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Letter: There's a certain satisfaction in 'ranting,' says senior

Erna de Burger-Fex wrote a great column
Motorcycle
Letter-writer John Lindsay said loud motorcycles are one of his pet peeves. Supplied photo.

I always enjoy the “Reflections” column by Erna de Burger-Fex, and very much identified with her opinions expressed in the Sept. 15 issue of Northern Life with respect to observed matters of concern regarding T-shirt logos, litter and dog poop.

I think many of our citizens feel the same way and could identify other items of aggravation.

My own personal irritants include loud motor bikes that roar though our neighborhoods during the warm weather, which, if they were cars, would certainly be pulled over for noise infractions, but by their continued presence this, it would seem, seldom occurs.

Portable signs have always seemed, in my opinion, to be an eyesore along our roadways, and now we have gigantic electronic billboards which generally contain so much information it is impossible to read and still keep your eyes on the road — a definite distraction and likely a hazard to safe driving.

One in particular, on Paris Street, just before the old St. Joe’s hospital property, is virtually useless. It is too high to be viewed easily and replaces an easy-to-read and probably less expensive notice board located at the entrance to Bell Park.

On a less local issue, it really “bugs” me every evening when TV newscasters sign off with the statement that they will “see you tomorrow.” 

In a past career, I read the news on four different TV stations over a 10-year period, and never once saw anyone in the viewing audience. Unless technology has advanced since, I doubt that any present news anchors are able to see into the homes of viewers. If so, I am going to be better dressed when viewing, especially at bed time.

I guess it is just a figure of speech, and I should not, as they say, “sweat the small stuff,” but so much is small stuff, and there is a certain satisfaction in “ranting,” especially when you are a senior. 

Erna, keep the faith.

John Lindsay
Chair, Friendly to Seniors - Sudbury