The Cascade Volume 4 Issue 10 1997-02-28

In This Issue:

News -Page 3 Opi .

Jacob's Matter

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Centre -Page 3

STRIKES BACK CFVVOLUME 4 ISSUE 10

Group Messages -Page 11

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A2 The Cascade

Volume 4 Issue No. 10

IElrii,iilil Brave New World Friday Night 9:30 pm-

UCFV Student Newspaper RoomA219a 33844 King Rd. Abbotsford, B.C. V2S 7M9 854-4529 853-4076 (fax) Email: Cascade@ucfv.bc.ca Staff:

Paul Becker Editor in Chief Christ Clarke Managing Editor Donna Lovett Copy Editor NaelaAslam Assistant Copy Editor Contributors: Nolan Webb Ron Dart Simon Langeler Len Catling Teresa Hampel Steve Tait Jacob Curley Ian Lusher Lisa Chew Mark Schuster Chris Terepocki Rob Clarke Doug Bull Jamie Hellewell Trent B. Wilde Photographers: Shannon Watt Nolan Webb

drool streaming down their rictus faces the and muttenng · 1ow mco · herent ch ants. official opening evening of the second They were denigrating all the energy of the Lucasfilm money makers enti- my friends had spent sitting in line, tled "The Empire Strikes Back". After patiently waiting for that glorious momy friends had stood in line for a long ment were they could stroll across the time, the Cineplex Odeon finally let plush red carpet, (plush because the us in. Our position in line was prime; price of the snacks is pseudo-criminal) we were the third or fourth group to with an assuredly great movie viewget in and we could not be happier as ing position. Instead of leading the we had our pick of the theatre's numer- procession with privilege and status, ous seats ..... At least that's what we we were being ignored and Darwin's thought. But as we mounted the stairs lepers were running past us indicating and entered the main lobby, droves of that it truly had become a survival of lemming-like Star Wars freaks ran by the fittest event. with the savage and brutal desire of Thomas Hobbes called situabeing the first in the theatre. tions like this the "Warre of all against Now I am a Star Wars fan-to a all". The ancient Jedi fought in the relatively fanatic degree. I had the clone wars. And here my friends and I toys, I lived the parables over and over were, at the doors of the theatre scramand I always wished that I could have bling to enter for that special middle my own Stormtrooper uniform. My row where everything seemed to surmother used to find her brooms cut off round you. And those very same seats, as I needed a new lightsaber. My fa- the ones which a moment ago had ther always wondered what happened seemed ours by right. were suddenly to his rolls of black electrician's tape; at the whims of any freak who had rio they comprised my 'saber's handle. shame.

How many knuckles were crushed due What happened to order? What to my crude mimicry of Luke and happenedtomanners?Whathappened Darth? No one knows but I don't hang to the respect you gave to the poor guys around with those kids anymore so the that sat in the cold for eons? Where is numbers might be high. the admiration for that real hard-core But what I needed at this very of Star Wars fans. But no, Star Wars is moment was that broomstick'in' and so are lemming instincts. I lightsaber. The people were scream hesitated to walk into the now halfing past me, all with maniacal grins. ,filled theatre, with bad visions of the

audience stuck to the silver screen like parasitic moths, for that would explain their behavior. But instead I came into a pit of depravity, everyone wanting to ride the new wave of cool, in order to make up for their lack of humility. I took my seat and shook my head.

Needless to say, I cut off my broom handle last night. and although it is plastic, their will be no bum-rushes for Return Of The Jedi. Even Luke had to change his design a wee bit. Green came after blue and thus, plastic comes after wood. When Luke steps up to Jabba the Hutt proclaiming himself Jedi, hundreds of pop-culture slaves will be checking into MSA Emergency for various wounds. Oh I won't be the only one inflicting justice upon them, there is an underground of people like me, looking for these fools. We have voiced our concerns to each other and our mandate is clear. The growing fad of Star Wars paraphernalia is good for our culture in the end, we just think that a little pruning is in order. Movie losers of the world beware! The real fans are looking for your blood. We aren't all Jedi, in fact most are smugglers and Wookies.

Oh yeah, I should mention that Boba Fett is my roommate.

The force has always been with us, Paul Becker EDITOR IN CHIEF

with authority (which she claimed we were undermining), was quite capable of "removing" us from the library. She said thc1tour violation of Library Policy was rea_sonenough for removing us. not to mention that we had eight students around a table meant for four.

When we asked where the policy was that stated "group' meant 'four students to one table' , she exclaimed that she was ready to call UCFV security and have our group escorted out of the library. Surprised at her threats of security escorts, we asked for her name so we could make a formal complaint.

This obviously scared her, but reluctantly, she gave her name to us.

Our group was so angry that we left the library, without the security

guard escorts. While stopping in the entrance way to the library building, we ran into another group indicating that they were unfortunate enough to have the same experience, with the very same librarian, last week. I guess this is just a character trait of this particular librarian. or she is having a very bad month, but whatever it is it should not be tolerated. She was extremely rude and could not control her temper or emotions, visible by the screaming and shaking. The library looks to be a great place to study and meet groups, it is too bad the one librarian of the "Library Patrol" is continuing to ruin everything. Students, be warned, she ·son patrol.

Shelby Garis

0

I appreciate that ''the majority of (the writers) are new to the game" as you put it. But that does not excuse either them or yourself from exercising common sense. I would hope that the collective level of intelligence is such that a distinction can be made as to what is and is not appropriate material for a publication Dear Editor, I have just finished reading your such as the Cascade. most recent editorial, entitled "Brave Mike Anderson New World". Having done so, I feel Dear Editor, the urge to respond.

For the benefit of others who In regards to an article in the February may read the publication, I am, in my 14, 1997 edition of The Cascade, Sicapacity as a student, currently en- lence in the Library, w1itten by Naela gaged in an attempt to censor the Cas- Aslam ... I have a similar story to recade editor for authorizing the recent port.

On February 13, 1997. I was analogy between Simon Fraser University and Auschwitz to be printed. I with a group of eight fellow students would not be smprised if I am one of in the "group" study room of the library those individuals whom Mr. Becker (which had been booked by one of our accuses of "knee jerk reaction'', who group members a few hours in adis rife with "immaturity and (an) in- vance) discussing a case for one of our ability to either ignore something that business classes. The "Library Patrol" doesn't appeal to them, or simply write wandered over and made comments their moral disgust off." about cups in the library. an extreme Is that how it is supposed to faux pas. We immediately put the cups work. Mr. Becker? Students should in the trash and continu·e to discuss our employ the 'Ostrich Technique· and case, not really thinking too much bury their heads in the proverbial sand about it.

A few moments later, the same if they see something they don't like?

History has shown us that such libra1ian came bursting into the room behavior can only result in tragedy. ranting about being able to hear us (Perhaps you recall the result of such across the library and that we had betan attempt by the leaders of Western ter be quiet. She continued, in a rude Europe in the closing years of the manner, to say that she, as a librarian

The Cascade Feb 28, 1997 A3

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UCFV Women's Centre Proposed :::!

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of the Fraser Valley is, indeed, growing up and the upward ~ growth is not only in reference ~ to taller buildings on campus. i3 UCFV is also growing and proCi::: gressing in the sense that it is be£ ginning to mature as an academic institution.

It is the quality of the students' lives while attending UCFV that will most determine the value and the meaning they accredit to their education. A UCFV Degree will symbolize, not only a lot of hours spent in the library and slumped over a keyboard, but also years marked by both negative and positive social experiences.

The Board of Governors and the Administration are taking a new step in improving the quality of life, both academically and socially, for UCFV students. They are considered a proposal for a UCFV Women's Centre.

The fact that 60% of UCFV's ~

enrollments are women might suggest to you that women today have no need for a special place to call their own, on campus. However, the fact remains that women still face many barriers to getting an education unknown to men.

Women form the majority of Canadians living in poverty. For the women who wishes a brighter future for herself or for her children, by seeking employment outside the pink ghettoes, poverty is often the first hurdle, preventing her from being able to afford higher education.

Devaluing women by relegating them to low - paying or unpaid work is just one of the ways society bars women from realizing their full human potential. Women are breaking away through the glass ceilings that have traditionally prevented them from holding postions of leadership in most professions more often, but frequently at high personal cost to themselves.

Need I remind you of what happened to fourteen female students in

Unimportant News Articles tion than their graphic design counterThe first be- parts. Perhaps if certain design faculty :::! ing the announcement of the cur- cared about the students, instead of the l;::! rent happenings of the largest image they projected to their peers, the "i::: c::c::i independant film producers in graduating class might get their mon£ the Fraser Valley. JUST RICH ey's worth. Graduates this year won't Pictures is trying out their latest even design their own grad poster, even project on a test audience here though each student is expected to pay at the college on monday, March enormous sums to liquor up the senior 3rd at 7 :00pm in the lecture theatre staffs collegues at the show.

Finally, the spoiler! Star Wars fans (Bl0l). For more info: beware or rejoice! The ewok party http://users.uniserve.com/-lantern Secondly, it is amazing how the fine scene is being replaced by a new scene mts department regularly produces a which involves heavily thrashed higher calibre of creativity and execu- stormtroopers. Believe it or not. ~

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option which extends over three consecutive university terms (September to August) and is open to graduates holding acceptable four-year degrees ( 1.20 credits).

The two-year option which extends over two regular winter sessions (September to April) and is open to applicants who have completed a minimum of three years (90 credits) of appropriate post-secondary studies_ Le programme en langue fran,;;:aise which operates on the 1 2-m.onth pattern and which is open to graduates holding acceptable four-year degrees (1 .20 credits) and having satisfactory competence In oral and written French. and The Native Indian Teacher Education program option vvhich is a five-yea rconcurrent program of liberal and pedagogical studies and which is open to persons of First Nations ancestry who qualify for university admission at the first year level.

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we can dedicate one full day to :::! ~ addressing our environment in ~ terms of barriers and access. ►, March 11th is AWARENESS -c DAY. Once again various organizations will display their adaptive equipment and describe their services and support options. It is important to remember that all of us could be an accident away from a major ids-ability. Any one could lose their sight, hearing. mobility, or perhaps even our psychological well-being in a moment. So, come on out, raise awareness and become part of the process which will ensure access for everyone.

For more information call the DRC at 864-4609. ~

female spirituality, women's history, family support, sexuality, nutrition, advocacy, leadership development, self esteem improvement, prevention of harrassment and cross - cultural awareness, are all topics that are commonly addressed by women's centre through study resources, support groups, special events such as lectures and forums, artiste presentations. Most centres also refer women suffering a crisis to available local services that are designed to help them through a less difficult problem.

Men, too, have benefitted from the presence of the women's centres.

Educational events and resources have become available to them through the women's centre that wouldn't otherwise have been readily at their disposal.

And increasing the awareness of men concerning women's issues is a priority to ending any "battle of the sexes".

There is still a lot of work to be done in determining what sort of women ·s centre would best suit the students at UCFV. Be watching for a survey designed to help determine the needs of the women students, faculty and staff of UCFV, as well as the needs of women in the communities served by UCFV who might wish to access the institutions through such a centre. This survey is to be distributed on all UCFV campuses and at selected locations in the greater community next week, beginning March 4th.

What better way to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th, than by participating in this effort to improve the lives. and learning experiences. of women at UCFV. This input and support of UCFV's women is needed if this institution is to grow up to be the kind of place we can be

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Montreal who believed that they were free to study and seek a profession in a field that is generally considered to be a bastion of male expertise? December 6th is now a nation - wide commemoration of their deaths, a massacre meant to chill the climate for any woman who is detern1ined to go boldly where no (or few) women have gone before.

The point of all this, is that the ghettoization of women and violence against women are some of the ways which our society creates an environment that is often intimidating to women. And the educational institutions of Canada are no exception. This is why most universities in Canada now have women's centres that are considered essential to improving the quality of life for their student bodies.

Being one of the person's appointed by the Board oto research and write a proposal for a future UCFV Women's Centre, I have either visited or interviewed Coordinators for the centres at UVic. Camosun College (Victoria), Douglas College, SFU. Langara College and Capilano College.

I can honestly say that they have been places that have contributed greatly to both the academic resources of the institutions and the social experiences of women students.

Women discuss and debate issues differently in a women - only setting. Some will speak up only in such an environment, where they feel safer and freer to express their opinions. A women's centre can be a wann. welcoming place that encourages women to make lasting friendships and pursue the study of issues that are not considered a high priority to the larger student body.

Issues such as women' s health. personal safety, employment, housing,

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1 2-month

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The Middle Years Teacher Education program option. open to graduates holding acceptable four-year degrees (120 credits), allows candidates to focus their preparation on teaching students between the ages of 1 0 and 1 4 years of age_ The total program. the equivalent of two full academic years of courses and student teaching is scheduled within a 12-month period (September to August), enabling students to qualify for a teaching certificate within one calende1· year.

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The secondary teaching program option. open to graduates four-year degrees (120 credits). prepares students to teach depending on their prior background. in BC secondary program, the equivalent of two full academic years of courses and student teaching. is scheduled within a 12month period (September to August}. enabling students to qualify for a teaching certificate within one calendar year.

Apply Application forms Office.

Faculty of 2125 Main Mall Telephone: (604) teacher.ad@ubc.ca

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A4 The Cascade

Volume 4 Issue No. 10

19•1'ftm Graffitiand Trees: -~ Sorry faithful readers

d3 for missing last issue, but I have been disturbed and perturbed by two ugly and horrible acts. One, ~ ~ as you may or may not be aware of was the dismantling of the £ one-of-a-kind Golden Spruce in the Queen Charlotte Islands.

Alas! It was not made by human hands and it is both irreplaceable and irreparable. The Golden Spruce tree was the only living monument of its kind: its needles grew gold instead of green, defying scientific explanation and attempts at cloning. It was a rare and beautiful gift from the heavens someone chose to chop it down in an (::!

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act of defiance. And so another natural beauty has eclipsed before its time.

I never heard of this magnificent tree or the Legends the Haida people told of it. I will never have a chance to see it, to think of it, or honor it and neither will the grandchildren of the Haida peoples whose culture has been insulted by this thoughtless act.

It takes wisdom to seek out where beauty can be found. One late afternoon, turning off the highway I came upon the Clearbrook exit. There on the pseudo-passenger bridge were pink, spray-painted words: "I love you". Perhaps I had never noticed it before, but I swear to you dear readers, this bright little message couldn't

It's Nothing New 1977 -the year that my dad remarried and I got a new mom, a time w hen stepmoms were rare £ enough that I was the only kid I knew who had one.

-the year that I had to start wearing glasses, big thick brown plastic frames that didn't become cool until it was much too late for me.

-the year my favomite outfit was a pair of brown cords and a bright yellow turtleneck.

-the year that Star Wars happened, and I say "happened" because for many of us, it was an event.

All these things stand as evidence today that pop trends go in circles and the circles seem ever narrower, or maybe it just seems that way because I'm old enough now to have lived through a full revolution of the pop trend wheel.

In 1977, our family lived in Whitehorse, a "city" that was in many ways further removed in thought than in actual distance from anything of modem pop culture. Whitehorse didn't even have a McDonald's at this time (oh blessed years of innocence), never mind advertising for the movie event of the year.

I remember visiting my cousins in Surrey and finding them in a very high state of excitement because we were all going to be seeing some movie called Star Wars. I can still recall grilling my cousin Jason over and over and over again as I tried to comprehend what it was that we were going to see.

He may as well have been John trying to explain his Revelations, it is virtually impossible to have any sort of concrete grasp on that for which we have no points of reference.

Needless to say, I was left very frustrated and all I could do to match their level of fevered anticipation was to focus on the burgers and fries that our Dads had gone off to retrieve from the golden arches. My mind lingered on the merry thought that because it was my dad doing the ordering, I would get to have pop instead of niilk. What

on earth would possess a mother to order milk from McDonald's. I guess those were days when we all wanted to imagine that this food we were consuming was at least somewhat healthy.

When we all finally arrived at the movie theatre, and through the huge lineup, all that my cousin said began to make sense. I remember being merserized by everything. It was all like nothing rd ever seen before. The creatures, the buildings, the vehicles.

Chewbacca of course, was an endearing character, something of an overgrown teddy bear come to life.

Little did I know how he would haunt me through my childhood as one boy after another thought he was the most original person in the universe for nicknaming me "Chewie."

Han Solo was the first "bad guy'' that I ever loved and I can't help but wonder if he is at least part of the reason for all those relationships where I just kept waiting for the good to surface.

My only complaint now would have to be the lack of vibrant female heroes. Even then, I wondered what exactly was going on with Princess Leia's hair. That alone was enough to diminish her status as heroine.

I realize now that my brother had all the good Star Wars toys. I mean for his birthday that year he got a Millenium Falcon and I got two (yup 2!!) Farah Fawcett barbie dolls, complete with the infamous hair, white polyester pantsuit and large mysteriously perky breasts. Feminist theory had hit a brick wall at my house. I do remember playing with the C-3P0 and R2-D2 action figures, but I'm not sure if I actually owned them or just had playing privledges allotted to me for when my brother lacked anyone or anything better than me to blow up.

The adage goes that there is nothing new under the sun and certainly the fashions, fads, and films of 1997 are an example of its validity. But when I saw Star Wars for the first time, it was something new for me and it will forever stand as a beacon in the pop culture of my childhood. ~

have surf aced at a better time. During this balmy Autumn day, I was overcome with grief, fear, and an overwhelming sadness (maybe I failed an exam, maybe a close friend betrayed me, maybe the world wasn't going the way I thought it should be going, maybe worse ...) But there was a message for me, "Things are going to be okay." After that, every time I drove on to this exit, cursing not having my own car - chauffeuring half my family around - I look to this corny little message to lighten up. The author, while he/she recognized it or not, made the message completely universal. I could pretend this was written just for me, in fact, I often did. More importantly, "I Love You" transcended and evolved past the usual verbal dose ofU.K. loves J.L. or FU.Q, or worse. A rare and beautiful act from the humanities someone chose, perhaps unconsciously, to make us feel better for whatever eclipse of a moment it gave.

To whomever or whatever it was inspired this message and made it possi-

"The Golden Spruce tree was the only living monument of its kind: its needles grew gold instead of green, defying scientific explanation and attempts at cloning.

It was a rare and beautiful gift from the heavens" ble, even in its briefness, I offer my gratitude. Simply, "I Love You" ... who was offended by that thoughtful act? Alas! The systematic destruction of beauty is not confined to natural realms. Someone painted over this sign. With what? With dull gray paint to match the rest of the ashen landscape, the concrete pillars now returned to it former solemness. Conforming isn't it? Now the green trees in the Charlotte Islands match all 11herest of trees everywhere else in Canada. So much for indigenous expression, so much for humanity. 1.,i

Who Are We Looking Up To? Theother day I was relaxing by myself and watching ~ TV. I was alone partly because I \..) ~ needed some private tranquillity V') - just me and 78 channels - but I was alone mainly because no one in my family can stand to watch TV with me. I love the Simpsons, but the Ingalls is where its at! You laugh; you cry; you learn. What more can be said about Michael Landon? He's the patron saint of TV morals and by watching "Little House" I have come to the conclusion that Rikki Lake is the anti-Christ. But I digress! The point I'm making is that I love "Little House on the Prairie" and everyone else I know under the age of 30 hates it. Am I a little fruity? Well maybe, but the TV role models kids are acquiring these days is a little frightening. Let's assess the current TV superstars Canadian kids have to lookup to: *Arnold Swarzasomething-orother and his M-16. A juice-monkey who kills an average of 112 people per movie (give or take a few dozen). I've enjoyed a few of Amie's flicks and thoroughly appreciated the cheesy oneliners, bud don't get why kids think his graphic and senseless violence is so cool. I'd like to stick those kids in front of two hours of Bosnian war footage and then tell them the blood and cool explosions had nothing to do with Oliver Stone and his special effects team. Maybe reality can change their attitude about death? ;;;.,

..S'

* Rikki Lake and the other demoos of afternoon television. They pay

people to disrespect themselves along with their husbands, wives, parents, children, best friends, Elvis and their love child etc. North Americans are addicted to watching embarrassing acts of private confessions, violence and over-weight women who enjoy wearing spandex and Daisy Dukes while picking-up younger men. Rikki and her clan get paid millions of dollars to host an hour yelling and fighting (most of which is impossible to understand because the average panelist has a grade nine education and a southern accent). * Marilyn Manson. Artists talent aside, they are self-professed pediphiles ! If someone wants to get a little freaky, that's their business and good on them for refusing to conform, but I have absolutely no respect or admiration for a band who details sexual acts with kids. "Smells Like Children" - not just a clever title.

Canadian kids need to recognize positive role models and understand the difference between appreciating an entertainer and basing their life and personality on them. ~ : • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • : • • : • : • • • : • :

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The Cascade Feb 28, 1997 A5

-------------------IDD~nl

Jacob's Matter: Saturday ..c,

THE CAST (Dramatis Personae) ::: U The E-man: Superman in a ..t:) soiled shirt.

8 Phil: The silent son of a tyrant. ~ The Reverend: Mid-twenties, clinging to childhood.

Princess Daphne: The new homeowner Jake: The reliable narrator ~

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THE RUDE AWAKENING

I woke up with the cat on me, purring. I raised my head and gave it a gentle kiss. A musky whiff of the scratch box informed me that I had kissed the cat where the cat had never been kissed. My eyes snapped open.

DUMPED I sat on my amp waiting for the E-man. His house sits rotting on Baltic Avenue. The rent is cheap but he's about to get the boot. He pulls up, gets out, lights a smoke and says 'Tm moving home with my parents. Gotta get my shit together". Like the house, his life is messy and falling apart. Phil and the Reverend arrive, squinting through the windshield. Inside, we jam for a few minutes then talk for hours about

fortune and fame. Phil says nothing but seems disappointed.

SEVEN-ELEVEN Lunch at the convenience store.

As we loitered by the magazine rack leering at cleavage I recognized an old friend from high school. Kingmantickler of ivory, whom we respect. He said "I ran into Corkhead the other day.

He tried to sell me a house or something". I don't know why I'm so happy to see him. I guess ifs seldom that I run into someone who's willing to stop and side-step small talk. Later, bunitos, cupcakes, twinkies, drinks, and more lee1ing.

THE FALL "What are you going to do in the fall dude?" said the E-man to the Reverend. In September, the Reverend's father will cease to invest in his son's future. The university meal ticket has just about been spent. "I don't know .. .I guess I'll get a job ... or something.

Why do you keep bringing this up? It's depressing." He said "you're going down man". From where I'm sitting on the E-man's broken couch it seems clear who will be breaking the Reverend's fall when he hits the bottom. The E-man's using Archie comics instead

of toilet paper. Phil holds it all in.

SHIFTING GEARS We ditch the E-man because he has to work. We're crammed in a truck driving to Mission. The Reverend straddles the stick-shift. Phil is at the wheel and I'm riding shotgun. Due to a lack of elbow room the licenseless Reverend is forced to man the gears: "When do I shift...? Now .. ? Now .. ?

Now ..? Phil nods at the critical moment.

Second.

RIDING BACKWARDS We pick up Princess Daphne at her new place. She's the Reverend's mate. It is decided that she and Phil will sit in the cab. The Reverend and I ride Rick Hansen style in the box.

We're speeding forward but looking backwards. "I remember playing alone in the yard when I was ten" I said. "I was having so much fun that I stopped whatever it was I was doing and thought: I never, ever want to grow up".

"Like Peter Pan" laughed the Reverend. "I used to think about the same thing, and I still refuse to do so" he added. He throws his cigarette into the wind. Already fifty yards away it explodes against the pavement in a shower of sparks.

"/ raised my head and gave it a gentle kiss. A musky whiff of the scratch box informed me that I had kissed the cat where the cat had never been kissed. " THE FINAL ACT The Route 66 pub. A rest stop on the highway to drunken oblivion.

We drink beer and drown in the groove of smokin' tunes. Phil has hot chocolate. We talked about everyone who wasn't with us. Absent friends, the things they try to hide from us. Sometimes it seems like we spend all our time skulking behind cellophane costumes. We fool ourselves into thinking we're fooling eve1yone else. We recite lines to demonstrate the depth of our character, but we're bad actors.

Hypocrites, phonies, and snobs. Before slipping into a stupor I turned to Phil and stammered "why don't you ever say anything?" Phil: "There's nothing much to say" (he really thinks this is funny). Say nothing and nothing will be said. ~

Rob Goes To The Movies ~ ~

Thenewly released Sta;

U Wars trilogy held many mixed .....; views from my point of view. I t:: happen to like the three movies ~ ..t:) and was unsure about going to ~ see them in the theater. I skipped > out the first time I was invited to ,-t:)' go see Star Wars , mainly due to the line up myth, it was tuesday, and I'm not too fond of excited people. I heard feed back from people who went to see it and it was positive.

So I decided I would go see it on the following tuesday, taking full advantage of cheap night. I arrived to see a rather large line up, which is understandable, so I waited in line for half an hour and then proceeded to follow the pack of eager movie goers into the theater. At first everything seemed fine, but when you involve yourself in the public something is bound to go wrong. It seems that everytime I go to a movie, there has to be some group of verbal expressionists seated right behind me. On this fine evening I was treated to a broad range of macho glorification.

The first topic to arise behind me was sports. I guess I was privileged enough to overhear the inner workings, and the role, a superstar has with its respective team(s). One of the party members behind me had first hand knowledge of the situation, himself.

The next topic was weight lifting. The group behind me felt obligated to let each other-and everyone else in a twenty foot radius-know how often they work out. Through out the bragging arose some massive amounts of weights lifted. After they stopped try-

ing to out do one another, the conver- As the movie got under way, the two sation led to guns. My physical state males began to speak the characters changed from chuckling and smiling to lines, it reminded me of syncronized out right laughing. Before the conver- swimming. This was mildly anoying sation got out of control once again the at first. but soon escaladed to seriously lights dimmed and the previews began . get on my nerves. It was time for acIn the end I was impressed by tion, so Paul and I collaberated to put the revised Star Wars. and was antici- an end to the nuisance. Our tool was pating the release of The Empire Strikes ridicule. We made a few loud comBack. So with the company of four ments to one another about the two, friends, I went on opening night. This and their pathetic form of impresstime I was stupid enough to wait in the ment, in hopes they would hear us. line up for an hour and a half. After Our comments worked as we ceased watching the steady parade of low rid- to hear anymore comments from the ers (bass stereo's included, volume row behind us. Mission acomplished.

For those who feel this general probably on maximum) make their countless laps in front of the theater, loathing for public behavior, one has wishing I had a lawn chair and worn to evaluate the utility of the situation. warmer clothing, we were let in. Peo- In my case I made a sacrifice for Stars ple strangely enough started to run to Wars and The Empire Strikes Back ~ the particular theater, I felt obligated to mock, and ran with.

We chose our seats and entered into the period of wait.

To no surprise we sat in front of as they put it, the biggest Star March 5: NFBFilmsonWomeninthe40sand50s Wars fans ever.

DidWWII remly change women's roles~ Wasitemancipatory?

Wasthepost-war era Their pre-movie really a returnto thejoysofdomesticity andsuburbia?

Anincredibly richseriesof converatio11folarchival films madeforandaboutwomen mthe40sand50smwhich wecanwitness lowed a trivia theactive negotiation ofgender roles Introduced byBonnie Huskins format, and unlike the first March12: OpenCity night the volI 1945) Arguably the finestexampleof nco-rcalism, RobertoRossellini's ume was under uncompromising filmisa timeless masterpiece abouttheItalian Resistance during the control.

The J',azioccupation of Rome.Basedpartlyontrueevents, OpenCitystunned North group consisted American audiences withitsrawnewsreel-like depiction ofwar-ravaged Europe of two couples.

HISTORY ON FILM

UCFV Lecture Theatre (B/101 ),Abbotsford Wednesdays, February 19-April 2,7pm

A6 The Cascade

Volume 4 Issue No. 10

iV!•-

Rants, Raves, and Assorted Reviews:

Approaching the White Trash Stance A few weeks

how many unemployed red-neck welback I fare bums would get off of their lazy signed on to be a conversation asses for a crack at the lucrative posi::: (:! partner for a foreign student. tion of "farm hand"? Ditto for gas ~ Through this rewarding interac- pumpers and convenience store clerks. ;;.,.. tion. I've become even more Another less than enviable working po-l::l aware than usual of the way non- sition with a large amount of non-anglo anglo Canadians are still viewed work force is the mill industry. lndoby the underlying scourge Canadians have worked themselves to known as white trash. Since the tim- the bone for the better part of the cening is appropriate, let's examine a few tury in order to create something in this points of the white trash stance ... "land of golden opportunity". Who of But they're taking our jobs: I 1ight mind could fault those who have don't know how many of us look out built up an industry or a family busithose side windows to see who's work- ness for decades in order to ensure the ing the fields in the beating sun or pour- well being of their future family? If ing rain on the sides of our highways you are "white" and you think you have and roads, but I do and I can see but a lost your job to someone of a different mere speckling of white faces direct- culture, you can bet your hunting liing the masses of generally dark- cense that it's more likely that the betskinned manual labourers. I wonder ter person rose to the occasion.

-

They always stick to themselves: It is undoubtedly true that the majority of people from other countries find similar immigrants to bond to and look for support. How irrational is this? Imagine. if you will, white-trash arriving all alone in Peking, or Tokyo. or Hong Kong, or Calcutta. Don't try and tell me that the person wouldn't be finding the closest thing to an English-speaking, white-faced Canadian and then sticking to that person like glue. It's human nature, and the same argument goes for those who think its rude to speak your native tongue in a foreign country.

They're bringing their problems to this country: I'm none too impressed when turning on the tube and hearing Sikh shout "Death to the R.C.M.P., but lets not get carried away. lndo-Cana-

"I've become even more aware than usual of the way non-anglo Canadians are still viewed by the underlying scourge known as white trash." dians have their religious differences just like Russo-Canadians, or BritishCanadians. Fifty years ago in Canada the main religious fighting was between the Catholics and the Protestants. Nobody mentions that when they bring up today's headlines.

The point I'm trying to make is that if more white trash red necks would open their eyes a little wider, perhaps they would see how alike, as opposed to how different, we all really are.' ~

Takin' it to the MACS: "We Stand On Guard For Thee"·? More Like "Oh Say Can You See"!

We are prepared to use all the tools in our arsenal to fight decisions that restiict our capacity to build our own culture" Sheila Copps

S

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here the politicians

go again talking about the importance of protecting Canadian culture. A couple of weeks ago Sheila Copps and her cultural buddies spent even more of our hard earned taxpayer's money on a weekend retreat talking about the poor state of culture in Canada and how they should foster its growth. Blah blah blah. "What's the big deal?" you might ask. Canadian culture doesn't need protecting. Logic dictates that if I am a Canadian and I have a culture, then naturally I participate in Canadian culture, right?

Well, think again. I'd like to argue that Canadians participate in so much American culture that it is no wonder we have a hard time defining Canadian culture, or trying to protect what little that we do have.

You don't believe me? When was the last time you watched a Canadian movie? Watched a Canadian drama on television or on stage? Read a Canadian book that wasn't an assigned reading at school? Or listened to some non-Americanized Canadian 1 he Cuuncuu~ And Knc,wJedgeablc

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music? (Bryan Adams and Alanis Morissette not included). For those of you that answered never to the above questions, the next bus to Sumas leaves in 15 minutes.

We. as Canadians, like to think that there are significant cultural differences between us and our southern neighbours. In fact. the singular feature that unites all Canadians together is how we are so unlike the Ame1icans.

We like to take pride in our unAmericaness. For example, they try to impose religion in their schools. WE secularize ours to the point where we learn nothing about our own, or other religions. They wave their flags (now made out of non-flammable material), WE have an annual flag day and nobody knows about it. They are peacemakers, WE are peace keepers. They are stereotypically ignorant, Neanderthal, and violent. WE are stereo-typically intellectual, enlightened, and civil.

I would like to argue. however. the contrary. I think that culturally, Canadians are nothing more than second rate Ame1icans citizens. At least real Americans have a say in their cultural determination. In Canada. we have our culture spoon fed to us from another land. Our movie theatres and distributors are either owned by Yanks or Yankee sympathizers. Our television stations and networks use sports and newscasts to fulfill their Canadian content regulations, filling in prime time with cheap-to-purchase American programs. Our newspapers are constantly filled with editorials and reportages from American newspapers and news services. In fact, it's the Americans who determine for us what is and is not news. We read more American magazines and authors than Canadian.

We even have more American heroes than our own. Not convinced yet?

How about some statistics. 97% of film revenues in Canada leave Canada. 5% of screen time in Cana-, dian theatres belongs to Canadian movies. 95 % of dran1aon television is nonCanadian. CBC English television, until recently. programmed a mere 37% of Canadian productions in its broadcast day. Still not convinced?

Let's take a look at what people are culturally consuming these days.

Canada's favourite book for the past coupk of years has been some new age bibble babble written by some overly sensitive Yank about his naive travels around Peru and Machu Picchu searching for some lost manuscript and discovering the secrets of life, death and eternity (if only we all noticed those uncanny coincidences more often, the world would be a better place).

Our favourite movie in the theatres right now is some digitally enhanced re-released galactic fairy tale (I guess earth is too scary a place - we all know that on our homely planet evil will ultimately prevail over good) about the 1ighteous vs. the tyrannical, white vs. black, the capitalists vs. the communists, and the young vs. the asthmatic.

It features princes and princesses.

Sasquatches and talking robots, spaceships and death stars, all glossed over with a whole bunch of overpriced special effects. It makes for the penultimate stars and stripes movie. Our favourite TV show is a tie between a group of young, good looking Emergency Room doctors and nurses trying to save make-believe lives week after week and a sextet of overly attractive, pretentious, completely unrealistic. boring, sniveling latetwentysomethings living in oversized apartment buildings in New York. This all sounds awfully American to me.

So ...do you still consider yourself Canadian? How? Before you be-

come all patriotic and hunt me down with a hockey stick and Canadian back bacon, think about just how Canadian you are. If you spend your time and money on American books, magazines, television. movies, and to a lesser extent music, what is it that you do that is Canadian? I suppose the fact that you are a member of the only country in the world to consume so much foreign culture identifies you as being particularly Canadian.

Although most people who read this article will be adamantly opposed to my pontificating. some might actually be interested in what they can do to help support Canadian culture and refute American culture. The Canadian music industry is proof that a domestic cultural industry can flourish amidst American competition. The key to its success is government regulation (through content quotas) and widespread access. Why not demand the same regulations for and access to Canadian films. television programs, magazines and books as we have for music. To quote a Canadian author, "If you build it [Canadian cultural industries], they will come'' - W.P. Kinsella. ~

The Cascade Feb 28, 1997 A7

..-J

Blues Get Blown Out Steve Cavanagh wasn't covered. What was the Capilano coach thinking? Didn't he read the scouting report? After this evening· s blow-out it is fair to say that the Men· s Capilano Blues have retreated to their nice, new, winless gymnasium.

All that is left for the Blues is long intramural games where they can dominate all the rat-ball players. They will savagely defend their standing, I can already hear it...

Cap player !(after shooting a 10 foot jumper over a rat-ball player): Hey man you can't touch me!

Rat Ball Player 1: Maybe, three in the province and nd to last once a warrior now a washout b-ball player! You a chump! Yeah, I can't touch you ....you can ·t touch this (Dunks over the Blue).

Cap player 1: It's not my fault ..... .! should have covered Cavanagh.

Obviously, the 15th of Febuary was not a good evening of basketball for the Capilano Blues. With a final score of 114-91, it suffices to say the UCFV Cascades were on a tear. And by my intro, you can guess that Steve "Moxy" Cavanagh was the high scorer with 25 points. Steve hit 6 three point shots and demonstrated the maxim of

"Open shot-will hit." can only wonder what this 1st year The Cascades were playing only player will be doing for the Cascades slightly faster than the Blues for the next year-here is a subtle hint: first half of the game. but in the sec- SCORE! The two other big men that ond it was Cascade sc01ing all the way. scored this evening were Neal Cranna Most everyone ( 11 points) and contributed to Malcolm the scoring paCampbell (10 rade. and those points/6 rewho didn't hit bounds). This the double digits game marked Campbell's best were supplying those who did. stats and leave a And this is how promise of the Cascades things to come. have finished the In the season so strong; Backcourt. the unselfish play on Dan Turnerthe part of most Mike Lee conteam members nection was guarantees the p1ime-time. Alopen man his though Lee chance at scorscored only 6 mg. points. which J a k e doesn't indicate Curley came out how high a level strong, with of game this guy snotty nose in Jake "Big Daddy" Curley goes for the swat on a played. he tow, and posted Douglas shot worked up almost eve1ything given to him (20 inconjunction with Turner to thwart points/6 rebounds). Also on a scoring any defensive attacks. Turner scored tear was Chad Yarwood. who nailed his second highest total this season down 16 points and 11 rebounds. One with 15 big points. Also fast and aggressive on the point was Mark Neill who stole the ball many times and

scored 4 points. Other scorers were Tycson Boult (5 pts.) and Joey Maksymiw (2 pts.).

UCFV dominated the second half and Capilano knew it. With the Turner-Lee connection running smoothly. Neal terrorizing the offense and the Bigmen playing their game, vict01y was obvious. The Cascade's last game of the regular season ended in snappy run ·n · gun style and put the men in 4rth place overall in the league.

This is the highest our team has been in at least 3 years. Final season record: 10 wins. 8 losses.

The men ·s basketball team will be attending provincials at Malaspina. even while you are reading this. SO hope for them! They are 2 wins away from Nationals.

Special congratulations to Neal Cranna and Jake CurleY. who were named first and second team allstars. respectiveh'. Neal.finished the season with 16.17 pts per game(9th in the league) and 7.83 rebounds per game (again 9th in the league). Jake.finished with 14.06 points per game. and 10.22 rebounds per game (4rth in the league).

Also o{ note is Steve Cavanagh. who c~fierhaving a slow.first ha(f. turned it on in the second hall ol the season to the number 12 spot in league scoring with an average (f 14.89 points per game.! -..i

and Gillian Kirk. Kirk had a consistent game with 6 points and 5 rebounds, not to mention dependable ball-handling and passing. Han-is. who after draining a 3/4 court shot the night before. scored 8 points and, as mentionned before, was implemental in many a fast-break lay-up. Out on the perimeter, serving some time as a point guard was Lesley Sharp who continues to improve her on-court confidence enabling her to play at the college level Sharp had four points and deserves a tip 'o' the cap for improving her game. And speaking of improving game, how about Rayna Gibb's three point shot that she took without conscience?

In the paint it was Martha Craig left side, Martha Craig right side and Martha Craig frontside as she hit 18 points with 8 rebounds. Donna Lovett was stepping out a bit from the norm and shot at the high post position.

Lovett's efforts proved fruitful as she scored 6 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Sara Hambleton also hit a nice jumper to add 2 points into the scoring ban-age that Capilano suffered. In the small forward position, Nicole Schubert was the hot hand with 9 points.

Capilano made their last-ditch attempt at the win in the last minute of the second half. Down by five, they started down the floor only to tum the ball over to "Mrs. Glove" Han-is who passed the ball to Martha Craig for a hoop. The Blues shook their heads in an effort to get their wits about them.

The Blues started back down court only

A special congratulations goes out to the entire team for finishing 1st in the league (and Nation) again! For a team that doesn't even have a home gym and recieves little supp01t from the Atheletic Department of Heritage Park, the Cascades are winners. again and again. Congratulations to Coach Sandy Chambers and Assistant Coach Allen Tuscherer. Also Martha Craig has been named one of the two ALL CANADIANS, which puts her at the head of the first team all-stars. Craig finished 5th in rebounding with 14.71 points per game and 6th in rebounding with 7.88 rebounds per game.

Even while you read this the Men's and Women's basketball teams have played in Provincials; so keep an eye out for Cascade coverage.

Apologies about the lack of photos for this game, my film didn't turn out and Jake Curley pays me to put his picture in the paper. ~-

A Close Call? i....

~ ~ (,_)

~

T he UCFV

Cascades

had a nice even start with the Capilano Blues on Febuary 15. ~ It was the last game of the sea;;,.., son and the women had already ~ guaranteed themselves a No. 1 spot in the BCAA, and thus the motivation for victory wasn't in a position change or rank change but rather a confirmation of status. The Cascades are the team to beat not only in the province but the entire nation (The UCFV Cascades women are now ranked as the number 1 team in the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association).

So the Capilano Blues weren't exactly the big guns.

BUT WAIT!The Blues decided that they were up to par with our Cascades and so the final game of the season became a competitive match. Ultimately, the UCFV Cascades were in control most of the game and never lost their lead. At half time the Cascades were ahead by a strong 11 point margin-which they let the Blues chew down to 5 points around the 1:00 min mark of the second half. C a p i 1an o struggled with the consistent and clockwork play of the Cascades. Always moving the ball around, UCFV is patient and always looks for the open player before attempting some form of a shot.

And the shots began with Lindsay Fennell who decided shooting was better than posting up for the 1st half. Fennell finished with 14 points and 9 rebounds, and was the recieving end of sharp passing by Krista Harris ~

to lose the ball to Lindsay Fennell who made her break away lay-up to seal the coffin that Mmtha Craig had laid them in. Final Score: 70-61.

I should mention the side-lined Erin Brooks. "Blazin" Brooks suffered a knee injury at mid-season and had to sit the remainder of the year. Her team misses her but she has assured me that she'll be dunking in the fall so get ready for her nastiness. Also absent is Kelli Fort who suffered a brain injury at the end of the first semester( eligibilty problems). and is recovering this semester(studying). Fo1t is a big asset to the Cascades and the team becomes that much more dynamic when she steps on the court. Kelli and Erin have still contributed to the team. however, by screaming and carrying on with their antics on the bench. Last but not least is Shay Corbin and Colleen Sullivan, the original team managers who work hard keeping track of stats.

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Aa The Cascade

Volume 4 Issue No. 10

Have Thumb Will Travel ~ .t;t

I do not have a vehicle,

~

v_5 which is good because I have lit:;:::;:tle money so a car could only be G- a liability. I have however, upon ~ occasion. bewailed the fact that ;,., I was vehicle-less and felt that ...t:) so deprived I could not satisfactorily enjoy my spare time. So I went nowhere, did nothing, unless I desired to work someone else into my activity. When someone has time off and they have little money to buy entertainment. one may find themself reflecting on how. in the past, they filled that time enjoyably: thus I rediscovered hitch-hiking.

I had first discovered hitch-hiking at around age twelve or thirteen when I would regularly accomplish trips of up to two or three hundred kilometers in order to visit friends and family or, sometimes, just to get away for a while and see something new. Nor were these trips a hardship; many fine people were met, kindness was received, and hardly any trip ever took longer than it would have had I been guaranteed a ride to begin with. especially conside1ing the time sometimes spent waiting for all those rides you have been promised. I relearned, in my seemingly incapacitated condition. that to use ones spare time well you need not have money. you only need to have

the time, for it is, after all, free time.

If you care to question what student issue this article is exploring, l plant this work firmly in the travel and leisure section, as if this newspaper was one of our most respected of information disseminating agencies, such as, say. The Province or The Sun. Yet I also believe that there is always something valuable to be learned from whatever is revealed to you: my experience of wandering must have value, it can be quantified as a sum of real experiences. This article will wander as it is about wandering. It is not an endorsement of careless travel which experience tells me I should refrain from endorsing however lucrative the most highly visible of tourists may make it seem. This article is not about being a tomist, a 'tourist' being a person who goes everywhere with conspicuous and unnecessary baggage.

In this article I will uncover for you some of the simple do 's and don'ts of hitch-hiking. First. one should be certain before setting out that one does, in fact, have free time. Free time should be earned; my mother made sense when she said that she encouraged me to enjoy my free time but that I should keep in mind that it should not be until one was nearing her age that one should be entitled to have free time as a way of life. This suggests to me

,··,:1ng Notice

that those who have this lifestyle are probably working some sort of scam, either of their own devising or their parent's. Don't get me wrong, I have met many hitch-hikers, I have met few bums. Nor is a vagrant a bum: a bum is very like a tourist. A bum will not have my mothers metaphorical age, a vagrant might.

Second. is everyone ready for some exercise? A good question to ask since hitch-hiking can be demanding, the longer the trip, the more demanding.

It is amazing how much work is involved in the taking in of life's journeys. Hitch-hiking is no exception, one must consider what to pack and why all the time being conscious of the weight of the baggage you are accumulating. Most important is the taking care of the physical needs. I usually pack a ~ood sleeping bag (believe me you don't want to scrimp on this unless you have a lot of clothes with you that you are eager to wear all at the same time), some light weight snack foods, and a large travel mug (for those coffees that are such a pleasure on those lonesome highway nights as well as to tide you over between those roadside water features that are fit enough to drink out of). I also carry waterproof matches and a lighter. one half of a roll of toilet paper in a plastic bag (a luxury one does not want to go

without that also doubles as fire starter), a belt, an extra belt or length of lightweight rope, a belt knife. bug repellent (if it is that time of year), a large plastic garbage bag (useful for rain or stream crossings). a small flashlight, and the clothes on my back.

These clothes consist of a light windbreaker, a jean-jacket, a longsleeve shirt, at-shirt, jeans, undies, and both regular socks and wool socks.

Anything not on my person is in a stout backpack. I carry a side bag for all of those things I want immediate access to on the road; the mug, my wallet with cash and I.D., a comb, snacks, and in my case, my tobacco. Band-aides or tape are a good idea to help minimize blisters as is a toque, hat, or scarf in the rainy seasons.

Second, the longer I will be away the more extras I include. An extra pair of wool socks, socks, undies,jeans, and another t-shirt or two will be added. I will also include a bar of soap, razor, toothbrush, toothpaste, a pair of shorts, a book or two, my small sketchbook, my small notebook, pencils and/or pens, a towel, and/or my camera.

Shoes or boots are suitable in either case as long as they are durable and comfy. I take no jewellry of value nor · do I wear sunglasses. It is my considered opinion that most people are more

Continued on Next Page

Parking Services recently recieved a call from the Community Policing office of Abbotsford City Police indicating that the residents of Crown Point Villa are concerned about parkng on College Waiand Gillies.

Specific complaints are that some drivers ~re parking on the landscaped boulevards and some are using the roadsides to deposit litter. Residents in this area take a great deal of pride in their environment and are asking City Police to help them find a solution to the problem. City Police, in turn, have asked UCFV to assist.

If you are currently parking on College Way or Gillies, you can help by: respecting existing parking restrictions, avoiding parking on the boulevards, and saving your litter for deposit in litter barrels.

Police report that continued abuse of parking privileges in this area will result in increased enforcement of current parking restrictions and may result in the City being asked to introduce more 'No Parking' zones.

The Cascade Feb 28 1997 A9

..

I

Meeting Margaret Atwood T he Readers and Writers Festival is an annual event held in Vancouver. 1996 was c,:i just my second time going, and this second time was more exciting than 1995. Rhonda, my best friend, and I ventured to the Waterfront Hotel in hopes of meeting the Canadian author, Mai·garet Atwood. Atwood was speaking about her latest book Alias Grace, and Rhonda & I wanted to hear her speak.

As aspiring writers we hoped to be inspired by Atwood. So, we went into Vancouver ready to meet Margaret Atwood.

We had an hour to spare before the show, so we went to the hotel lounge for a coffee and snack (a word to the wise, coffee is $3.50.) As we sat talking about Baywatch and Friendsoops, I mean, as we sat talking about Milton and Shakespeare, Rhonda noticed a woman walk into the lobby who resembled Atwood. I glanced over.

Hmm, my first honest reaction was yikes, bad hair Rhonda agreed and added that Atwood could use a bit of lipstick too, but we concluded that the woman in the lobby was indeed Margaret Atwood.

I was suddenly excited.

Margaret Atwood - the woman I have studied in English classes was suddenly standing just a few feet away.

Part of me wanted to rush over to her like I had done tQ George Micheal as a

j

..S

teen. and yet another pru.1of me wanted to stay seated realizing that I would look like an idiot! I remained seated, albeit anxiously.

Rhonda and I went to the ballroom and awaited the show. We sat six rows back. After two brief introductions Atwood rose at1d spoke to Rhonda and I - oh yes, and the rest of the audience.

Atwood began by claiming she has a cold and is not trying to do a Leonard Cohen impression.

Nice touch. Canadian. She read from Alias Grace. Of course, Rhonda and I each had a new copy in our hands and followed along as she read. Now and then Rhonda and I looked up from our books and smiled at each other. We were so excited!

Atwood is quick, intelligent. funny, and witty. These qualities manifested in her presentation. As she read she giggled. smiled, smirked, and even blushed. When she was finished reading she allotted ten minutes for questions and answers. The questions were fairly typical, with the exception of one. Someone a few rows back asked, on which end of the spectrum do you consider yourself- the side which you create a good read or on the other which demands social change?

Atwood brilliantly answered. I do not see them as opposing and stepped down from the podium.

Rhonda & I then waited outside the ballroom for Atwood to sign our

books. We were first in line. We were going to meet Margaret Atwood. We questioned how we should address Atwood - Margaret? Atwood? Ms. Atwood? And we also considered Marg, Margo. and Atty. but. .. !

I mentally rehearsed what I would say when she came forward; I admire you as a woman and an author.

I rehearsed this about seventy times.

At last Atwood came forth. I stood stunned. She raised her eyebrows and put out her hand to receive my book. I stared at her. What was I going to say?

I admire? What? Panic! She said.

"Name?" as she took my book. What was my name? Who am I? "Suzi" I answered and spelled out. ess. you. zed. eye She signed my book and pushed it to the side. I looked back and

watched Rhonda go through the same process.

I looked in my book and read, To Suzi. Best Wishes, Margaret Atwood But, I didn't get to say that I admire her. I didn't get to say my rehearsed line. I didn't get to say anything. other than my name. Rhonda came forward. opened her book. and read, To Rhonda. Best. Margaret Atwood - what? No Best Wishes. just Best? Hmm. What would the last signed copy read? M.A.? But. that"s all 1ight. We have signed copies. We met Atwood.

Rhonda and I pulled away from the Waterfront Hotel with our signed copies and the inspiration to become Canadian authors . ._.,

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Thumbing Travel Cont'_--------------------------------------------hesitant to trust and like a person who wears sunglasses and thus they are less likely to help you on your way. In lieu of a tent I prefer to carry a tarp or light sheet of plastic no larger than ten foot square; it is more versatile with regards to where it can be put up and with regards to how long it takes to put it up, a valid consideration when you suddenly discover that it is two in the morning, you are nowhere in particular, and are absolutely flat, dead, tired.

With these items I am ready to survive in nearly any environment at least for a few days. A good traveler has something of the minimalist in them and will move with more freedom and speed the more they can reduce their needs to the true, bare essentials. Remember, this may save you a lot of pain, not only due to weight carried but also with regards to distance traveled on foot. Others on your path may want nothing to do with you as soon as they see what a lot of baggage you are packing along.

Remember, it is your baggage and while you have to carry it they have to make room for it if they want to share your company.

The essentials of what to carry aside, one must also consider the equally important aspect of how to carry it. This is not just a matter of packing a balanced pack, although all good travelers will agree that one should remain balanced if they want to enjoy the trip or even survive it. A person should stand tall, weight firmly

supported, and project that you intend to get there one way or another. with or without anyone else's help. At the same time one should project that company is always appreciated.

Those whose kindness you are appealing to like to see your integrity, as well as your effort. I have had many people stop for me whose first statement was they could tell from my bags and my walk that I was a traveler and that I intended to be somewhere.

Also, sometimes, when you have walked fifteen to fifty kilometers into the wilderness with no rides, the sympathetic soul may feel that a) you are the sort of person who would really appreciate a ride or, b) that you are in a remote and therefore dangerous region. I secretly beg to differ; when traveling I feel safer ultimately (due largely to experience) in the middle of the wilderness at two AM. pitching camp than I do in a town or city at two A.M. seeking refuge.

Also, continuing to travel instead of sitting for hours on end proves, by comparison, less strenuous once your body is used to it: you do not notice the heat as much nor the stiffness if you remain on the go. I also have a theory that the more miles you put behind you the more rides that would have only got you part way are left behind, and the more intersections, allowing new people on your path, that will also be behind you and thus more potential rides will be coming your way. You will never get a ride out of town while

you wait on a road that leads p1ima1ily into it. You may curse me one day as you sit on a mountain summit which you just finished hiking the twenty or so kilometers of. and on which. of course. there was no side roads to admit that desperately wanted ride; but at least you will reap one other advantage which is a more frequent change of scenery. Sitting inactive has a way of wearing you out and if you get impatient, angry, or bored. the good citizens who see you like this are no more likely to help you. Keep moving and the scenery will continuously reveal itself to you, and you will find yourself more able to think clearly without pressure or obsession.

Wear clothes which are clean as often as possible as well as comfortable and casual, you are, after all, on display as you travel. Wear a bit of color just to improve your chances of being seen before it is too late for people to stop. You have to be at least a little high profile if you wish to stand out, yet do not look aggressive unless you like to stand alone. Assertiveness is good and eye contact is essential: I have had people who were screaming by on the freeway come to a skidding halt (no exaggeration) as soon as a little friendly eye contact was made. Invariably these people express that they do not usually pick up hitch-hikers except that I looked like I could be trusted. If you hide you will probably not be found.

I know it is illegal to hitch-hike on the freeway but I use my common sense, extra lanes, and on-ramps well. besides, I see no real problem with it if one is considerate of the situation. I think that this law is not so much practical as convenient for certain people who think that the most important use for the public roads is not the public's uses of them. I do think it is unwise to create hazards on the road. Do not even bother to flag people down on a blind comer. a narrow uphill or downhill slope. or in congested traffic; people are not likely to stop and if they do they may get more than they bargained for.

You are out there to travel with the others so try to be considerate of them. If the going is steep, either up or down. chances are you are on your own: take comfort in the fact that just around that bend is rest and that in time you will put all sorts of difficulties behind you.

The real sense of accomplishment in this whole scenario is in going over, under, or around the obstacle; square your shoulders, be strong. and don't let it bring you down. Aid often comes when you least expect it, and most often when you really need it: the good traveler knows that the people you meet are more than just convenient road-side curiosities. I could prove this through at least a hundred examples; tales of kindness as well as misery.

That, however, will have to wait for another day. 1,.i

AlOTheCascade

Volume4

Issue No. 10

No

STUDENT FORUM ON GRADUATE STUDIES AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL

MovieEtiquette!? ~

teeny boppers squealing at the top of my trips to the their lungs, just because the hero of the ::::: ~ movie theatres in Abbotsford movie has just taken off his shirt. I \,.)

12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m.

V) have been disastrous for more mean, do you hear guys cheering for RoomA.229 ~ than a few reasons. Mind you, the female actresses to take it all off? ~ it is not Hollywood's ill repre- Sorry to disappoint you guys, but in All students interested in post-degree studies are invited to atsented movies about "real" life Hollywood movies you never see any(i.e .. Dante's Peak), but rather it thing . . . Or arguably the testiest tend ... is the minority of the movie go- behavior is when the person behind you ing public. This minority is so starts practically kicking your plush, Topics Include: infantile and rude, that it fascinates me, comfortable seat just because the scene Graduate and professional schools information resources at why these savages are not thrown out on the screen is intense.

UCFV At moments like these, you simof these movie Mecca's!

A guide to applying to graduate school. ply want to give up all calm and throw So then it should be no surprise to you, when one sits behind some big, the misfit( s) out of the theatre to teach **OPEN MICROPHONE** heavy set man who wheezes and them a lesson. Right?! But, it is also What do you want to know about graduate studies and profescoughs constantly, so that you miss half at times like these you wish these ludisional schools? A panel of faculty members and students curthe spoken dialogue. Or, hearing that crous beings had heard of MOVIE rently attending post-degree programs will be available to answer annoying ring of yet another cellular ETIQUETTE! You might wonder your questions!! phone during a critical time in the mov- what on God's green earth I am babies plot. As well, having a handful of bling about, but this etiquette is a must if you want to survive real life at the Movies 101 ! ~E::\.L ,1""tLcQ ~O TIL'i To w-Qf:sT 7rtt p~ ,J This rule is simply an easy phi~lD 1 S M \ !...)OS ~-e,°""'"' Ti-\t L ~Q,E_ Ot=" ·n-\t:losophy for the movies that every sane /v]J~f) roNTQOL {)f:'!\(E:, .. Ht THtE:,w A, ~Mll and "normal" person is capable of understanding. This idea consists of tak~C'5N'!)

I t\A-\) f\-\!;M ALL l)Qt:5$~ IN "'"'M -\fAQ..

• TQ f.J ., ing other people into consideration (,) J'\,.,A,L ) Tt-lEt2.E, \.--.J'4c, ""o<c.& ro when viewing a movie in public.

Tl"\~\S '5 II l..l--"\-TION '1\-\AW W\t-1 1H L E:\f£ ' c • /,_ ~ 1 lt-15 I That's it now, I don't think that this idea G:J~ is very hard to comprehend, but it sure would be nice to see some mutual re''!Dt\A' itlA-T 11_61 '1MI ,, t f'l_,\'t.D60, ~'== 6 F spect and understanding at the movie -rt-\t- · 2.6Meii.£:.5. Sod t\.f:. 12..-ESISTct>~' theatres.

F1QS, ... BLTT Net ,s fu.T\Lc. If you are anxious to try out this tlE w~) ~ philosophy, here is a quick run down I w \L l. \ ~"' I ~ \ft on the latest movies: \ t-:l~w ~t. 1S 1) Star Wars - Special Edition: a great "· ,ru,~f"i-..C),.. '. \, Sci-Fi classic, cooler picture quality, (}l--.:i.t. t. t'"OQ.(t. ~ but the acting still sucks after 20 years. ~.. A,tt\ 2) Dante's Peak: as if we can't get Mt. 66"X. Tl-\£ enough natural disaster movies, f-Ft_c_\ ~rG-., Brosnan delivers his "James Bond" -q.\E: ~ coolness to give this movie all the inDl..<s'N A\... 1• gredients for another successful disaster movie. ,,..._, 3) Absolute Power: the withering old Clint Eastwood will go down in movie history as a sex symbol, but this movie ~ ~ /~~~,...... sucked. Clint should play old villians, _) :) ) not young good guys. ~ While I can't guarantee you I quiet screenings, through the use of simple MOVIE ETIQUETTE guide0 line you should now be able to enjoy 0 l 0 movies! Later all you posh, sensible movie viewers! ~

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

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The Cascade Feb 28, 1997 Al I

The Peasant Boy and The Rabbit t:'. (j

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He who binds to himself a joy Does the winged life destroy.

But he who kisses the joy as it flies Lives in eternity's sumise.

W. Blake

The peasant boy had waited all year to finish school. Now that summer had come, he was happy. because he hoped to catch a white rabbit. He spent most of June perfecting his traps and carefully hiding them in the best places in the forest. He also made a cage for the rabbit, and he cushioned it with straw and stocked it with vegetables. Some of his friends joined him with his plans.

The peasant boy visited the traps each day throughout June and July, but the rabbit kept getting the bait without being snared. Each week the boy camouflaged his traps better. but when he visited them. he found them empty. and he often saw the white rabbit sitting on a hill. looking down on him. This made the peasant boy angry, and he vowed to himself that he would not give up until he caught the rabbit. His friends laughed at him and told him he would never catch the rabbit. and this comment made the boy more determined to capture it. By mid-August. all of the peasant boy·s f1iends had left him. so he had to visit the traps alone.

As summer drew to a close, and the days became shorter. the boy. as usual, daily visited his snares, and on

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the last day of August. he found he had captured the rabbit. He was ecstatic with joy. and he called all his friends to see his prize. and they had a great patty, celebrating the catch.

The peasant boy carefully moved the rabbit from the trap to the well-furnished cage. but as the weeks and months passed the boy realized the rabbit was very sad. but he did not know what to do. He fed it better food. and he took it for walks on a special leash. but the rabbit became more dejected and downcast. This troubled the peasant boy. because he longed for the rabbit to be happy. He would often sit by the cage and try to encourage the rabbit by talking to it, giving it bits of sugar or offe1ing it a special drink with a bottle, but the rabbit stayed huddled

in the comer. its ears flattened and its bright eyes losing their lustre. Nothing seemed to work.

It was early December. the days were short. the nights long. the snow was thick and deep, and the soil and roots slumbered.

The peasant boy left his small house as the morning sun stepped beyond the ho1izon. He crossed the yard. went to the cage, and opened the door.

The white rabbit leapt out and it raced across the field. darting this way and that. its hind legs kicking with joy.

When it was a safe distance. it turned and looked at the peasant boy. The small boy. tears running his cheeks waved his hand to the rabbit. as it sped off into the forest. leaving its footp1ints in the snow. \.,i

UCFV Student Union Society's Semi-Annal General Meeting Date: March 10, 1997

r

Time: 11:30 - 1 :30 pm Place: Room A225/A229 - Board Room - Abby Campus

Turtle Goes To Poland Hmmm

..The MACS is

planning a visit to Poland. Have :::: you signed up yet? No? Well, I C) admit that it's bound to be ex-~ ~ pensive, and it doesn't ~ exactly rival the Bahamas on the average travel list. but I think if £ you do go there you'll enjoy it. I wlls there over five years ago, and even though time has blurred the details of my visit there, I'd like to offer doesn't exactly rival the Bahamas on the average travel list, but I think if you do go there you'll enjoy it. I was there over five years ago, and even though time has blurred the details of my visit there, I'd like to share my own experiences and impressions.

I went there on retreat with a group called CaYAC (Catholic Youth Association in Christ) in order to see the Pope. Due to this, I spent a lot of time in cathedrals and monasteries probably not something that the MACS group will do. Our path weaved "'.l

through Warsaw (the capital).

Czestochowa and Cracow, then circled back through Czechoslovakia and Italy (which weren't in Poland, opting instead to be seperate countries. Still, they too were interesting). Along the way. I think I saw a lot of what Poland had to offer, namely: 1) Friendly people - They're everywhere! I have never seen such a cheery country. A surprising amount of them spoke English, and were happy to give directions. Once, while on the road, my group was taken in by a family in a small farming burg. They offered whatever they could spare, and were quite generous with their food ...

2) _Thefood - There ·s a lot of good food and a lot of filling food in Poland, though rm sorry to say that the two rarely come together. The fam- · ily I stayed with made a tasty sausage soup, though I was inclined to avoid the sandwiches. The rest of the time. our small budget supplied us with orange juice and hard bread - which

==========Group Student Union Society Report Greetings! We at the UCFV SUS hope March finds you healthy, happy and recovering from mid-terms.

Our Handbook Committee has begun the process of constructing the 1997/ 98 Student Agenda and we encourage any and all UCFVers to supply their comments. suggestions and ideas.

Write any that you may have down and

wasn't so bad when you got used to it (Like I said, it's filling - and we DID have butter). Things picked up at Czestochowa. where they have several extravagant restaurants. For you pop lovers: Go ape! Pop is only $0.30 a can there and can be found wherever you look. This brings me to ...

3) The Wares - These are cheap and plentiful. The Polish people are great with their hands, and specialize in myriads of woodcarved objects. I bought a chess set while I was there which turned out to be a mistake since the pieces were solid cement - but the board was nice ... Also, don't expect anything high-tech. I saw trams and an elevator, but those were it.

4) The Sights - These were the best. I can recall lots of ornamental buildings. cobbled streets. beautiful countryside. street music and parks. We trooped up a tower to view the bell that only tolled once. We stopped at St. Paul's. and delved into its catacombs.

The Black Madonna is a good sight

better looking than her N01th Ame1ican counterpai1 and the salt mines were a blast (figuratively speaking. thank goodness).

5) The Religion - The entire country is steadfastly Catholic, it seems.

During the German occupation. their faith was pretty much all that kept them going and now that that horror is over, they're extremely thankful for it. We had the opportunity to meet a man who was in the camps. He told us of a saint that sacrificed himself for the good of · the people there, sharing his meagre lunch while l~aving nothing for himself. Not bad.

Anyway, you get the idea. If you want to hear more. you can email me (turtle@uniserve.com). but I think I've summed a lot of it up here. One last note: If you get a chance to eat the ice cream in Poland or Rome, don't hesitate. Oh. and bring a box back for me too - Kiwi. if you could.

Thank you, and happy travels, \.,i

Messages========== Proulx for their reappointment to the

leave them at the Student Union office to the attention of the Handbook Committee.

The Student Union has also put together a petition to protest the GST on books. Starting March 3, 1997 people will be walking, sitting or standing around gathering signatures. We hope that all students will support this stand against GST on books. Literacy in not

a privilege, Literacy is not a right, LITERA CY IS A NECESSITY. I've been informed that results from the Registration Task Force Beefs and Bouquets survey will be posted in the first week of March for all who are interested.

In closing, The Student Union Society would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Paul Becker and Jason

UCFV Board ofGovenors, and remind all students that the Semi-Annual General Meeting is scheduled for March 10/97 in room A225-229 at 11:30.

Hope to see you there.

Ken Dinnery Vice-President External Stephaine Martin Director of Finance

our LIBRARY HOURS ARE THE SAME AS BEFORE, EVEN AFTER THE STUDENTS AGREED TO PAY AN EXTRA $5 FOR · LONGER HOURS. Our Library Advisory Committee read their report at the Feb. 12/97 University College Council meeting.

This is one of the passages: "It was noted that the $5 surcharge levied on students for more openng hours of the Library has not yet made it into the Library budget. The Library is open the same hours as it always has been with no extended hours. There have not been any complaints this year."

This is our money people! The money was paid with the understanding that the Library would extend the hours. We paid the money, where are the hours? It is obvious what the students have to do ...go to the Library and complain! Remember folks, it's not the fault of the front line workers in the Library, so don't be nasty to them.