Harry Oct 8, 2009
Harry Stemp was born in Uxbridge in 1934. He started his career with the Uxbridge Times-Journal as an apprentice typesetter at age 14. He soon began writing sports for the Times-Journal and eventually owned 10 community newspapers in central Ontario including the Times-Journal. He started writing his award-winning Stemp’s Stew in 1965. The column came to an end shortly after he sold his newspaper chain in 1989, but was rejuvenated in 2006 when Harry became a regular contributor to The Cosmos.
Smoke and mirrors
?Have to hand it to the politicians and the bureaucrats when it comes to nerve. They are loaded with it and have absolutely no qualms about displaying it for all to see.
How else can you explain the monstrous lawsuit against the tobacco companies seeking funds for the health costs resulting from the use of their legal product? Those who are suing are the same people who rake in billions of dollars by taxing tobacco products. The same people who get extremely upset with cigarette smuggling because it takes away from this very lucrative tax income.
And when health officials petition the same government to make the sale of tobacco products illegal, they huff and puff (pardon the pun) and absolutely refuse to have anything to do with banning the sale of tobacco products.
Government officials can justifiably be accused of demonstrating the worst case of hypocrisy as well as serious double dipping. The sad part is, this case could go on for years and I can imagine lawyers are wringing their hands as they prepare to rake in big dollars handling the case for the parties involved.
And who is caught in the middle? The taxpayer who will pay the costs for the government case and perhaps for the manufacturers as well through increased prices.
Sad, but that's life.
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Interesting to see the other side of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who has the reputation of being stiff and stodgy with many Canadians.
To the delight of the large crowd at the National Arts Centre the PM took to the stage, sat at the piano and belted out a great rendition of “I'll Get By With A little Help From My Friends”. A fitting choice since he has to depend on at least one party for the support needed to keep his minority government in power.
The PM received a well-deserved standing ovation that crossed all party lines. In fact a staunch Liberal supporter who was in the crowd wrote: “Harry, I was there! It was incredible, and even as a die-hard Liberal, I have to say it was a coup, and really fun!” Wow! Think I'll pop open a cold one after that one.
Understand that other party leaders have noticed what this has done to boost the popularity of the PM and are working on their own public appearances.
Hear that Ignatieff will be singing: “I Am Looking Back To See If Chretien and Rae Are Looking Back At Me”.
And Layton will be singing that popular old western song: “Take Your Tongue Out Of My Mouth Because I am Kissing You Goodbye”.
How are we going to keep them down on the farm now that they have discovered Broadway?
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Fun time at Elgin Park on Saturday, as our community was recognized as the Trail Capital of Canada.
The weather didn't co-operate, but that didn't dampen the spirits of those who attended and enjoyed free hot dogs, apples and ice cream as well as some excellent entertainment at the band shell. They lived it up and showed their pride in this wonderful accomplishment.
Each year when I head south I look for t-shirts that will let one and all I meet on my daily walks know that I live in Uxbridge, Ontario. Thanks to the generosity of Marks Work Wearhouse everyone received a free 'Trails Of Canada” t-shirt. The huge 'Uxbridge' in the center of the logo will be all I need, to do more than a little bragging about my wonderful hometown.
It was a fun day, and anyone who took a part in organizing this celebration should take a bow for a job well done.
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Darts are a big part of the sports scene in Uxbridge, and the Uxbridge Legion is certainly a focal point for this fun activity. Some fine darters have come out of the popular Legion Dart League and have proudly represented the Uxbridge Legion in various tournaments.
This week, congratulations go to Barbara Pearson and Sandra Nicholl who took part in a Claremont Legion tournament on October 3 and came home with two trophies. The two together won the Doubles Championship and Barbara came up big, winning the Singles Championship.
Next year's tournament will be hosted by the Uxbridge Legion. League play starts in the clubrooms on October 14.
