My Little Corner of Canada: Spirits in a Bottle

JOHN AMAGOALIK

Whoever first described alcohol as “spirits” had a good reason. There are spirits living in that bottle. Which spirit takes control of you depends on how much you have to drink.

The first spirit is a laughing, silly spirit. It is mostly harmless, but can be loud and annoying. This is the social drinking spirit. It is mostly found in receptions and the early opening hours of most bars.

The next spirit that occupies you as you drink past the social drinking spirit is not as harmless. It is the “I think I’m superman” spirit. When this spirit occupies you, you thinkk that you are the strongest, the wisest and the most irresistible person in the world. The spirit can steal your good judgement and your physical co-ordination. It makes you think that you’re Superman. In reallity, it makes you a dangerous idiot.

The third spirit in that bottle is the most unpredictable and deadly one. The spirit can be evil. It can take over your body and mind and make you do things that you would never do under normal circumstances. This spirit can bring violence, rape and even murder. This is the spirit from the dark side. It brings sadness, sorrow and pain. This spirit can be found at the bottom of a bottleger’s bottle and in the closing hours of some bars.

Drink, if you must. But beware the spirits.

Movin’ on

Hank Snow, a small man with a big voice, passed away in December. People of my generation will remember his distinct voice in the early days of radio in the Arctic. He was a man from the Maritimes who’s been everywhere and is movin’ on.

Movin’ on

One of the most significant figures of the 20th century passed away last week. Charles M. Schulz died in his sleep at the age of 77. For 50 years, he brought innocence of childhood and the view of the world as seen by a five-year-old. Peanuts fans all over the world have lumps in their throat.