Street Level

Just a few things that have occurred this week that need some comment:

1. Libel laws precluded KTW from printing any of the letters received after we published a column on Mary, a woman fleeing an abusive relationship. Each was heart-breaking in the retelling of the individual stories, but each also ended with a declaration from the writer that this will never happen to them again.

It's a noble sentiment, one I hope they are able to follow through on. But, in 2008, it's simply wrong that we haven't moved any further than the generation of my parents, when men -- and yes, some women -- feel it is alright to abuse their spouse, be it physical or emotional.

A co-worker asked me if it's true that women really do celebrate International Womens Day. I don't know how many do, and lord knows my days of all-day-long involvement in the events are long gone, but as long as one person raises his hand or his voice to his partner, we sure do need it.

2. I guess the fact that spring is almost here hasn't hit the news managers at the other paper. Why else would they glorify that age-old tradition of skating on a frozen lake just as all those frozen bodies of water start to react to the warming temperatures? Springtime -- yup, that's a great time to suggest the kids strap on their skates and head out to the weakening layer of ice.

3. Every time I drive by Convergys now, I wonder if the unspoken message in its CEO's recent speech will come to fruition and the multi-national call centre will take its low-paying jobs to even lower-paid workers in Asia. The mayor says in this global community, these things are a reality, but he also acknowledged losing 1,200 jobs would be a major blow to Kamloops.

On the bright side, maybe we could then get some sort of decent retail outlet in that massive expanse of business and start to see some growth develop in the Valleyview/Dallas area.

4. Boy, the Blue Grotto is doing some great stuff these days. Econoline Crush, our own Joey Jack and crew (and yes, Joey is very, very funny), Hayley Sales, Justin Nozuka (above) . . .the list goes on. And it's not the only one putting some oomph into the local music scene. My other favourite is the Leisure Loft, a brilliant use of normally vacant space by Mike Turner. Check out some of these places; you'll be surprised. And the price is right too -- Nozuka's got a Juno nomination and the admission for his show, shared with Sales, was about the same as a double-double-non-fat-soy-based-with-a-shot whatever that would be.

Posted by Dale at 11:33 a.m. Comments