can fix most problems ourselves, ourselves, but in the last month we have been shut down indefinitely indefinitely because of a little $5 part that is sitting somewhere somewhere in the U.S.A. Take for example, last Thursday. The usually reliable press quits with an elèctrical zap that requires an emergency emergency call to electrician George Moore. After a few minutes minutes of schematic deciphering, George pins it down to a bridge rectifier. Now, to our untrained eye a bridge rectifier is a fancy term for someone who goes around fixing bridges. Sorta like a sanitary engineer versus à janitor. But to our press, it is something that is needed to change AC to DC power. power. Regardless, where are we going to get one of these things by Friday at noon? We start with a call to Erie, Pennsylvania, to find a part number. Three hours later, Erie, Pa. tells us he has the part and it costs $12. But, they have a minimum charge of $50 on any order. Plus, to get it to us on time will require overnight express, plus customs clearance, for a total of around $200 U.S. We're stuck without it, so send it ASAP. Surely, there must be one of these things somewhere in Canada. After a couple more hours of phone calls, we track the part number to an electrical supplier in Brampton. Brampton. He spends an hour checking his inventory and confirms confirms that he too has the required bridge fixer in stock. However, he lays us low with, "I can send it to you, but don't you have a Radio Shack store near you?" Oh, oh, we're starting to get that goofy feeling of being being really embarrassed. A red-faced trip next door to Ted Denny confirms that Mr. Radio Shack has the part at a total cost of $3.96. A little bit of soldering by his crew and some fancy finger- work by Moore Electric, and we're back in business, well before our Friday deadline. Naturally, Purolator delivered the little part from Pennsylvania in less than 10 hours. So, now we have a $200 backup for a part that only costs $3.96 next door, and lasts 20 years. If anyone needs a spare bridge rectifier, please be sure to contact us first. Have we got a deal for you! We just heard that Dr. Keith Slemon has passed away following a lengthy battle with cancer. As our doctor for many years, we called on him for broken noses, stretched ligaments, plus the usual assortment assortment of colds and vaccinations. Our all-time dumbest medical emergency was to remove a gum wrapper that was stuffed way up in one nostril. He was able to remove remove it painlessly. He will be missed by all those who knew the man. Our sympathies are extended to his family. E A letter to the editor in this week's edition takes issue with Gord Mills' response to a March 11th letter that was highly critical of NDP policies. We were especially concerned with the last paragraph of our MPP's response which reads, "Like it or not, Ontario Ontario will have an NDP government for 2 or 3 more years at' least. A sincere effort to cooperate would be better, not just for the government, but for all of Ontario." We read this as..."we are in power and you docile sheep better get in line and follow our way of thinking or else." We have expressed our concerns in the past about Cord's tired NDP speech writers preparing material for distribution through the media. Statements such as those above make us suspect that it is happening again. In private correspondence and conversations, we have found our MPP to be fair and willing to listen. Naturally, any elected official is expected to toe the party line to some extent. But, to push NDP socialist policy on constituents constituents ahead of fair representation is wrong. m m We Asked Are you in favour of self-government for Canada's native people?. ... And "You Said : f. Isabelle Clauzier Bowmanville "To a degree, I suppose, yes." Edna Short Bowmanville Charles Taws Bowmanville Harry Hofstede Bowmanville "Yes, I think so. I think "I think I am in favor of self- "Yes." they've been given a raw government for Canada's deal. They were here first." , native people. But it has to be ■ done in stages and over a period period of time." Next week's question: What do you think of the suggestion that casinos he used to raise money for Provincial Government 1