The Cascade Volume 9 Issue 11 2001-12-06

UNIVERSilYCOLLEGEOFTHEFRASERVALLEY'SSTUDENTNEWSPAPER

~ANTA CLAUSE- THE PSEUDO-CHRIST

By James Clark

Deck the bolls, trim the tree, light the logs, buying overpriced useless garbage. this season we will all be doing Christmas stuff without thinking about where the traditions came from. This year I wanted to know why l bring a tree into my house and don't put it into the fireplace. So in the interest of keeping the holidays Christian, I figured I'd expunge all the pag,m elements and so we can be left with the Christian Christmas.

Let's start with the tree. It is one of the classic symbols of Christmas, but tree worshipping dates back to ancient Egypt. The sacred tree theme was again picked up in the first century B.C.E by nomadic German tribesmen who brought their tree worship to Rome. In fact the Teutonic word for "temple" has it roots in the word for tree. Tree worship was not new to the Romans who hud worshiped the sacred fig tree of Romulus since the dawn of the Empire. It does show that tree worshipping was rampant in ancient times. The early Christians tried to gliti up their religion by using pagan symbols and giving them some Christian spin doctoring.

Around mid-winter when there was no green anywhere pagans would worship the evergreens to help bring on 1hecoming of spring. The Christians changed the pagan evergreen into the tree of life from Genesis, the hght of the world shone from the;:qmdles th.it would be placed upon it.

Are we worshipping the trees or Christ?

As we ga1her around the Christmas tree and praise it wi1h songs like "Oh Christmas Tree," we ask ourselves if we are giving homage to our pagan ancestors and not Christ. Because children may be confused about the nature of our modern tree wor. ship, we definitely remove it from our cer• cmonies. What else should we take out?

Decking the halls with houghs of holly, is another holiday treat that we fim.l parlicularly fun but who came up with this super fun idea? Holly was one of several magical plants used in ancient druidic rituals in northern Europe and Scandinavia. People used it to ward off evil spirits. This ritual apparently didn't protect them from the spirit of Christmas, which found the festive evergreen with it's red and green colourings just the thing to brighten up the holiday season. Coincidentally the red and green "Christmas colours" were also the colours that people dressed in for the fcsti• val of Jupiter, the Roman god of thunder, rain and the oak; Jupiter also carried a sceptre of holly. Mistletoe, another symbol of Christmas, happens to grow on oak trees. We kiss people under the mistletoe and unknowingly pay hom<1geto the druids who worshiped it as a symbol of fertility.

Now that holly and mistletoe are out, lets examine some other druidic symbol • of Christmas.

The Yule log burning in the hearth, is not just there to singe Santa's testicles as he burns down the chimney, it has its origins in the winter solstice fire festivals of Europe.

The ashes of the Yule log were ground into a powder and spread over the lields to promote the speedy growth of the crops of the following spring. While the log burned it was supposed to protect the house from fire and thunder. Christians would reject the significance of 1heYule log as a religious symbol. Trees, Wreathes, holly, and mistletoe, the fun decor of Christmas actually existed before Christ. By plastering up <111this greenery at Christmas we are actually

ing it into a pagan fertility festival.

Now that all the bushes are out of my house and out of Christmas I have to

ren1ove that jolly old elf. The tuhby red flannel Santa w:is crented by ad execs at Coca-Cola as a Christrm1s promotion. Before Sant11moved 10 America he carried on a more low key existence in Europe us Kris Kringel. Old Kris had many name!. undone of his first was that of Mithra, a Persian deity. The cult of Mithra was powerful in ancient Ro111emonuments and doc• uments of its existence survive 10 this duy. It rival kc.I the power of nnother cull of the day, Christianity. The tem.:hingsorMilhru. the Mother of the Gods, and that of Christianity were so similar that Christian doctors of the day denounced it as the teachings of the devil. Santa knows if you've been bad or good because he cnn sec you when you are sleeping and when you urc awake. Odin could see :ill of heaven and earth from his high throne in the for north at Asgard. "Odin wus believed to bestow special gifts at Yuletide to those who honoured him by approaching his sacred fir tree." It's a good thing that Santa can be eliminated from our holiday festivities because along with Santa goes all the gift-giving, elf worshipping and consumer nonsensethat goes along with him. This leaves us tirne tu focus on the celebration of the birth of baby Jesus.

On the Julian calendar, the winter solstice fell on the twenty-fifth on December. Tt was al this tinie of year that prnctitioners of the Mithrnic religion would retreat into :;hrines to practice the Nativity of the Sun ul midnight they would proclaim "The virgin has brought forth' The light is wax• ing!" Mithru would ascend to the l.ky in a mule-drawn chariot bringinl,! forth the gift of light to his followers. The birth of Mithrn was reprc• scnted in Egypl as a newborn child who would be brought forth and worshipcll.

, Nu fun trees, jolly elves. presents, cutesy babies. or midnight mass. what is Christmn coming to? "Leo the Great rebuked the pestilent belief that Christmas was solemnised because of the birth of the new sun, as it was called, and 1101because of the nativily of Christ."

Sources:

The Golden Bough: A Study In Magic And Religion by J.G. Frazer

Sarnn Claws by Robert Knox

THE CASCADE

Volume 9 - lssuc 11

A22() 33844 Kin~ Ro~d Abbotsfol'd,BC V'{?{_7"48

c~scade@ucfv.be.~n

JAMESCl.AltK

Editor 1T\Chiet

NOAJlARNEY

NewsandFeatures Editqr

DP.ANTJEPKF,MA Layl)Ul Coordirwto;

AMANQA.MJL1$

StaffWriter

MARY GLASGOW

Photo Journalist

BETHK~UlfER Advcrti$ing Manng~r

This is the section of the Cascade where you would normally find an editor's note from James Clark. However, it is S.iturday afternoon, three days after this paper was supposed to out. therefore I am taking ii upon myself to -al long last• finish this paper - even if that means writing an 'editor's note,' when I am not an editor, and filling this seclion with a responseto Toque Editor, Kris Lind's ''Editors Letter,•· which r originally deemed 'not worthy ot' a reaction.'

The Ca:scu<lois the UCFV students' free press. Ttprovides a forum for UCFVstudC(lt!i to havetheir journo.Jismpublished. It ali.o acts as the ahern!ltive press for the Frase,·Valli>y, The Cascadeis fundedwith u FV stup~nt funds. The Cpsi::alfei'spub. lished iwkernbnthly. 1'necaiadehasa drcutatiori of 1000 and is dist.l'ibuted throughout Abbotsford, ChH)jw,'\cl< at1d Mission. The Ca:.cade fs a very proud member of the Canadian Unlven,ily Press, a nal1onal cooperative of 72 uni\lersltyand collese newspapers f!:!il¼1¼:&¥~HfS~i\i to $t, John's, The Cascade Follows file CtJPeth• ical policy concel'ning rnaterial Qf a prejudicial or oppressive nature, Sotm1i$sjoosare prefer!'ed in electronic format ~itl;>er thn)ugh e-mail or on tlfak. PI.ease'send subrni1,sions iri ''(~t.l' flOfl'\lllt only. 'i' '

Letters lO the editor musLbe double-spaced and typed. Letters will also be accepted via e,mail only if they meet lh$ nece$sary requirementsas outlined' In thi$ seCLiQl'I, the tlaso&'1ereservesthe tig»t to e~it letters 10 the editor for clarliy imd length. Only one letter per writer may appear 111 any given addition. The C~oadewill not print any letters that contain r,acu;r,sexist. or libelous content 1'he wr\ter'.f!l~,IJ.ll!'~pds~udentnumberrnust be submitted with each le11er. Lettel1to the editor must be under 400 words, if il)le,riaed for print.

Contributors

John IJarker

Andr;ewClar,k

Cl\ristophcr F. Comer

M~,:rkGre~nan

DesireeMayhew

Nicole'Pe~nka

K&HSedore

SoniaThomas

ShannonLoewen

Firstly. in responseto Kri. Lind's "Toque Power" Editor's Letter, I thought we agreed to respect our differences, and all gel along! The Cascade has made a great effort 10 refrain from embracing the bitterness which the Toque seems 10 harbor toward both SUS and it's potential media rival: we, at the CASCADE, are choosing t() side-step future unneces• sary discord with the Toque and, instead, channel our energy and talent to covering more interesting ground than perpetuating a pointless and obsolete newspaper war.

Secondly, I also thought our various critical SUS-rclated articles proved that the CASCADE is no more a SUS-newsletter than the Toque is an objective 'newspaper'. It ii; true that we report on the going's on of SUS - from both the for and against perspectives.

I also noted that the last edition of the Toque contained no less that 3 SVS-focused stories, plus one last diatribe against SUS by Kris [jnd's and various back-handed corn• menls regarding SUS throughtout the issue. There appears to be more evidence for labelling The Toque as iicrid nnti-SUS and anti-American propaganda, than there is for calling the Cascade 'a SUS-newJetter.'

Thirdly, contrary to Lind's concern that the Cascade has difficully circulating 1000 issues, we lack enough copies in our second week to even supply our adverti. er ~- • will liking be expanding to 1500 issues in the new year. Even while I've beer piece, I've had 5 people come into the CASCADE office and ask However congratulations for increasing Toque circulation (by g .t(C). f'd rather have fewer copies in print and have those copies cheris11t-uand read by severnl people each, than find stocks of Cascadesdamp and crumpled at bu stops as a founJ thi~ issue of the Toque

Last but definitely not least, I'd like to lake the opportunity to thank the taff and volunteers or the CASCADE for their contributions of both time and talent. Your com· tnitment and dedication to producing a paper to be proud of is deeply appreciated. You are an inspiring group lO work with!

I recently quit my job at Little Cacsar's Piiza in Mission Hills Shopping Centre. The reason being I was given the option to remove rny newly acquired nose stud, or to be fired. Having no desire to do either, and rather than soil a clean job record, J told them I was leaving.

Apparently Little Caesar's employees are not allowed to have facial piercing of any kind. After inquiring as to why this was so, 1 was told that it was becausenose rings do not have backings, and they were concerned with them falling out. To which I responded 1hat,as a matter of fact, 1did have one with a backing, and asked "would it be all right if I were l<.>wear that one." 1 can't say that lever got much of an answer,just a shrug of the shoulders. Since l had not heard anything of this rule before, l decided 10 try my luck with the manager at the time of my next shift. I was once again told that I was to either remove my nose stud, or not come back. However, when I again asked why, r was given a different story. They are not so much concerned with foreign objects falling into the food (a~ made apparent by the fact that L.C. employees are nut required to wear hair nets or remove any other jewelry), but more so with customers finding a worker's appearanceoffensive. Also, that this was clearly printed out for me "in the employee hand-out. that r didn't give you'' (the manager)

This however, I also found to be odd. The manager herself has a tongue ring (they're not as indiscreet a you would think) and one employee at the Abbotsford store (same store owner) has an eyebrow ring and more metal in her ears than there is in my cutlery drawer.

I am mainly concerned with the fact that they were able lo get rid of me so easily. Maybe I'm a sucker I should have let them fire me and then sued their assesoff. But what can J say, J'm too Canadian for Ihm. Maybe I'll write them a very stern, but polite leuer

I did quit, but [didn't feel I had much of a choice given the circumstances. Losing my job over sucti a trivial matter irritated, as well as offended, me, but did not have what I would call any significant impact on my life, nor did it scar me deeply. And luckily, this nose stud has no cultural significance for me. It's a style I chose, and when I did so, Tunderstood that some people would never, no matter how common they are, be accepting of it.

It' II be tough trying to get by for the meantime without that one shift a week on minimum wage. But the search continues for a place of work where my face won·, prove to be so insulting.

SILENCEOF THE LAMBS

I really didn't wnnt to be u serial writer who only sings one song, but in light of the information contained in an article in lhe Abbotsford News (Saturday, November 24th, 2001), I feel that l haven't got a choice. Consider this a 'sounding of the alarm;" the Liberal Government is attacking those programs that we, as Canadiuns. have been disillusioned inlo thinking would always exist. For those of you who haven't had the time to read a paper outside of your current curriculum, I'll enlighten you with a quote from 1he article to which I am referring: "The provincial government is reviewing social service programs and will decide which to cut in the coming months'', the article goes on 10 list potential candidate programs for the cutbacks. among them are support programs for families. immigranls and disabled people. as well as victim's services. youth social service and criminal rreventativl.! prognirns. and. of all things. Legal Aid.

Not wanting to jump I\) any conclu~ions, I made II few phone calls only 10 discover thill the government's review of core programs has been linked to financial cutbacks nf a t'rightcning 30%. The potenti,11iinract of this is unfathomable at this point. It i • projectctJ that we may see a rctllrn lo the

institutionalization of those physically disabled members of our society due to a lack of available funds lo maintain their assisted living in group-homes. The New Beginnings program operated at Abbotsford Scni~)rSecondary School, which is elemental in helping Abbotsford teen mothers obtain lheir secondary education. will potentially be affected by cutbacks. What about the Outreach programs for troubled youth'! What about an individual's right to a lawyer? ("If you cannot afford one, one will be appointed fur you?") Keeping this in mind. the News arti• clc quoted Mr. Gordon Hogg, MCF Minister, as saying the ministry will protect "the need of the most vulnerable in our society". Tu this I would like to ask the Minister: if the people who use the e programs arc nut already some "of the 1110s1 vulnerable in our society", then who are?? Are 1hesepeople to be the sacrificial lambs at lhe altar of the alrnighry ·economy god''!

I was told by an individual in the know that these dct:isionli will bc made over the course of lhe next few wecb, and the offi• cinl announcemcnt(sl will be made in the New Year. But in the interim, what. if .inylhing, can we do us student~'?I would think thut al least one of you reading thb is angry

enough to raise your voice, and the article did stute that th~ general public would be consulted prior to the government implementing the cutbacks. There is a public meeting being held at the Seven Oaks Alliance Church in the community room on Wednesday, December 5th at 7pm for those who arc interested in protecting the support programs currently in place for the disabled (I trust that the UCFV Disability Resource Center knows of this?). lt is the only public meeting that I am aware of at this moment, although there are rurnors that others arc in the process of being organized; at that, my only suggestion is to watch the local papers for more information. In January, following the announcements of the cutbacks, I plan on pursuing how wi;, as a comn1unity, are going to be affected by the reduction or elimination of community services in the Fraser Valley. In the rnec1n1irne,enjoy your holiday before the government finds u way to eliminate it due to financial restructuring.

Regards.

Cassandra (hope I don·1 offentl unybody)

lt was with great excitement that I picked up the latest edition of The Cascade (Vol. 9 - Issue I0) as 1 was looking forWHrd to seeing Amnci$ty lntemtttional being repre:sente<lonce again. My cxciltmcnt soon turnc<l to anger and disappointment as l read the captions that had been added to the pictures provided for the interview. Those captions were never approved by Don Wright or myself and are disrespectful in every way to Amnesty International, the work we embttrk upon and not least of all, the individuals whose pictures the captions were attached to.

How can you place ''l'm sad because now I can't work for the GAP" beside "Respect My Rights''? You and the staff of The Cascade have completely disrc. spected any rights or dignity that woman has. Diu you even read her story before you placed that caption'? That woman had her husband and children murdered and afterwards was brutally raped and beaten before having her hands removed as 'punishment' and you degrade her dignity by place a disgraceful caption below her.

This is not only disrespectful and degrading to that woman but also to Amnesty International and all those who work hard 10 achieve awareness of human rights violations worldwide. The Cascade is circulated among students, faculty and the public, and the representation y<iu have given of Amnesty 1ntcmational deserves an apology, both public and person.ii.

The Cascade is also suppose to repre ent UCFV and the stu<lent bo<ly. however I think you will find that the con ten I of The Cascade is far from an accurate represe11tation of the thoughts, feelings. or ideologies of lhe majority of the student body. UCFV should be ashamed to have its name attached to such a disrespec(ful newspaper.

Amnesty International will no longer be running any articles in the Cascade unle. s it proves itself to be a paper worthy of such content, ~tsit did under previous editors and staff.

Just so everybody knows, I put Ihose captions 1111derrhe pictures and no, I didn '1cle,arthem with anybody. 1'111 sorry for not clearing /he captions with anybody ar Amnesty. I really .1·/wuldhllve. Let me at lea.vtexplain why I put them therP.in the first place.

As people who five in the Jirsr world, we have a tenden• cy to ignore everyone else. Amnesty l11IemaIiona/has done an excellentjob of highlighting the oppression //wt occurs in 1hebrowner parts of the world. Weas con.wmers rend no/ to reafi~·ethat the things we bu.)\be it the:gas in our cars to the clothes on our bllck to rhe ,1·hocson ottr.{eet, come from some of these terribly oppressiveregimes. Some of the cnimtries rhat value h11111anlife the least, 11mablyIndonesia, The Sudan. Chlna and India, serve as major sources vf cheap labour for companies like the GAP and Nike. The ''rasreless"captions were an artempt 10 highlight the co11nectio11between these people and sI11derllswho are the target market of these companies. I am sorr)' 1ha1 you guys 1ho11ghtrhat I was trying to make.fun of Amnesty In1ernario11al, I wasn't.

If I intended to shame anybody ilt the anicle. ii 1vnuld be the people who btty rheseproducts, not 1hepeople who make them.

Your co111men1 is interestin~ when you say thar the Cascade docs 1101represe,uthe views vf the whole stu• dent body. There are very few people out 1here111/io wan.t10 get involved in the goings on at our ramp11s. Youguys at Amnesry know that Just c,s well as I do. I am trying ro get more writers and more opinions in this paper evay issue so alrhough we may nor r<1presentthe Piews of the more apathetic swdenrs on campus, we are trying to repre.1·e111everyone.

I know that you guys are pissed m /Iii! and I can total/)' 1111dersta1u/ if you don 'r wall/ 10 submit a11ymore articles. Weare less of a paper wi1/w111 them. ~f'yo/1(eally wan/ to Rei the word out. and can so111ehow he per• .1·11aded to writefor us again. then I pm>nisenot to add anything to your s1uf/'without your approval in 1/ie future.

Dear James:

Thank you for t,1king the time to respond in length to the idiotic dia• tribe from "Cassandra."

Obviously this wornan dPCSn't appreciate art, or the fact that T 'n' A isn't just for guys. While she sits with her closed-minded friends (who, she says, are clones of her· self}, to discuss things like the "sexist Cascade," perhaps she should consider her own sexist attitudes.

Women don't do ALL the shop· ping, and while women who are partnered with men generally tend to do more of the domestic type chores, it doesn't give them "higher buying power," because women in the work force still make less money than men, und women who are dependent on men for "buying power'' truly have none.

Women are not the "mature'' population of the school, but they do make up just over 50% of Canadian university Mudent populations.

Not all women have ''families,'' in lhe sense c,rhaving financial/domestic obligations with a partner and/or children. There's a lot of women who dnn't cook. ei,;ceptas n function that sometimes precedes eating, and don't give a rat's ass about whatever recipe$ she might want 10 share.

(Perhaps she can send them to tbe Ladies' Home fournul'?)

Nobody reu<lsthe CascaJc for the articles! Some people line their bird cages with it. some luuk u! the pie• tures. ,llld the rest flip right to the letters lo the E<litur, lo have a laugh nt thi! latest silly sml who has unwit• tingly volunteere<l to have their ideas dissected or otherwise crucified by the Editor. (What run! Glad to be a part of it!)

I du agree with Cassandra that a column about living on a budget, whether it's ubout /\hopping. cooking 'cheap' mculs, or recycling living room furniture into a cozy home for your pitt bull, is a good idea.

I'm glad to see she doesn't claim to 'own' rhat idea, though. because I'm sure she'd never find a way of working in the lesbia11mu<l wrestling.

Keep up the good work.

J. Maydn

Dear Mr. Clark,

It is with mild amusement that J write to you in response to the whole 'sexist Cascade' fiasco. First and foremost. rll admit that 1,1111 responsible for the writing of the letter which lrns int1dvertently, I trust, been suh• milled to you as a leuer to the editor. when in fa<.:tit was nothing more than an excerpt from a private email between myself and one of your writers.

l am perfectly aware that there are some ethical issues surrounding the submission of written works for publication without the author's knowledge and consent, but considering the nature of the medium I am willing to let that slide: this time. Por the record, Mr. Clark, you were aware of the letter's submission long before I ever was, and it is my understanding that you dedicated a good portion of your Friday evening (November 16th) composing a response 10 it. Your writer, whom I will refrain from naming for moral reasons of my own. informed me on the Sunday (Novemberl8th) that a letter other th.in what I had specifically penned for print had also been presented by your writer to you. At the time, l had nClrecall of the letter itself, and out of curiosity J wandered in to the Cascade office on the Monday (November 19th) to investigate. It was then that I discovered what kind of impact words have when they find an unintended audience. Apparently the letter has created quite a 0ap amongst your staffers. as evidenced by the reaction of those who were there at the time. In the spirit of being 'n good sport' about the whole sit· uation, and consi<lering that you were only twenty-four hours from going lo prinl, I <lecidcd l(l let the matter go. To have demanded the )et1er's retraction nt that time could have very well caused you personal an<l a<.:a• de111ichardship; I, too, am a full,timc student and can sympathize with one's time being at a premium.

Mr.Clark, i am sure you are an intelligent fellow and can see the obvi ous differences in the way this letter is cu111ptisedand the previous one, which should lend credence to the fo<.:tthat you were not the intended recipient of it. Further, I am s<in1ewhatoffended that the letter itself was erL1ppc<lin such a way as 10 slant my words to make it ar,pear to be an attack on the Cascade, when, in fact, it was not originally composed Iha! way. and yes, I du have the originals. I 1w1far as your response to my let• ter. you defy all rules of logict1I argumentation by resorting to a fallacious cornposition. As a professional writer, arc not red herring and ad homo• II r 11 • 1 1 t.~ L ') nytn ,a .ic1esvc1JClll11you.

Conversely, if you were awnre of the circumstances of the letter's submi sion and decided le) publish it anyway, I would question your integrity as aprofessional, but, in good faith, I ,m1 wurking under the assumption thctt you had not been cnlightcnc<l. Otherwise, this letter-lo-the-editor would possessan entirely different tom;. At the moment, though, J ;1111 willing to discount the whole situation as a 'caltimity of errors'. Chalk one up to experience, shall we say?

Regards.

Cassandra Priam

Dear Ct1.,~.w11dra, I thought t/uu si11ceyoltr letter reacts to a situation that /, in p(li'f, ct1used, I wr)lt/t,lresportd10 it lliyse(f beforepClssing011 your co11c<:ms /o James.

First of all, your writing style does not appear 10clta11gesip,11/ficanrly betweenY<11.Irpetsona/ e•mails, fetters 10the edi101;your 'se.1is1cascade' piece, w1.dyour L.ibeml editorial. So it 1vas1101obvious 10 111eby your writing style that one <i rhe ab1m• wtIs not writtenfor wint. Since everythihg 1hatwe 't•e printed with your 11a111e011it has bt.:t!IIsigned and sub111i11ed, we assttmedtha1eve,yrhing 1ve·vc rercived from you is for prim (why else would you sil(n your s1.1b111issio11.~ wi1ha 11,1·eud(my111 _?)

To whom it may concern.

Thank you for tearing down our posters advertising the East Indian Student Association meeting. Wc worked hard posting our noli<.:cs across campus. They were Facilily approved. Hopefully all inlercst(.'d students read them before you <le<.:idcto tear them down by removing them before our· meeting- you saved us the task of recycling them. lf our posters are re1110vedagain there will be action taken. beware.

By ElSA (Enst Indian Student Assoc1a1ion)

Secondly. we a/ the Cascade,krww what it's like /o have our words 111anip11/atedcmd/)rinted without pa111issirm.mzd we 1vo1tld11e11aa//eIII1II to do this to r111ieo11eelse. That's why we ''•///ailedyou 011Swida_\'and showedy(Jf, (111/'/cw issue 011 the Monday befort ir weI11lo the 11ri11ters10 crJnjir111your !iulmzission. /f _,.·011had a problem wilh rite ';;e.Iist cascade' /l'tter bl'l11gpriwed, why didn't you say soI1Ietllill8lo u.1·1he11?

Lastly, on cI11/()re11erso1wfnorc:.Cas,1·(111c/ra. I really /1,o,r~flttltat ill sllb• 111iI1iitg1hw le1te1;you were sharin,~a vo/icl npi11ir>11wliich yo11are c'm11• pfetely entitled to have, voice, and pri111,j11stas .la/lll!S is entitled to ftis defcnsit·e 1111e:-) {( I fwd know11or .f11spectc:dii wa.1·J1tsrforI11e10 read. I ~i'Ouldnor have even passed iron 10.fames,/(!/ alone s11b111irred ii as n l.c/ter w the Edito1; So I take full respm1sibilityfor yo11rfeller e11di11M1111 in his /11.mds. I c:un11otspeakfor James and do not taAeNspo11sibilio•.fr11 his reply in any way, but I Cl.~.wreyo11that pri11tinMyour le11erwitltoi11 your permisslrm wns rr1111plerely1.mi11te1t1iu11t1fand 1he re.1·1tftrl a 111i,\'lltt• derstanr/ingnn 111_,· par/. I apoloKizefor wry stress or cr>11c1•mtltat this had causedyou.

Beth Keffeher UCFV CASCADE

MORELEITERSTo THE EDITOR

A11en1ion:Cascade Editor

This letter is heing written after a lengthy discussion with a number students from UCFV, it has come 10 my attention recently that Animals nightclub has become a safe haven for local bikers and their associates. I like many other students enjoy a good night out. however I'm sick of hearing nbout the senselessfights and ruthless beatings that arc inl1ictcd upon innocent people who chose to go to Animals. This has caused great concern for the students of UCFV that I have spoken to. There have been numerous beatings (the majority of them quite savage and personally dnmag• ing) inllictitd upon students of UCFV and also upon the young people of Abbotstord. l have been warned a few times that this isn't something that should be made public and to just leave it alone, well quite frankly Twould rather be able to, (as student in most other cities do) go to a local nightclub with out fear of being beaten up or intimidated.

The incident that sparked my concern in this most distressing issue occurred on Saturday, November 17,200I. On the night in question T had gone to Animals with the intention of h,wing a drink with a friend of rnine. Instead J ended up witnessing some "testosterone tilled roid monkey" dish out a merciles$ beating to a rather innocent looking young man, who didn't appear to be rnuch older thut nineteen. While this ''barbarian" was beating the first individual, the DJ used his microphone to call for help. Upon hearing this. the "roio monkey" proceeded to attempt to pull the DJ out of his booth while punching aggressively at the controls inside the booth. After this was he was escorted (rather cordially l might add) to the front door, while the young man who hud been beaten was advised to leave. When the doormen had the guy who had done the bc:uing at the front door he was given a warning and allowed to come back inside. I suspect that this may have been due to the two Ahbotsford city policemen standing outside. Within n\inutes he was back inside and once again stalking around looking for another victim (at this point my ass was glued to the wall). This time he was circling the dance l1oor and with in seconds had once again pounced on a seemingly innocent person, after heating him as severely as the first guy, he was rn;ked to leave, not by the doorman but by unother patron of the bar seemed 10 know him (maybe their common interest in 111otorcycles).lt quickly became evident to all present that it wtts the bikers who were running the place and that the doorrnen had li11lc or no say about what went on in the bar. There was a cutmant feeling of ~inresr as it became apparent 1ha1there was basically no real security and that the employees that we could see weren ·1 the ones running the bar at all.

t approximately 2am while we were trying to get to the coat check there wus ye1 another fight involving a number of the doormen and sorne of the patrons. The doormen did liulc to stop the light, but rather tried 10just get it out side. The fight involved a number of individuals all going after one guy. The doormen finally got everyone outside. but they did differentiate between whom was whom they just threw them all out in the purking lot and let them keep fighting out onto the street. By the

CONTINUEDON PAGE 8

Editor:

It is with i nteresl diut I have read the numerous 11lightsmade against the UCFV Student Union Society (published in your paper).

I do not always support the SUS. In fact, J often take seri<rns e,-ception to what they do. !Jui I do realize that, for beuer or worse, they are intent upon working towards the be.~tinter• ests of the students at UCFY.

1 challenge all those who chastise the SUS to "Put Up or Shut Up''. 1t is really easy to hang out in the cheap seats and hurl insults and accusations. J have yet to see any of those critics running for SUS office. Could it be that, at the end of the day, they are nothing more than cowards?

Mikt Ander~on UCC Student Rep

Dear Mike Anderson,

Although. I stand by everything rhar the Cascade has printed thusJar. regarding the UCFV SUS, I do agree with you thal SUS does do a lot of hard work rhar is vital and often far too unappreciatedby UCFV studems. However;there are concerns and dangers wirh whole• hearI11dlye111bmci11gyour "put up or shut up" ma.i:im. Fim of all, it is the <Luryof the media lo report whm is going on (m objectively as possible). regardless of personal biases or whether the rcportinRof facts favors or criticizes a group such as SUS. Secondly. I suppose the perceived necessity of your leIler serves to answer <:011cerns regarding editorial control of the Cascade. As you have noticed, the .fact that the Cascade is, in/act. owned by the Student U11in11has no/ Iai111('(f reporti11g011 SUS matters. Lastly, I wouldjust like to poinl oul that not everyone crm be a SUS rep or 111e111bu of the SUS executive. However it is still tlte respo11sibiliIyof EVERYstude111 ro hal'l' i11p111i1110/he decisions of the UCFV S US. a11d,as .lose Uzca1eg11i,the SUS Puh/ir l11fom1atio11Officer re111i11ded me, tlu• SUS execu/ive welcomes ~-uc:lti11voh•e111erit. The Cascade is ac11telyinvolved in studew 11olitics,t() promote, praise a11d critique the•operation of SUS. Ami, as a side note, we often find that our own job,f receil'e disproportio11ate(ygrem a//lOLllltS of criticism ill refarioll to the 1111111ber of peop/(>who are actually willl11gtu xet involved themselves.

Sinc('rely.

Beth Kelleher

CASCADE Staff

On the 23rd of November I attended a meeting initiated by the $CMS students' association.

Various members of the SUS council attended, along with students concerned aboul the SUS decision to pay their executive members 1500.00/month, and their poorly thought out referendum, set for 28-29 N(>vcmbcr. Student objections to the monthly "salary" proposed wer·e based mainly in the process by which council implemented it without properly consulting stu• dents at large, and secondarily in the inappropriate amount selected.

Students discus. cd the fact that by their own Constitution and Bylaws, the SUS Council should have put the question of increased remuneration of Directors of the Society (read: SUS Council Reps & Exec) to an Annual General Meeting with minimum two weeks notice of motion, or to a general Referendum, with a set amount and a yes or no question.

The meeting seemed to have some effect on one or twQ members of the SUS executive. President Mark DeLadurante volunteered to give his entire 'paychcque' back to the SUS (minus taxes) as a gesture of good faith towards students. Surprisingly, students urged him not to take this action - the first attempt at ethical action by the new President in the face of nil the unethical deci• sion-making that's been going on in Council. Mark appeared to genuinely have students concerns at heart, and seemed to want to do what stu• dents feel is right, but didn't conunit 10 following through with his apparently spontaneous gesture.

Jen, the VP External, proposed a solution to the problem that is the only proper, ethical at:tion the SUS council can possibly take: rescind the motion passed by Council to pay Executive the monthly salary in the first pluce. Doing so would make the 'yes or yes' Referendum question moot.

Last l heard, the SUS Council had decided to go on 'student recommendations' that something closer to 800.00/month would be a more acceptable 'salary' for Executives. Making that decision based on a room of 20 concerned students is jui,t as unacceptable and outside the Constitution and Bylaws as the order-in-Council approving the 1500.00/month! The SUS is compounding their unethic.al behaviour with further inappropriate decision-making procedures.

I urge all members of the SUS Council nol to accept any monies over the amount currently set in the Constitulion and Bylaws of our Society, and to return anything they have accepted thus far over and above that amount (150.00/morllh for Exec. 75.00 for Reps) before students decide to take it back themselves.

To all sludcnts who think it's acceptable for the SUS Executive to give themselves salaries that amount to $9,000.00/month without even asking you what you want to do with YOUR student fees, it's time to flip to the sex column.

To all students who are even mildly concerned, please consider taking matters into your own hands, by the rules set out in our SUS Constitution and Bylaws. If I 0% Uust under 700) of students sign a petition requesting a Special General Meeting (SGM), and that petition states the purpose of the meeting (i.e. a motion phrased sort of like this: "Be it resolved that SUS Council members receive only the remuneration set out currently in the Constitution and Bylaws, and be it further resolved that monies already received by Council members in excess of that amount be returned to the Society immediately"), then the SUS has to hold a SGM where students will get 10 vote on the motion. and force them back to tbeir original rates of "pay."

Lei the SUS Council know what you think of their self-interested, unethical behaviour. Send a letter to the Cascade or the Toque. Get involved. Get your money back!

Beverly Bouman

To the Cascade,

I would have to say that I did not agree with l3eth Kcllcher's al'ticle, "What Is Pornography". While over half the article has little to du with pornography and much to do with criticizing the Toque, I would still have to say that I agree with the Toque in not printing all of Beth's article. I felt that her article was redundant, and I liked reading the Toque's response two weeks ago to the part of her aticle that wus published (As 15 year old boys" do not generally attend UCPV). And even if a 15 year old boy were to pick up a copy of the Toque and view its tame, n0t•worth•mentioning "soft-core pornogruphy'', I doubt it would "pervert his natural sexuality". Besides. we ull know 15 ~ear old boys can get off lookfog at the !in• gerie section of the Sears Catalogue.

Yes, I agree that there is a fine line between what constitutes pornography, art, and nudity. It would be interesting to read an article abl)Ut that without the preachy quality of Kelleher's writing. I find myself interested in Kelleher's religious and sexu• al background. Before I ever viewed pornography, I believed it to be degrading to women and morally corrupting.

I also had the idea that pornography was omething exclusively made for males. Kelleher thinks that "pluying with people's lust" (which, to her, is "the goal of pornography") is morally wrong. I think it's pretty fun. When J actually hegan to view pornography myself, I was amazed that I did not find it degrading to women, and instead that T was turned on by it. l am a girl. l likc pornography. 1 think that is O.K.

l agree with Kelleher about monogamy. B!!ing faithful to one's sexual partner is a very importam thing, und I support monogamy and afe sex wholeheartedly. But I al o think that sex should be fun, and I think pornography can be fun for lots of people. Everyone is different in what they like about sex and what they find offensive. Kelleher is entitled to her own opinions, but 1 believe that seating those opinions as fact is not a positive thing. Kelleher believes that pornography is ''rude and vulgar" and that it is "unadulterated moral insolence". J believe it can be fun, interesting and campy. I guess it's a personal choice.

DECEMBER6, 2001

SUSREFERENDUM

By Beth .Kelleher

Almost two months after Student Union Society (SUS) executives and reps initially approved their own pay raises, UCFV students are demanding their concerns be heard.

During the October I0, 200 I Annual General Meeting, attended by only one nonSUS executive or n:p, members of the Swdent Union Society approved substantial pay increases for their executive members. Rather that the $150 per 111011thhunoruria at 3 huurs per week ($12.50/hour) exe<.:utives were muking prior 10 the AGM, they would now be making a salary of$ I SOOper month at 25 hours per week ($15/hour). They also implemented a decision approved in u refer• endum two years ago to double the honornria of reps from $75 to $150 per month.

Weeks after the AGM. articles in both SILident newspapers, as well as brochures circulmed by SUS entitled "Make $1500 Per Month!" amJ "What docs the SUS do?'' brought the issue out into the open and piqued student alarm.

Armed with the supporting SUS Constitution and By-laws, several SCMS students began to circulate a petition stating their concerns regarding the wnge increase.

/\ccording 10 the SUS constitution and by laws, attaining 10% of the UCFV's stu• dent's signatures would legally necessitate a "Special General Meeting" or referendum.

However, due to an uncharacteristic surge of studcn t participation wos c:llled for November 28 and 29 even before the petition was presented to SUS.

Though, if the referendum question was attempting 10 quell or an ·wcr some of student's enmity towarus SUS, it failed miserably.

The referendum question; "Do you think that the St11detll Union Society executives should work 15 or 20 hours per week and be paid $ I 3, $14. or $15 per hour?" only seemed Lo further complicate an already complex ethical. social, and financial situation, by foiling to follow standard referendum question formm !hat involves giving people the option of voting ''Yes" or "No," rather than "Yes" or "YES!" as the wording of this referendum would seem 10 imply,

SUS suggests that perhaps the unclear question was due, in part, to the non-specific nature of students' various complaints, leaving SUS unsure as lo what solutions, exactly. students were after. Concerned SCMS

students who are calling them• selves the "SUS Watchdogs," insinuate thal lhc "Yes" or "YES!" wording is instead an indication that perhaps Student Union Society Exe<.:utivcsarc a lit1le more concerned about actually gelling the wage than the ethics behind how they got i1.

November 16, two days after the rch:rendum posters went up, posters advertising ''BOYCOTT SUS REFERENDUM'' infiltrated the halls. Simultaneously, emails from SUS Watchdog and SCMS Student, Darren Blackborough began circulating imploring students not to vote but to instead come to a "SUS Watchdogs" meeting and voice your SUS concerns on November 23rd.

Approximately 30 students, including every member of the SUS Executive and many SUS reps attended the Friday Forum, and nearly everyone present had something tu say. Succinctly. the student in allc:ndance arc disapproving of sheer size of the pay increase, particularly when it does not

for the general rmurngcr were available upon request at the SUS office.

Although the point wus made that in the professional world pay raises usually follow increased productivity, it was agreed that having a paid executive is not, for the most part, objectionable. Apart from a new. enhan<.:cdmandate which is not yet availuhlc, the benefits of a paid executive include stricter accountability to job description, less <.:hanccto an executive quilling their position, superior commitment 10 position. and thus more involvement and availability to students. .White $1500 ,i,~ still a large monthly wage for n parHi1ne undergraduate student, few disputed that the SUS execu• tive position are deserving of at least some remuneration. "The money is i111111atcriul," emphasised Chilliwack rep, Ross Martens, "I'm here for the swdents!"

Aside form the obvious problem of the referendum question itself, the timing of the referendum is also of concern. According to SUS Constitution nnJ bylaws, because of th<.:petition, a referendum had 10 be called and now that it has been called, it can't be cancelled or amended unless SUS rescinds the motion behind the referendum in council. Thul process w(iuld start the whole rroces~ over again and due to the se111es1crend nnd exams, a new referendum could nut

be held again until mid-January, meaning thut SUS erncutives would be making their former $1.50 I month until them. SUS Watchdogs want this mailer solved as quickly us possible also, in order to slllrt saving the wage-money from SUS exec pockets and start pulling it to other uses. Though the SUS Wat<.:hdogs~pokcsperson stressed "we still want this rcfcrendum stopped or if possible delayed, "we want to sec results!" ancJ thus far, the mor,llity behind SUS operations is questionable. "It's frustrating," says .lose Uzcatcgui. SUS Public Information Officer, "lo have the right thing, but lO undcrswnd it was achieved the wrong way."

"For me, it comes down 10 two things. ethics and a voice" summarises o fourthyear criminology sllldent ofter Friday's meeting, "If SUS expands their mandate und services. they deserve a raise. but they need 10 go about gelling it ethically and communicate with students and win their support by seeking their input rather than informing them after-the-fad how something will affect the111that they can no longer change it."

The rcfcrcndu111results hove been counted but arc 1101 ratified and will therefore cun not be published until after the next council .meeting.

Becomea Leaderin theBusinessWorld! MBA Programs

appear to them that services provided up the SUS have increased by nearly as great an increment. They arc concerned that over one third of the SUS annual budget is going toward salaries and question which services will be sacrificed in order to pay the increased wages because there is not an increase in the over-all budget. The issue of accountobilily for hours worked wus raised and several suggestions including pic<.:C· work pay and submission of hours to an external conirniuce for review were met with numerous criticisms from SUS. When asked if students could see the new, extended mandate of SUS, students were told that it was still in the works but that job description for c:ach of the executive as well a~

Mal:1spi11:1IJuiversily-Collegc, ill p:1rtncrshipwith the Universityof llt:rtfonlshirc,Hngl1111d, Is I)lcasctlto ~nnouncean exciting011port11nlty10earnan MBAor lnicrnatlonalM13A(IMBA),slartini;Scp1cmhcr2n0l.

• listahlishcdqualityprograms

• Go1·ernmcntapprovedandaccredlled

• Jl monthsfllU-tlmefrom su1rtto finish

• NoGMA'I'$Cureor work cxpcricnr1:required

• Afforth1hlclllllion

For morein[ormatlonor a copyor the brochure,email: 111ba@111ala.bc.ca

• S11bll'C110llnaluppro,;it

BANK SURVEY FINDS KIDS GIVINGUP TOYS FOR EDUCATION

By Shawn Jeffords, Ontario Bureau Chief. Ontario Bureau

TORONTO (CUP) - A survey that foun<.I a quarter of 8 10 I2-ycar-old children ate snving money for a university education bus some calling the findings "haseless" and "ridiculous."

The poll. conductc<l in October by the Bank of Montreal (OMO), asked the children and their parents whether lhcy were saving up for higher education. The poll round that children were growing more consciou of' lhc cost of p~ist•secondary education and were saving their ullowanec to help offset tuition fees down the road.

The poll also fuund that 21 per cent would give up video games and I 6 per cent were willing to give up toys 10 help save money.

"Thanks 10 guidance of their parents, many children arc balancing short-term want , i;uch as video games, with long term goals, such as education," said Linda Blair, vicepre~ident or BMO mutual funus. in u prepared statement.

Henry Jacek, president of the Ontario Cunt'ederalion of Faculty Associations. calls the survey "ridiculous'• and said it~ findings ''lack credibility."

"The danger of a Sllrvcy like this is that it may discourage people who can't save the money," said Ja<.:ek."You'll make talented pcupk think that they can·1afford an education alld that they shouldn't go to university.''

Jacek says the survey is in the bank's financi,1I be. t-intercsl as it may steer families away from student loans and toward long-term saving instead.

"The banks don't like stu<lcnl loans

UNVEILINGSAT UCFV

Shannon Loewen.

because they're costly to administer," said Jacek. "They'd much rather [endorse saving]; it's in their own financial interest to Jo !hat.''

Repeated calls 10 Blair were 1101returned by press time.

Ontario NOP MPP Peter Kormos said the results or the poll don't mean much because the survey doesn't say anything about the total savings children are able 10 build.

"When you're saving your birthday money and allowance, I would pose that it's 1101 going to add up to be a substant inl amount," said Korn10s. ·•1 think this is a commentary on our government and that people are now starting to learn that tax cuts have been expensive in other respects."

"I was buying Lego, gum and things for my bike when I was eight," said Bryce Rudyk, executive director of the Ontario Undergraduate Students Alli1111cc."I wasn't even thinking about [saving for university I.''

However, Rudyk doesn't dismiss the idea that children arc holding on to their cash.

"1 hope that when these children are students they'll be able to graduute with less debt than a student going to school now," he said. "But this definitely says something about our federal and provincial priorities when we make children who are eight years old save for school."

The survey results also say parental opinion over their role in funding their children's education has shifted. BMO says the majority of parents now believt: their children must share in the cost of education.

On November 21, UCFV played host to an unveiling of a painting (The Realm of Convenience II) done by artist Chris Wood who incidentally attended and graduated at UCFV ten years ago. Altcnding the unveiling was such notu• bles us the Dean of Fine Ans of UCFV, Chris's parent~ and great aunt. and the man of honor, Chris Woods himself. Oh and me tuo. The Dean. one of Chris's teachers, and Chris himself gave speech• es about the painting, Chris's influences and of course, Chris himself. But unfor-

lunately the painting got impatient with all the talking and decided to unveil itself. Afte1· the ceremony finished and before Chris Woods' lecture began. I got to find out a little about the big guy. Apparently he credits a lot of being where he is today to his outslnncling an teacher at his old high school, Chilliwack Senior. Chris says that his professor inspired him greatly to do the best he could. Speaking of Chilliwuck, Chris still lives there with his wife. A for the matter of his homecoming to UCFV. Chris s.iys. "It's great to be back. l'vc missed thi place."

CBC SCOLDEDFOR 'ANTI-AMERICAN'TOWN HALL

l:3y Michael Mallcson. The Sttand

TORONTO (CUP) - CBC's ombudsman l1c1-;critici,.e<l CBC New~ for broudcusting ,1 tll\\ n hall program he says expressed a one• sided, unti,Amcricon view oi' the Sept. 11 terrorist auacks.

David 8aa1y rulc<l that the nudie11ce111the Sept. I 9 wring ot' a Nation.ii Town Hall ennsis1ed almo~t entirely of university stu dents und f)llblic emrloyces, and lherl'l'ore did nut represent a fair cross-section of Canadians or Torontoni.ins as the term ''national town hall"

might imply.

The ombudsman\ revkw began after viewer , many American. criticiL.cd the progrnlll for presenting u view heavily hiused towards a leftist and anti-Amcriean n11tlo11k.

Although Bai',ay said 1hc program did not technically violate the corporation ·s journ;ilism policy, he was critical of the CRC and m:ide several recommendations for change.

"How could CBC-TV News describe a program built around comments und que:.tions nf a studio audience in downtown Toronto as 'national?'" s:iid Ba,ay.

"There appeared to be lilllc representation from the private sector. and this in a dty thm's al the centre of Canada's important economic relationship with the United Stotes." Ba1.ayadded,

Of the 23 members of the audience who made a stotemen1.he counted 11 who either attacked the notion of using force 01 blamed American foreign policy for the allacks.

Applause greeted all of the 11 statements, but the audience was sih:111when one .iuJiem;e member said "the fact is, in a thousand ways, we arc more like the Americans than I think any other country i~."

Ba7:iy encouraged the producers to send

invitations to pri• vale-sector employees as well as university students and pub I ic employees.

SURVEY FINDS MANY STUDENTS WITHOUT PARENTALSUPPORT

By Mark Greenan, Ottawa Burt:au

OTI'AWA (CUP)

A survey released this wet:k suggests that student loan programs take parental contributions toward tht:ir children's educution for granted.

The survey, commissioned by the Canad.i Millennium Scholarship Foundation, found that 46 per cent of stucknts under the agt: of 22 receive no financial assistance from their part:nLs, whilt: about a third of those over that age receive parental help.

Currently, government student loans programs assume that all students under the age of 22 receive financial uid from their parents and thu1 all students ubove that age do not. Students under the age of 22 whose parents have enough discretionary income Lu pay for sonic of their education have their loan payments reduced uccordingly, while students with parents above a set income level arc ineligible for government loans.

Alex Usher, a senior policy and research officer ut the foundnlion, ~aid the study ~hows some inadequacies in existing SIU• dent aid programs.

''The system we've got doesn't reflect parental contributions very well.'' he 'aid.

According to Usher. Ihe stu<ly, which wi 11track 1,5'2.4post :secondarystudents un a monthly basis, is the first uf its kind in Canadn in 30 years. He sai<lthe survey was part of a larger research program that will evaluate financial assis1ance programs across the coun1ry.

However. Usher wuuld 1101speculate on the policy implications of the work und said that a re-evaluation of the foundation' definition of financ:inl nee<l,which is based on provincial definitions, is unlikely.

"This is one of the pieces of work we're doing LOsec if needs assessmentis being Jone properly," said Usher.

"NeeJ~ assessme111 is nne of those things Ihat provinces do,'' he snitl. "We can't change it without gt:lting every student in the country lD apply twice for finuncial aid.''

The Canadian Alliance of Student Associations said the study demonstrates the need for a review of the needsassessmentcriteria for student loans pro• gram.

"What we have to do now is focus on our needs-assessment policies, especially towards parental contribution," said Erin Stevenson, the association' communica-

tions coordinaIor.

Stevenson said it wus particulnrly troubling that some tudcnts may be unable to pursue their e<lucuiion becauseof 1hc lack of parental or governmental sup port. She suggested there should be an ;:ippeul process for students who are denied financial assistnnce.

"We know that there ,ue students whose parenls refuse to help them and Ihe Canada SIuden1Lo<1nsprogram does not even allow students lo appeal the decision," she said.

Canadian Federation <1fStudents' (CFS) national chair Ian Boyko agreed needsassessmentcriteria should be revisited. However, he said it should only be a short-term measure until a national sys• tern of needs-basedgrants is instituted LO combat student debt.

"The fact remains that students need to borrow gobs and gobs of money 10 go to school in C,rnuda." he said.

The study also looked at student use of credit cards nnl.l fuund that 65 per cent of students have at least one card, whil1.:27 per cent have two or niorc cards. '!'he survey also found a relatiotiship between the number nf credit curds and a student' level of indebtedness. While the average debt of a s111dentwith one card was $900. students with three of more cards were on avernge $2,500 in the red.

Boyko suid this confirms that studc111 debt is higher than estimates that lake only government loans into account.

"Lt is showing what we've been saying about all the h iddcn debt thnt isn•t in Canadastl1dentloans." he said.

SIevcnson agreed the study clurifics the extent of student indebtedness.

"This stUdy showed us that there urc l01• of ways for students to gn into debt.'' she said.

Usher ulso agreed the levels of ctcuit card debt likely indicate financial hardships ~tudentsface and said 1heresults of the survey should clarify the problen,.

"The credit card numbers show llrnt the problem with students is not Jebt aver• sion, but poverty aversion.'' he said. "I don't know how if you're gelling student loans and your p.HeJHsarc not contributing you can survive."

The survey also looked at summer e.irni ngs of students and found that 11 per cent of students dill not work during the summer and that only 17 per cent earned over $6,000.

The results of the survey are considered accurate 10 within a margin of error 01 plus or minus 2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

BRITISH COLUMBIA LEGISLATIVE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

2003 Program PURPOSE

To provide British Columbia university graduates an opportunity to supplement their academic training with exposure to public policy-making and the legislative process within the province's parliamentary system.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE

Individuals who have received a Bachelor's Degree from a B.C. university or a B.C. university-college within two years of January 2003.

LOCATION

Parliament Buildings, Victoria, British Columbia

APPLICATION DEADLINE

January 31, 2002 • 4 p.m.

TERM

January 6, 2003 • June 30, 2003

STIPEND

$16,210 for 6 months

HOW TO APPLY

Program Applications are available from Political Science Departments at all universities in British Columbia. You can also request an application by contacting the Public Education & Outreach Office in Room 144, Parliament Buildings, Victoria B.C., V8V 1 X4. Telephone: (250) 387-8669 Email:.6.Ql.lf...@leg.bc.ca.

Or print an application from the website: www.legis.gov.bc.ca.

ACADEMIC ADVISOR$

Dr. Paul Tennant, University of British Columbia

Or. Patrick Smith, Simon Fraser University

Or. Norman Ruff, University of Victoria

Dr. Tracy Summerville, University of Northern British Columbia

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

ATTENTIONCASCADE EDITOR

time 1 got outside what I observed consisted of the strcct being lined with people on both sides for about n block directly outside Animals. fhe inuividual that hut! been getting beaten up insiuc ns we were leaving was trying to run back into lhc bar to ge! oway rrom the mob that had nll been rhrown out with him. As he was frying 10 ru11buck insiuc he was thrown 10 the grounu, were 6-7 people began kicking him. One individual rnn up and kicked the man on the ground in the l1c:adus though he \1,cre kicking. a soccer ball. Thi~ wus the most savage and sevt!re beuli11g thut I have ever had the tlisplea ure or witnessing. I have truveled ex1en::ively in third world coun1ries and have seen varying degrees of human suffering but nt:ver huve I been so repul:,ctl by the viciousness of such an atrnck. There were numerous p1:opk cheering us this person was viscou~ly beaten. The scariest part about the whok situation was that anyone of thosc kicks that this ynung n1an recciv1:d could have been thc one thul ended his life.

There nre J\umerous cuses nf young people being killed sonicwhat accidentally ufier being kicked in such a manner. My question 111you the stu• dent of UCFY is hl)w lnng are we going to let this go on fpr before we stand ll1gether nnd 1101kt this type 1>fdisgraceful behavior thut goes on. Arc we going tn keep ~upporting this establishment that let~ our p<:crs get hent uµ r(lr nu apparent reason on a fairly regular basi~.

As the police cars were nearing the scene. of the allm:k on this young nrnn two doot111e11came run• ning out and starl1:tl IO push people away rrom uround the unconscious body. Myself anu another persnn offeretl to give hitn first uid, ot1ly to be pushed awuy by the tloorn1en as they at1e>nptedtu drug the mall further out onro rhe su·eet( I' 111assum• ing so that ii wouldn'I appear us though the uttuck hnd oc.;currctlon their property) 1-!aJthis mari had uny type of n1:umlogical or spinal damage the results of moving hi111 coukl have hccn lwrrenrlous·t I ha, c <:pokcn Ill a few pnlicc officers in Ahbot~ford and while they ull a<.:knnwlcdgetl thc c,tcnt of lhi. rroblein, none \.\Crc to olfer any ,ubstnn1ial solution~. 1Jlhcrthan to ju,1 11111go to Aniinub anymnrc. I recenlly <:poke [O the owner or Anirnnb. and uro11de~crihing the al tuck thm l1CCurn!uinsiue he said that he knew the individual rcsponsihle and th:it he hau personally hnned hiln Im life. he ubo as~urcd me that Anirnnls i~ and will t11mainto be a safe place for our students rn go. If he fails to keep his promise I woulu pruroM.: that we have studet11e11a1:t11 hoycoll tlmt will force the l!Wners to take ac1iu11.Wc have u right as ynuhg people in this city tn he ahle tn go out and not IH1vt:to worry about becoming !he vic1im Clf~<m1e ignorant, wannabe'~ inability l(1 hc1ndlchi:. ulcohnl".

1 have been advised 1hut in the inter est of mine and 111yfamilies safety that 1 should remain unonynwus

FRESH WATER No MORE

By Amanda Mills

The Grc.it Lukes of North An1erica are the largest supply of fresh water in the world. Water is the main ingredient to human survival anu has been since the dawn of man: however. now 01u11hos reached an era of technology that causes more dnrnage than guod. Nature has tried to remain in tact but is losing the bull le. For thc lust century man ha1;r1:alizcd that the Orem Lake need help to rep;.iir itself, but what steps are being LOokco fix the Jumagc we have done? Man has uamagcd the Great Lakes beyonu lhcir repair.

Nmurul occurrences such as rain anu topographical location continues to destroy lhe Great L11kesecosystem. The lakes are like u fancy fountain, one lake !lows into another and finally to a greater pool. Lake Superior is approximately 500111 deep, starting from 190m above sea level to 300m below. The smallest lake i Lake l:::ric, which sits at approximately 65m deep, starting at 175m abov1:sea level. This makes Lake Erie the most polluted lake. Lake Michigan lies entirely in the United States, 11owsinto Lake lluron. then St. Clair Lake, followed by Erie and then Ontario.

Nature designed these lakes about 200.000 y1:arsago during the ice age. Pollution from the near by cites all llow into the lakes anu then out to the se11.Ports such as 1heone 011 the Chicago River arc used for sanitation purpl>sesand rain for,es the over• tiow into Lake Michigan. T<lpogruphicul elevation p1:rsuadcs all pollution itJ the ground to now in to these lakes. And like so muny problems New l 1oundland has it's because of the water now. The Great Lakes' pollution has cuuscd flshing damage by causing a decrease in fish population. The rnin and elevation is a factor in why the lakes arc so polluted bul they arc only pollut• eel because man made the 1:heinicals fir.~t.

Man's drive to be the best made a few sacrifices when it comes to the environment. Technology is the f111Ure,bul at what cost'! Today's society has a great need for pesticides, hospitals. sewagc disposal, and vnrinus other toxins that end up in our main source of fresh wawr. Compunies !>U<.:has Stclco and Defusco make up most of th1:pollution heing dumped into Lake Ontario.

In 1998, scientists did a chc111icalcxtrncti<rn test on Hamiltun Oay, Ontario. They pulled 400 unidentit1able chemicals, and this ii- not including the ham1ful toxins they did finu. Last yeur they lost count at 500 they couldn't identify. rr this is Lake Ontarin, how 111unyarc in Lake Erie, the niosl polluted lake'? In the summi.:r gwcnish-hrown foam rolls over the waves on Lake Erie's shores. Never once have I heard about a report on Luke Erie·s waier, or any of the other lakes for that mutter. l've hearu about the mist from Niagara Fults bei11ga leading cause of <.:nnc1:rin Nit1gara-on-the-Lakc region. The ground in Ontario is ~o loaded with pesticides then: wus a provinci11I warning not tl) e.it any gmwn food without bcing wa~hcd first. Severn! chick• cns and cm>.•~have hecn affected ;ind it is now not safe to eat any rare n1c<1tfrom Ontario forms. People huvc been affectc<l us well, with the spread of conta111inu1euwa1cr in Walkertnn, Ontario re ulling in four clenths.

Air ~1uality isn't much better. There have been several warnings where peorlc living in airflow c.;011wic1inghomes were warned not to op1:n lht:ir windows. Regular pcorlc , ere rold not to gu outside unless necessary. Schools were clused and elderly people were evacuated rmm their homes to be in a more i..uitable cnvirnnment. With lishing und tourism shutting down anada has mnre thnn a lillle walcr to clean u11but u whole country.

Cleaning the Great Lakes has rnken u long time to start. Nature and Mnn must wl1rk together 1i1rectil'y this situatiun qnd restore the Lakes to al least touclwhle conditions. Lawl'.i have been made nhout illegal dumping and yet seen to have no real effect. Sewag1:companies that use wat1:r in !heir flllration sys• tems hn\'e been given several byluws tu follow to ensure that the water being plnc.;edback in is not cont minated or h;irmful in any way. There has cven been wlk in Ontario nf a group nf sci• ehti~ts plocing more chemicals in !he lakes lt1 counteract the last ones. This is just unsubstantiuteJ I.Ilk bu1 in all hints there is some truth.

The brntnn1 line i:; that C.inada .incJparts of the United State:. nre killing the Great Lukes and tire dning very li11lc to lielp Nature is trying ln work against mnn hut is l11si11gMun has evolved into the technology m plastic age. but with advance ment are n,me waste ahd more respon~lbility lo i:nnsetve what is precious to ull humans. \Hiler.

K. & H. Sedore

e st'de

There are nine words in the English lnnguage that, if erro· neously uttered in my presence, will dnmn ncHr get a person hot at this point: "I'm almost done my Christmas shopping, how about you?" (My sister-in-law actually suid this to me in early November).

Done? Hell, I haven't even started! In fact, l' don't even let my kius write out their wish lists until I'm done my finul exams a~ far as I'm concerned, it's just something else l have to read-and remember-at a time when I'm leaving textbooks in the loo in order to make the most of cvc.·ry waking moment. (Laugh if you want, but there's a lock on the door and the courtesy of five minu1e·s peuce in there).

Well. the kids have started to pressure u~ ubout putting up the decorntions and thc like, but really, <.:0nsidcringthat exnm-lime is fast approaching, the only festive glow arounJ here is the burning of the proverbial midnight oil in a futile atte111ptto complete all of our last-minute assignments. In fact, most of my writing at the morncnt sports a holiday colour theme through• out: what, with nil of those lilllc red and green lines under the words. who could po sibly accuse me of 1101gelling into 'the mood''? Besides, my desk1op wallpaper has trees on it.

ln all reality, though. T like Christmas; it's the one morning every year that I could actually sleep in until noon and the kidfl would never notice (I'm kidding). Turkey dinner is a wonderful excuse lo say 'diets be damned' and eat way too much which is probably why the avcrage household only has three turkey dinner per year; it takes at least three months for one's gastrointestinal tract to recover.

But back 10 shopping: no, I haven't got anything done beside purchase a couple of packages or cards that I'll probably never get around to mailing out in time. 1 console myself with Ille fact that in my family the women are highly allergic to tamps, thus preventing us from using the traditional postal system 10 spreud holiday cheer. If it weren't for ~111ail, I don't think we'd manage to stay in touch at all; for example, during the summer, my sister moved into a new house and was kind enough to forward her new 'co-ordinates' to me in a batch etnnil. But I have lots of ideas about what each of my children needs/wa11tsto find unJer the tree this year, like socks und underwear, a11dit just wouldn't be Christmas unless they ead1 got a brand new toothbrush in thei1 stockings. Besides. I only shop because I like to wrnp, and I wrap nhsolutely cvcrything at Christmas. The kius think Lhcy get a truckload of stuff every year, but thl.\t'S because I'm hiding behind the couch re-wrap• ping everything just lo make the motning last a little more than fifteen minutes. Reduce, reuse, recycle!

Being a st11de111might put a financial pinch on Christmas cel• ebrations, but it certainly helps to keep other, more important ,1spectsof the season in focus. like spending time together. And considering that we adults have more time off over the holidays th;in do the kitls. we' II he sure to remind them of thal every morning when they go out the door to catch the bus to school.

But in all seriousness. I look l'orwaru to this lime of year wh1:n I gel to spend ~ome time with our kids and just have fun with them wi1hout worrying about homework a1.signmcnts or bedtime schedules. Two wc1:ks. though. is all thnt <.:anb1: enjoyed hcfnre there·s 1he need to get back to the academic arena where lh<1ughtsare rntional. sentences arc complete. anu lines of urgun,ent arc not always successfully concluded with ·cuz I ~aiu o· at lca~t. that's what the kids tell me.

I hope everyone h,,s a happy, safe, button-popping holiday. I, for one, huv1: a forn1idahle wrili11g assignment to tackle once clas es conclude this semester it' called Christmas correspondence

CAFETERIAUNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

By: Amanda Mills

r have been attending UCFV for the past three years. fn such time I have only eaten in the cafeteria (maybe) ten times. The prices are too high and the food quality is not there. But since the cafeteria is under new management I decided to go back. Wrong idea. The food selection hasn't improved by much. The quality is the same and the prices arc sky rocketing.

1 had a conversation with one of the work• ers there and they said, "Students are coming to me and telling me we're losing business." The cafeteria is loosing business nnd therefore raising their prices. How many of us wondered why the bacon cheeseburger costs a dollar more? But when you add Bacon 10 another burger you pay $0.60 more? And you get two skinny little pathet• ic pieces of meat. If I'm paying $0.60 more for bacon l wanl at least some flavor of Bacon on my burger. The quality of the food has nol improved or decreased, so what's with the price jack up?

Well, wh.it about all the other post-secondary schools in BC? U BC has Asian food there on a regulnr basis. lntemational students pay five to ten times in tuition than Canadian students .ind they are centrally located in the cafeteria. Constantly I walk in there and see tables of Jnternational students. Latin Americans, Taiwanese, Vietnamese. Chinese, Japanese, and European are some who make tlp our International students. Why nut have more [nternational foods in the cafeteria. lt's bad

dents conform to our society just to teach them. Ycs they did apply to allend to go to UCFY but as a whole we should accommodate them for their choice and money.

fNTERACT! ! !

Why is there no interact in the c.ifeteria? There were rumors that the new management was going to put interact in the cafeteria but never did. Perhaps they own the bank machine too and are making too much money. Even the smaller cafes don't have Internet. The cafeteria might do better if they offered it there. Many students refuse to use rhe high service chnrging bank machine and wait until they go elsewhere to spend their money. How many of us would love to see an Interact machine (or two) in the cafeteria? Or the smaller cafes around the school? Everyone who uses Interact should say yes to this.

Why won't the cafeteria mnnagement see this? Because they might think that the construction to put in a phone line for Jri,eract might out weigh the profit of having it there. Or they just don't want to make money. Think abC)utit. If the bank machine is pri· vately owned, or own by thc sameAmerican Company that runs our cafeteria, they would be making money. And if interact was available elsewhere in the school the banks would profit and less money would go to the Company or private owner.

When it comes down lo it, it is all about money and how to get the most of iL. This is just my opinion, but maybe it should be enough we arc making the International slll- yours.

Sur1Jey1/ME!

Pleaseanswer these questions and return it lo the Cascade or your SUS on your campus. This survey is more of a petition that the results will be handed lo the head of the CMfcte• ria managcmtint in hopes to improve your cafeterias on every campus.

Student Number

Questions (circle one)

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN ATTENDING UCFV'? SINCE SEPT LAST YEAR TWO YEARS WHICH CAMPUS(ES) DO YOU ATTEND?

ARB CHK HOP MIS

DO YOU USE INTERACT ON A REGULAR BASIS?

YES NO

MORE

HOW MANY TIMES WOULD YOU SAY YOU USE INTERACT EACH DAY? 0-5 6-11 11-16 20+

WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE INTERACT IN THE SCHOOLS CAFES,AND CAFETERIAS?

YES NO

IF THERE WAS INTERACT WOULD YOU EAT THERE MORE OPTEN'?

YES NO

IFTHE FOOD WAS CHEAPER'!

YES NO

ll•THEllE WAS MORE SELECTION? YES NO

ARE YOU AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT?

YES NO

WHAT DO YOU THINK or TIIE SCHOOLS FOOD QUALITY? Rate the following (five being bad and one being excellent) PRICES? SELECTION?

~: Th~blfe I (;hoosc ':,· f travel'thfs' toad in:b\iilp11ess.t

lJnll~Vnl'eofwhetai,tIs fontllng m~.,

Tn.1$tingthat it W111~aVethis lif~. '\

The,plUi~rugged and undesirable.

r g-lMce dt·opposingpatbs

But over the hill they leao tQ destntotion.

At IJ~l~f:S l feel lost andalone, 1'mleft w-911~riM i ~-1'~rrt:\d!; oneroomany Wtongturn~ t~att\ave left Qly itbuudqned, cry outabove rhe chao~;1tLo1·dsaye me!'' ,,,

Wr~ppedin his s<iothingpresen~ ( lift rn,¥fl\ce.wipemyknees ,.l J\nd cont(rlue thi$Jobrlley.,tdf(ee~~ttl·

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE DONE WITH THE CAFETERIA?

LIST ONE THING THAT THE CA PETEil iA DOESN 'l HAVE THAT SHOULD HAVE'!

WHAT ABOUT" EATING? WOULD YOU LIKE A PLACE OUT SIDt WIIERE YOU WON T GET WET (its BC we II get wet no nrnttcr w h II t ) ?

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

PS.ALL THOSE WHO PINISH TI-IIS SURVEY AND HAND IT TO TIIE CASCADE OR SlJSOFFICES WILL RE ENTERED IN A DRAW FOR A CASH REWARD. (and don t worry James the money is coming out of my pay check)

A (HRISTMASY-TYPE STORY:

By Beth Kelleher

Her mm1c was Donna-Rose Black and at i'irst glance you might question why I mention her at all. for she dm:sn't appeur to be one of those remarkable people that stands out in a crnwd. nor would even want to. She stood barely 5' l ." weighed 98 pound., had shoulder-length pin-straight sanely-blonde hair, anc.Jhad a waif-like, mousy appearance. More often than not, it is only her humbling limp that evokes a second look at all.

Donna-Rose led a very sn1all life, and contrary to the shallow opinions of those unwilling to look beyond her lagging left leg to see her sQul, this was a result of bravery. For, though few, outside the small, close-knit core of friends who'd become her fomily after her parents death, had even heard of Donna-Rose Black, those who dared to look beyond the child-like frailty and physical faltering, would see that the true Donna-Rose was so much more thon a compilation of the experiences from which she'd grown. Her parents had abandoned her 10 foster care at age 7. By age 10.she'd been diagnosed with epilepsy and hod experienced occasional tcInporary kidney failwe. Her fo$Ler pnrents split up when she was 11, and a large family adopt• ed her at age 12 with an abusive father who sexually assaulted Donna-Rose and her adopted sister until she moved out of the hnuse al the age ofl 7.

While her story was a mosaic of' cycles - pain and growth, exuberance and depression. health and heartache. gain and loss, strength and infirmity - culmi11uling in a nearly-fatal car crash several years ago. l)on11a found an inner peace she 1.;alls'God.' thal gave her life a purpose that she'd never had before. However. as I mentioned earlier, few know her ~tory. or sec anything more th.rn the limp that result from poM re-constructive surgery following the car crash.

Iler '',mull lik" included part-t11nc sccn:turial work at a cnmnlllntly center. ,oluntecring with a church youth group, weekly c.:01111:-.cling,cssinns with the Ir11stetlpsychologist hcr bo:-.slrnd rccummenckd year~ cnrlicr. whe11she first shared her ~tmy. and the .'i "brothers nnd sisters" "ho ,hared thc11 l.1111ilicswith Dnnn;1 Rn~c and hccamc the family ,he hnd ni:ver had as well as the lrie11d:..~he s,1Jes peratt.!I} rwcdcd 01 wursc none or the penple in her lire, \icv.ec.l he1 l1fc 1t, ll'llll>tcly insign11'icunt. Thul i'uct that she

ww, c•,idenci:, In them. ol hrnh (iod's Grace and D,11111<1-Rt1,l',..,ubn,11w1ous1ktermin:nio11 tn livi: Howe, er. ).he had ni:vcr, icwct.l hcr own life ;i, n1lu<1blcin I hat "ay. l)c:..p1tcherng lolt.l that -.he nv. n ,ell' pl.'rceptitln

wos "tainted by in~ccurity, a sense of low self-worth und her inability to let go or the past and move on." DonnaRose had always felt that her life was not her own. She seemed to hnve an innate certainty that ut some pointthough she hud no iden when or where or how - she'd be culled on to give it ur,.und to the disparity of those who cured about her. Donna-Rose had an intrinsic acceptance of this.

And that's why when the time came, witnesses say she didn't seem shocked, saddened or in pain at all.

It was late Saturday night, shortly before New Years. Well, technicnlly, it was early Sunday morning, but she smiled as she claimed that it was still "early enough 10 let a mind wonder drift and revel in the magical complacency that this night could lust forever and that 9am church-bells might never ring."

Snowflakes wafted willingly lo the frosty earth, bumping each other on their way down to form a fluffy white blanket over everything. It covered our hair, like twinkling halos, and turned our checks and noses rosy red.

Donna-Rose giggled softly und her two companions joined in. As angelic as they must have seemed lO each other, they must h;ive realized how comical they would appear to an outsider. They twirled omong the dancing flakes in circles under the strcetlights, basking in the innocence of the moment.

When they began to feel the cold. they headed back t1w nrds the r.1111iliarsplitlevel home ut the end of' the Suddon Mnuntain cul de-~ac, li~tcnini; to the voices tlmt drifted out,.,ide as they appr 11;I1.:hed.The s1c.idy ba,c heat that pnunded out inw the street r.111,,:u them to smile k11t1\\ ingly at each 11tilc1. a, (1ne of the w1,111en \\ tth Donna Rt1se. rusht•c.l ,1lwad tn rl.'q;;e,I nc\\ 11111sk ;ind ,I k·~,er

volume for their friend and self-deemed DJ.

tvlcanwhile, as she got closer, Dunna-Rosc rccogni1.ed the thumping of the orange ball on tlw pavement in her driveway and voices began to separate themselves from the general hum, so Donna-Rose turned lo circle around the back of the house from the edge of the embankment to take a few minutes for herself amidst the small guthcring of friends and momentarily bask in the comfort of familiarity at it's finest having no idea that that moment would decide her fate.

In the split second between, leaving the street, and moving around the back of the house, Donna-Rose heard the voice of a small child coming form over the edge of the embankment. She ran over to see, and observed one of the neighborhood kids caught, teetering from a snag in the rocki'ace.

No one can guess if she knew the danger that she would face, though I'm guessing she did, but it's as if the child she saved was solely worth dying for and, in her own mind, that child was meant lo take her place. For in an instance, Donna-Rose Black sacrificed her "small existence" for a greater good still yet to be fully identified, let alone realized. Though I can't prove it, and J never actually saw her wings, or gleaming gold halo, but there was something about her an inherent awareness and knowledge of eternity, something infinite and light about her that will forever leuve me wondering. She seemed to know all along that she'd meet her Maker in a sn1.:rificc, but why she hnd to go, He's the only one who knows. !'hough, if you were to ask me, I'd ~ay He tool her 'home' nnce .igoin. for lhe company ol' His angelit· Donna-Rose.

SUREFIREPREDICTIONSFOR 2002

GUARANTEED99.9% INACCURATE:

By Nicole Pecenka

Economics: The world will be fa<.:ingscri• ous economic downturns.

Politics: The US will become a third world country. World peace will not hreak out this year. Beyond that, Some dorks will be reclected. some, schmu<.:ks will be fired or replaced, but jerks - well. jerks will be with us forever.

Bad luck always comes in threes. Remember that hair is flammable.

Science and Engineering: Mad cow disease will be cured, but irate chicken disease will be discovered. Flying car prototypes will leave the drawing board.

If you have a monkey on your head, have someone scare it off. They can bite.

Education: The exam-free course schedule is in the works. Here's something to consider: good hye university-college, hello regional university! (Perhaps then we'd gel 011r new building?)

Clowns will become popular. Mime:- will fm;e death threat~.

Entertainmunt: A swing dance ohscssinn will ~weep the nation (for more rnfnrmation. come to roorn A226). Punk will be replaced by a resurgen1.:cor cfocn fever.

Mustard

ycll,1w will he the new black

We will learn hnw to talk to the animak If you have ever wanted to have a heun to

heart with a platypus, now's your <.:hancc.

Bewnre a three-eyed mnn in a hat.

Now that we have the general predictions out of the way, here are the horoscopes fur 2002:

Aries: A tenden<.:y10 do too much will be exaggerated in the New Year. Puce yourself to avoid burning out. Don't be discouraged by a loss of enthusiasm. Try to be more considerate of others this year, and unexpected friendships or secret allies may be yours.

Taurus: People may try to lean on you more heavily this year. Limit the numbers of char• ities you support at one time, and prioritize your life. Don't be too critical or others this year. Try to sec something from another per• son's point of view. Expose yourself to new foods or experiences this year.

Gemini: As 2002 promises tn be more hectic, challenges will abound this year. Hamper a need for the new and develop your existing skills. Don't procrastinate if you want to SU<.:<.:cecl at all this year.

Cancer: This wi 11he a gnod year for you 1 Just make sure that you have enough lime fnr yourself. A long-lost acquainwnce may come tn call.

Ll'O Your ability tn nrganilc am.I delegate tusks will be well utili1ed this year. Dun't he su,pri\1.:d if you find yourself in a pnsitinn

11fa11thori1yin several ~illlations this year. Jr

1ou play your cards right this year, financiJI ci r<,;1111,~lances w i II it nprove <.:on1.idcrabl y.

Virgo: Be vigilant about your health and well being! You may be tempted to ignore yourself this year. Fo<.:uson the little things uncl do no more than 2 things at once. Try to avoid making decisions on odd numbered days before 9 am.

Libra: If you can't commit to anything this year, you're in trouble. If you're able to knuckle under, things look good for 2002. You may encounter a new love interest or a resuri;cncc of passion in an existing one.

Scorpio: A lung journey may be fated for you. Be sure you have your life in order so that. if necessary, you can take off at a moment's notice.

Sagittarius: A big change is in store for you. The ability lo positively influence others is crucial tu sustaining relationships this year. Tell a Lt:u near you to lighten up.

Capricorn: Conflicts with loved ones ore inevitable and potentially numerous this year. The number and intensity of these co11frontations are solely reliant on yol1r ability to tolerate crap nnd Lukea joke.

Aqu.iriu~: Let your dream~ take wing! Alignments und funky energies at many points this year will 111agnil'yy()ur creative scope: take auvunlllge or these oppo, tun ,ties and make a stat1::n1i.:nl.

l'i~ct:s: Your kids (if you huvt: them) will try to walk all over ynu. GroutH.I th1.:111.Give your~ell l1111e ancJspace to drea111.StanJ up ln y11u1ho~1,or partm.:r if 11ecessury.Try to focu\ 1in ~ll<.:ictyat large without conccnlnlling nn every individual around you.

WHAT Is OUR WORLDCOMINGTo???!!!

by Beth Kelleher

I wns recently idly glancing al the magazine racks while standing in the check out line al that great mecca of merchandise and immense symbol of North American con• sumerism, Wal-marl, when a Reader's Digest special publication caught my eye. The title, "Arc Lhi: End Time~ Near? Biblical Prophecies You Can't Ignore!'' seemed It> leap off the page al me, inspiring rne, 10 not only to buy a cupy, but in the .~pirit nf curiosity und predictions (as we all lend to indulge in as the New Year approaches as well as in light of recent global catastrophes,) to examine the question fur myself'.

Why bother? You might ask. Many would agree with you. Evidently, we live in the "carpc diem" era where spirituality formerly al the core of societal existence is now shoved aside to eagerly pursue advancement and great gain. It i • the 'here and now' that seems Lo matter in our era, however I would suggest that the "here and now" is so fleeting, thnl it can never be fully appreciated as anything other that past or future.

Even our modern society's desire for advancernem seems to point towards questions and thoughts of the future. A candid look around confirms the suspicion lhal, in general, humnn beings arc fnr more concerned with the horrifying and declining condition or our world than most would

cure to adrnil. 111fact, even Hollywood has clcvclopcd a fascination with end times theory as evidenced by countless movics, TV programmes, books, and video games eluding to eschatological such as "Deep Impact," and "Armageddon" as well as the popular "Len Behind" novel series, by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye But how rclcvanl are these theories today? Is there really something to them?

I found that theories of eschatology (the long, theological word for 'end-times theories') are foundational to Judeo-Christian beliefs. The Bible is full of prophecy, which both "tells forth" and "forc-tclls" God. According to many theologians, the End Times are not even really the end of time, but rather the end of lime as we know it. John, a disciple of Jesus Christ, wrote the Book of Revelation, from which much of Christian Eschatology originates, refers lu the End Times as the final Hcting out of redemption between humans and God.

Revelation presents the prospect for earth and humanity in the end times. Jt also speaks of Armageddon, the opening of heaven, defeat of Satan, the Rapture of the Church, a Great Tribulation and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ for final judgement, wrath, redemption and a reign of peace.

Central to the Book of Revelation in lhi: number seven. The first three ch<1pIcrscontain letters of advice, warning and encouragement lo seven churches, each of which

has a problem or issue that have been variously interpreted to correspond to the seven ages of the modern church. Revelation also mentions the seven ages of the earth, from its creation to end, of which we're said to be nearing the end of the sixth age,just prior to the prophesied Great Seven-year Tribulation preceding a millennium of peace. The sixth Chapter of Revelation describes seven seals opened by God, describing the unfolding of the final events on earth.

Much of Scriptural prophecy points to the end times arid much controversy surrounds the various eschatological views. Reading through the book myself, however, I distilcd a list of fore-telling prophecy mentioned:

Christ will return from heaven to judge the good and the wicked. No one will escape his judgement. (Revelation I :7)

God will unlock the gates of hell and death (I: 14-18)

Christ will break open Seven Seals and unleash the tribulation that marks the beginning of the end. (5: 1-5)

First Six Sealsare opened releasing the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the Torment of the Tribulation and the beginning of Ar'mageddon. ( 1-17)

One hundred and forty four from lhe 12 tribes of Israel will be converted and named upon the saints. Eternal bliss and peace is promised to the faithful after the Tribulation (7:1-17)

The opening of the seventh seals will mark the beginning of the second half of the Great Tribulation and Great Catastrophes are prophesied. (8: 1-12)

A fifth trumpet sounds and the demons from hell will be released tu lonnent those whose l'ailh did not provide them with an escape frorn tribulation horrors. (9: 1-6)

Angels of death will cause havoc among the faithless. (9: 13-20)

The 7lh trumpet will sound, signifying the end of the earth. I 0:5-7)

Two witnesses will testify regarding the terrors that will befall unredeemed humanity.

An earthquake will accompany the final battle of /\rrnageddon ( 11;3-13)

Satan's power will overwhelm the world, but the righteous remain faithful and arc rewarded with eternal life. (12:7-12).

Empowered by Satan, the Antichrist will lure people into his loyalty by performing wondrous clei.:ds.Those who have rejected God submit wilfully to him. ( 13:1-8)

The Antichrist's follower will where the 666 as a sign of their loyalty to their side. (13:11-18)

Christ will lead an army to vanquish the forces darkness once and for all. Satan and his followers will be banished to hell to remain for at least a thousand years during Christ's reign of peace. ( 19:7-21 and 20: I· 3)

The dead in Christ shall raise first and the rest of believers will be united with Christ

(this is the idea of the "Rapture'' of Christians from earth. The Rapture is the basis of the Ldt Behind Series). (20:26) Though, few doubt of it's impending occurrence, there is much uncer• lainty as to its timing)

Satan, the Antichrist, and the faithless will be eternally condemned to hell, portrayed ns a fiery lake forever. (20:7-10)

God will conduct final judgement from a magnificent white throne in Heaven from which He's welcome believers into heaven and condemn the faithless to Hell. (20: 1115)

Sin and suffering will be obliterated in God's new heaven and new earth. (21: 1-4)

God will give paradise, the new heaven and new earth, to believers. (21 :5-9)

God will restore the availability of eternity, and thus the potential of a right relationship between God and humanity, to mankind.

(22: 1-5)

Obviously, most of what I've said is based on an underlying acceptance of the Bible as the True inspired word of God. If that is what you believe, you may have already known much of whal l written. However, if it is not. may I suggest to you an open· minded consideration of these Biblical prophecies that even Reader's Digest has recently deemetl to in ignorable.. I encourage you. whether you are a believer or not, to look around you carefully; the Signs or the Coming End" arc likely closer that you think.

Signs of the Times: What is our World Coming to?

I. The Political Sign: More people killed in wars thi century than in all prior centuries combined.

2. The Natural Sign: famine, plagues, etc.

3. The Social Sign: the need for social programs.

4. The Religious Sign: global missions increased I0-fold

5. The Geological Sign: The frequency of earthquakes

6. The Intellectual Sign: internet

7. The Demonic Sign: Harry Pouer turns the occult into children's entertainment!

8. Thi.: Economic Sign: Bill G<1tcsand other billillnaircs

9. The Unity or lsruel Sign: 1948

10. The Evangeli. tic Sign: global mission to the' I0X40 window

And so: a week, much thought, and 1361 words after I originally picked up the Reader\ Digest in Walmarl, I realize I have merely presentedone of a thousand answers to the ''What is our world coming 10?'' qucs• tion that ha~ been ut the forefront of minds around the world and from ev~ry walk for life. However, I was not attempting lo write a religious over-view on the subject, nor was I attempting to give you an answer, but purely trying lo stimlllate you to think abo111 it for yourself, while sllggesting a possible future for the "here and now'' generation. Obviously, there are dozens of different interpretations of end limes prophecy even within Christianity alone, and there are many other religions and world views with cschatological perspectives. 1 challenge you, as 1 challenged myself, to discover for yourself "what your world is coming to?

THOUGHTFULCHRISTMASGIFTSFOR UNDER $2 ! ! !

By mary

Just because you are an economically challenged student does not mean you have to miss uut un the joys of giving this Christmas. We all have heard that it is "better to give than to receive", but, gifts need not have a price tag equal lo thnt of an airplanc ticket, nor even to the paycheck from your first "real" job. The most important thing to remember when choosing a gift for someone is to put some thought into what you want to express through your gift. 1f you 're tired of driving your bmthers around in your car, then a key chain might be just the thing to help you make you point. If however. you do not plan on dumping your girlfriend, the latest edition of a diet magazine would probably not be the best choice for expressing your affection. The following gifts are wonderful little items found at a "dollar store" right here in Abbotsford, you never know what you'll find. One of my best friends was even thinking of having her bridal registry with "Deals". Dollar stores provide endless items for practical, creative and sensitive gifts, without increasing Visa's stock value! So, with out further adieu, check out these gifts and start making your own Christmas gift list.

Perfec ~i,ttle handsaw.to replace one you broke la year wh

THERE'S SOMETHINGABOUT HARRY...

-By Shannon Loewen

ll's finally corne. After all the hype, all lhe preJi<.:tions,all lhe untieiputinn hy millions ol' cugcr funs, Hurry Pottt.:run<.lhis umigos huve llown in, und it appears they're going lo swy awhile. So thi~ Casc,1Jewriter has forayed into the heart nf Potter Madness, and endured hoards nf screaming kids (and parents) to bring you this ilCC()Unt.So with• nut further ado herc's the i;ooJ, the bud, untl the bizarre of Harry Pottcr.

The (iootJ:

When I saw the visual effects of this movie, I was thinking, "t-foly crup! What were these artists smoking. and where can I get some?!" ll is simply that astounding. Live m:tion anu computer wi:1,,irc.Jrywas blended together in such u way that the visual effects didn't hccon1e the llick itself. yet enhuncetl

thc swryline beyond what other fllmrnakers have tried to <Jo - into pure art. Some scenes not Lo miss are the Ouidditch fllatch, the journey ucross the lake to Hog warts, the Dark Forrest unJ when we finally tinJ out what's under Professor Quirrell's turban (I've decided nut lo spoil it for those who haven't seen the movie or read the book)

.Other ways the rnnvic shines are its usLounding musical .~core.how it stuyk true to the book despite some tfeletion., and its ENTIRELY British cast (which is absolutely phenomenal). Ve1ernnm;tors Richard Harris. Alan Rickman ,rnd Mui;gie Smith give stirring performances as Dumbl~dore uncJ Professors Snape umJ McGonagall. But

the real stars of the show are Dunid Radcliff, Emma Watson, und Rupert Grint as Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ronultf Weasley. respectively. Grint in particular pullctf off his character well with the right touch of gusto and energy and delivered his quips with such bluse, one at least cun't help chuckling. Emma gave that bossy yet insecure manner to her character like Hermione in the books. Daniel. though, truly shines the most, especially in the Mirror of l\rised scene,

The Bad; Anybody who's read the book will notice this immediate-

INFAMOUS PEN REVIEW

AND GETTINGMORESO EVERYISSUE

by Andrew Clurk

This week's pen review is on a brass colorcd pen with an ulluchcd pcnh11lder.The penholder is a11achcdttl the pcn wi1h steel wire rope, which is supposed Ill prevent tl,e thel't ol' this pen. However, when l came across this pen it wus nut uttuclwd t11anything but it:.l'lf. I personally believe th:n if you take the time tu think of how you cun prevent pen theft and your going 10 buy a pen like this, you should think ubout these things. Try sticking it to a desk with the adhesive pad on the base ol' the st.1nd,ull lhesc pens come wilh one, it is a key fcuturc in the design of the pen.

ly: a lot of the scenes from the book have been cut out or changed from what they used 10 be. It's understandable that must of the scenes that L'rn talking about had to be chopped out tu cul down the time that the rnovie takes (2 hours, 50 minutes per view• ing). But some of the scenes important to the book anti future plotlines are gone (the Christmas scene with the Wcaslcy's, the train scene, Dumbledore explaining to Harry why Snape wanted to save Harry's life). Some adults at the theater complained that the movie was slightly too long for their tastes, yet I heard no complaints from any kids. Something that can keep kids and adults alike silent and motionless for roughly three hours cnn't be all bad.

The Bizarre:

f-or some reason two minor characters were axed from the movie: Piers Ponkiss and Peeves the Poltergeist. Piers was no great Joss but Peeves, though annoying, was a hu()t. Perhaps they were trying to avoid a character that many might perceive as the next JarJar Binks. Also Harry's owl Hedwig was not named in the entire movie, and Fang, Ht1grid's dog (no, no, not the giant three headed one) wasn't named until Malfoy (Tom Felton) suid he wanted him in the movie.

In all, it isn't a substitute for the book, but il's still a good movie and for parents, a guaranteed way for your kids to sit still and silently for three hours. This Cascade reporter gives it 4 slurs out of 5.

A HARRY GOODTIME

by Nouh Arney

If you've read the hype about Harry poller, don't believe it. It's not the books made flesh. But, ii is good. Those of you who arc still children ot heart will love this movic, bunging on it's every word. 8ut if you arc expecting the best movie of all tirru.:, you will be disappointed.

My Jirsl impression on leaving the theatcr was "that was tllo short", I then looked at my watch und realized that the movie was over two-and-a-half-hours long. This may be because I was hoping for more from the

book (the dragon growini; up, for exu,nplc) but I suppose that people wouldn't want to go to a movie that was four hours long.

The movie its sclr was wonderful. From Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) dropping off Harry al his aunt's house to Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) confronting his ern.:myat the end, it is .is thoroughtly emersing as the book was. The only problem I can see is the lack of the subtle humor that prevnils in the book. But this can be explained by the focts thnt humur like that is imposiblc to translate to the screen. All in all. n must sec

DANCECRAZE SLOAN:

"Ska/Reggac is the only form or popular n1usic where cultural and racial it11egrn1io11 in the fnns anti the musicians is the norm rather than the cxpcctation. And besides that, it'sjust friggin' good music."

Grent music, with social commentary thrown in to boot.

ft has inllucnccd such musicians os the Clash, and Elvis Costello, who incidentally produced the Specials' lirst album. II has suffered many half-assed revivals in the past two decades. and been mixed with pop. punk. and rock. But no music is as true to the image of the British Rude Boy as the hnnds on 2 Tone Records.

The mnn responsible for the founding of this label was Jerry Dammcrs, founder/keyboardist of the Specials. With I his came the crooning Coventry soundN~if greats such as Madness and Inspector 7, as well as afore• mentioned, the Selecter, the Beul. Bad Manners and the Bodysnat<.:hcrs.

PRE'I't·Y TOGETHER

Chris1opher F. Comer

The boys from Halifax are back, with their sixth album Pretty Togt:ther. The album starts with 1he lyric "This song is Lletlicmcd LO those who know what Rock 'n Roll is ull ubout". And goes straight into the rockin' tune "If It Feels Good l)o it".

Unfortunately thut was pretly 111uchit for any goud ruck tunes as the rest or the nlbu111is full of soft and melodic songs. Exrcpt ror "Pick it Up and Dial It". Which will make you want to put it down ns ii is one of the worsl songs that Sloan has ever done.

But ns horrible as "Pick it Up and Dial It " is. "lt's 111Your Eyes" is great. With a wonderful 111cludy and Patrick Pentland's greot voice, this song is definitely the cream of the crop.

by Sonia 'rhomas

The Specials (the Speci~1ls A.K.A.}, the Sclcctcr, the (English) Beut, Bad Manners, the Bodysnutchcrs*the best in 2 Tone. They were part of the second wave.of ska, sweep• ing the British music scene in around tht mid-seventies, and bringing with it the Rude Roy, the Mod, and the Skinhead. The danceable tu1;es were a massive hit. but

(true to the way of the fu<l) the cruze was over by the early eighties.

It's roots lead us back to Jamnica in thc six• ties. and the original Kingston Rude Boy. This British synthesis was more than just songs: it was a social statement. Racial integration was inevitable due 10the nature of the music. This was put best in the immortal words of Bob Timm when he s11id,

WEBSITES

By John Barker

f, John Barker, am a geek. I spend far too much time on my computer for my own good. But. because of that, J' m able to scour the entire internet in one fell swoop, scooping up the best websites to wuste your precious, precious lime with (beenuse essay writing is no fun), So let's cut to the chase. shall we'?

First up is the best and worst site in 1he world. It is a storehouse of information on any subject you could dream of, as well as poems. stories, journals, and insanity. It is also the crack cocaine of the Internet. This site is none other ihan Everything2 (http://www.cvcrything2.com). l'vc been a user of the site for months now. Basically how it works is someone ~UbnlitS a write-up on a subject. Then, the upper level people get to vote on weather or not it's good. If it's good, you get experience (XP) points. If il's bad, you lose experience points. lf it's just horrible. the write-up is removeLI from the site (nuked). If you manage to amass a certain number of XP and a cerwin number of write-ups, then you advance in level. With eoch level comes a new power ( level 2 is the power lo vote on other peoples write-ups).

Next, is the mcme pool (www.memcpool.com). Basically, it's links. Bui nut ordinary links, oh no, Links to the most bizarre sites that the owner•can lind. From n l<)ltrisl guy (the Internet fad with the picture of thnt guy on the WTC tower as tilt: airplane fires into it) remix of the culti~h "All your Ba5e" music video to dis!llrhingly cute gamei,, this guy manages to lind everything weird the Internet has to offer

And finally for today, because I'm tired, is un obscure web comic called The Parking Loi is Full (www.plif.com). Seriously, this is the moM sick, blasphemous, sexist, twist• ed comic l've ever seen, I like it! Also, the front puge always has the oddest of quotes ("There was n time when I didn't want to cat your brain. That 1ime is over now"), There's 3 years of archived comics at your disposal. so you can warp your senseof humor for a long, long time.

~njoy!

Dance Crat.c is a compilution of 2 Tone Records' best in white boy reggae. With 16 trucks of truly .iwesome. up-bcut songs, it's H great buy. Even for thC>scof you who are to1ally unfamiliar wi1h this s1yle. The crn:q guitar strums and the stylish organ tune:,;roll over each other like waves of heavy sounu, while the horns screu111skankingly in the background, NccLI something to dance to'? Try "Too Much Pressure", 1henew-wove sound of the Selc<.:tcrand Pauline Rlack's sensational voice! Or rocksteouy to the "Guns of Navarone" by the Specials, the undisputed kings of the 2 Tone era!

1'111renlly cnthuscd about this cnn1pilatiu11 hy 2 Tone Records! I advise. that if you· re wise, you'll get out there and buy! So "skank, pogo, do the reggae, twist, shimmy. ~h,1keyour ass" down 10 your local music ,tore right now!

Pretty Together would have benefited wilh more Patrick and Jay Ferguson songs. and less or Chris Murphy's sad ,111<.Jwhinny songs. Sloun isn't the band 1hcy once were with Smeared n11dTwice Removed hut with songs such us "II' It reels Good Du It". "In the Movies" and "It's In Your Eyes" Prclly Together is an album th,ll shows Slonn still hus what it takes to be n great band.

MATTHEWGOODBAND - THE AUDIO OF BEING

By John Burker

Today (actually two weeks ago. but I'm lnzy) l checked the Cascade mailbox, and in the nmil was a thick. puffy pncknge from Universal Recordi, Canada (trademark. copyright, paten, pending, aniJ all rights reserved). I opened it in the office, anLI looked inside. In it were two CD's. Reing lhe opportunistic cheap bastard that I am, 1 look at them ond clai111one for myself. I chose thL· new Mauhew Good Band CD, "The Audio of Being". Matthew Good, fur 1hoseof you that don't alre.idy know this. is a Canadian artist, horn and raised in our home province of BC, so you don't have to feel dirty about supporting mass-marketed American artists. I'm not usually too much of a fan of Mau Good, I like his music but

whok impressed with this CD. It reminded me of Matthew Good's first album, "Last or the Ghetto Astronauts". fron1 the eerie intro of "Man Of Action" to the linalc "Sort of a Protest Song'' J was left feeling a sense of great clespail'and cynicism (that's a good thing where I'm from) but at the same time, a will to change, The CD. for the most pan. !low~ smoothly between tracks. which is more limn I can say for a majority of albums on the market right now, The only <:0111plaint I have with this CD is that the (mandatory?) singles interrupl 1hcotherwise consistent feel of the whole album, and arc blatantly obvious (that would be Carmelina, Anti-Pop, and The Fall of Man). Even with that, I would recommend this CD to those who arc Matt Good fans, and those who I'm nut a real ''fan", regardless I was on the aren'r.

CASCADESPACK A 1-2 PUNCH

By Desiree Mayhew

With both the men's unc..lwomen's basketball teams boasting the best records in the province. it come), as no surprise that the Cascade men anc..lwomen :.it in first place in their league. Whal is shocking is the plucc111<:ntof' the teams in nu1ionul rnnkings: Both the men and the women are in scco11c..l place. In the whole orCanad.i. (here is nnly one team better .than each of our teams. That's impressive fora li11lc school in a big country. Now, with league play over until January, the Cascades have a chance to sit back. take a look at what they've accon,plished. and sel goals for the second hnll' of the season. How will they do? We're hoping that both teams go ull the way to the Nationals and bring back mcc..lals. Why do we say this'! Because UCFV has hand• picked some of the best players 10come out of' BC high school's anc..lcombined together with awarc..lwinning waches to put together the strongest teams that the province has seen in years. Way tcl go Cascuc..les!

Jumpshots:

Well. with the semester over, it's make or hreuk for the athletes. '.l'he rule is, if you dnn't puss 9 credits. you don't play. And it's happened in the past that some of the players were unable to play thc sccond half of the scason due to marks, so w1='II have to wait anc..lsec what harpens to the roster in the new year. What can be tolc..lis two new additions to the team: National MVP and

Tournument All-Star Wayne Jones will be returning to the Cascades when.: he will rejoin with forn1er teamrnates Aaron Wells, Mike McLavcrty, anc..lAnthony Toth. As well. Mike Lee will be returning tO the roster uftcr sitting for half a year due to grades. Welcome bal:k boys!

Results:

Women: November 16th @ Kwantlcn 6655 Win

17th@ Douglas 91-38 Win

November 23rd vs. UC Cariboo 84-76 Win

24th vs. UNBC 80-40 Win

Women's Record: 6-1 with 11 games remaining

Men: November 16th@ Kwantlen 91-81 Win

17th @ Douglas 88- 76 Win

November 23rd vs. U '

Cari boo 84- 76 Win

24th vs. UNBC 95-68 Win

Men's Record: 7-0 with 11 games remaining

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

FI l l SEISIN PISS

Black-out period December 27 to 30, 2001

Price $349.00 + $24.43 (GST) == $373.43

Must be full-time student (proof of three courses) between 17 and 25 years of age

Offer valid until December 14, 2001

Sign up at SUS office (A213)

GENERALMANAGER'SMONTHLYREPORT

November 200 I

J joined the SUS on November 01. 2001. The first 8 • l 0 days were spent in the "ori• enlation" process, meeting both the Executive and full Student Council, reading volumes of background materials, meeting UCPV staff, and basically finding out who to see about various issues. This was coupled with many, many meetings. From there on to specifics: '

I. UCFV Affinity Card Program.

After discussions with SUS Council and Bob Warick, we have reached an agreement where the SUS will earn revenues based on the number of UCFV students who sign on for the program. Slated to begin in Feb./ 2002 the SUS will earn $35.00 for each approval provided Ihat thc account remains open for al least 90 days and there has been a purchase within that time period.

2. SUS News letter.

Brought forth the concept of a regular SUS newsletter to be distributed to the sIudent body. The purpose of the newsletter is for the dissemination of factual information, achievements and successesof the SUS, and information on current projects underway. The newsletter is a imple method of corn• rnunicating with the students whom Council represents without any political undercurrents as the Council was elected to take actions for the overall benefit of the students. H is my personal opinion that such a medium of information was extremely necessary given the current political climaie that Council faces regarding the "paid executive" issue in that students are asking for information <>nthe things Council docs and is working towards. Jose has done an excel• lent job on the first issue!

3. Student Activity Center

During the month of November, I attended a multitude of meetings regarJing the new SAC and the new Student Lounge. Topics covered included flooring, the fitness center, construction issues, decor, furnishings, fixtures, equipment, internet service, food kiosk operation, fax service, movie nights, live entertainment, sports, games, services, and programming, along with BUDGETS. In an attempt to obtain as much feedback as possible from students, a survey form has been circulated see~ing feedback on issues like type of food offerings and the possibility of a licensed pub on campus. Early indi• cations are thal students definiIely want to sec an on-campus pub, and food offerings related to a great sub sandwich and /or pizza offering. Given the size and budget restraints, every effort will bc made 10 "satisfy those crnvings".

4. ATM & Enterluinment Gaming.

1 have held several mecIings with various suppliers of ATM and gaming equipmenL

We are proposing an ATM for the new Student Lounge, one for the area next w the Roadrunner Cafc, and currently in discussions aboul replacing the ATM next to the cafeteria. What I am attempting to arrange is an agreement where the SUS will collect rcvenues from each ATM transaction while keeping the transaction price fair and affordable to both students and facult,y / staff. I have met with Bob Warick and Daryl Conner of UCFV and hope to bring forth to Council shortly a proposal that would be acceptable to Council, students, and the UCFV with funds nowing to the SUS enabling the SUS to expand services offered to students.

Regarding gaming, 1 am negotiating a rev• enue-sharing agreement when: the SUS

would carn revenues generated from entertainment games but with no direct cost to the SUS.

5. Chilliwack Campus

There have been several issues to deal with at the East campu with the most notable being the loss of free parking on the gravel arearlcXt H) the campus. We have met with representativesof the r,ropcrty owners and l have prepared a proposal thut will hopefully satisfy their concerns. II would involve issuing s1ucJentparking passesprovided students agree to abide by the simple rules altaehed. Hopefully this will be accepted shortly. Regarding the Chilliwack ~tudent lounge, l hope to have a vending operator supply entertainment games [ pool, etc] by January, provided all sits well with the UCFV. In addition, 1 will ask Council for fu11dingto replace the broken furnishings in the lounge and add a much neededcomputer to the student office. Al Ihe same time, I will seek funds for adding a bit of "aunos• pherc" to the swdents lounge as It should be a place where they can relax and enjoy.

l have asked the UCFV to install a feminine hygiene dispenser in Ihe sludent lounge ladies washroom, which h.is since been ordered by "facilities".

6. Mission Campus.

I wok an opportuni1y 10 visit the Mission campus and am currcntly working on the installation of a change machine in the vending area. No promises .just yel.

7. Zoom Media.

I met with a representative of Zoom Media to get an understanding of their program where they install advertising boards 011 campus and pay the SUS a foe for doing so.

I have spoken to Bob Warick at the UCFV to seek info / guidance in this mauer and

have been told that the SUS should submit a request to the BOG. Ar.klitionally, I am cont.icting other universities for feedback with regards to having advertising boards on campus, both from a business aspect. and from a student prospective.

R.Rock.it Doy Entertainment.

I met with the owner to discuss posters on campus, future shows und events at the ncw SAC, and gaining "comp" tickets to be used us giveaways for sIude11ts.So far, so good.

9. Stuclcnt Discount.

We arc in the beginning stages of developing a data base for students where they are offcrcd student discounls for displaying their Student ID cards w local merchants. Duke ·s Pub has already come on board beginning in fonunry by offering a 1()% student discount on Tuesday and Sunday nights, ulong with other speciuls lo follow. T will add to our list and hopefully we can make info available IO students in our newsletters and on our website.

I 0. 9th Avenue Clothing.

T held an initial meeting with 9th Avenue Clothing regarding the possibility of un SUS line of funky clothing for students.

11. Accountability.

I have been involved in several meetings with members of the Executive with the intention of creating greater transparency and nccounIability to the student body. We have since implemented several ideas regarding hours worked and standard businesscontrols.

Dave Melenchuk General Manager UCFV Student Union Society 604-864-4613

"THEFIRE PJT"

FIRST NATIONS anti METIS INFORMATION:

Tansi Brothers and Sisters. First off I woultl like to thank everyone for me in the elections. lL is with great honour and respect that fill this position of Native Nations Commissioner for the UCFV campuses. I will try 10 keep the student body informed and up to date of as many native issues as possible. I hope you enjoy my publications and that they are a help to you nil. If there is anyone in the student body or etherise that has information that they think is helpful or informative then please contact me at The Aboriginal Resources Centre (ARC) DI 36 Chilliwack Campus or e-mail me nt home.

hhall@telus.net

Sandy Tait staff memher nf the ARC wrote

The Aboriginal Resource Centre, named S'olh Shxwlcli (l-lak(emeylem for "Our Pluce"') wus opened on November 8. 2000. with a traditional Sto:lo ceremony, marking the first time this tratlition was witnessed on c.impu~. Leadership was validated with the blunketing of six individuals, four from the aboriginal communities and two from UCFY. Eight witnesses were called, whose responsibility is two-fold: to take messages about the opening and intention of S'olh Shxwleli tu their families and communilit·s, anti to pruvitlc support and guidance to those charged with the activities of the cenlre.

SEVICES PROYJl)ED:

* * *

hottomless coffee pot peer helpers tutoring cultural workshops cltler•i n-rcsidence reference library resource materials scholurship & bursary informotion

I IOtJRS 01~OPERATION:

Montlay-Wcdnesday I 0am-2pm Thursday I 0am-5pm Friday l 0am-1 pm

For more information ab()ut the J\RC call Saridy Ttiit or Wendy Bunon. Or call 604 702 2615

"STO:LO''

The Sw:lo people have livetl here in the Frnser Valley. and have been datetl hack thousands of years. The language spoken

IN HOUSE

by the Slo:lo is called Halqemelem. The name Sto:lo translated to English mean "River". The Sto:lo were. and still do today reefer to themselves as, River People. The Sto:lo travelled up untl down the Fraser River like a highway to neighbouring nations to trade their goods.

The Sto:lo still live throughout the l~mser Valley, and consist of 24 different First Nation communities. 19of the 24 chief!. form the Sto:lo Government House that provides serifs and programs to their communities. The Sto:lo elect one chief to rep• resent them and this chief is called The Chiefs Reprei;entative. Yewal Si:yam.

"METIS"

The term Metis is a word from the Cree language meaning "Mixed." The original Melis were of Prench and Native blood. The Metis people of today can be any European race mixed with an Aboriginal race. There are a large number of Met is people living in North America. In fact, the Metis are the largest group of people in Canada. They were recognised as Aboriginal people in the Consl1tution Act of 1982.

The Melis arc eutTently involved in trying to gain recognition from the Federal Government as a tlislinet culture and are hoping to gain some of the same rights that First Nmions people have. There is a policy that is being presented to the Federal Government to rccogni,se Metis people from the ori~i,ml 67 or so d1milies that originated here from Franc~ in the l 7t,0's as heing the only Metis. If this policy is excepted it will change the whole course of who Metis people are in C1111aJa.

"Now we are cooking"

Ever issue I will be including information ancl recipes from the aboriginal communi• ty. If you have any recipes that have been handetl down to you, ,ind would like to sec them printed. and shared then please conract 111c.I would be delighted to have them includetl in the Fire Pit. It is your column. so please take atlvantage of it. and find the ti111eto submit items that we all' can share. Also if you have coo_kingstories about how your family cooked or burnt your favourite meal then 'ple~sc let me know. This is wonderful humour and we know how wonderful it can be to laugh at ourselves. I have some very fine information you to enjoy and a few recipes fo1 you to try. I hope you enjoy "Now you ore 1.:ooking"

"PlT COO KIN"

This information is taken from Indian Food "A Cookbook of Native Foods from British Columbin", nnd was submitted by George Myers, ecelia McNab, anti Florence Burton.

Many of the older lndian people throughout British Columbia remember watching their Mothers use steaming pits to cook food. The pit varied in size anti design in different areas, but the basic method was the same.

In the Southern Caribou the pits were made large enough to allow four tu six women to cook their food together. A pit was dug 4'x 6'x 6' deep.

Sticks three inches thick were laid across the top of the pit. Stones, six inches thick, were placed on top of the sticks. One woman reported that stones from the bot• tom of the streambed would crack, and should not be used. A fire of fir. alder or cottonwood was built on top of the stones. The fire heated the stones and burned the supporting sticks, releasing the rocks, which fell into the bottom of the pit. The hot embers and stones were spread with a stick evenly over the bottom of the pit.

Next, the hot rocks and embers were co,vered with a two-inch layer of earth. Small twigs of maple bushes, serviceberry bushes. or rose were spread over this layer of earth. These twigs were added for flavouring to give a sweet llavour to the food as it steomed.

Washed timber grasswus placed over the flavouring twigs and used tc) line the sides of the pit to keep the food clean. Mats of closely woven cedar bark or bullrushes were placed on top of the tin1ber grass and around the sides of the pit.

Each woman would place her food on top of the mats in a special Mea. The i;election of fond and the amounts to be cooked were important because the cooking time would be the same for .ill. It would be possible for one woman to cook o five-inch level of camas roots while her neighbour was cook• ing a ten-inch layer. Food wa shared so thul each woman would have approximttle• ly the same amount to cook.

Mats were placed on top of the food, then more flavouring twigs.

A layer of damp timber grass wus laid over the flavouring twigs. Earth was piled on the grass until the pit was lilied to ground level.

The sticks sticking out from the hot rocks were moved from side to side lO sljghtly enlarge the holes. A small amount of cold water was poured down the enlarged hole to the rocks to produce steam. The water was used in small quantities to keepthe rocks from cooling too quickly. The sticks were taken from the holes and the holes plugged immediately.

A small fire was built on top of the covered pit ond allowed to burn throughout the night. The next morning the food had c(ioked an<l wos ready tc1he uncoveretl und eaten.

"WILD MEAT STEW"

Fresh deer, moose, elk or buffalo may be stewed with vegetables to make a delicious main dish. This stew can also be canned.

* cut the meal into one-inch cubes. and brown in one or two tablespoons of oil.

* add one-quarter cup of water and salt to taste. Simmer until the meat is nearly cooked.

* add diced carrots, onions, celery and potatoes. Continue cooking until the vegetables are tender.

* thicken the stew by mixing two tablespoons of flour in one-half cup of cold water. Add this mixture to the stew slowly, stirring constantly.

* serve or can this stew while hot. (Stew for canning shoultl be (>lightly undercooked.)

"NOMINATE A METIS YOUTH IN YOUR COMMUNrfY !"

The Human Resources Development, Canadian Heritage and Metis National Council sponsor this National Met is Youth Role Model Program 2002.

Do you know ti Mctis youth that is doing some1hing significant in their personal life or in their community? The National Metis Youth Role Model Program provides an Oj'.?porlunityto recognise the achievemetlls of Mctis youth, and to share their successes with others across the Homeland.

"WHO ARE nrn METIS YOUTH ROLE MOD~LS?"

They are Metis youth who:

f are bc\wecn the ages of 16 and 29 "' have demonstrated an achievement in one of lhe seven recognition categories, "' contribute positively to the Metis Nation either by allending school, working, or voluhteering ut the local, provincial, or national level.

"WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE NATIONAL METlS YOUTH ROLE MODEL PROGRAM'!"

"' 10 recognise and support Metis Youth whom, through their behaviour and actions, have purticipaled in and supported positive lifestylt:s.

"' to provide a communication vehi• cle that allow a Melis Youth an opportunity to develop and enhance their network of Melis youth who share similar goals and interests.

"' to provide Metis youth with positive role models who will encourage 1hem to achieve excellence and reach lheir goals. By sharing information about these successes, it is hoped that the National Mctis Youth Role Model Program will inspire other Melis Youth.

"WHAT K1ND OF ACHTEVEMENTS?"

There nre seven recognition categories. One Metis Youth Role Model will be selected for each of the categories, for a total of seven National Met is Youth Role Models. Individuals can be nominated in more than one recognition cntegory.

:INHOUSE

C.itegory # I • Metis Culture and Heritage

Have they worked to promote and preserve Metis cultural heritage'! Did they develop or enhance skills in traditional Metis activ• itics such as dancing, storytelling, artwork, or music? Have they demonstrated their commitment to the preservation of Metis culture by sharing their work with the community?

Cillegory # 2 - Volunteer Service

Have they been involved in volunteer services in the commu11ity? Did they provide services to youth groups, seniors or other community organisations? Have they been involved in environmental causes or fundraising for not-for-profit organisations? Did their activicies contribute to the delivery of co111munityservices or protect or enhance the quality of community life?

Category # 3 Acmlcmic Achievement

Did they complete a certified academic program such as secondary or post-. ccondary education, certification or upgrading of academic or technical qualifications? Have they made special efforts lo improve or enhance their academic standing'!

Category # 4 - Career Advancement

Did they develop and implement a course of action to help them achieve their career goals? Did they succeed in the area of business development either as an employee or as an entrepreneur? Have they identified or developed innovations in their chosen pursuil?

Category # 5 - Athletic Excellence

Huve they worked to achieve excellence in organised sports, either individually or as part of a team'! Have they demonstrated a commitment to a healthy lifestyle by their commitment to physical fitness and by following a healthy lifestyle'! Have they contributed to promoting or raising awareness about the benefits of participating in their sport?

Category # 6 - The Gabriel Dumont Award for Valour

Did they display courage or carry out a selfle~s act that benetited others? Did their actions rC$ult in prevention of a serious injury or mishap to others? Did their actions minimise damage to or a negative impact on the community, which may have potentially caused harm or injury to themselves'?

Category # 7 - Per!mnal Achievcmenc

Did they overcome challenges to achieve personal goals and bem:nnent of thcm$elves? What problem solving and decision making skills did they demonstrate that helped them to achieve their goals'!

For more information on nominating a Mctis person that you feel would deserve this award then contact use at The Aboriginal Resource Centre on the Chilliwnck Campus or contact The Mecis Nacional Council at: Telephone I !lOO928 6330

Fax I 613 232 4262

E-mail rolemodel@me1isnn1ion .ctl

Website www.rnetisnation.cri www.rnetidyouth.com

Submissions must be post marked no later than 5:00pm on December 14,2001.

Mail to: National Metis Youth Role Model Selection Commiuee

C/o Metis Nation.ii Council

350 Sparks Street, Suite 20 I

Ottawa, Ontario K I R 7S8

FEEDTHEHUNGRYANDHIT THE SLOPES.

UCFV students and their families are hungry. Hungry enough to seek out over 60 food hampers alone last year. You can help. Bring a donation of food to any Student Events office and be entered in a draw to win fabulous prizes. Grand prize is a Se-ason'sPass to Hemlock Mountain. There are weekly prizes to win as well. Help the hungry you'll be glad you did. See A 215 in Abbotsford or E 101 in Chilliwock.

Angels Al UCFV

Student Events and Student Union are pleased to host the Angel Trei: Program again this year at UCFV. Each fall, Angel Tree applications are made available to needy UCFV students as a way of providing an extra present under the tree on Christmas day for their children. Once they are registered, Angels will be hanging from campus Christmas trees and ready to be sponsored by fellow UCFV faculty. staff and students. Please be generous, as these children really need a great holiday. For more information. or if in need of an appli• cation, please see the nearest Student Events or Student Union office for details.

PHILOSOPHYFOR THE MASSES

IN-Formal Philosophy Discussion (Including Rousseau)

Friday Afternoons Room A3l0

2:30-4:00 pm

"Come in and bring your philosophical Questions"

TRAvt.WNG COMPANION(S) W~TEDJ

Are ypu looking for sorne advel'lture? I am a 28 year old femaJetrav~llingby car to Quebec city throu_gbthe t.Jnited S1t11cs. l will stay a few days in Stttt Francisco, Las Vegtls, the Grand Canyon Jf you wanno jc1ln me on my uip, J'II be leaving December sth. •

If youare interested in travellingwi\h me, either part way or the whqle way, just contact me at; nioja1,x6@iquebc(:.com

UCFVKICKSOFF ANNUAL FUNDRAISER

Shannon Loewen

On Wednesday November 28. 2001. the Abbots ford campus of UCFV played hose to its lirsl annual fundraiser. Among those attending were the Ml .As of Mission, Chilliwack and a su1nd in for Abbotsford's MLA John van Dnngen. Also in atcendance were the mayors of Harrison, Mission, Chilliwack, and Abbolsford, board member of UCFV governors, Phyllis Stenson. various Deans and repre entatives of local and nocso local businesses, and many others. Afler offering the delegates a love.ly breakfast prepared by the crifeceria staff, the presenters got right down to business, President HA Ba sford (Skip) gave a presentation (with the aid of Microsoft Powcrpoint) about the history and success of UCFV. Apparencly for such a new facili• ty, he claims, UCFV is already belier than over half the established universities in Canada, and just !JClting betler. Then he got to tl1e point of the whole mecting. UCFV cannot further accommodate its students with the funds it currently receives without severely slashing the quality of education available at UCPV. What, he says, is m<>st desperately needed is funds for bursariei,; and scholarships, equipment and resourc-.:s for all programs here at UCFV, and major iniprMcments of the library and research facilities. According to the president, the quality of a university is measured partly in its library holdings. Because of this, evaluators of decent universities like Macleans won't even put UCFV on their list becauseeven though UCFV puts out high academic results, the library facilicy 11tinks.He also made the point (seemingly aimed nt the attending MLAs), that though 16% of the residents of the Lower Mainland have university <legreesof some sort, only 7% of the residents of the Fraser Valley have d1em.To encourage a slrongcr economy, Mr. Bassford said, more workers are needed that have the kind of skills lhal are necessary for sectors of employment that are growing and need more workers And that is where post-secondary education and UCPV come in.

Bob Warick was next up lo bat. He explained to the representatives of the businesses, why it would be a good0 idea to invest at UCPV. Apparently consumers tend to invest more in companies that do a lot for the community and education, than the businesses that do not. Also there wris the added boon of getting employees thal are highly trained and skilled without having to hunt all over for them and the good publicity generated by such a generous act. rn short., investing in UCFY will do you good and make you look good all at tht same time.

And then it was over. When asked about how the pitch lu1d went, President Bu~sford replieJ that it hadn't gone quite as well ns hoped buc expecced a lot more donatit>ns I<) come the following day. as the representatives talk over what lo do with their respective associations and companie!.. He remains confident that UCFV will be able to get what it needs cvtntually.

THECASCADE

TSA

The UCFV theatre students have finally formed a student organization! Temporarily known as Thi:atrc Swdents Association (TSA) the inaugural meeting was held Wednesday, November 28.2001. Attended by 26 very enthusiaslic theatre students. the initial meeting allowed the students to form che organization. Iempomrily adopt a consticucion and elect an execucive. Elected as President was second year theatre scudcnt Glynis Hannaford who was just seen onscageas Alice in the themre departn1cnt's produc1ion of Alice Through the Looking Glass. The position or Vice-President will be held by Ryan Lecomte, a third year theatre student who h,1sworked both on and offstage in many productions including working as Stage Manager for last year's pro<luction of Romeo and Juliet. Kerri Leeper, a second year cheatrescudent who most recently worked as the Scage Manager for Alice Through the Looking Glass will hold the position of treasurer. The position of secretary will be hcld by fourth year theatre student Maureen Sawasy who has been involved in many theatre productions, most recently working as the tage Manager for laseyear's pro• duel ion of Better Living. The organization's overall goal will he to promote awareness of the theatre department's exiscence1(1 all campuses of UCFV and to hopefully involve UCFV's studcnl body in many fun and exciting events! Keep posted to the Ca~cadc or check in with theatre department to find out what\ going on!

Maureen

END-OF-SEMESTER/ CHRISTMAS/WHO NEEDS AN EXCUSEANYWAY PAR1Y!

Where Aboriginol Resource 1:entre(Roorn D 136, Chilliwack campus

When Thursday, December 13 between I :30 and 4:30 p.111.

Why Fun, food, music, and cheer Students, staff. and faculty - drop by for a cup of cider, meet our Elder Mary U~lick, check out the cCnlrc.

Do you have any Aboriginal anceslry?

Did you check yes in the box on the application form that says "Do you consider your~clf to be a member of a Firs! N11tion?

Pirst Nations, status and not-stalus: Metis: lnuiI: ANY aboriginal ancestry - Check yes and become part of the Aboriginal Resource centre (or drop by the ARC to get on our mailing list - Room DI36, Chilliwack campus).

Auv11ntages:

u pince to rnee1with 1)ther nhorigi11ul studenls

friendly, helpful staff bl)ltomless coffee pot videos, books. and other resource mucerials with an aboriginal focus peer helper llltor referral 1:ultunll workshops

employment resources

Elui:r-i n-residence

M.:holarshipand bursary applications

St::LLYOURlsO(Jh.SWITH THE CASCADECLASSIFIEDS EMAIL US WITH YOUR INFORMATIONAT CASCADE@UCFV.BC.CA

"quite frankly, the best damned coffee/atmosphere since new york, 1974."

-plastic reporter