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PAGE 6 â€" WATERLOO CHRONICLE, WEDNESDAY JANUARY 6, 1988 Second Class Mail Registration Number In recent time the image of the Olympic Games has been tarnished, by such influences as commercialism, hyprocrisy, political machinations, and yes, mass murâ€" der. The very survival of the Games has been brought to question because of political boycotts, drug abuse, and a philosophical ideology which is virtually impossible to maintain in today‘s world. Amid such skepticism (the attempt by the city of Toronto to pitch for the 1996 Games was critized in this very space), there remains however a magical spark, that certain something that draws the interest of those not only who count themselves as sports fans, but those who simply marvel at the coming together of world nations in the name of sport. It has been discouraging to this point to see that Canadians have taken such a lowâ€"key approach to the Calgary Games. While hype is not always attractive, surely the marketing of the Winter Olynipics could have taken a much higher profile in the year leading up to the actual competition. Reports out of Calgary indicate interest is lukewarm at best, with many tickets available for the lowâ€"profile events. And who can blame folks out there, where the weather is more conducive to a golf game than an electrifying downhill run by Rob Boyd? However, one of the major sparks to ignite Olympic interest across the country is the torch relay that passed through this area Monday and Tuesday in horrific weather conditions. Even sponsoring Petroâ€"Canada offiâ€" cials are amazed at the interest the relay has generated, not only with those picked to run, but with the thousands who have come out in each city and town to greet the torch bearer and celebrate the Olympic spirit. Anyone not moved by the invitation to "Share the Flame" surely wasn‘t on Westmount Road early Tuesday morning as schoolchildren walked side by side with teachers in bitterlyâ€"cold winds, all bundled up to gain a good vantage point. Or at Kitchener city hall where young and old alike gathered to applaud the relay team as it made its local stop. To be sure, the spark has been lit, and now it is time to wait for the Games to begin. Like a mlsci'\e;;ousvc'}:fld-,.tvhevO'ly;n;vnvcsa}e embracéd by us despite the faults. And now, thanks to the torch relay and local spirit, the magic is in the air. Letters Press® policy Council The CBronicle welcomes The Chronicle is proud of its m: the editor. They muwmmmn with name, address and teleâ€" | |the possibility of human Address all correzs;rdfidence to Waterioo office, 45 Erb St. E., Waterloo, Ont. N2J 1L7. Telephone 886â€"2830, News and Sports line 886â€"3021. Waterloo Chronicle office is located in the Haney, White law d i dumb t it : upt ECEA UERLIEET Deaskina at the R office building (rear entrance, u;;pe af the hunildine (Oinen Monday to Fri of the building. Open Monday to Friday us c 1 p e oo o n Epnaher: banl dn dier Waterloo Chronicle is published eviary Wednesday by The Fairway Group Incorporated Publishing address 215 Fairway Rd. S., Kitchéner, Of The spark Sales Ma'iai:r: Bill Karges Circulation Manager: Greg Cassidy # Malaflng Editor: Rick Campbell Sales Manager: Bill Karges _ _ Display Advertising: Helen Smiley, Paula Hummel, Gerry Mattice | Classified Advertising: Maureen Senior reporter: Melodee Martinuk Reporters: Ian Kirkby (news) Circulation: Jerrg Fischer Typesetting and Composing: Fairway Press Mark Bryson (sports) r. floor). Parking at the rear day 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. McNab Ont Happy New Year. I had occasion to ring in part of the festive season in the great city of Montreal, truly one of the cosmopolitan capitals of North America. And, like the other times I spent there over New Year‘s, I am moved to report on several observations made. Understand of course that the life of Rick Campbell in Montreal has spanned the spectrum. Swinging bachelor in 1979, romeo, oh romeo. Romantic fool in 1983, diamond ring in tow. And now, 1987, with wife Beth and motherâ€"inâ€"law in tow. Oh, if they could see me now... My- most recent junket left me with a few eyeâ€" opening experiences, many worthy of comment: On architecture: Many parts of Montreal, espeâ€" cially downtown, are going through a renaissance as urban renewal and development makes its mark. Shopping malls under historic churches, old hotels developing into condo/theatre complexes (the Egypâ€" tian Cineplex was selling four nights in advance for its premiere showing of Broadcast News), it is a changing face that visitors see. Many like, some deplore. 7 : u L POson 1 a 3+ s sa9 q o Mie FCm®Cns On hotels: My former drinking buddies will be thrilled to here that we stayed this time at Le Baccarat, which is the former Le Sherbourgh where we used to do some of our best work. Speaking of work, it is under renovation now, looks like a dump from the street, but the rooms are large, comfy and cheap during renovations. Cold or what: Folks who have not been to Montreal or Ottawa will simply never know what cold winds are until they face the boneâ€"chilling hurricanes while hiking up Beaver Hall Hill. I did, lived to tell about it, and am most proud of the fact. Cold! Cold again: Is there any reason for the abysmal service one gets at the Holiday Inn downtown Montreal? Eight years past between my visits there for breakfast, and I‘ll give anyone a second chance. Wished I hadn‘t after waiting 20 minutes for breakfast service, while being told by four different waiters that we weren‘t at one of "their‘"‘ tables. A virtual carbon copy of my visit there in 1979. Only place I know where oatmeal qualifies as cold cereal. It sure doesn‘t need my business. And it‘s sure not to get it â€" at least for another eight years. Taxi drivers: Boy have they ever changed. About 20 miles per hour faster rounding corners (that translates to about 70 mph) and twice as slow It is written I think you could say my approach is sort of hard tWW Rick Campbell Chronicle Editor Observations CounTBrIln Turnbull on how he votes on issues making change so they get a big tip. I had visions of becoming part of a Kâ€"Car pancake flying down one hill. But a word of advice. Never criticize the driving skills of Montreal taxi drivers. It can be seriously detrimental to life and limb. Yours. . at council. â€" SEE PAGE 5. On hangouts: I continue to sing the praises of the Montreal smoked meat sandwiches at Dunn‘s and Ben‘s. Steamies and french fries at the Green Spot (ask a taxi driver). And breakfast just about anywhere but the Holiday Inn. Then again, that‘s only my opinion... _ vdnd;n;;gt;txâ€"t For great cafeteria style, Moshe‘s, but for great meals and great ambience, there is still nothing like a night out in old Montreal. On smoking policies: Although dining estaâ€" blishes will usually ask which you prefer, be prepared to be shuffled to the back of classy establishments if you ask for nonâ€"smoking. Smokâ€" ing is very, very much a popular pastime of Montrealers. S6 are fur coats, which you see all over the place on men and women. The city doesn‘t seem to cater as much to special interest groups. On department stores: It is to die to tour the renovated Ogilvy‘s store downtown with its trendy boutiques, but either bring a full wallet, or leave it in your pocket. Simpson‘s, Eaton‘s, The Bay all had great clothes sales and super friendly and knowlâ€" edgeable sales staff. Refreshing... Fashions: Still miles ahead of the local scene, although with the arrival of speciality shops in the Kâ€"W area, we are scratching the fashion surface. Always remember, what‘s in Montreal this year, will be in Toronto next year, will be in Kâ€"W the following year. Maybe. On sports: Except for their beloved Habitants, Montrealers we spoke to are down on virtually all sports. Bitter about the Alouettes. Bitter about the Expos, despite last season‘s showing. Bitter that millions were spent on roofing the collapsing Olympic stadium at the same time hospitals are being shut down. Bitter about the threatened closing of Blue Bonnets raceway. Whew. Get the cabbies talking about the Habs, or don‘t talk sports at all. On stupidity: What is with the move that sees venerable Dorchester Blvd. renamed Rene Levâ€" esque Blvd? Get serious. Name a turnpike or a shopping mall after the guy, but renaming Dorchesâ€" ter? Terrible! â€"headed and softâ€"hearted."