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Show iiinwmiii emts Free Press Wednesday, October 18, 1995 - Page Ads on the cutting edge of unreality Editorial Support Red Ribbon week "I am in charge of me, and drug free." Red Ribbon Week is a great time to reinforce this important message to our and adding the message of youth to the week's events is a non-viole- nt non-violen- nice touch. The anti-dru- g message is becoming among our youth. DARE officers in all of our schools explain the life. And the mesvirtues of a drug-fre- e sage is taking hold. Our children are probably more knowledgeable about the negative effects of drug use than any generation in history. But the gospel of violence is preached to our children daily on television, in the movie theaters and through comic books and other popular literature. Kids are bombarded with the message that violent behavior is an acceptable way to respond in social situations. In many cases, these two negative aspects of our society are linked together. The growth of modern gang culture, well-know- 2 n 'Remember, I with its utter disregard for human life and focus on street crime and gang violence, can be traced directly to drugs. The huge profits from the sale of illegal drugs fund gang activities and provide an economic reason for gangs to exist. Red Ribbon Week is a frontal assault on these two modern-da- y plagues in our society. Rather than pretending the cruproblems don't exist, the week-lon- g sade against drugs and violence helps us face our weaknesses, and helps us make plans to combat them. Parents should join schools in the efforts to talk to our children about the perils of the use of illicit drugs, and then we should all set the example by shunning television programs or movies or other materials that present violence as an acceptable way to behave either in our homes or on our streets. By teaching our children this message: "I am in charge of me," we empower them to control the negative influence of drugs and violence. No lesson can be more important than that. have warned you' That year, Easter was late. It came in April and already the cuckoo had heralded the arrival of spring. It was that Friday before Easter that we three boys, who had been chums for many years, made our plans. Three boys with a little spring fever. There was Eddie Simkins, he with the mop of curly hair; Scrummy Chislet, frankly I never did find out why he was called Scrummy. To me he was a normal kid except his nose ran quite often. formulated our So, we three adventuresome plans. That afternoon after school we would head for the valley and spend the night. When our school studies were over, I dashed home and spoke to my mother. She was sewing in the living room and from her little radio came sounds of the music she loved. "Mam," I said excitedly, "Eddie, Scrummy and I are going up the valley to spend the night. I would like some bedding and a little food. We are going to have such a good time." Mam looked up from her sewing. "Son," she said, "I just heard on the radio there is a chance of thunder storms in the hills and the possibility of flash floods." There is something about a mother's look when it concerns the welfare of her children that is hard for a boy to under- Browsing sun-touch- stand. of a "Mam," I said, with all the know-hoboy, "you can't believe all that stuff you hear on the radio." I took her by the hand and led her over to the big bay window. "Look, Mam, there isn't a cloud in the sky." And I argued like only a boy can. She turned to me and said, "All right, if you insist on going, but remember when the storm comes, that I warned you." I rolled up an old quilt and a blanket and tied them with a piece of string. Mam made me some sandwiches of homemade bread and blackberry jam, berries I had picked myself. These she wrapped in a sheet of newspaper and put them in a brown paper bag. She stood on the doorstep as I left and, again, that look on her face. Later I knew what it was, an unspoken prayer. The three of us met where the street ended and the valley began. Our destination was an old woodcutter's cabin about four miles up the valley. What a day! The birds were singing and up on the hill a patch of gorse was in bloom, giving a bit of gold to the world. Under the hedgerows the spring violets were peeking. The sun was warm and a tiny breeze rustled the newly-bor- n leaves on the trees. We laughed and joked as we hiked along, not a care in the world. We were about two miles from the cabin when suddenly there was a change in the weather. The bird song was stilled and heaviness filled the air. Over the top of a distant hill we saw the tip of a black cloud. It grew and our footsteps hurried. Soon the cloud filled the sky and the thunder and the lightning came. The rain w A little effort If I could shake the shoulders of every youngster today and command his concentration on one thing that I have to say . . . If I could have five minutes with every student and every young man or woman on his or her first day at a new job . . . If I could burn one message into the consciousness of all whose minds are not yet closed, whose consciences are not yet callused with cynicism, this is it: Nowadays, you can do big things with little effort. When I was growing up with a generation that was running scared from a terrible depression, there was keen competition for every opportunity. Everybody was ambitious, trying harder, working more, loafing less and reaching higher. Each of us bucked a strong head wind. wages for Today, you can get e ball. playing s come into my office, seeking their first employment, and their first questions are about retirement benebig-leag- bush-leagu- Nineteen-year-old- fits. You who are willing to give out with such a little extra effort can climb so far and so fast that the height will make you ' yet, you can climb with no sweat. diZZy Never were Americans able to get so much mileage on so little gas. YouH be a target, of course, when you' Have your credit card handy, friends, and e the convenient number, and you can have practically anything you want, most for $19.95, plus shipping and handling. Commercials for real stores selling products to consumers seems to be fading from the television screens. More and more, the favored distribution method seems to be the 800 number and the post office box in some call toll-fre- far-aw- city. Customers may send a check or a money order for their order, but, as the pros say, "for faster service, use your credit card and call our toll-fre- e number." No credit card? No problem. Just keep watching the shows and it won't be long before you encounter one where they will offer you a credit card. But it won't just be a number to call. It will be a that features testimonials from people who haven't been able to rent a car, check into a hotel, or, worst of all, not be able to send your mother flowers. Now I am definitely not against sending one's mother flowers, but get serious, comparing that to the real needs of transportation and lodging is quite inane, especially with the woman they get to portray the daughter. So all you need is a social security number, a job that pays $150 a week, as well as not being in bankruptcy proceedings, and like the flower girl, you can say "Charge it!" in three short weeks. After that, your new life is only a toll-fre- e call away. Justification plays a big part in the process, because many people may feel that charging a mere $19.95 is appropriate for health-relate- d products. A microwave bacon cooker seems to be a hot item right now, especially with a heightened awareness in health. And maybe for the price, combined with the actual benefits, the product may indeed be worth its weight in gold. But so many other products will also be competing for that same $25. Who can resist the hair cutting device you attach to your vacuum cleaner, or that mini-progra- m blos-somle- ss Daiy Pianet those programs out by changing channels. Another infomercial currently being ByRUSSDALY shown is one for a sleeping aid that is to be placed over your mattress. According to the marketers, "you owe it to yourself for the hair for the rest of your life." pinnacle of success: spray-o- n Okay, their claim may be true. This prodbalding man. Minute-lon- g commercials are not enough uct could actually be some revolutionary for some of these marketers, however, and new item that really could enhance my sleeping. But their presentation doesn't consalesmanship today has evolved into a commulti-medi- a me. vince presentation. plete Local artist Marvin Payne and his son, Where once was the Fuller Brush man of an earlier era, now the "infomercial" comes Sam, are featured in this program. Sam is into our homes to sell us the wares that are shown first playing the piano. Off to the side sure to make our life easier, faster and more is a woman who is supposedly his wife. Children are added to the scene and Sam is complete and satisfying. subwho No longer reserved for those aged slightly with the first, then the second child. After that, Sam is replaced by Marvin, scribe to cable services, the advertising programs are rampant on broadcast television the adult incarnation of the original son. This father figure continues to play the as well. Designed to tempt the viewer into buying piano as more children, spouses, then grandthe product or service, infomercials have children are added while he ages before our become big business, and although that eyes. At one point, he motions with his head level of temptation will be different for each for his "wife" to come over and join him at the piano, which she does, looking lovingly viewer, the success rate is probably quite at him all the while. high. Apparently, these warm, happy feelings Again, information about health has spawned a great interest in products that may be received by purchasing and using this sleep device. Perhaps you may even supposedly improve the quality of life. learn to play the piano. Kitchens are a ripe target for these marHow do you decide which of these prodno to who convince are us that keters, trying home is complete without a juicer, a food ucts among the many that are being offered and machine. a through this plethora of infomercials pasta dehydrator to buy? The popular juicer infomercial features a If all else fails, you could always call one guy that claims to be pushing some astoundhis of the psychic hotlines that are offered is assisted who one at ing age, point by three year old son. They conveniently forget through the same marketing scheme. For only $3.99 per minute, your psychic to point out that his wife, the major player in the production portion of that child, appears could tell what's in your future, such as an to be significantly younger than the appliadjustable bed or a real estate course that teaches you to buy low and sell highj or ance pusher. Diets are a big infomercial business, too, maybe just a gigantic phone bill for her sereach one claiming to be more effective than vices. Highland Highway could clear up confusion By TOM GRIFFITHS started with a few drops at first, then it became a deluge. By the time we reached the cabin we were soaked to the skin. To add to our discomfort, the roof of the cabin (had caved in during the winter months and only a small corner offered any shelter. The cabin was erected on a bank above the brook, the brook I loved so well. Its spring music was a pleasant melody like a lullaby at night. But now as we huddled in that corner the voice of the brook became loud and threatening and we could hear stones rolling down its bed. The thunder reverberated through the trees. We were three frightened boys. During the night we sat huddled together in the corner, but the wind blew the rain in on us. The pangs of hunger came and I unwrapped the sodden covering around my sandwiches. The bread was sop, so I scooped out the jam with my fingers and ate it. Few words were spoken during the night, but over and over in my mind came Mam's words to me. "Remember, when the storm comes, that I have warned you." With the coming of the dawn, the storm d ended and we gathered up our bedding and started for home. About a mile down the trail we met our fathers, who had come looking for us. My father took my bedroll and put his arm around my shoulder. His words were simple and sincere: "I am glad you are safe." Mam was waiting at the door. The look was the same except for the moisture in her rain-soake- eyes. She had prepared breakfast. There was' hot oatmeal porridge with cream from the top of the milk bottle, and toast made on top of the coal range. There was no "I told you so," only a request, "You must lay down awhile my son and rest." Through the years I have learned what that look is that mothers get. It is the look of the good shepherd who cares for his flock. I have also learned the similarity of my mother's warning to me of that of our Heavenly Father, "Remember when the storms come and nations tremble, and there is desolation on the earth, that I have warned you." Highland Highway. The name is alliterative, almost poetic. And it may solve a persistent problem which has accompanied the naming of north Utah County highways. The Highland City Council adopted the name officially last week for SR 92 the road I learned to call Canyon Road when I ,moved to American Fork 13 years ago Of course, the moniker only extends along SR By MARC HADDOCK 92 where it lies in the Highland City Limits. On the east, I assume it becomes Canyon Road again, because at that point it j enters American Fork Canyon. not always bad either. On the west, well, on the west is- - where Take, for example, the Alpine Highway. I we encounter the problem. (Well get to that have always referred to SR 74 (100 East in later.) American Fork) as the Alpine Highway. In naming the street, Highland City offiThat's the official name on several maps cials explained that all the other nearby and it is a good, logical name. The Alpine cities have something named after them.' Highway is the main road that goes to Alpine has the Alpine Highway. (Actually, Alpine. Traveling north, that's about the Alpine has two Alpine Highways. But well only place it goes. Traveling south, it's get to that later.) And American Fork, they about the only place it comes from. The name fits. explained, has American Fork Canyon. I thought this was kind of But we've lately learned that Lehi resilogic, since American Fork dents have for years referred to SR 92 Canyon is not named for American Fork. In (Canyon Road) as the Alpine Highway. I fact, both the canyon and the city get their guess that's because if you are coming from name from the American Fork River, which Lehi to Alpine, that's the road you take. The sort of got its name from the Spanish name is so ingrained in Lehi City lore that when the RDA was created to help fund the padres, in a roundabout way. Of course, the Escalante party never saw Micron project, Lehi City council members our part of the valley, but Spanish Fork named the project the "Alpine Highway River and later Spanish Fork City, were Economic Development plan." named after these men, the first whites to This is confusing to American Fork and see the valley. Someone filled with a sense Alpine residents, who know very well of ethnic pride must have named the where the Alpine Highway is and it's not American Fork River to counter the influvery close to Micron. But apparently Lehi ence of the Spanish in the south county has no trouble with it. and the name stuck. The naming of the Further complicating the issue, we canyon and, later, the city followed. recently learned that Pleasant Grove and Early American Fork residents must Cedar Hills residents refer to SR 92 as the have liked naming the city after bodies of water, because it was first named Lake City. We changed the name because we didn't want to be confused with Salt Lake City and we still don't. Anyway, I digress. My point is that the names of things often follow a pattern that is historical, if not logical, and people adopt names that suit them. But every so often a landmark is named by royal decree as Editor: and that's with the Highland Highway I live on 1200 East (7200 West) in Lehi and am concerned with the safety issue regarding excessive vehicle speed on this road once it is widened for Micron. Children, adults and pets use this road and even now without improvements, the Lehi police regularly patrol this He is the one who says, when you come road in response to excessive speeding. beck from lunch five minutes early, I have been a Salt Lake City commuter for "What's the matter, Mac? Tryin' to make three years, and like anyone, I am concerned the rest of us look bad?" about arriving at work in a timely manner. I He chides you for overworking or workhave devised the quickest way to reach my ing overtime. destination with a minimum effort. This had Twenty years ago, he'd have been fired led me to research the driving time for Micron in the first half hour. employees on heading north to work. is your internal insecuThis The distance from the first Lehi exit, 282, rity. He is the dry rot that threatens to sink which employees would take to utilize 1200 our Ship of State. He is not the lousy East, to the AlpineHighland exit, 287, is Communist but the lazy American. four miles. From this exit to Micron it is 2.5 But use diplomacy, and keep on keeping on. If you can, there has never been an hour in modern history when an ordinary man with such little extraordinary effort could catapult himself so far so fast. Editor: Never have we run such big things on As election day in Lehi City approaches, such little batteries. Never has so little we must carefully examine each candidate to investment paid so much interest. Never see what kind of person they are and to has it been so easy to go from chore man to determine if we trust them to make decisions foreman. that will ultimately affect each one of us. A little diligence, a little discipline, a litFor many of Lehi's citizens, the only way tle pleasantness, a little determination we can judge a candidate is to look at the way and a little enthusiasm is all it takes to that each one conducts hisher campaign. distinguish an uncommon man and an In this year's election race, each candidate exceptional woman. was made aware prior to the posting of camThe rewards, tangible and intangible, paign signs that it was illegal to post signs on have never been more generous. Ambition public property. is in such short supply today that a little Yet as you drive through the streets of goes a very long way. Lehi, you can see campaign signs posted on T ll 6 Editor's Column Paul Jr35- Harvey fed News VVr Paul Harvey Products Inc. distinguish yourself You always find the most clubs under the tree with the best apples on it. It won't be all fun or all easy. You won't suffer the head wind that my generation encountered, but you will, nonetheless,, find yourself dragging along a lot of dead weight. There are always the goldbricks and deadbeats in every ofiice, shop or factory. There are little foxes always yapping at the heels of an eager beaver. Satan is never more in our midst than when he masquerades as a worker but does not work. His are the idle hands that never answer the phone on the first ring. fs'-- j and that they Alpine Highway as well have appropriated the name Canyon Road for SR 146, the road which goes from Pleasant Grove to the Canyon. As you can see, all this is very confusing. Anyway, there is a good chance that Highland's desire to have something named after the city may resolve some of the confusion. We can now have the Alpine Highway, the Highland Highway and Canyon Road, and all our State Roads are covered. The trick, of course, is to get Lehi to cooperate. After all, Lehi City Council has the authority to name SR 92 anything they want where it runs through Lehi. If they were to adopt the official designation of Highland Highway, it would solve a lot of problems. I understand that Highland struggled a bit to come up with the right name. Highland Parkway was one suggestion, Highland Byway was another. I kind of like the latter we could just call it the Hi-BMy personal suggestion would have been to go with the tried and true Utah method of naming streets, and for Highland to have adopted the name Main Street for SR92. SR74 could be Center. And addresses in Highland could have been adapted so they would fit in just one line on an address y. instead of the d addresses Highland uses to conform with the county multi-digite- addressing system. Some cost would be involved, but it would have paid for itself by creating a greater sense of community identity. I guess the current. addresses are more rural. Anyway, Highland Highway may be a bit breathy but if it can clear up the identity crisis of north Utah County roads, the name change is a good one. Letters to the editor Getting there from here goes a long way today 1995 The the others and raking in the big bucks along the way, or perhaps along the waist. ' I am amazed to see the disclaimer on the screen that the "testimonials are not typical results and that actual weight loss will would be much vary." To me, typical results I usually tune thus and believable, more pip-sque- miles. Assuming a speed limit, it would take a Micron worker 6.5 minutes to reach work from the first Lehi exit If that same employee exited at 282 and utilized the 1200 East route, assuming a speed over this 3.5 mile section, arrival at Micron would be in seven minutes. Considering the impact on the community and safety of our citizens, the logical alternative for Lehi would be to abolish the notion to improve any residential roads and to focus energy on improving Highway 92 while discouraging commuter traffic through town. I see no advantage to Micron employees or Lehi residents in such drastic improvements to our city streets. Judy Goodwin Lehi Campaign signs tell a lot telephone poles, stop signs and other public properties. Are these candidates unwilling to take the time to persuade Lehi residents to post their campaign signs? Is their platform so unappealing that no one will agree to post their signs? Are they too lazy to get out and lobby for their election? Candidates who knowingly break the rules in order to try and win an election are dishonest and unwilling to play fairly...do we want these kind of people running our city? The answer on election day should be "No!!" Jan Oliver A " |