Noteworthy: Say no to year-round Standard Time, say yes to more evening golf
By Medicine Hat News Opinion on March 13, 2024.
Interesting to note that 75 per cent of readers who voted in the News’ poll on Daylight Saving Time said they would like it to be scrapped. I’d agree with that on one condition: That we stick with the ‘spring ahead’ 12 months of the year and never go back. Some people suggest we revert to Standard Time year-round. I vote ‘no’ to that, but that’s just being selfish, mainly because I like to play golf and don’t like the idea of the sun going down at 8:30 in the evening in June. People with jobs and school kids whose recreational opportunities don’t start until 4 or 5 p.m. need that extra hour of sunlight at the end of the day. • “Oh, I bought it online” is a refrain often heard these days, but a recent report (from the U.S.) showed that 84 per cent of purchases are still made via brick-and-mortar, in-person purchases. The same report said good retail space in North America is hard to find and that reports of the demise of shopping malls is rather premature, if not wrong. • Wrapping up the list of suggestions from Axios on how to live to be 100, besides ‘chill out, keep moving, get your Z’s, stay connected and think positive’ is one more thing: Luck. Living to 105 or older requires hitting all six numbers, plus the Extra, in the genetic lottery.. • If Willie Desjardins’ Tigers are going to win the Eastern Conference of the Western Hockey League playoffs, they’ll have to tighten up defensively. Playoff hockey games are more 3-2 than 9-7, and that’s where conference-leading Saskatoon Blades shine. Coach Brennan Sonne’s Blades are giving up 2.4 goals per game while the Tigers, who are a solid third in the East, are being touched for 3.36 goals against. But there’s where an experienced coach like Desjardins shines. Play a wide-open, exciting fan-friendly game during the regular season; play tight, winning (maybe a bit boring) hockey in the post-season. Tigers have four games remaining – home-and-homes this weekend against Swift Current and next weekend vs. Lethbridge – before the playoffs begin. • The city’s plan to do a “rehabilitation project” this summer on Division Ave. from Third Street S.E. to 12th Street S.E., at the top of Old Cemetery Road, is definitely a worthwhile project, but I have one major concern: How will it affect my access to Swirl’s on a hot evening in July? • Blue Jays’ fans in Medicine Hat number in the thousands, so we can assume the prospect of Toronto-born star Joey Votto playing for the Jays this summer is intriguing. Votto was signed to a minor-league contract by the Jays and will earn $2 million if he gets a roster spot on the big club. This isn’t just a nationalistic, flag-waving signing; Votto is a legitimate major leaguer, a guy likely going to the Hall of Fame after a 17-year career with the Cincinnati Reds that produced a .294 career batting average with 356 home runs (91st on the all-time list), six all-star games, the National League MVP award in 2010 and a reputation as an all-round good guy. Hey, he’s Canadian! Of course he’s a good guy. What did you expect? Votto is 40 years old, and his skills are obviously eroding, but despite .205 and .202 averages the last two years, perhaps the Canadian air will offer a season of rejuvenation. • Why do you see fruits and vegetables near the front entrance when you visit your local grocery store? Because the store is playing strategic and psychological games, of course, says the New York Post. A recent story said a shopper picks up the fruits and vegetables first and is likely to then feel less guilty about grabbing junk food later on, the Post story said. Essentials like milk and eggs are usually located at the back of the store, forcing shoppers to trek past numerous, tempting items to reach them. Tip of the hat to Medicine Hat’s Save On Foods, though, for putting a mini display of milk right near the store’s front. • And now a note about one of my favourite subjects, thanks to Yahoo.com: Napping. A daily nap can boost memory and mood, in addition to making you feel less sleepy. The optimal length of time for a nap is about 30 minutes. Anything longer than that puts you into a deeper sleep, which could make you grumpier than normal when you awaken. Until next week . . . I’m getting sleepy and need a short, 29-minute nap. Bruce Penton is a retired News editor who may be reached at brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca 11-10
