Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
©" other press
>news
Blood Donors Needed
Eileen Velthuis
News Editor
Canadian Blood Services (CBS) has
launched a new campaign called “Roll up
your sleeves Canada!" in order to attract
160,000 new blood donors across the
country this summer.
CBS is a non-profit organization that
manages the blood supply in. all
provinces and territories across Canada,
excluding Quebec. They operate more
than 10,000 donor clinics annually.
According to CBS’s projected patient
demand, 245,000 more units of blood
need to be collected in Canada between
May 14 and September 3 of this year.
CBS projects that the demand for blood
will keep rising by at least eight per cent
per year for the next few years.
CBS reports that only about three per
cent of Canadians regularly donate
blood. If the 160,000-new-donors target
is met, that would make five per cent of
Canadians regular donors.
Charles Lester, Maple Ridge
Community Development Coordinator for
Canadian Blood Services, said that if
CBS doesn’t reach these goals, they'll be
in extremely short supply by 2005. "We’re
low all the time ... blood is always need-
ed," he added.
Regular blood donor clinics are held in
Maple Ridge every second Friday. The
next clinic will be held at the Christian
Reformed Church at 20245 Dewdney
Trunk Road from 1:30-—8p.m. on June 7,
and donors are asked to bring identifica-
tion. The next clinic in Coquitlam will be
held June 5 at 1200 Cartier Avenue, from
1:30-8p.m. In New Westminster, the next
one will be Friday June 14 from 1—8p.m.
at 76 Jamieson Court in the community
room.
Anyone interested in donating blood
can call 1-888-2DONATE for eligibility or
clinic information or to book an appoint-
ment. More information can be obtained
from the CBS website at www.bloodser-
vices.ca.
New "Buckle Up" Initiative
Eileen Velthuis
News Editor
The "National Road
Safety Target 2010" ini-
tiative has been put
forth by RCMP Traffic
Services across. the
country, in partnership
with Transport Canada.
The plan? Reduce road
deaths and injuries by 30
per cent by the year 2010.
In order to achieve this
goal, various avenues
are being explored, how-
ever, according to
RCMP statistics one of
the most effective ways to save a life is to buckle up. These
statistics state that a person has a 50 per cent chance of
surviving a crash if they are wearing a seatbelt and only a 5
per cent chance of surviving if they are relying on just an air
bag.
Not wearing a seatbelt can result in an $86 fine. Recently
Ridge-Meadows RCMP conducted a seatbelt check on
Hammond Road and Maple Crescent, and in one and a half
hours 22 drivers or passengers received fines. The Ridge-
Meadows RCMP and other police forces regularly conduct
this type of enforcement.
The RCMP report that a recent survey conducted in the
Maple Ridge area found the seatbelt-wearing rate in urban
and rural areas of the community to be approximately 78 per
cent. In contrast, ICBC statistics for the whole province state
that 93 per cent of drivers wear their seatbelts. ICBC also
reports that women have a higher seatbelt-wearing rate than
men and that seatbelt-wearing rates are lower at night and
in rural areas.
The Ridge-Meadows RCMP responded to more than 820
crashes last year alone, and state that many injuries and
deaths could be prevented with the proper use of seatbelts.
Constable Beckerleg of the Ridge-Meadows Traffic Section
said, "Everyone always says it doesn’t happen to them—well
tell them to talk to their friends, relatives, neighbours—it
does happen to them."
The new road safety initiative hopes to increase the use of
seatbelts to 95 per cent across the board, making Canada
the safest country in the world to drive in.
Edited Text
©" other press
>news
Blood Donors Needed
Eileen Velthuis
News Editor
Canadian Blood Services (CBS) has
launched a new campaign called “Roll up
your sleeves Canada!" in order to attract
160,000 new blood donors across the
country this summer.
CBS is a non-profit organization that
manages the blood supply in. all
provinces and territories across Canada,
excluding Quebec. They operate more
than 10,000 donor clinics annually.
According to CBS’s projected patient
demand, 245,000 more units of blood
need to be collected in Canada between
May 14 and September 3 of this year.
CBS projects that the demand for blood
will keep rising by at least eight per cent
per year for the next few years.
CBS reports that only about three per
cent of Canadians regularly donate
blood. If the 160,000-new-donors target
is met, that would make five per cent of
Canadians regular donors.
Charles Lester, Maple Ridge
Community Development Coordinator for
Canadian Blood Services, said that if
CBS doesn’t reach these goals, they'll be
in extremely short supply by 2005. "We’re
low all the time ... blood is always need-
ed," he added.
Regular blood donor clinics are held in
Maple Ridge every second Friday. The
next clinic will be held at the Christian
Reformed Church at 20245 Dewdney
Trunk Road from 1:30-—8p.m. on June 7,
and donors are asked to bring identifica-
tion. The next clinic in Coquitlam will be
held June 5 at 1200 Cartier Avenue, from
1:30-8p.m. In New Westminster, the next
one will be Friday June 14 from 1—8p.m.
at 76 Jamieson Court in the community
room.
Anyone interested in donating blood
can call 1-888-2DONATE for eligibility or
clinic information or to book an appoint-
ment. More information can be obtained
from the CBS website at www.bloodser-
vices.ca.
New "Buckle Up" Initiative
Eileen Velthuis
News Editor
The "National Road
Safety Target 2010" ini-
tiative has been put
forth by RCMP Traffic
Services across. the
country, in partnership
with Transport Canada.
The plan? Reduce road
deaths and injuries by 30
per cent by the year 2010.
In order to achieve this
goal, various avenues
are being explored, how-
ever, according to
RCMP statistics one of
the most effective ways to save a life is to buckle up. These
statistics state that a person has a 50 per cent chance of
surviving a crash if they are wearing a seatbelt and only a 5
per cent chance of surviving if they are relying on just an air
bag.
Not wearing a seatbelt can result in an $86 fine. Recently
Ridge-Meadows RCMP conducted a seatbelt check on
Hammond Road and Maple Crescent, and in one and a half
hours 22 drivers or passengers received fines. The Ridge-
Meadows RCMP and other police forces regularly conduct
this type of enforcement.
The RCMP report that a recent survey conducted in the
Maple Ridge area found the seatbelt-wearing rate in urban
and rural areas of the community to be approximately 78 per
cent. In contrast, ICBC statistics for the whole province state
that 93 per cent of drivers wear their seatbelts. ICBC also
reports that women have a higher seatbelt-wearing rate than
men and that seatbelt-wearing rates are lower at night and
in rural areas.
The Ridge-Meadows RCMP responded to more than 820
crashes last year alone, and state that many injuries and
deaths could be prevented with the proper use of seatbelts.
Constable Beckerleg of the Ridge-Meadows Traffic Section
said, "Everyone always says it doesn’t happen to them—well
tell them to talk to their friends, relatives, neighbours—it
does happen to them."
The new road safety initiative hopes to increase the use of
seatbelts to 95 per cent across the board, making Canada
the safest country in the world to drive in.
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
©) "ther press >>> CULTURE
Photo(graphic}
Photos by Adam Honsinger
Edited Text
©) "ther press >>> CULTURE
Photo(graphic}
Photos by Adam Honsinger
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
© "ther press >>> CULTURE
Event Turns 30
Tyler, Kerry & Karen
Tyler Bradford
Culture Editor
Douglas College’s very own Event magazine
recently turned 30 and as part of the celebration
held a launch party for it’s 31/1 issue, a 30-year
retrospective which is filled with highlights from
the award winning magazine’s first three
decades.
For those not familiar with Event, the literary
magazine focuses on fiction, poetry, creative
non-fiction, notes on writing and reviews. Its con-
tributors are primarily unsolicited, which allows
for writers both new and established to have
access to an outlet for their work to be published
and most importantly be seen. Many of
Event’s contributing writers have gone on to be
award winning authors, including Kevin
Armstrong whose story, ‘The Cane Field’ (which
was first published in Event) recently won the
prestigious 2001 Writers Trust/McClelland &
Stewart Journey Prize.
The launch party of the retrospective issue,
held on May 31, was moderately successful,
filling a large room of roughly 120 people at
SFU’s Harbour Centre to standing room only.
While the attendance was encouraging and the
material from which the reader’s drew was
strong (based mostly. on selections from the
retrospective issue), the actual readings were
less than spectacular. With the exception of MC
Tom Wayman, who closed out the night with two
crowd-pleasing comical poems, and author
Annabel Lyon, who seemed to become the
character from her selection, "Fishes", none of
the other authors could seem to draw themselves
(or their audience) into their own work.
Thankfully the retrospective issue itself is far
Students advertise for free!
number,
line.
Staff and Student
Organizations
Receive 50% off our Fast Cash Ad rate.
Fast Cash Ads
of $5 per line. Enquiries: call our advertising
manager at 604-525-3542.
Pictures
2.5cm, black and white.
When placing an ad please remember...
For free student classifieds up to 30 words, e-mail:
submit@ op.douglas.bc.ca with your name, student
desired section, and put “classified” in the subject
3 lines 3 times for $20 (30 words max). Open rate
Classifieds pictures are $10 each printing for all of
the above categories. The picture size is 3.5cm x
Classifieds
[Automobiles
1989 Beige Volvo 740GL
sunroof, radio with tape deck. Set of 4
snow tires with rims. Selling for $5,000.
Call 604 472 0091
|For Sale Misc
604-984-3442
EEE [Employment
4cl engine, power locks, power windows,
FOLD OUT COT, new, green, $30.00, call
more engaging. While some of the authors at the
launch party couldn’t create a connection with
their audience, all of the authors gracing the
pages of the retrospective issue make strong
connections with their readers in their written
work. The outstanding works featured in the
retrospective issue all have previously graced the
pages of Event before and represent an overview
of the magazine’s storied and award-winning
past. Some of the more famous names included
amongst the authors who have written for Event
and are represented here are Charles Bukoski
(who contributes two poems including one that
was published in Events first year of publication),
George Elliot Clarke (who contributes a piece in
the-"Notes on Writing" section) and Carol Shields
(who’s contribution "The Question of Fiction"
ponders some of the deeper meanings of why
writers write). With creative and innovative selec-
tions in poetry, fiction and non-fiction throughout
Event's 30-year retrospective issue is sure to
have something for any fan of literary work.
For more info on Event, check out there web-
site: http://event.douglas.bc.ca/ and to purchase
a copy of the 30-year retrospective issue swing
by the Douglas Bookstore, where issues sell for
$12. A modest price for a collection of work of
such great magnitude.
TRAVEL teach English: job guaranteed. 5
day (June 15-19) or ONLINE or by corre
sp.) TESOL teacher cert. course, gov't
accred. 1000's of great $$ jobs globally.
FREE info pack 1-888-270-2941
www.canadianglobal.net, Attend day 1
free.
[Housing
604-984-3442.
PEAVEY 110 bass amp, $250.00 and SAM-
ICK four string bass guitar, with hard-shell
case. $250.00 call Hamish 604-790-8259.
ANSWERING MACHINE, white, $10.00 call
“Campus Residence Co-operative
Association (CRCA)
http://www3.telus.net/crca/
From time to time we accept applications
for vacancies, sublets and waitlists. We
$40.00 call 604-984-3442
TABLE HOCKEY, sudden death, like new,
look for responsible employed individuals
Jukebox, 6 GB. Offers.
Brand new MP3 player, Creative Nomad
or students who are happy to contribute
their skills and ideas to the co-operative.
theco-op @telus.net "
MEE Wanted
All ads must be received by Thursday to be published
in the following Wednesday's paper. Check your ad for
errors and please call or e-mail our offices to report
any corrections. To ensure the integrity of our student
newspaper, we reserve the right to revise, reclassify,
edit or refuse your ad.
gogatz @ hotmail.com
[I Saw You
Edited Text
© "ther press >>> CULTURE
Event Turns 30
Tyler, Kerry & Karen
Tyler Bradford
Culture Editor
Douglas College’s very own Event magazine
recently turned 30 and as part of the celebration
held a launch party for it’s 31/1 issue, a 30-year
retrospective which is filled with highlights from
the award winning magazine’s first three
decades.
For those not familiar with Event, the literary
magazine focuses on fiction, poetry, creative
non-fiction, notes on writing and reviews. Its con-
tributors are primarily unsolicited, which allows
for writers both new and established to have
access to an outlet for their work to be published
and most importantly be seen. Many of
Event’s contributing writers have gone on to be
award winning authors, including Kevin
Armstrong whose story, ‘The Cane Field’ (which
was first published in Event) recently won the
prestigious 2001 Writers Trust/McClelland &
Stewart Journey Prize.
The launch party of the retrospective issue,
held on May 31, was moderately successful,
filling a large room of roughly 120 people at
SFU’s Harbour Centre to standing room only.
While the attendance was encouraging and the
material from which the reader’s drew was
strong (based mostly. on selections from the
retrospective issue), the actual readings were
less than spectacular. With the exception of MC
Tom Wayman, who closed out the night with two
crowd-pleasing comical poems, and author
Annabel Lyon, who seemed to become the
character from her selection, "Fishes", none of
the other authors could seem to draw themselves
(or their audience) into their own work.
Thankfully the retrospective issue itself is far
Students advertise for free!
number,
line.
Staff and Student
Organizations
Receive 50% off our Fast Cash Ad rate.
Fast Cash Ads
of $5 per line. Enquiries: call our advertising
manager at 604-525-3542.
Pictures
2.5cm, black and white.
When placing an ad please remember...
For free student classifieds up to 30 words, e-mail:
submit@ op.douglas.bc.ca with your name, student
desired section, and put “classified” in the subject
3 lines 3 times for $20 (30 words max). Open rate
Classifieds pictures are $10 each printing for all of
the above categories. The picture size is 3.5cm x
Classifieds
[Automobiles
1989 Beige Volvo 740GL
sunroof, radio with tape deck. Set of 4
snow tires with rims. Selling for $5,000.
Call 604 472 0091
|For Sale Misc
604-984-3442
EEE [Employment
4cl engine, power locks, power windows,
FOLD OUT COT, new, green, $30.00, call
more engaging. While some of the authors at the
launch party couldn’t create a connection with
their audience, all of the authors gracing the
pages of the retrospective issue make strong
connections with their readers in their written
work. The outstanding works featured in the
retrospective issue all have previously graced the
pages of Event before and represent an overview
of the magazine’s storied and award-winning
past. Some of the more famous names included
amongst the authors who have written for Event
and are represented here are Charles Bukoski
(who contributes two poems including one that
was published in Events first year of publication),
George Elliot Clarke (who contributes a piece in
the-"Notes on Writing" section) and Carol Shields
(who’s contribution "The Question of Fiction"
ponders some of the deeper meanings of why
writers write). With creative and innovative selec-
tions in poetry, fiction and non-fiction throughout
Event's 30-year retrospective issue is sure to
have something for any fan of literary work.
For more info on Event, check out there web-
site: http://event.douglas.bc.ca/ and to purchase
a copy of the 30-year retrospective issue swing
by the Douglas Bookstore, where issues sell for
$12. A modest price for a collection of work of
such great magnitude.
TRAVEL teach English: job guaranteed. 5
day (June 15-19) or ONLINE or by corre
sp.) TESOL teacher cert. course, gov't
accred. 1000's of great $$ jobs globally.
FREE info pack 1-888-270-2941
www.canadianglobal.net, Attend day 1
free.
[Housing
604-984-3442.
PEAVEY 110 bass amp, $250.00 and SAM-
ICK four string bass guitar, with hard-shell
case. $250.00 call Hamish 604-790-8259.
ANSWERING MACHINE, white, $10.00 call
“Campus Residence Co-operative
Association (CRCA)
http://www3.telus.net/crca/
From time to time we accept applications
for vacancies, sublets and waitlists. We
$40.00 call 604-984-3442
TABLE HOCKEY, sudden death, like new,
look for responsible employed individuals
Jukebox, 6 GB. Offers.
Brand new MP3 player, Creative Nomad
or students who are happy to contribute
their skills and ideas to the co-operative.
theco-op @telus.net "
MEE Wanted
All ads must be received by Thursday to be published
in the following Wednesday's paper. Check your ad for
errors and please call or e-mail our offices to report
any corrections. To ensure the integrity of our student
newspaper, we reserve the right to revise, reclassify,
edit or refuse your ad.
gogatz @ hotmail.com
[I Saw You
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
ee
other press >>> FEATURES
continued from page 21
chief and council sit down for negotiations
with the BCTC.
"It’s a colonial system that was never
ours, which uses divide and conquer
tactics," she says.
The B.C. Supreme Court decided
in 1997’s Delgamuukw decision that abo-
riginal title—ownership of land—can be
established with any proof of existence
prior to the arrival of European settlers.
"The decision confirmed that aboriginal
title does exist in British Columbia, that it’s
a right to the land itself—not just the right
to hunt, fish or gather—and that when
dealing with Crown land, the government
must consult with and may have to
compensate First Nations whose
rights may be affected," reads the
BCTC Web site.
Despite the Court’s_ ruling,
Edenshaw says, the BCTC con-
sistently approaches treaty negoti-
ations with the intent to drastically
undermine demands put forward by
each individual band, in terms of
money, resources and land.
Facing the endless resources of
the government, chief and council
more often than not succumb.
As well, Edenshaw feels, any
money negotiated in the process—
if it makes it past the band
office—is often funneled into social
and community programs which don’t
directly benefit the community.
According to Edenshaw, a recent strate-
gy the B.C. government has adopted has
been to sell traditional Native land before it
gets negotiated away.
The British Columbia Assets and Lands
Corporation (BCAL) is the company the
government uses to sell Crown land. In
places such as Skwelkwek’welt (Sun
Peaks) and Sutikalh (Melvin Creek), tra-
ditional land was sold to ski resort
developers while negotiations were still
unresolved.
"BCAL are basically the official bootleg-
gers of Native territories for the B.C.
government,” says Edenshaw.
This unilateral action from the govern-
ment served as the impetus for several
recent NYM occupations. In spring 2001,
the Sun Peaks ski resort in Kamloops was
occupied, giving birth to the Secwepemc
chapter of the NYM. BCAL itself has also
been a target, with both its Victoria and
Kamloops offices occupied this summer.
Edenshaw justifies NYM actions in the
context of the government’s decisions to
sell disputed land.
"Legally, under their own laws, they’re
breaking their own laws. Until these land
claim issues are dealt with, they’re going
to continue to do this. And there’s a bigger
push right now because a lot of the land
claims are coming to an end."
"They'll use their language, and they'll
use their laws and their loopholes to
defend it, but it’s just wrong, basically."
The B.C. Liberals’ plans to put the treaty
process itself up to referendum is also
“If we were to go out
and block a road in all
camouflage, people are
going to think [we are]
‘fucking terrorists.”
contested by NYM members.
"With the media and the stance of the
government and the way that people are in
general in B.C., there’s a lot of redneck,
racist people out there," says Edenshaw.
"And with the referendum, you're giving
the power to that racist majority to outvote
the minority."
Edenshaw feels that the attacks on the
U.S. and the subsequent anti-terrorism
legislation have radically altered the politi-
cal landscape for activist organizations
such as NYM. As is now the case with
most activist groups, he feels there has
been a self-imposed and large-scale
abandonment of long-held beliefs.
"If we were to go out and block a road in
all camouflage, people are going to think
‘fucking terrorists” [The war on terrorism]
changes things in a gigantic way. One of
the big things it changes is that instead of
[the NYM] being the really good, healthy
organisation that we are, helping out the
community, they’re gonna now be able to
paint a picture why we’re so bad, a
defamation campaign.
"We have to watch what we write, we
have to watch what we say publicly.
Basically, they’ve got a lot of leverage on
us now, a ton of leverage they shouldn’t
have." :
As the NYM grows and becomes a
stronger voice for Native youth, so do their
tactics and their focus. Already, estab-
lished leaders like NYM member Honey
Desjarlais are studying tribal law as a
potential means of representing Natives in
future negotiations with the Canadian
government.
But according to Edenshaw, the polit-
ical branch of the movement isn’t the
only one that’s growing. Aspects of the
organization that foster cultural
expression among Native youth are
also gaining momentum.
"[NYM is giving youth] that push for
big self-esteem; we’re pushing for
young people to do what they want,
and to be proud of themselves.
"We’ve got people who are film-
makers, writers. We’ve got [our own]
magazine, and we’ve got tons of
independent young filmmakers with
cameras running around everywhere
now," says Edenshaw.
While the hip-hop, the writing and the
filmmaking make serious activism
enjoyable for youth, Edenshaw maintains
that given the serious issues at hand, all
work is approached in a political context.
"The broader picture," says Edenshaw,
"is that there are so many young Native
people out there, so many young people
are fucked. Why are they fucked? Well, it’s
really obvious."
"Our people got colonised, raped,
murdered, killed. They got raped again,
raped again and raped again. It’s really
obvious why we would be hurting. So the
broader picture is there are now
thousands and thousands of kids who are
more proud of who they are, whereas they
could have been committing suicide.
"(First Nations] do have the highest rates
of suicide," he says. "We do have the high-
est rates of prostitution and drug-use. With
Native people, when it comes to statistics
on bad things, Native people are the high-
est on that. And when it comes to good
things, we’re the lowest. So the question
is: How are we gonna change that?
other press >>> FEATURES
continued from page 21
chief and council sit down for negotiations
with the BCTC.
"It’s a colonial system that was never
ours, which uses divide and conquer
tactics," she says.
The B.C. Supreme Court decided
in 1997’s Delgamuukw decision that abo-
riginal title—ownership of land—can be
established with any proof of existence
prior to the arrival of European settlers.
"The decision confirmed that aboriginal
title does exist in British Columbia, that it’s
a right to the land itself—not just the right
to hunt, fish or gather—and that when
dealing with Crown land, the government
must consult with and may have to
compensate First Nations whose
rights may be affected," reads the
BCTC Web site.
Despite the Court’s_ ruling,
Edenshaw says, the BCTC con-
sistently approaches treaty negoti-
ations with the intent to drastically
undermine demands put forward by
each individual band, in terms of
money, resources and land.
Facing the endless resources of
the government, chief and council
more often than not succumb.
As well, Edenshaw feels, any
money negotiated in the process—
if it makes it past the band
office—is often funneled into social
and community programs which don’t
directly benefit the community.
According to Edenshaw, a recent strate-
gy the B.C. government has adopted has
been to sell traditional Native land before it
gets negotiated away.
The British Columbia Assets and Lands
Corporation (BCAL) is the company the
government uses to sell Crown land. In
places such as Skwelkwek’welt (Sun
Peaks) and Sutikalh (Melvin Creek), tra-
ditional land was sold to ski resort
developers while negotiations were still
unresolved.
"BCAL are basically the official bootleg-
gers of Native territories for the B.C.
government,” says Edenshaw.
This unilateral action from the govern-
ment served as the impetus for several
recent NYM occupations. In spring 2001,
the Sun Peaks ski resort in Kamloops was
occupied, giving birth to the Secwepemc
chapter of the NYM. BCAL itself has also
been a target, with both its Victoria and
Kamloops offices occupied this summer.
Edenshaw justifies NYM actions in the
context of the government’s decisions to
sell disputed land.
"Legally, under their own laws, they’re
breaking their own laws. Until these land
claim issues are dealt with, they’re going
to continue to do this. And there’s a bigger
push right now because a lot of the land
claims are coming to an end."
"They'll use their language, and they'll
use their laws and their loopholes to
defend it, but it’s just wrong, basically."
The B.C. Liberals’ plans to put the treaty
process itself up to referendum is also
“If we were to go out
and block a road in all
camouflage, people are
going to think [we are]
‘fucking terrorists.”
contested by NYM members.
"With the media and the stance of the
government and the way that people are in
general in B.C., there’s a lot of redneck,
racist people out there," says Edenshaw.
"And with the referendum, you're giving
the power to that racist majority to outvote
the minority."
Edenshaw feels that the attacks on the
U.S. and the subsequent anti-terrorism
legislation have radically altered the politi-
cal landscape for activist organizations
such as NYM. As is now the case with
most activist groups, he feels there has
been a self-imposed and large-scale
abandonment of long-held beliefs.
"If we were to go out and block a road in
all camouflage, people are going to think
‘fucking terrorists” [The war on terrorism]
changes things in a gigantic way. One of
the big things it changes is that instead of
[the NYM] being the really good, healthy
organisation that we are, helping out the
community, they’re gonna now be able to
paint a picture why we’re so bad, a
defamation campaign.
"We have to watch what we write, we
have to watch what we say publicly.
Basically, they’ve got a lot of leverage on
us now, a ton of leverage they shouldn’t
have." :
As the NYM grows and becomes a
stronger voice for Native youth, so do their
tactics and their focus. Already, estab-
lished leaders like NYM member Honey
Desjarlais are studying tribal law as a
potential means of representing Natives in
future negotiations with the Canadian
government.
But according to Edenshaw, the polit-
ical branch of the movement isn’t the
only one that’s growing. Aspects of the
organization that foster cultural
expression among Native youth are
also gaining momentum.
"[NYM is giving youth] that push for
big self-esteem; we’re pushing for
young people to do what they want,
and to be proud of themselves.
"We’ve got people who are film-
makers, writers. We’ve got [our own]
magazine, and we’ve got tons of
independent young filmmakers with
cameras running around everywhere
now," says Edenshaw.
While the hip-hop, the writing and the
filmmaking make serious activism
enjoyable for youth, Edenshaw maintains
that given the serious issues at hand, all
work is approached in a political context.
"The broader picture," says Edenshaw,
"is that there are so many young Native
people out there, so many young people
are fucked. Why are they fucked? Well, it’s
really obvious."
"Our people got colonised, raped,
murdered, killed. They got raped again,
raped again and raped again. It’s really
obvious why we would be hurting. So the
broader picture is there are now
thousands and thousands of kids who are
more proud of who they are, whereas they
could have been committing suicide.
"(First Nations] do have the highest rates
of suicide," he says. "We do have the high-
est rates of prostitution and drug-use. With
Native people, when it comes to statistics
on bad things, Native people are the high-
est on that. And when it comes to good
things, we’re the lowest. So the question
is: How are we gonna change that?
Edited Text
ee
other press >>> FEATURES
continued from page 21
chief and council sit down for negotiations
with the BCTC.
"It’s a colonial system that was never
ours, which uses divide and conquer
tactics," she says.
The B.C. Supreme Court decided
in 1997’s Delgamuukw decision that abo-
riginal title—ownership of land—can be
established with any proof of existence
prior to the arrival of European settlers.
"The decision confirmed that aboriginal
title does exist in British Columbia, that it’s
a right to the land itself—not just the right
to hunt, fish or gather—and that when
dealing with Crown land, the government
must consult with and may have to
compensate First Nations whose
rights may be affected," reads the
BCTC Web site.
Despite the Court’s_ ruling,
Edenshaw says, the BCTC con-
sistently approaches treaty negoti-
ations with the intent to drastically
undermine demands put forward by
each individual band, in terms of
money, resources and land.
Facing the endless resources of
the government, chief and council
more often than not succumb.
As well, Edenshaw feels, any
money negotiated in the process—
if it makes it past the band
office—is often funneled into social
and community programs which don’t
directly benefit the community.
According to Edenshaw, a recent strate-
gy the B.C. government has adopted has
been to sell traditional Native land before it
gets negotiated away.
The British Columbia Assets and Lands
Corporation (BCAL) is the company the
government uses to sell Crown land. In
places such as Skwelkwek’welt (Sun
Peaks) and Sutikalh (Melvin Creek), tra-
ditional land was sold to ski resort
developers while negotiations were still
unresolved.
"BCAL are basically the official bootleg-
gers of Native territories for the B.C.
government,” says Edenshaw.
This unilateral action from the govern-
ment served as the impetus for several
recent NYM occupations. In spring 2001,
the Sun Peaks ski resort in Kamloops was
occupied, giving birth to the Secwepemc
chapter of the NYM. BCAL itself has also
been a target, with both its Victoria and
Kamloops offices occupied this summer.
Edenshaw justifies NYM actions in the
context of the government’s decisions to
sell disputed land.
"Legally, under their own laws, they’re
breaking their own laws. Until these land
claim issues are dealt with, they’re going
to continue to do this. And there’s a bigger
push right now because a lot of the land
claims are coming to an end."
"They'll use their language, and they'll
use their laws and their loopholes to
defend it, but it’s just wrong, basically."
The B.C. Liberals’ plans to put the treaty
process itself up to referendum is also
“If we were to go out
and block a road in all
camouflage, people are
going to think [we are]
‘fucking terrorists.”
contested by NYM members.
"With the media and the stance of the
government and the way that people are in
general in B.C., there’s a lot of redneck,
racist people out there," says Edenshaw.
"And with the referendum, you're giving
the power to that racist majority to outvote
the minority."
Edenshaw feels that the attacks on the
U.S. and the subsequent anti-terrorism
legislation have radically altered the politi-
cal landscape for activist organizations
such as NYM. As is now the case with
most activist groups, he feels there has
been a self-imposed and large-scale
abandonment of long-held beliefs.
"If we were to go out and block a road in
all camouflage, people are going to think
‘fucking terrorists” [The war on terrorism]
changes things in a gigantic way. One of
the big things it changes is that instead of
[the NYM] being the really good, healthy
organisation that we are, helping out the
community, they’re gonna now be able to
paint a picture why we’re so bad, a
defamation campaign.
"We have to watch what we write, we
have to watch what we say publicly.
Basically, they’ve got a lot of leverage on
us now, a ton of leverage they shouldn’t
have." :
As the NYM grows and becomes a
stronger voice for Native youth, so do their
tactics and their focus. Already, estab-
lished leaders like NYM member Honey
Desjarlais are studying tribal law as a
potential means of representing Natives in
future negotiations with the Canadian
government.
But according to Edenshaw, the polit-
ical branch of the movement isn’t the
only one that’s growing. Aspects of the
organization that foster cultural
expression among Native youth are
also gaining momentum.
"[NYM is giving youth] that push for
big self-esteem; we’re pushing for
young people to do what they want,
and to be proud of themselves.
"We’ve got people who are film-
makers, writers. We’ve got [our own]
magazine, and we’ve got tons of
independent young filmmakers with
cameras running around everywhere
now," says Edenshaw.
While the hip-hop, the writing and the
filmmaking make serious activism
enjoyable for youth, Edenshaw maintains
that given the serious issues at hand, all
work is approached in a political context.
"The broader picture," says Edenshaw,
"is that there are so many young Native
people out there, so many young people
are fucked. Why are they fucked? Well, it’s
really obvious."
"Our people got colonised, raped,
murdered, killed. They got raped again,
raped again and raped again. It’s really
obvious why we would be hurting. So the
broader picture is there are now
thousands and thousands of kids who are
more proud of who they are, whereas they
could have been committing suicide.
"(First Nations] do have the highest rates
of suicide," he says. "We do have the high-
est rates of prostitution and drug-use. With
Native people, when it comes to statistics
on bad things, Native people are the high-
est on that. And when it comes to good
things, we’re the lowest. So the question
is: How are we gonna change that?
other press >>> FEATURES
continued from page 21
chief and council sit down for negotiations
with the BCTC.
"It’s a colonial system that was never
ours, which uses divide and conquer
tactics," she says.
The B.C. Supreme Court decided
in 1997’s Delgamuukw decision that abo-
riginal title—ownership of land—can be
established with any proof of existence
prior to the arrival of European settlers.
"The decision confirmed that aboriginal
title does exist in British Columbia, that it’s
a right to the land itself—not just the right
to hunt, fish or gather—and that when
dealing with Crown land, the government
must consult with and may have to
compensate First Nations whose
rights may be affected," reads the
BCTC Web site.
Despite the Court’s_ ruling,
Edenshaw says, the BCTC con-
sistently approaches treaty negoti-
ations with the intent to drastically
undermine demands put forward by
each individual band, in terms of
money, resources and land.
Facing the endless resources of
the government, chief and council
more often than not succumb.
As well, Edenshaw feels, any
money negotiated in the process—
if it makes it past the band
office—is often funneled into social
and community programs which don’t
directly benefit the community.
According to Edenshaw, a recent strate-
gy the B.C. government has adopted has
been to sell traditional Native land before it
gets negotiated away.
The British Columbia Assets and Lands
Corporation (BCAL) is the company the
government uses to sell Crown land. In
places such as Skwelkwek’welt (Sun
Peaks) and Sutikalh (Melvin Creek), tra-
ditional land was sold to ski resort
developers while negotiations were still
unresolved.
"BCAL are basically the official bootleg-
gers of Native territories for the B.C.
government,” says Edenshaw.
This unilateral action from the govern-
ment served as the impetus for several
recent NYM occupations. In spring 2001,
the Sun Peaks ski resort in Kamloops was
occupied, giving birth to the Secwepemc
chapter of the NYM. BCAL itself has also
been a target, with both its Victoria and
Kamloops offices occupied this summer.
Edenshaw justifies NYM actions in the
context of the government’s decisions to
sell disputed land.
"Legally, under their own laws, they’re
breaking their own laws. Until these land
claim issues are dealt with, they’re going
to continue to do this. And there’s a bigger
push right now because a lot of the land
claims are coming to an end."
"They'll use their language, and they'll
use their laws and their loopholes to
defend it, but it’s just wrong, basically."
The B.C. Liberals’ plans to put the treaty
process itself up to referendum is also
“If we were to go out
and block a road in all
camouflage, people are
going to think [we are]
‘fucking terrorists.”
contested by NYM members.
"With the media and the stance of the
government and the way that people are in
general in B.C., there’s a lot of redneck,
racist people out there," says Edenshaw.
"And with the referendum, you're giving
the power to that racist majority to outvote
the minority."
Edenshaw feels that the attacks on the
U.S. and the subsequent anti-terrorism
legislation have radically altered the politi-
cal landscape for activist organizations
such as NYM. As is now the case with
most activist groups, he feels there has
been a self-imposed and large-scale
abandonment of long-held beliefs.
"If we were to go out and block a road in
all camouflage, people are going to think
‘fucking terrorists” [The war on terrorism]
changes things in a gigantic way. One of
the big things it changes is that instead of
[the NYM] being the really good, healthy
organisation that we are, helping out the
community, they’re gonna now be able to
paint a picture why we’re so bad, a
defamation campaign.
"We have to watch what we write, we
have to watch what we say publicly.
Basically, they’ve got a lot of leverage on
us now, a ton of leverage they shouldn’t
have." :
As the NYM grows and becomes a
stronger voice for Native youth, so do their
tactics and their focus. Already, estab-
lished leaders like NYM member Honey
Desjarlais are studying tribal law as a
potential means of representing Natives in
future negotiations with the Canadian
government.
But according to Edenshaw, the polit-
ical branch of the movement isn’t the
only one that’s growing. Aspects of the
organization that foster cultural
expression among Native youth are
also gaining momentum.
"[NYM is giving youth] that push for
big self-esteem; we’re pushing for
young people to do what they want,
and to be proud of themselves.
"We’ve got people who are film-
makers, writers. We’ve got [our own]
magazine, and we’ve got tons of
independent young filmmakers with
cameras running around everywhere
now," says Edenshaw.
While the hip-hop, the writing and the
filmmaking make serious activism
enjoyable for youth, Edenshaw maintains
that given the serious issues at hand, all
work is approached in a political context.
"The broader picture," says Edenshaw,
"is that there are so many young Native
people out there, so many young people
are fucked. Why are they fucked? Well, it’s
really obvious."
"Our people got colonised, raped,
murdered, killed. They got raped again,
raped again and raped again. It’s really
obvious why we would be hurting. So the
broader picture is there are now
thousands and thousands of kids who are
more proud of who they are, whereas they
could have been committing suicide.
"(First Nations] do have the highest rates
of suicide," he says. "We do have the high-
est rates of prostitution and drug-use. With
Native people, when it comes to statistics
on bad things, Native people are the high-
est on that. And when it comes to good
things, we’re the lowest. So the question
is: How are we gonna change that?
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
the
other press >>> CULTURE
continued from page 10
Theatre:
For those of you who like Shakespeare, Bard on the Beach returns
to Vanier Park this summer with productions of Twelth Night, Henry
Vand Cymbeline. Productions start June 12 and run until the end of
the summer.
Running until June 29 at Pacific Theatre is Ron Reed’s adaptation
of the classic children’s fantasy, A Wrinkle in Time.
Literary:
Vancouver author Ivan E. Coyote will be speaking June 12 at Milk
(455 Abbott) at 8:30 in celebration of the release of his latest book,
«One Man’s Trash. Coyote is brilliant at painting beautiful, wry and
honest portraits of life, the road and the spirits within.
Comedy:
Robin Williams performs a stand-up comedy routine at the
Orpheum June 25 and 26. It features explicit content folks, so keep
your kids at home. Since it’s already sold-out, that shouldn’t be too
hard.
As the culture editor for the OP, | am always on the lookout for new
writers and new events to check out. If you’re interested in writing |
can arrange free tickets to movie and theatre premieres as well as
free CDs and books for you to review. E-mail me at:
submit_to_culture @ yahoo.ca
5
nA NAG
THE GREAT LITTLE SHOP IN NEW WESTI!
Just 1 block west of your college!
IT'S REALLY EASY!
JUST DROP OFF YOUR CAR BEFORE SCHOOL
WALK ONE BLOCK TO SCHOOL
PICK UP YOUR CAR AFTER SCHOOL
NO PARKING HASSLES
STUDENT SPECIALS
Are you considering buying a used vehicle?
Piece of mind 125 point inspection
$75.00
Clean up for spring
Get ready for spring
Oil Change $21.95
most vehicles
10% ALL
OFF PARTS!
just
show
your
student
card
Any auto detailing
15% off
826 Royal Ave., New Westminster, BC
604-525-1521
Just 1 block west of your college!
Epiphany in Vancouver
other press >>> CULTURE
continued from page 10
Theatre:
For those of you who like Shakespeare, Bard on the Beach returns
to Vanier Park this summer with productions of Twelth Night, Henry
Vand Cymbeline. Productions start June 12 and run until the end of
the summer.
Running until June 29 at Pacific Theatre is Ron Reed’s adaptation
of the classic children’s fantasy, A Wrinkle in Time.
Literary:
Vancouver author Ivan E. Coyote will be speaking June 12 at Milk
(455 Abbott) at 8:30 in celebration of the release of his latest book,
«One Man’s Trash. Coyote is brilliant at painting beautiful, wry and
honest portraits of life, the road and the spirits within.
Comedy:
Robin Williams performs a stand-up comedy routine at the
Orpheum June 25 and 26. It features explicit content folks, so keep
your kids at home. Since it’s already sold-out, that shouldn’t be too
hard.
As the culture editor for the OP, | am always on the lookout for new
writers and new events to check out. If you’re interested in writing |
can arrange free tickets to movie and theatre premieres as well as
free CDs and books for you to review. E-mail me at:
submit_to_culture @ yahoo.ca
5
nA NAG
THE GREAT LITTLE SHOP IN NEW WESTI!
Just 1 block west of your college!
IT'S REALLY EASY!
JUST DROP OFF YOUR CAR BEFORE SCHOOL
WALK ONE BLOCK TO SCHOOL
PICK UP YOUR CAR AFTER SCHOOL
NO PARKING HASSLES
STUDENT SPECIALS
Are you considering buying a used vehicle?
Piece of mind 125 point inspection
$75.00
Clean up for spring
Get ready for spring
Oil Change $21.95
most vehicles
10% ALL
OFF PARTS!
just
show
your
student
card
Any auto detailing
15% off
826 Royal Ave., New Westminster, BC
604-525-1521
Just 1 block west of your college!
Epiphany in Vancouver
Edited Text
the
other press >>> CULTURE
continued from page 10
Theatre:
For those of you who like Shakespeare, Bard on the Beach returns
to Vanier Park this summer with productions of Twelth Night, Henry
Vand Cymbeline. Productions start June 12 and run until the end of
the summer.
Running until June 29 at Pacific Theatre is Ron Reed’s adaptation
of the classic children’s fantasy, A Wrinkle in Time.
Literary:
Vancouver author Ivan E. Coyote will be speaking June 12 at Milk
(455 Abbott) at 8:30 in celebration of the release of his latest book,
«One Man’s Trash. Coyote is brilliant at painting beautiful, wry and
honest portraits of life, the road and the spirits within.
Comedy:
Robin Williams performs a stand-up comedy routine at the
Orpheum June 25 and 26. It features explicit content folks, so keep
your kids at home. Since it’s already sold-out, that shouldn’t be too
hard.
As the culture editor for the OP, | am always on the lookout for new
writers and new events to check out. If you’re interested in writing |
can arrange free tickets to movie and theatre premieres as well as
free CDs and books for you to review. E-mail me at:
submit_to_culture @ yahoo.ca
5
nA NAG
THE GREAT LITTLE SHOP IN NEW WESTI!
Just 1 block west of your college!
IT'S REALLY EASY!
JUST DROP OFF YOUR CAR BEFORE SCHOOL
WALK ONE BLOCK TO SCHOOL
PICK UP YOUR CAR AFTER SCHOOL
NO PARKING HASSLES
STUDENT SPECIALS
Are you considering buying a used vehicle?
Piece of mind 125 point inspection
$75.00
Clean up for spring
Get ready for spring
Oil Change $21.95
most vehicles
10% ALL
OFF PARTS!
just
show
your
student
card
Any auto detailing
15% off
826 Royal Ave., New Westminster, BC
604-525-1521
Just 1 block west of your college!
Epiphany in Vancouver
other press >>> CULTURE
continued from page 10
Theatre:
For those of you who like Shakespeare, Bard on the Beach returns
to Vanier Park this summer with productions of Twelth Night, Henry
Vand Cymbeline. Productions start June 12 and run until the end of
the summer.
Running until June 29 at Pacific Theatre is Ron Reed’s adaptation
of the classic children’s fantasy, A Wrinkle in Time.
Literary:
Vancouver author Ivan E. Coyote will be speaking June 12 at Milk
(455 Abbott) at 8:30 in celebration of the release of his latest book,
«One Man’s Trash. Coyote is brilliant at painting beautiful, wry and
honest portraits of life, the road and the spirits within.
Comedy:
Robin Williams performs a stand-up comedy routine at the
Orpheum June 25 and 26. It features explicit content folks, so keep
your kids at home. Since it’s already sold-out, that shouldn’t be too
hard.
As the culture editor for the OP, | am always on the lookout for new
writers and new events to check out. If you’re interested in writing |
can arrange free tickets to movie and theatre premieres as well as
free CDs and books for you to review. E-mail me at:
submit_to_culture @ yahoo.ca
5
nA NAG
THE GREAT LITTLE SHOP IN NEW WESTI!
Just 1 block west of your college!
IT'S REALLY EASY!
JUST DROP OFF YOUR CAR BEFORE SCHOOL
WALK ONE BLOCK TO SCHOOL
PICK UP YOUR CAR AFTER SCHOOL
NO PARKING HASSLES
STUDENT SPECIALS
Are you considering buying a used vehicle?
Piece of mind 125 point inspection
$75.00
Clean up for spring
Get ready for spring
Oil Change $21.95
most vehicles
10% ALL
OFF PARTS!
just
show
your
student
card
Any auto detailing
15% off
826 Royal Ave., New Westminster, BC
604-525-1521
Just 1 block west of your college!
Epiphany in Vancouver
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
© "ather press >>> CULTURE
What’s On Around Town (June 12 -— July 17)
2 an Scam YM A
ee
oe
RE ee ee
Tyler Bradford
Culture Editor
Concerts:
The summer is (finally) starting to heat up
and musical delights abound. The big event
to check out of course is the 17th annual
Vancouver International Jazz Festival, which
runs from June 21 to July 1. With tons of free
events, including shows in Gastown on the
22 and 23, at the Roundhouse on June 29
and 30, and a Canada Day celebration at
Granville Island, there’s no reason not to
go out and enjoy some great jazz perform-
ances.
On the paid concerts side of the festival,
the Vogue Theatre offers up some of the
festival’s biggest shows, including legendary
piano minimalist Anmad Jamal on the 23,
guitar deity Bill Frisell (with dobro ace Greg
Leitz) June 25 and the return of the Brad
Mehldau Trio June 28. As always, the
Vancouver East Cultural Centre offers up
some of the best in European influenced
jazz.
For those into the "New Groove" side of the
festival, the concert not-to-be-missed is the
amazing double bill of Antibalas Afrobeat
Orchestra and Sex Mob, June 26 at the
Commodore. Sex Mob’s performance last
year was the highlight of the festival and this
year’s teaming with Ninja Tune artists
Antibalas who layer funky polyrhythmic
beats with monstrous horns and furious
lyrics should be heroic. Other "New Groove"
highlights include the James Carter Organ
Trio at Performance Works on June 25,
Bullfrog (featuring Kid Koala) at the
Commodore June 27 and the Chicago
Underground Quartet at Performance Works
on June 30.
If jazz isn’t your thing, that’s really too bad
for you, but there are still lots of gigs going
on in the city. If you like hip-hop, June 13 Sud
finds Souls of Mischief (of the Hierog
crew) at the Purple Onigp
make up for their can¢
make up cate; ON al
Duckling on July 18.
Fear not rock and roll disciples, there’s
music on the horizon for you too. Seattle
products Bratmobile team with local country
sensations Tennessee Twin for a show at the
Pic on June 15. Blues-pop queen Bonnie
Raitt plays at the Orpheum on June 16. June
22 finds 20 Miles (John Spence Blues
Explosion bassist, Judah Bauer's side project)
at the Railway Club. Mellow southern rocker,
John Mayer plays a gig at Richards June 24.
Meanwhile across town that night, the
Coliseum plays host to X-FM’s Hullabaloo
featuring Papa Roach, Jimmy Eat World,
Swollen Members and Theory of a Dead
Man. Don’t expect a review for that one.
Metal asskickers The Fucking Champs
(who are no doubt, rock and roll’s next big
hype) have plans to tear Richards apart on
June 26. I’d be remiss for not mentioning the
MOR double bill of the Goo Goo Dolls and
Five for Fighting at the QE Theatre on the
28—1| suppose everyone sells out for a price
(not that there’s anything wrong with that).
The Railway Club is the place to be for all
your roots-rock needs including Hinterland,
Softcore and Parlour Steps on June 27. If
that weren’t enough local roots action for
you, July 5 and 6 are the CD Release party
for Carolyn Mark and her Roomates. Yee
Haw!
In the blast from the past category,
Canadian folk-rock hero Bruce Cockburn
plays at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park on
July 7 with Ron Sexsmith opening. Crowded
House and Split Endz frontman Neil Finn
plays a gig at the Vogue July 10 in support of
his new disc, One All and early 90’s riot grris
(and Pixies side project) The Breeders have
gotten the band together for a tour that
includes a stop at the Commodore on July
14. Rumors abound about
Kleiner/Battles double bill at Ms. T’s om
13, but that’s just scenester speculatio
a Mark Bo
hear about the Warped tour and the Folk
Festival.
Movies:
Summer blockbusters continue with the
June 14 release of The Bourne Identity star-
ring uber-hottie Matt Damon as an amnesiac
former spy. Based on Robert Ludlum’s novel,
there should be lots of excitement. Opening
the same weekend is Windtalkers starring
Nicolas Cage in a WWII drama directed by
John Woo. Don’t get your hopes up kids.
Opening June 21 is Steven Speilberg’s
latest, the sci-fi Minority Report starring Tom
Cruise. Get your big bag of popcorn ready.
If the big screen blockbuster action isn’t
your style, check out Pink Floyd In
Wonderland at the Blinding Light!! June 21
and 22. This latest installment in synched up
mischief finds Walt Disney's classic Alice in
Wonderland synched up with Pink Floyd’s
The Wall. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole
and into uncharted territory for an incredible
evening of astounding moments of synchro-
nized serendipity and an entirely new way of
looking at both the music and the movie.
Also at The Blinding Light!! is the Canadian
Premiere of Michael Dean’s D./.Y. OR DIE:
How to Survive as an Independent Artist July
5 and 6. This intriguing film explores the
methods and motivations of independent
American artists working in different genres
and mediums. Profiling a fascinating group
of icons and unknowns working in various
media including print, film, graphic art, per-
formance art and music, the three-dozen
interviewees are mavericks that operate out-
side of any "studio system", are beholden to
no one, and produce influential, quali
regardless of a continuous pay check.
Also worth checkin ng.oubis Ci) /
What’s On Around Town (June 12 -— July 17)
2 an Scam YM A
ee
oe
RE ee ee
Tyler Bradford
Culture Editor
Concerts:
The summer is (finally) starting to heat up
and musical delights abound. The big event
to check out of course is the 17th annual
Vancouver International Jazz Festival, which
runs from June 21 to July 1. With tons of free
events, including shows in Gastown on the
22 and 23, at the Roundhouse on June 29
and 30, and a Canada Day celebration at
Granville Island, there’s no reason not to
go out and enjoy some great jazz perform-
ances.
On the paid concerts side of the festival,
the Vogue Theatre offers up some of the
festival’s biggest shows, including legendary
piano minimalist Anmad Jamal on the 23,
guitar deity Bill Frisell (with dobro ace Greg
Leitz) June 25 and the return of the Brad
Mehldau Trio June 28. As always, the
Vancouver East Cultural Centre offers up
some of the best in European influenced
jazz.
For those into the "New Groove" side of the
festival, the concert not-to-be-missed is the
amazing double bill of Antibalas Afrobeat
Orchestra and Sex Mob, June 26 at the
Commodore. Sex Mob’s performance last
year was the highlight of the festival and this
year’s teaming with Ninja Tune artists
Antibalas who layer funky polyrhythmic
beats with monstrous horns and furious
lyrics should be heroic. Other "New Groove"
highlights include the James Carter Organ
Trio at Performance Works on June 25,
Bullfrog (featuring Kid Koala) at the
Commodore June 27 and the Chicago
Underground Quartet at Performance Works
on June 30.
If jazz isn’t your thing, that’s really too bad
for you, but there are still lots of gigs going
on in the city. If you like hip-hop, June 13 Sud
finds Souls of Mischief (of the Hierog
crew) at the Purple Onigp
make up for their can¢
make up cate; ON al
Duckling on July 18.
Fear not rock and roll disciples, there’s
music on the horizon for you too. Seattle
products Bratmobile team with local country
sensations Tennessee Twin for a show at the
Pic on June 15. Blues-pop queen Bonnie
Raitt plays at the Orpheum on June 16. June
22 finds 20 Miles (John Spence Blues
Explosion bassist, Judah Bauer's side project)
at the Railway Club. Mellow southern rocker,
John Mayer plays a gig at Richards June 24.
Meanwhile across town that night, the
Coliseum plays host to X-FM’s Hullabaloo
featuring Papa Roach, Jimmy Eat World,
Swollen Members and Theory of a Dead
Man. Don’t expect a review for that one.
Metal asskickers The Fucking Champs
(who are no doubt, rock and roll’s next big
hype) have plans to tear Richards apart on
June 26. I’d be remiss for not mentioning the
MOR double bill of the Goo Goo Dolls and
Five for Fighting at the QE Theatre on the
28—1| suppose everyone sells out for a price
(not that there’s anything wrong with that).
The Railway Club is the place to be for all
your roots-rock needs including Hinterland,
Softcore and Parlour Steps on June 27. If
that weren’t enough local roots action for
you, July 5 and 6 are the CD Release party
for Carolyn Mark and her Roomates. Yee
Haw!
In the blast from the past category,
Canadian folk-rock hero Bruce Cockburn
plays at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park on
July 7 with Ron Sexsmith opening. Crowded
House and Split Endz frontman Neil Finn
plays a gig at the Vogue July 10 in support of
his new disc, One All and early 90’s riot grris
(and Pixies side project) The Breeders have
gotten the band together for a tour that
includes a stop at the Commodore on July
14. Rumors abound about
Kleiner/Battles double bill at Ms. T’s om
13, but that’s just scenester speculatio
a Mark Bo
hear about the Warped tour and the Folk
Festival.
Movies:
Summer blockbusters continue with the
June 14 release of The Bourne Identity star-
ring uber-hottie Matt Damon as an amnesiac
former spy. Based on Robert Ludlum’s novel,
there should be lots of excitement. Opening
the same weekend is Windtalkers starring
Nicolas Cage in a WWII drama directed by
John Woo. Don’t get your hopes up kids.
Opening June 21 is Steven Speilberg’s
latest, the sci-fi Minority Report starring Tom
Cruise. Get your big bag of popcorn ready.
If the big screen blockbuster action isn’t
your style, check out Pink Floyd In
Wonderland at the Blinding Light!! June 21
and 22. This latest installment in synched up
mischief finds Walt Disney's classic Alice in
Wonderland synched up with Pink Floyd’s
The Wall. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole
and into uncharted territory for an incredible
evening of astounding moments of synchro-
nized serendipity and an entirely new way of
looking at both the music and the movie.
Also at The Blinding Light!! is the Canadian
Premiere of Michael Dean’s D./.Y. OR DIE:
How to Survive as an Independent Artist July
5 and 6. This intriguing film explores the
methods and motivations of independent
American artists working in different genres
and mediums. Profiling a fascinating group
of icons and unknowns working in various
media including print, film, graphic art, per-
formance art and music, the three-dozen
interviewees are mavericks that operate out-
side of any "studio system", are beholden to
no one, and produce influential, quali
regardless of a continuous pay check.
Also worth checkin ng.oubis Ci) /
Edited Text
© "ather press >>> CULTURE
What’s On Around Town (June 12 -— July 17)
2 an Scam YM A
ee
oe
RE ee ee
Tyler Bradford
Culture Editor
Concerts:
The summer is (finally) starting to heat up
and musical delights abound. The big event
to check out of course is the 17th annual
Vancouver International Jazz Festival, which
runs from June 21 to July 1. With tons of free
events, including shows in Gastown on the
22 and 23, at the Roundhouse on June 29
and 30, and a Canada Day celebration at
Granville Island, there’s no reason not to
go out and enjoy some great jazz perform-
ances.
On the paid concerts side of the festival,
the Vogue Theatre offers up some of the
festival’s biggest shows, including legendary
piano minimalist Anmad Jamal on the 23,
guitar deity Bill Frisell (with dobro ace Greg
Leitz) June 25 and the return of the Brad
Mehldau Trio June 28. As always, the
Vancouver East Cultural Centre offers up
some of the best in European influenced
jazz.
For those into the "New Groove" side of the
festival, the concert not-to-be-missed is the
amazing double bill of Antibalas Afrobeat
Orchestra and Sex Mob, June 26 at the
Commodore. Sex Mob’s performance last
year was the highlight of the festival and this
year’s teaming with Ninja Tune artists
Antibalas who layer funky polyrhythmic
beats with monstrous horns and furious
lyrics should be heroic. Other "New Groove"
highlights include the James Carter Organ
Trio at Performance Works on June 25,
Bullfrog (featuring Kid Koala) at the
Commodore June 27 and the Chicago
Underground Quartet at Performance Works
on June 30.
If jazz isn’t your thing, that’s really too bad
for you, but there are still lots of gigs going
on in the city. If you like hip-hop, June 13 Sud
finds Souls of Mischief (of the Hierog
crew) at the Purple Onigp
make up for their can¢
make up cate; ON al
Duckling on July 18.
Fear not rock and roll disciples, there’s
music on the horizon for you too. Seattle
products Bratmobile team with local country
sensations Tennessee Twin for a show at the
Pic on June 15. Blues-pop queen Bonnie
Raitt plays at the Orpheum on June 16. June
22 finds 20 Miles (John Spence Blues
Explosion bassist, Judah Bauer's side project)
at the Railway Club. Mellow southern rocker,
John Mayer plays a gig at Richards June 24.
Meanwhile across town that night, the
Coliseum plays host to X-FM’s Hullabaloo
featuring Papa Roach, Jimmy Eat World,
Swollen Members and Theory of a Dead
Man. Don’t expect a review for that one.
Metal asskickers The Fucking Champs
(who are no doubt, rock and roll’s next big
hype) have plans to tear Richards apart on
June 26. I’d be remiss for not mentioning the
MOR double bill of the Goo Goo Dolls and
Five for Fighting at the QE Theatre on the
28—1| suppose everyone sells out for a price
(not that there’s anything wrong with that).
The Railway Club is the place to be for all
your roots-rock needs including Hinterland,
Softcore and Parlour Steps on June 27. If
that weren’t enough local roots action for
you, July 5 and 6 are the CD Release party
for Carolyn Mark and her Roomates. Yee
Haw!
In the blast from the past category,
Canadian folk-rock hero Bruce Cockburn
plays at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park on
July 7 with Ron Sexsmith opening. Crowded
House and Split Endz frontman Neil Finn
plays a gig at the Vogue July 10 in support of
his new disc, One All and early 90’s riot grris
(and Pixies side project) The Breeders have
gotten the band together for a tour that
includes a stop at the Commodore on July
14. Rumors abound about
Kleiner/Battles double bill at Ms. T’s om
13, but that’s just scenester speculatio
a Mark Bo
hear about the Warped tour and the Folk
Festival.
Movies:
Summer blockbusters continue with the
June 14 release of The Bourne Identity star-
ring uber-hottie Matt Damon as an amnesiac
former spy. Based on Robert Ludlum’s novel,
there should be lots of excitement. Opening
the same weekend is Windtalkers starring
Nicolas Cage in a WWII drama directed by
John Woo. Don’t get your hopes up kids.
Opening June 21 is Steven Speilberg’s
latest, the sci-fi Minority Report starring Tom
Cruise. Get your big bag of popcorn ready.
If the big screen blockbuster action isn’t
your style, check out Pink Floyd In
Wonderland at the Blinding Light!! June 21
and 22. This latest installment in synched up
mischief finds Walt Disney's classic Alice in
Wonderland synched up with Pink Floyd’s
The Wall. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole
and into uncharted territory for an incredible
evening of astounding moments of synchro-
nized serendipity and an entirely new way of
looking at both the music and the movie.
Also at The Blinding Light!! is the Canadian
Premiere of Michael Dean’s D./.Y. OR DIE:
How to Survive as an Independent Artist July
5 and 6. This intriguing film explores the
methods and motivations of independent
American artists working in different genres
and mediums. Profiling a fascinating group
of icons and unknowns working in various
media including print, film, graphic art, per-
formance art and music, the three-dozen
interviewees are mavericks that operate out-
side of any "studio system", are beholden to
no one, and produce influential, quali
regardless of a continuous pay check.
Also worth checkin ng.oubis Ci) /
What’s On Around Town (June 12 -— July 17)
2 an Scam YM A
ee
oe
RE ee ee
Tyler Bradford
Culture Editor
Concerts:
The summer is (finally) starting to heat up
and musical delights abound. The big event
to check out of course is the 17th annual
Vancouver International Jazz Festival, which
runs from June 21 to July 1. With tons of free
events, including shows in Gastown on the
22 and 23, at the Roundhouse on June 29
and 30, and a Canada Day celebration at
Granville Island, there’s no reason not to
go out and enjoy some great jazz perform-
ances.
On the paid concerts side of the festival,
the Vogue Theatre offers up some of the
festival’s biggest shows, including legendary
piano minimalist Anmad Jamal on the 23,
guitar deity Bill Frisell (with dobro ace Greg
Leitz) June 25 and the return of the Brad
Mehldau Trio June 28. As always, the
Vancouver East Cultural Centre offers up
some of the best in European influenced
jazz.
For those into the "New Groove" side of the
festival, the concert not-to-be-missed is the
amazing double bill of Antibalas Afrobeat
Orchestra and Sex Mob, June 26 at the
Commodore. Sex Mob’s performance last
year was the highlight of the festival and this
year’s teaming with Ninja Tune artists
Antibalas who layer funky polyrhythmic
beats with monstrous horns and furious
lyrics should be heroic. Other "New Groove"
highlights include the James Carter Organ
Trio at Performance Works on June 25,
Bullfrog (featuring Kid Koala) at the
Commodore June 27 and the Chicago
Underground Quartet at Performance Works
on June 30.
If jazz isn’t your thing, that’s really too bad
for you, but there are still lots of gigs going
on in the city. If you like hip-hop, June 13 Sud
finds Souls of Mischief (of the Hierog
crew) at the Purple Onigp
make up for their can¢
make up cate; ON al
Duckling on July 18.
Fear not rock and roll disciples, there’s
music on the horizon for you too. Seattle
products Bratmobile team with local country
sensations Tennessee Twin for a show at the
Pic on June 15. Blues-pop queen Bonnie
Raitt plays at the Orpheum on June 16. June
22 finds 20 Miles (John Spence Blues
Explosion bassist, Judah Bauer's side project)
at the Railway Club. Mellow southern rocker,
John Mayer plays a gig at Richards June 24.
Meanwhile across town that night, the
Coliseum plays host to X-FM’s Hullabaloo
featuring Papa Roach, Jimmy Eat World,
Swollen Members and Theory of a Dead
Man. Don’t expect a review for that one.
Metal asskickers The Fucking Champs
(who are no doubt, rock and roll’s next big
hype) have plans to tear Richards apart on
June 26. I’d be remiss for not mentioning the
MOR double bill of the Goo Goo Dolls and
Five for Fighting at the QE Theatre on the
28—1| suppose everyone sells out for a price
(not that there’s anything wrong with that).
The Railway Club is the place to be for all
your roots-rock needs including Hinterland,
Softcore and Parlour Steps on June 27. If
that weren’t enough local roots action for
you, July 5 and 6 are the CD Release party
for Carolyn Mark and her Roomates. Yee
Haw!
In the blast from the past category,
Canadian folk-rock hero Bruce Cockburn
plays at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park on
July 7 with Ron Sexsmith opening. Crowded
House and Split Endz frontman Neil Finn
plays a gig at the Vogue July 10 in support of
his new disc, One All and early 90’s riot grris
(and Pixies side project) The Breeders have
gotten the band together for a tour that
includes a stop at the Commodore on July
14. Rumors abound about
Kleiner/Battles double bill at Ms. T’s om
13, but that’s just scenester speculatio
a Mark Bo
hear about the Warped tour and the Folk
Festival.
Movies:
Summer blockbusters continue with the
June 14 release of The Bourne Identity star-
ring uber-hottie Matt Damon as an amnesiac
former spy. Based on Robert Ludlum’s novel,
there should be lots of excitement. Opening
the same weekend is Windtalkers starring
Nicolas Cage in a WWII drama directed by
John Woo. Don’t get your hopes up kids.
Opening June 21 is Steven Speilberg’s
latest, the sci-fi Minority Report starring Tom
Cruise. Get your big bag of popcorn ready.
If the big screen blockbuster action isn’t
your style, check out Pink Floyd In
Wonderland at the Blinding Light!! June 21
and 22. This latest installment in synched up
mischief finds Walt Disney's classic Alice in
Wonderland synched up with Pink Floyd’s
The Wall. Follow Alice down the rabbit hole
and into uncharted territory for an incredible
evening of astounding moments of synchro-
nized serendipity and an entirely new way of
looking at both the music and the movie.
Also at The Blinding Light!! is the Canadian
Premiere of Michael Dean’s D./.Y. OR DIE:
How to Survive as an Independent Artist July
5 and 6. This intriguing film explores the
methods and motivations of independent
American artists working in different genres
and mediums. Profiling a fascinating group
of icons and unknowns working in various
media including print, film, graphic art, per-
formance art and music, the three-dozen
interviewees are mavericks that operate out-
side of any "studio system", are beholden to
no one, and produce influential, quali
regardless of a continuous pay check.
Also worth checkin ng.oubis Ci) /
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
t
Democracy Watch:
Sven Bellamy
Features Editor
"In a Democracy, politics are too
important to be left to politicians. All
citizens must strive to understand
politics, for if they do not, then politi-
cians are liable to corner them with
disastrous results for all."—Macdonald
Burbidge, 1990
A democracy cannot exist without
active participation of its citizens.
Each time a crowd of activists gather
to express concern, discontent, or
support for a cause; each time citizens
write a letter, or make a telephone call
to an elected official disclosing
concern or expressing discontent,
democracy is being exercised.
One Person Can Make a Difference
In the 60’s Ralph Nader, a Princeton
law graduate, began to write a book
about lack of government regulation
regarding automobile safety. He faced
tremendous opposition from General
Motors, one of the largest corporations
in the world at that time, to the extent
where women were hired to entrap
Nader in an episode of moral disrepute
and blackmail. However, a journalist
friend broke the story in The New
Republic, soliciting attention from
the US senate, ultimately forcing an
apology from the president of GM.
This single incident launched auto-
mobile safety into the public centre
stage and drove Nader’s book Unsafe
at Any Speed to become a national
bestseller in the States. It also did
something else. The Nader case
showed that a single determined per-
son, with a focused goal and intelligent
ambition, is able to make a difference,
even if taking on a corporate giant.
The formation of watchdog groups,
whether citizen advocate groups or
student activist groups, serve to
strengthen the voice of people. The
first of Nader’s student advocate
groups was formed in 1968. The group
of seven student lawyers began inves-
tigating the American Federal Trade
Commission, an organization that was
supposed to protect consumers from
defective products, fraudulent busi-
ness practices and deceptive advertis-
ing. The student crusaders released a
report revealing an agency, "fat with
cronyism, torpid through inbreeding,
The fictive fictivist
unusual even for Washington, manipu-
lated by commercial predators,
impervious to governmental and public
monitors." The report was so effective
that U.S. senators began to take
notice, ultimately leading to the
revamping of the FTC headquarters,
and internal management structures.
In the years that followed, inspired by
the success of the FTC report, student
activists flocked to work for Nader.
These groups began producing reports
that were explosive and revealing.
Washington Post journalist William
Greider picked up the story and
likened the ad hoc groups to intellec-
tual S.W.A.T. teams naming them,
"Nader’s Raiders." By the second sum-
mer two hundred students were
selected from a list of 30,000 appli-
cants inspiring Nader to form a
permanent establishment. One Harvard
professor was quoted by a reporter as
saying, "I think one third of Harvard
Law School applied."
By the summer of 1970 Nader founded
the Center for Responsive Law and
Nader’s Raiders began turning out
reports on health hazards caused by
air pollution, lax response of the
Food and Drug Administration over the
food industry, and the effects of DDT
spraying.
One reason why the Nader reports
were so effective was that mainstream
journalism seemed locked in a legacy
left over from the Eisenhower "silent"
generation. Investigative reporting
wasn’t practiced to any extent at most
“Other press >>> FEATURES
daily newspapers and few legislators
cared to look at the performance of
federal agencies from a _ citizen’s
perspective. By providing names and
detailed documentation the Nader
study groups made for hot copy. The
spectacle of greenhorn’ students
providing example after example of
government footdragging, special
interest collusion, and _ corporate
malfeasance made the reports com-
pelling and intriguing.
Nader had very little capital to pay for
the growing groups. He paid them
instead by giving them their own
bylines, participating in their own press
conferences, providing the student
researchers opportunities to develop
their own reputations and expertise.
Mark Green, one of Nader’s first pro-
tégés has remarked, "Ralph replicated
himself through his own selflessness—
he allowed new leaders to be born."
Nader introduced the reports he
sponsored as "exemplary acts of citi-
zenship designed to inspire others to
do the same." For a generation who
consciously wanted their peers to care
about who they were, to care about
their country, and care about the world
they lived in, Nader had provided a
means through The Centre for
Responsive Law. Although Ralph
Nader was not the founder of con-
sumer watchdog movements, he
contributed greatly towards getting
people involved, making people
concerned, and he did something
unique. While the majority of student
activists were protesting the war in
Vietnam, or fighting for ethnic civil
rights, Nader had found a niche
focusing on the subtle injustices
woven into American economy and
law.
Some Canadian Democracy
Watchdogs
Within Canada, especially within the
scope of the past few years, advocate
groups for democracy and human
rights have been recruiting in full
force. Never in the history of the world
has it been more crucial to protect the
individual’s rights, to speak one’s
beliefs, to make a stand and say what
continued on page 20
ms is
Democracy Watch:
Sven Bellamy
Features Editor
"In a Democracy, politics are too
important to be left to politicians. All
citizens must strive to understand
politics, for if they do not, then politi-
cians are liable to corner them with
disastrous results for all."—Macdonald
Burbidge, 1990
A democracy cannot exist without
active participation of its citizens.
Each time a crowd of activists gather
to express concern, discontent, or
support for a cause; each time citizens
write a letter, or make a telephone call
to an elected official disclosing
concern or expressing discontent,
democracy is being exercised.
One Person Can Make a Difference
In the 60’s Ralph Nader, a Princeton
law graduate, began to write a book
about lack of government regulation
regarding automobile safety. He faced
tremendous opposition from General
Motors, one of the largest corporations
in the world at that time, to the extent
where women were hired to entrap
Nader in an episode of moral disrepute
and blackmail. However, a journalist
friend broke the story in The New
Republic, soliciting attention from
the US senate, ultimately forcing an
apology from the president of GM.
This single incident launched auto-
mobile safety into the public centre
stage and drove Nader’s book Unsafe
at Any Speed to become a national
bestseller in the States. It also did
something else. The Nader case
showed that a single determined per-
son, with a focused goal and intelligent
ambition, is able to make a difference,
even if taking on a corporate giant.
The formation of watchdog groups,
whether citizen advocate groups or
student activist groups, serve to
strengthen the voice of people. The
first of Nader’s student advocate
groups was formed in 1968. The group
of seven student lawyers began inves-
tigating the American Federal Trade
Commission, an organization that was
supposed to protect consumers from
defective products, fraudulent busi-
ness practices and deceptive advertis-
ing. The student crusaders released a
report revealing an agency, "fat with
cronyism, torpid through inbreeding,
The fictive fictivist
unusual even for Washington, manipu-
lated by commercial predators,
impervious to governmental and public
monitors." The report was so effective
that U.S. senators began to take
notice, ultimately leading to the
revamping of the FTC headquarters,
and internal management structures.
In the years that followed, inspired by
the success of the FTC report, student
activists flocked to work for Nader.
These groups began producing reports
that were explosive and revealing.
Washington Post journalist William
Greider picked up the story and
likened the ad hoc groups to intellec-
tual S.W.A.T. teams naming them,
"Nader’s Raiders." By the second sum-
mer two hundred students were
selected from a list of 30,000 appli-
cants inspiring Nader to form a
permanent establishment. One Harvard
professor was quoted by a reporter as
saying, "I think one third of Harvard
Law School applied."
By the summer of 1970 Nader founded
the Center for Responsive Law and
Nader’s Raiders began turning out
reports on health hazards caused by
air pollution, lax response of the
Food and Drug Administration over the
food industry, and the effects of DDT
spraying.
One reason why the Nader reports
were so effective was that mainstream
journalism seemed locked in a legacy
left over from the Eisenhower "silent"
generation. Investigative reporting
wasn’t practiced to any extent at most
“Other press >>> FEATURES
daily newspapers and few legislators
cared to look at the performance of
federal agencies from a _ citizen’s
perspective. By providing names and
detailed documentation the Nader
study groups made for hot copy. The
spectacle of greenhorn’ students
providing example after example of
government footdragging, special
interest collusion, and _ corporate
malfeasance made the reports com-
pelling and intriguing.
Nader had very little capital to pay for
the growing groups. He paid them
instead by giving them their own
bylines, participating in their own press
conferences, providing the student
researchers opportunities to develop
their own reputations and expertise.
Mark Green, one of Nader’s first pro-
tégés has remarked, "Ralph replicated
himself through his own selflessness—
he allowed new leaders to be born."
Nader introduced the reports he
sponsored as "exemplary acts of citi-
zenship designed to inspire others to
do the same." For a generation who
consciously wanted their peers to care
about who they were, to care about
their country, and care about the world
they lived in, Nader had provided a
means through The Centre for
Responsive Law. Although Ralph
Nader was not the founder of con-
sumer watchdog movements, he
contributed greatly towards getting
people involved, making people
concerned, and he did something
unique. While the majority of student
activists were protesting the war in
Vietnam, or fighting for ethnic civil
rights, Nader had found a niche
focusing on the subtle injustices
woven into American economy and
law.
Some Canadian Democracy
Watchdogs
Within Canada, especially within the
scope of the past few years, advocate
groups for democracy and human
rights have been recruiting in full
force. Never in the history of the world
has it been more crucial to protect the
individual’s rights, to speak one’s
beliefs, to make a stand and say what
continued on page 20
ms is
Edited Text
t
Democracy Watch:
Sven Bellamy
Features Editor
"In a Democracy, politics are too
important to be left to politicians. All
citizens must strive to understand
politics, for if they do not, then politi-
cians are liable to corner them with
disastrous results for all."—Macdonald
Burbidge, 1990
A democracy cannot exist without
active participation of its citizens.
Each time a crowd of activists gather
to express concern, discontent, or
support for a cause; each time citizens
write a letter, or make a telephone call
to an elected official disclosing
concern or expressing discontent,
democracy is being exercised.
One Person Can Make a Difference
In the 60’s Ralph Nader, a Princeton
law graduate, began to write a book
about lack of government regulation
regarding automobile safety. He faced
tremendous opposition from General
Motors, one of the largest corporations
in the world at that time, to the extent
where women were hired to entrap
Nader in an episode of moral disrepute
and blackmail. However, a journalist
friend broke the story in The New
Republic, soliciting attention from
the US senate, ultimately forcing an
apology from the president of GM.
This single incident launched auto-
mobile safety into the public centre
stage and drove Nader’s book Unsafe
at Any Speed to become a national
bestseller in the States. It also did
something else. The Nader case
showed that a single determined per-
son, with a focused goal and intelligent
ambition, is able to make a difference,
even if taking on a corporate giant.
The formation of watchdog groups,
whether citizen advocate groups or
student activist groups, serve to
strengthen the voice of people. The
first of Nader’s student advocate
groups was formed in 1968. The group
of seven student lawyers began inves-
tigating the American Federal Trade
Commission, an organization that was
supposed to protect consumers from
defective products, fraudulent busi-
ness practices and deceptive advertis-
ing. The student crusaders released a
report revealing an agency, "fat with
cronyism, torpid through inbreeding,
The fictive fictivist
unusual even for Washington, manipu-
lated by commercial predators,
impervious to governmental and public
monitors." The report was so effective
that U.S. senators began to take
notice, ultimately leading to the
revamping of the FTC headquarters,
and internal management structures.
In the years that followed, inspired by
the success of the FTC report, student
activists flocked to work for Nader.
These groups began producing reports
that were explosive and revealing.
Washington Post journalist William
Greider picked up the story and
likened the ad hoc groups to intellec-
tual S.W.A.T. teams naming them,
"Nader’s Raiders." By the second sum-
mer two hundred students were
selected from a list of 30,000 appli-
cants inspiring Nader to form a
permanent establishment. One Harvard
professor was quoted by a reporter as
saying, "I think one third of Harvard
Law School applied."
By the summer of 1970 Nader founded
the Center for Responsive Law and
Nader’s Raiders began turning out
reports on health hazards caused by
air pollution, lax response of the
Food and Drug Administration over the
food industry, and the effects of DDT
spraying.
One reason why the Nader reports
were so effective was that mainstream
journalism seemed locked in a legacy
left over from the Eisenhower "silent"
generation. Investigative reporting
wasn’t practiced to any extent at most
“Other press >>> FEATURES
daily newspapers and few legislators
cared to look at the performance of
federal agencies from a _ citizen’s
perspective. By providing names and
detailed documentation the Nader
study groups made for hot copy. The
spectacle of greenhorn’ students
providing example after example of
government footdragging, special
interest collusion, and _ corporate
malfeasance made the reports com-
pelling and intriguing.
Nader had very little capital to pay for
the growing groups. He paid them
instead by giving them their own
bylines, participating in their own press
conferences, providing the student
researchers opportunities to develop
their own reputations and expertise.
Mark Green, one of Nader’s first pro-
tégés has remarked, "Ralph replicated
himself through his own selflessness—
he allowed new leaders to be born."
Nader introduced the reports he
sponsored as "exemplary acts of citi-
zenship designed to inspire others to
do the same." For a generation who
consciously wanted their peers to care
about who they were, to care about
their country, and care about the world
they lived in, Nader had provided a
means through The Centre for
Responsive Law. Although Ralph
Nader was not the founder of con-
sumer watchdog movements, he
contributed greatly towards getting
people involved, making people
concerned, and he did something
unique. While the majority of student
activists were protesting the war in
Vietnam, or fighting for ethnic civil
rights, Nader had found a niche
focusing on the subtle injustices
woven into American economy and
law.
Some Canadian Democracy
Watchdogs
Within Canada, especially within the
scope of the past few years, advocate
groups for democracy and human
rights have been recruiting in full
force. Never in the history of the world
has it been more crucial to protect the
individual’s rights, to speak one’s
beliefs, to make a stand and say what
continued on page 20
ms is
Democracy Watch:
Sven Bellamy
Features Editor
"In a Democracy, politics are too
important to be left to politicians. All
citizens must strive to understand
politics, for if they do not, then politi-
cians are liable to corner them with
disastrous results for all."—Macdonald
Burbidge, 1990
A democracy cannot exist without
active participation of its citizens.
Each time a crowd of activists gather
to express concern, discontent, or
support for a cause; each time citizens
write a letter, or make a telephone call
to an elected official disclosing
concern or expressing discontent,
democracy is being exercised.
One Person Can Make a Difference
In the 60’s Ralph Nader, a Princeton
law graduate, began to write a book
about lack of government regulation
regarding automobile safety. He faced
tremendous opposition from General
Motors, one of the largest corporations
in the world at that time, to the extent
where women were hired to entrap
Nader in an episode of moral disrepute
and blackmail. However, a journalist
friend broke the story in The New
Republic, soliciting attention from
the US senate, ultimately forcing an
apology from the president of GM.
This single incident launched auto-
mobile safety into the public centre
stage and drove Nader’s book Unsafe
at Any Speed to become a national
bestseller in the States. It also did
something else. The Nader case
showed that a single determined per-
son, with a focused goal and intelligent
ambition, is able to make a difference,
even if taking on a corporate giant.
The formation of watchdog groups,
whether citizen advocate groups or
student activist groups, serve to
strengthen the voice of people. The
first of Nader’s student advocate
groups was formed in 1968. The group
of seven student lawyers began inves-
tigating the American Federal Trade
Commission, an organization that was
supposed to protect consumers from
defective products, fraudulent busi-
ness practices and deceptive advertis-
ing. The student crusaders released a
report revealing an agency, "fat with
cronyism, torpid through inbreeding,
The fictive fictivist
unusual even for Washington, manipu-
lated by commercial predators,
impervious to governmental and public
monitors." The report was so effective
that U.S. senators began to take
notice, ultimately leading to the
revamping of the FTC headquarters,
and internal management structures.
In the years that followed, inspired by
the success of the FTC report, student
activists flocked to work for Nader.
These groups began producing reports
that were explosive and revealing.
Washington Post journalist William
Greider picked up the story and
likened the ad hoc groups to intellec-
tual S.W.A.T. teams naming them,
"Nader’s Raiders." By the second sum-
mer two hundred students were
selected from a list of 30,000 appli-
cants inspiring Nader to form a
permanent establishment. One Harvard
professor was quoted by a reporter as
saying, "I think one third of Harvard
Law School applied."
By the summer of 1970 Nader founded
the Center for Responsive Law and
Nader’s Raiders began turning out
reports on health hazards caused by
air pollution, lax response of the
Food and Drug Administration over the
food industry, and the effects of DDT
spraying.
One reason why the Nader reports
were so effective was that mainstream
journalism seemed locked in a legacy
left over from the Eisenhower "silent"
generation. Investigative reporting
wasn’t practiced to any extent at most
“Other press >>> FEATURES
daily newspapers and few legislators
cared to look at the performance of
federal agencies from a _ citizen’s
perspective. By providing names and
detailed documentation the Nader
study groups made for hot copy. The
spectacle of greenhorn’ students
providing example after example of
government footdragging, special
interest collusion, and _ corporate
malfeasance made the reports com-
pelling and intriguing.
Nader had very little capital to pay for
the growing groups. He paid them
instead by giving them their own
bylines, participating in their own press
conferences, providing the student
researchers opportunities to develop
their own reputations and expertise.
Mark Green, one of Nader’s first pro-
tégés has remarked, "Ralph replicated
himself through his own selflessness—
he allowed new leaders to be born."
Nader introduced the reports he
sponsored as "exemplary acts of citi-
zenship designed to inspire others to
do the same." For a generation who
consciously wanted their peers to care
about who they were, to care about
their country, and care about the world
they lived in, Nader had provided a
means through The Centre for
Responsive Law. Although Ralph
Nader was not the founder of con-
sumer watchdog movements, he
contributed greatly towards getting
people involved, making people
concerned, and he did something
unique. While the majority of student
activists were protesting the war in
Vietnam, or fighting for ethnic civil
rights, Nader had found a niche
focusing on the subtle injustices
woven into American economy and
law.
Some Canadian Democracy
Watchdogs
Within Canada, especially within the
scope of the past few years, advocate
groups for democracy and human
rights have been recruiting in full
force. Never in the history of the world
has it been more crucial to protect the
individual’s rights, to speak one’s
beliefs, to make a stand and say what
continued on page 20
ms is
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
TR TREE
continued from page 25
the North Shore, as well as struggling to a
16-16 tie against Maple Ridge.
Still, as the season progresses, pundits
expect Coquitlam to challenge Victoria for
ist place, while New Westminster, if they
can ever discover a consistent game,
should overtake Burnaby for 3rd place.
The Lakers have exploded out of the gate,
winning 3 of their first 4, their only loss
coming at the hands of the Adanacs.
New Wesminster notes:
New Westminster’s home opener was
deemed a success, despite the disap-
pointing crowd. Canada’s World Cup
Lacrosse team was announced at the
game, including Salmonbellies, and
Vancouver Raven stand-out, Peter
Morgan. Once the game began, New
Westminster dominated the defending
champs from Coquitlam, holding the
Adanacs to only one power play goal in
the process. Morgan led the way, firing in
six goals.
The following night, the Salmonbellies
lost to the Burnaby Lakers 11-8. New
Westminster continued their tradition of
winning one, losing one, by hammering
the Maple Ridge Burrards 19-12, before
losing against the tough Victoria squad
"other press >>>SPORTS
18-14. Despite the setback, goaltender
Matt Disher has helped New Westminster
achieve the lowest goals against in the
league for the month of May. Forward
Craig Stevenson is 6th in scoring with 12
goals and 9 assists, while Morgan's fran-
tic pace from the opener has tailed off,
leaving him with 10 goals and 11 assists,
good enough for seventh.
Coquitlam comments:
Teams are always out to get the reigning
champs, and especially Victoria, who after
going undefeated during the 2001 regular
season, were upset in the WLA final by
Coquitlam. So perhaps, during
Coquitlam’s home opener, Victoria was
seeking revenge, and had jumped out toa
14-9 lead, with less than five minutes
remaining in regulation. However,
Coquitlam made a furious comeback, forc-
ing overtime, before losing 17-15. The
Adanacs then followed up this effort by
losing to New Westminster, in a game that
was basically decided after the second
period.
Coquitlam has had no trouble in scoring
goals, with John Grant Jr. 2nd in scoring
with 11 goals and 19 assists, and Dan
Stroup close behind him with 15 goals
and 9 assists. However, their goaltending
has definitely been a problem, although,
since their two opening losses, they
seem to have righted the ship, beating
Burnaby 12-4 and struggling past last
place North Shore, 11-9. But, they are
confident that once they get over that
“championship hangover," everything will
be fine.
Under Suspension... or Bad Officiating?
Patrick Witwicki
Sports Editor
On Friday, May 11, during’ the
Ottawa-—Toronto playoff series, an inci-
dent occurred that once again spawned
controversy over preferential treatment for
stars. The score was tied at two, and
Ottawa Captain, Daniel Alfredsson was
racing Darcy Tucker for the puck in the
Toronto zone. He bumped Tucker, who
ended up crashing into the boards, injur-
ing his shoulder. While he lay on the ice,
writhing in pain, Alfredsson proceeded to
score the winning goal. No penalty, and
Ottawa went on to win the game. Tucker
ended up injured for the remainder of the
series, and possibly the playoffs.
The recourse? Well, true, the Leafs
eventually won the series, so it’s no
longer an issue, but at the time of the inci-
dent? No suspension for Alfredsson, of
course. Dave Newell, supervisor of offi-
cials for that series, was quoted in a
statement as saying, "The hit was from
the side, and was not an attempt to
injure." Indeed, every replay angle of the
incident offers various evidence. From
one angle, it looks like a shoulder-to-
shoulder check, with Tucker simply losing
control of his balance. From another, it
definitely looks like a dirty check from
behind. More than likely, the referees
were at a particular angle to the play that
made it look like a legal check. And the
NHL, not wanting to admit that the refer-
ees were wrong, couldn’t even consider a
suspension. By suspending Alfredsson,
they would be admitting that there should
have been a penalty, and that the goal
shouldn’t have counted.
But therein lies the argument. Had it
been the other way around, and had
Tucker thrown the hit on Alfredsson, a
suspension probably would have followed.
A penalty? Well, it is a known fact that the
referees try to protect the so-called star
players. And anyone who disagrees, well |
just have two words for you: remember
Gretzky. Yes, Toronto fans have seen this
film before, and it occurred in the 1993
Conference Finals. Gretzky was protected
by the referees, and eventually, it paid div-
idends in controversial penalties to
Toronto and “non-calls" to LA in both
Games 6 and 7. And let’s face it: if some-
one like Tie Domi or Donald Brashear
throws a hit like Alfredsson did, it’s a sus-
pension, no questions asked. But when
Sundin or Alfredsson do it, the NHL
ignores it, wanting to protect the stars.
And remember, it’s not just hockey that
follows this belief. If you even sneeze at
Shaq or Kobe during the NBA playoffs,
they’re going to be standing at the free-
throw line. And in baseball, the strike
zone is just a little bigger for ace pitchers
like Pedro Martinez, and smaller when
studs like Mark Maguire or Barry Bonds
continued on page 27
Edited Text
TR TREE
continued from page 25
the North Shore, as well as struggling to a
16-16 tie against Maple Ridge.
Still, as the season progresses, pundits
expect Coquitlam to challenge Victoria for
ist place, while New Westminster, if they
can ever discover a consistent game,
should overtake Burnaby for 3rd place.
The Lakers have exploded out of the gate,
winning 3 of their first 4, their only loss
coming at the hands of the Adanacs.
New Wesminster notes:
New Westminster’s home opener was
deemed a success, despite the disap-
pointing crowd. Canada’s World Cup
Lacrosse team was announced at the
game, including Salmonbellies, and
Vancouver Raven stand-out, Peter
Morgan. Once the game began, New
Westminster dominated the defending
champs from Coquitlam, holding the
Adanacs to only one power play goal in
the process. Morgan led the way, firing in
six goals.
The following night, the Salmonbellies
lost to the Burnaby Lakers 11-8. New
Westminster continued their tradition of
winning one, losing one, by hammering
the Maple Ridge Burrards 19-12, before
losing against the tough Victoria squad
"other press >>>SPORTS
18-14. Despite the setback, goaltender
Matt Disher has helped New Westminster
achieve the lowest goals against in the
league for the month of May. Forward
Craig Stevenson is 6th in scoring with 12
goals and 9 assists, while Morgan's fran-
tic pace from the opener has tailed off,
leaving him with 10 goals and 11 assists,
good enough for seventh.
Coquitlam comments:
Teams are always out to get the reigning
champs, and especially Victoria, who after
going undefeated during the 2001 regular
season, were upset in the WLA final by
Coquitlam. So perhaps, during
Coquitlam’s home opener, Victoria was
seeking revenge, and had jumped out toa
14-9 lead, with less than five minutes
remaining in regulation. However,
Coquitlam made a furious comeback, forc-
ing overtime, before losing 17-15. The
Adanacs then followed up this effort by
losing to New Westminster, in a game that
was basically decided after the second
period.
Coquitlam has had no trouble in scoring
goals, with John Grant Jr. 2nd in scoring
with 11 goals and 19 assists, and Dan
Stroup close behind him with 15 goals
and 9 assists. However, their goaltending
has definitely been a problem, although,
since their two opening losses, they
seem to have righted the ship, beating
Burnaby 12-4 and struggling past last
place North Shore, 11-9. But, they are
confident that once they get over that
“championship hangover," everything will
be fine.
Under Suspension... or Bad Officiating?
Patrick Witwicki
Sports Editor
On Friday, May 11, during’ the
Ottawa-—Toronto playoff series, an inci-
dent occurred that once again spawned
controversy over preferential treatment for
stars. The score was tied at two, and
Ottawa Captain, Daniel Alfredsson was
racing Darcy Tucker for the puck in the
Toronto zone. He bumped Tucker, who
ended up crashing into the boards, injur-
ing his shoulder. While he lay on the ice,
writhing in pain, Alfredsson proceeded to
score the winning goal. No penalty, and
Ottawa went on to win the game. Tucker
ended up injured for the remainder of the
series, and possibly the playoffs.
The recourse? Well, true, the Leafs
eventually won the series, so it’s no
longer an issue, but at the time of the inci-
dent? No suspension for Alfredsson, of
course. Dave Newell, supervisor of offi-
cials for that series, was quoted in a
statement as saying, "The hit was from
the side, and was not an attempt to
injure." Indeed, every replay angle of the
incident offers various evidence. From
one angle, it looks like a shoulder-to-
shoulder check, with Tucker simply losing
control of his balance. From another, it
definitely looks like a dirty check from
behind. More than likely, the referees
were at a particular angle to the play that
made it look like a legal check. And the
NHL, not wanting to admit that the refer-
ees were wrong, couldn’t even consider a
suspension. By suspending Alfredsson,
they would be admitting that there should
have been a penalty, and that the goal
shouldn’t have counted.
But therein lies the argument. Had it
been the other way around, and had
Tucker thrown the hit on Alfredsson, a
suspension probably would have followed.
A penalty? Well, it is a known fact that the
referees try to protect the so-called star
players. And anyone who disagrees, well |
just have two words for you: remember
Gretzky. Yes, Toronto fans have seen this
film before, and it occurred in the 1993
Conference Finals. Gretzky was protected
by the referees, and eventually, it paid div-
idends in controversial penalties to
Toronto and “non-calls" to LA in both
Games 6 and 7. And let’s face it: if some-
one like Tie Domi or Donald Brashear
throws a hit like Alfredsson did, it’s a sus-
pension, no questions asked. But when
Sundin or Alfredsson do it, the NHL
ignores it, wanting to protect the stars.
And remember, it’s not just hockey that
follows this belief. If you even sneeze at
Shaq or Kobe during the NBA playoffs,
they’re going to be standing at the free-
throw line. And in baseball, the strike
zone is just a little bigger for ace pitchers
like Pedro Martinez, and smaller when
studs like Mark Maguire or Barry Bonds
continued on page 27
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
© "other press >>> OPINIONS
When Love Goes Bad
!
iii
> ‘ HALT! ssadji)
ee)
(Adi §
Erin Culhane
Opinions Editor
Ah, new love. You know that wonderful feeling
you get when you fall in love for the first time, or
maybe the second or third? You're oblivious to
the rest of the world and you just can’t believe
how lucky you are. Hmm...! get all warm and
fuzzy just thinking about it.
For some, that groovy, new-love feeling lasts
for a few months, for others it doesn’t wear off for
years. And maybe for a few, it lasts forever.
When (or if) it does run out, you might be left
with nice, comfortable love. Or maybe the
relationship ends, and you just move on.
Science Matters
Regardless of what transpired during the
relationship, you should be able to say "It’s over,"
and have it end with that.
I've been thinking a lot about Alicia Jobb, the
young woman who was abducted last month
and, thankfully, released relatively unharmed.
I've been thinking not just about the trauma she
has endured the last while, but what she says
her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Ernest
Meigs was like. Why couldn't she just say, "It's
over," and move on with her life?
I'm sure she had that new love feeling with
Meigs. She described him as "a nice guy" in the
beginning, but during their seven-month
relationship, Meigs went from Mr. Nice Guy to a
controlling and possessive boyfriend.
In an interview, Jobb said, "I never thought
he was capable of doing this." (The Province,
May 14) While she may not have thought he
was capable of atrocious things, she knew
better than to stay with him. She admitted it
wasn't easy to break free of the relationship
and when she finally left, she didn’t tell him
where she was going.
You know, | think our culture is obsessed
with women being nice. Even when placed in
a situation that is bad for her, a woman will
often prolong it, possibly risking her life. Jobb
was smart—she got out. But for many
women, it’s too embarrassing to admit they
are enduring abuse, whether it be physical or
emotional. Women aren’t really encouraged
Time to Pull Our Heads Out of the Sand
om
David Suzuki
What is the biggest environmental
challenge of the 21st century? Global
warming? The loss of biodiversity? Resource
depletion? Pollution? No one really knows.
Probably the sum of all these. But I'm
beginning to think one of the biggest
challenges is overcoming the fact that people
are tired of all the depressing news about the
environment.
The prevailing scientific opinion is that
we're quite rapidly depleting many of the
resources we depend on for our well-being.
We've heard variations on these stories over
and over to the point that it's all become quite
overwhelming. In fact, many people have
stopped paying attention and the media has
stopped reporting all but the most frightening
predictions.
Pundits and the public often lambaste the
media for focussing on bad news. But | think
a real problem is not so much the focus on
to ask for help, or to complain, and there is a
certain stigma attached to admitting to being
abused or needing help.
So where’s the solution? | tend to think it’s
too late for this generation, but hold out hope
for our kids. Children know it’s wrong to hit—
we tell them often enough. ("Don’t hit your
sister." "Stop punching your brother.") But do
we prepare them for the insidious ways
that people can control each other through
emotional abuse? We should.
And while | don’t want to upset any men,
because | know they too suffer from abuse at
the hands of their partners, | think we should
be concentrating on preparing girls for
dealing with abuse.
Abuse isn’t just a punch in the head. If
Prince Charming has a bad day and it makes -
him feel better to call you ugly, fat or stupid—
that’s abuse. If he berates you in front of your
friends, or makes you feel worthless or tells
you what you can and can’t do—that’s abuse.
We should be encouraging girls to tell any-
one who will listen if they are afraid and that
it's okay to let the police know if they feel
threatened.
We can’t undo the past, but we can learn
from it. Alicia Jobb will never forget the
horrible events that have transpired. Neither
should we. And with education, awareness
and a "we’re not going to take any crap"
attitude, maybe we can shape the future.
the negative, but the focus on conflict and
controversy—especially in science. So, for
example, while 99 per cent of climate
scientists think global warming is a serious
problem that needs to be addressed, the
media love to focus on the few who disagree.
Let me give another example. Earlier this
spring a European statistician wrote a book
saying that the global environment is healthy
and actually improving. The many scientists,
environmentalists and citizens who worry
about most environmental problems are
misguided, he argued. They just don't
understand nature like he does.
In spite of the facts that this man is not an
continued on page 7
When Love Goes Bad
!
iii
> ‘ HALT! ssadji)
ee)
(Adi §
Erin Culhane
Opinions Editor
Ah, new love. You know that wonderful feeling
you get when you fall in love for the first time, or
maybe the second or third? You're oblivious to
the rest of the world and you just can’t believe
how lucky you are. Hmm...! get all warm and
fuzzy just thinking about it.
For some, that groovy, new-love feeling lasts
for a few months, for others it doesn’t wear off for
years. And maybe for a few, it lasts forever.
When (or if) it does run out, you might be left
with nice, comfortable love. Or maybe the
relationship ends, and you just move on.
Science Matters
Regardless of what transpired during the
relationship, you should be able to say "It’s over,"
and have it end with that.
I've been thinking a lot about Alicia Jobb, the
young woman who was abducted last month
and, thankfully, released relatively unharmed.
I've been thinking not just about the trauma she
has endured the last while, but what she says
her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Ernest
Meigs was like. Why couldn't she just say, "It's
over," and move on with her life?
I'm sure she had that new love feeling with
Meigs. She described him as "a nice guy" in the
beginning, but during their seven-month
relationship, Meigs went from Mr. Nice Guy to a
controlling and possessive boyfriend.
In an interview, Jobb said, "I never thought
he was capable of doing this." (The Province,
May 14) While she may not have thought he
was capable of atrocious things, she knew
better than to stay with him. She admitted it
wasn't easy to break free of the relationship
and when she finally left, she didn’t tell him
where she was going.
You know, | think our culture is obsessed
with women being nice. Even when placed in
a situation that is bad for her, a woman will
often prolong it, possibly risking her life. Jobb
was smart—she got out. But for many
women, it’s too embarrassing to admit they
are enduring abuse, whether it be physical or
emotional. Women aren’t really encouraged
Time to Pull Our Heads Out of the Sand
om
David Suzuki
What is the biggest environmental
challenge of the 21st century? Global
warming? The loss of biodiversity? Resource
depletion? Pollution? No one really knows.
Probably the sum of all these. But I'm
beginning to think one of the biggest
challenges is overcoming the fact that people
are tired of all the depressing news about the
environment.
The prevailing scientific opinion is that
we're quite rapidly depleting many of the
resources we depend on for our well-being.
We've heard variations on these stories over
and over to the point that it's all become quite
overwhelming. In fact, many people have
stopped paying attention and the media has
stopped reporting all but the most frightening
predictions.
Pundits and the public often lambaste the
media for focussing on bad news. But | think
a real problem is not so much the focus on
to ask for help, or to complain, and there is a
certain stigma attached to admitting to being
abused or needing help.
So where’s the solution? | tend to think it’s
too late for this generation, but hold out hope
for our kids. Children know it’s wrong to hit—
we tell them often enough. ("Don’t hit your
sister." "Stop punching your brother.") But do
we prepare them for the insidious ways
that people can control each other through
emotional abuse? We should.
And while | don’t want to upset any men,
because | know they too suffer from abuse at
the hands of their partners, | think we should
be concentrating on preparing girls for
dealing with abuse.
Abuse isn’t just a punch in the head. If
Prince Charming has a bad day and it makes -
him feel better to call you ugly, fat or stupid—
that’s abuse. If he berates you in front of your
friends, or makes you feel worthless or tells
you what you can and can’t do—that’s abuse.
We should be encouraging girls to tell any-
one who will listen if they are afraid and that
it's okay to let the police know if they feel
threatened.
We can’t undo the past, but we can learn
from it. Alicia Jobb will never forget the
horrible events that have transpired. Neither
should we. And with education, awareness
and a "we’re not going to take any crap"
attitude, maybe we can shape the future.
the negative, but the focus on conflict and
controversy—especially in science. So, for
example, while 99 per cent of climate
scientists think global warming is a serious
problem that needs to be addressed, the
media love to focus on the few who disagree.
Let me give another example. Earlier this
spring a European statistician wrote a book
saying that the global environment is healthy
and actually improving. The many scientists,
environmentalists and citizens who worry
about most environmental problems are
misguided, he argued. They just don't
understand nature like he does.
In spite of the facts that this man is not an
continued on page 7
Edited Text
© "other press >>> OPINIONS
When Love Goes Bad
!
iii
> ‘ HALT! ssadji)
ee)
(Adi §
Erin Culhane
Opinions Editor
Ah, new love. You know that wonderful feeling
you get when you fall in love for the first time, or
maybe the second or third? You're oblivious to
the rest of the world and you just can’t believe
how lucky you are. Hmm...! get all warm and
fuzzy just thinking about it.
For some, that groovy, new-love feeling lasts
for a few months, for others it doesn’t wear off for
years. And maybe for a few, it lasts forever.
When (or if) it does run out, you might be left
with nice, comfortable love. Or maybe the
relationship ends, and you just move on.
Science Matters
Regardless of what transpired during the
relationship, you should be able to say "It’s over,"
and have it end with that.
I've been thinking a lot about Alicia Jobb, the
young woman who was abducted last month
and, thankfully, released relatively unharmed.
I've been thinking not just about the trauma she
has endured the last while, but what she says
her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Ernest
Meigs was like. Why couldn't she just say, "It's
over," and move on with her life?
I'm sure she had that new love feeling with
Meigs. She described him as "a nice guy" in the
beginning, but during their seven-month
relationship, Meigs went from Mr. Nice Guy to a
controlling and possessive boyfriend.
In an interview, Jobb said, "I never thought
he was capable of doing this." (The Province,
May 14) While she may not have thought he
was capable of atrocious things, she knew
better than to stay with him. She admitted it
wasn't easy to break free of the relationship
and when she finally left, she didn’t tell him
where she was going.
You know, | think our culture is obsessed
with women being nice. Even when placed in
a situation that is bad for her, a woman will
often prolong it, possibly risking her life. Jobb
was smart—she got out. But for many
women, it’s too embarrassing to admit they
are enduring abuse, whether it be physical or
emotional. Women aren’t really encouraged
Time to Pull Our Heads Out of the Sand
om
David Suzuki
What is the biggest environmental
challenge of the 21st century? Global
warming? The loss of biodiversity? Resource
depletion? Pollution? No one really knows.
Probably the sum of all these. But I'm
beginning to think one of the biggest
challenges is overcoming the fact that people
are tired of all the depressing news about the
environment.
The prevailing scientific opinion is that
we're quite rapidly depleting many of the
resources we depend on for our well-being.
We've heard variations on these stories over
and over to the point that it's all become quite
overwhelming. In fact, many people have
stopped paying attention and the media has
stopped reporting all but the most frightening
predictions.
Pundits and the public often lambaste the
media for focussing on bad news. But | think
a real problem is not so much the focus on
to ask for help, or to complain, and there is a
certain stigma attached to admitting to being
abused or needing help.
So where’s the solution? | tend to think it’s
too late for this generation, but hold out hope
for our kids. Children know it’s wrong to hit—
we tell them often enough. ("Don’t hit your
sister." "Stop punching your brother.") But do
we prepare them for the insidious ways
that people can control each other through
emotional abuse? We should.
And while | don’t want to upset any men,
because | know they too suffer from abuse at
the hands of their partners, | think we should
be concentrating on preparing girls for
dealing with abuse.
Abuse isn’t just a punch in the head. If
Prince Charming has a bad day and it makes -
him feel better to call you ugly, fat or stupid—
that’s abuse. If he berates you in front of your
friends, or makes you feel worthless or tells
you what you can and can’t do—that’s abuse.
We should be encouraging girls to tell any-
one who will listen if they are afraid and that
it's okay to let the police know if they feel
threatened.
We can’t undo the past, but we can learn
from it. Alicia Jobb will never forget the
horrible events that have transpired. Neither
should we. And with education, awareness
and a "we’re not going to take any crap"
attitude, maybe we can shape the future.
the negative, but the focus on conflict and
controversy—especially in science. So, for
example, while 99 per cent of climate
scientists think global warming is a serious
problem that needs to be addressed, the
media love to focus on the few who disagree.
Let me give another example. Earlier this
spring a European statistician wrote a book
saying that the global environment is healthy
and actually improving. The many scientists,
environmentalists and citizens who worry
about most environmental problems are
misguided, he argued. They just don't
understand nature like he does.
In spite of the facts that this man is not an
continued on page 7
When Love Goes Bad
!
iii
> ‘ HALT! ssadji)
ee)
(Adi §
Erin Culhane
Opinions Editor
Ah, new love. You know that wonderful feeling
you get when you fall in love for the first time, or
maybe the second or third? You're oblivious to
the rest of the world and you just can’t believe
how lucky you are. Hmm...! get all warm and
fuzzy just thinking about it.
For some, that groovy, new-love feeling lasts
for a few months, for others it doesn’t wear off for
years. And maybe for a few, it lasts forever.
When (or if) it does run out, you might be left
with nice, comfortable love. Or maybe the
relationship ends, and you just move on.
Science Matters
Regardless of what transpired during the
relationship, you should be able to say "It’s over,"
and have it end with that.
I've been thinking a lot about Alicia Jobb, the
young woman who was abducted last month
and, thankfully, released relatively unharmed.
I've been thinking not just about the trauma she
has endured the last while, but what she says
her relationship with her ex-boyfriend Ernest
Meigs was like. Why couldn't she just say, "It's
over," and move on with her life?
I'm sure she had that new love feeling with
Meigs. She described him as "a nice guy" in the
beginning, but during their seven-month
relationship, Meigs went from Mr. Nice Guy to a
controlling and possessive boyfriend.
In an interview, Jobb said, "I never thought
he was capable of doing this." (The Province,
May 14) While she may not have thought he
was capable of atrocious things, she knew
better than to stay with him. She admitted it
wasn't easy to break free of the relationship
and when she finally left, she didn’t tell him
where she was going.
You know, | think our culture is obsessed
with women being nice. Even when placed in
a situation that is bad for her, a woman will
often prolong it, possibly risking her life. Jobb
was smart—she got out. But for many
women, it’s too embarrassing to admit they
are enduring abuse, whether it be physical or
emotional. Women aren’t really encouraged
Time to Pull Our Heads Out of the Sand
om
David Suzuki
What is the biggest environmental
challenge of the 21st century? Global
warming? The loss of biodiversity? Resource
depletion? Pollution? No one really knows.
Probably the sum of all these. But I'm
beginning to think one of the biggest
challenges is overcoming the fact that people
are tired of all the depressing news about the
environment.
The prevailing scientific opinion is that
we're quite rapidly depleting many of the
resources we depend on for our well-being.
We've heard variations on these stories over
and over to the point that it's all become quite
overwhelming. In fact, many people have
stopped paying attention and the media has
stopped reporting all but the most frightening
predictions.
Pundits and the public often lambaste the
media for focussing on bad news. But | think
a real problem is not so much the focus on
to ask for help, or to complain, and there is a
certain stigma attached to admitting to being
abused or needing help.
So where’s the solution? | tend to think it’s
too late for this generation, but hold out hope
for our kids. Children know it’s wrong to hit—
we tell them often enough. ("Don’t hit your
sister." "Stop punching your brother.") But do
we prepare them for the insidious ways
that people can control each other through
emotional abuse? We should.
And while | don’t want to upset any men,
because | know they too suffer from abuse at
the hands of their partners, | think we should
be concentrating on preparing girls for
dealing with abuse.
Abuse isn’t just a punch in the head. If
Prince Charming has a bad day and it makes -
him feel better to call you ugly, fat or stupid—
that’s abuse. If he berates you in front of your
friends, or makes you feel worthless or tells
you what you can and can’t do—that’s abuse.
We should be encouraging girls to tell any-
one who will listen if they are afraid and that
it's okay to let the police know if they feel
threatened.
We can’t undo the past, but we can learn
from it. Alicia Jobb will never forget the
horrible events that have transpired. Neither
should we. And with education, awareness
and a "we’re not going to take any crap"
attitude, maybe we can shape the future.
the negative, but the focus on conflict and
controversy—especially in science. So, for
example, while 99 per cent of climate
scientists think global warming is a serious
problem that needs to be addressed, the
media love to focus on the few who disagree.
Let me give another example. Earlier this
spring a European statistician wrote a book
saying that the global environment is healthy
and actually improving. The many scientists,
environmentalists and citizens who worry
about most environmental problems are
misguided, he argued. They just don't
understand nature like he does.
In spite of the facts that this man is not an
continued on page 7
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
~ JUNE/02
The Douglas College Autonomous Student Newspaper Since 1976
UNS RUE a aa sae:
a Be i
é
i
is a.
Ps
|
ye
f
7
The Douglas College Autonomous Student Newspaper Since 1976
UNS RUE a aa sae:
a Be i
é
i
is a.
Ps
|
ye
f
7
Edited Text
~ JUNE/02
The Douglas College Autonomous Student Newspaper Since 1976
UNS RUE a aa sae:
a Be i
é
i
is a.
Ps
|
ye
f
7
The Douglas College Autonomous Student Newspaper Since 1976
UNS RUE a aa sae:
a Be i
é
i
is a.
Ps
|
ye
f
7
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
other press >>> CULTURE
In Appreciation of Belletristic Endeavors
Event Magazine's 30-year retrospective ironically coincides with a 50 per cent cut to its budget
Literary journals play an integral role
in the culture of Canadian literature
and amplify the profiles of the academic
institutions that they often reside in.
Douglas College is very fortunate to
have the literary quarterly Event magazine
publishing out of the Language,
Literature, and Performing § Arts
Department. however, the fact that
Douglas has recently cut Event’s budget
by 50 per cent suggests that the value
of this affiliation may not be fully
appreciated. Cathy Stonehouse, editor
of Event magazine feels that periodicals
present a consistent forum where any-
body can send in work which makes
Event a tangible link in the chain
between new and established writers—
"In fact many Canadian authors have
launched their careers in literary journals.
And as for our affiliation with the college,
this has far reaching implications as
the Douglas logo is on every copy, and
we distribute internationally."
On Friday May 31 Event magazine
launched volume 31/1 to commemorate
30 years of literary publishing.
Beginning back in 1971 with David
Evanier as editor, Event has proven in
its long history to be a unique and
respected part of the local and national
literary community.
Event is an award winning periodical
that publishes fiction, poetry, and creative
non-fiction three times a year and has
been affiliated with the writing careers
of such celebrated authors as Carol
Shields, Lorna Crozier, Anne Michaels,
and Nino Ricci, to name but a few.
"Event is known for its quality and
broad pallet while maintaining a quiet
consistency throughout the years, and
you cannot replace that." says
Stonehouse, "And that is what this
retrospective reflects."
The evening's readings held in the
Segal Centre at SFU Harbour Centre
were infused with wine, beer, flowers,
and jazz—exquisitely performed by the
Blair Fisher Trio. The well-attended
launch, which included eclectic read-
ings by seven authors who's work
appears in the retrospective, was MC'd
by long time contributor Tom Wayman.
Wayman sincerely, reflected on the
importance of Event magazine in the
Canadian literary cosmology. Wayman
underlined the value of literary journals
from a writer's perspective emphasizing
how important it is to be, not just
published, but rejected—a response
that can act as a barometer of sorts,
prompting the further development and
fine tuning of a story. Canadian literary
journals make for, not only excellent
reading, but as Wayman pointed out, an
honourable challenge for writers to
meet the varied expectations of journal
editors across the country.
Acceptance and rejection is a serious
and thorough affair, as submissions
generally go through a_ rigorous
process. Stonehouse notes in the special
issue's editorial, “litmags represent the
rough-hewn rock face where precious
cultural minerals first come to light...a
forum in which writers engage in nec-
essary dialogue." A dialogue that must
survive a first reader, a genre editor,
and onward to a fiction committee, and
then a final vote. If a short, story for
example, makes it through the many
stages of this critique, then it is proba-
bly a pretty damn good piece of writing.
The publishing process is often run by
a skeletal staff, and the dedicated work
of several volunteers. It is a labour of
love for art, literature and the dazzling
brilliance of words carefully strung
inspire,
together to entertain, and
George McWhirter, Calvin Wharton & Carla Elm
continued on page 15
Edited Text
other press >>> CULTURE
In Appreciation of Belletristic Endeavors
Event Magazine's 30-year retrospective ironically coincides with a 50 per cent cut to its budget
Literary journals play an integral role
in the culture of Canadian literature
and amplify the profiles of the academic
institutions that they often reside in.
Douglas College is very fortunate to
have the literary quarterly Event magazine
publishing out of the Language,
Literature, and Performing § Arts
Department. however, the fact that
Douglas has recently cut Event’s budget
by 50 per cent suggests that the value
of this affiliation may not be fully
appreciated. Cathy Stonehouse, editor
of Event magazine feels that periodicals
present a consistent forum where any-
body can send in work which makes
Event a tangible link in the chain
between new and established writers—
"In fact many Canadian authors have
launched their careers in literary journals.
And as for our affiliation with the college,
this has far reaching implications as
the Douglas logo is on every copy, and
we distribute internationally."
On Friday May 31 Event magazine
launched volume 31/1 to commemorate
30 years of literary publishing.
Beginning back in 1971 with David
Evanier as editor, Event has proven in
its long history to be a unique and
respected part of the local and national
literary community.
Event is an award winning periodical
that publishes fiction, poetry, and creative
non-fiction three times a year and has
been affiliated with the writing careers
of such celebrated authors as Carol
Shields, Lorna Crozier, Anne Michaels,
and Nino Ricci, to name but a few.
"Event is known for its quality and
broad pallet while maintaining a quiet
consistency throughout the years, and
you cannot replace that." says
Stonehouse, "And that is what this
retrospective reflects."
The evening's readings held in the
Segal Centre at SFU Harbour Centre
were infused with wine, beer, flowers,
and jazz—exquisitely performed by the
Blair Fisher Trio. The well-attended
launch, which included eclectic read-
ings by seven authors who's work
appears in the retrospective, was MC'd
by long time contributor Tom Wayman.
Wayman sincerely, reflected on the
importance of Event magazine in the
Canadian literary cosmology. Wayman
underlined the value of literary journals
from a writer's perspective emphasizing
how important it is to be, not just
published, but rejected—a response
that can act as a barometer of sorts,
prompting the further development and
fine tuning of a story. Canadian literary
journals make for, not only excellent
reading, but as Wayman pointed out, an
honourable challenge for writers to
meet the varied expectations of journal
editors across the country.
Acceptance and rejection is a serious
and thorough affair, as submissions
generally go through a_ rigorous
process. Stonehouse notes in the special
issue's editorial, “litmags represent the
rough-hewn rock face where precious
cultural minerals first come to light...a
forum in which writers engage in nec-
essary dialogue." A dialogue that must
survive a first reader, a genre editor,
and onward to a fiction committee, and
then a final vote. If a short, story for
example, makes it through the many
stages of this critique, then it is proba-
bly a pretty damn good piece of writing.
The publishing process is often run by
a skeletal staff, and the dedicated work
of several volunteers. It is a labour of
love for art, literature and the dazzling
brilliance of words carefully strung
inspire,
together to entertain, and
George McWhirter, Calvin Wharton & Carla Elm
continued on page 15
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
other press >>> CULTURE
Photo(graphic)
Classic 57’ by Angele Sitybelle
Edited Text
other press >>> CULTURE
Photo(graphic)
Classic 57’ by Angele Sitybelle
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
© "ither press. >>> FEATURES
continued from page 23
points made it appear as if he was
bringing others into the movement.
It was not simply a matter of pretending
to be someone else. Some of the racists
Lauder associated with had been
involved in the movement for over a
decade. They would see through a
superficial pretense. Lauder had to
create a sort of mental costume.
Whenever he associated with the racists,
he had to adopt a premeditated thought
structure, one that would reflect a
helps the far right," he explains, "It
creates a sense of solidarity within
the movement. They enjoy playing the
victim."
Incidents such as this may have
helped Lauder with his infiltration, but
they also had the potential to further
confuse his identity. As he devoted
hours to the movement, both in writing
and Seis information technology,
@when Lauder
sympathetic belief system. "In a covert | ne
operation," he advises, "you really have
to have a certain mindset, and you hay
to keep it consistent." Preparation be
entering their company was essent
Such preparation served Laude
when his commitment to the mé
was inevitably challenged. After
year of infiltration, Lauder wag
confronted in front of eig
members by Marc Lemire, an |
and articulate racist. But Lat
ready for Lemire’s precise line ¢
"| knew that situation was going
up," he says, "I was psych
prepared for his exact question." Lé
successfully turned the tables upe
interrogator, and Lemire left the
flustered.
For all the racists’ latent violenc
Lauder was never forced to defend
himself physically during his infiltration.
Nor was he asked to participate in
violence. As the infiltration progressed,
he was groomed as a movement writer.
His role was to incorporate a progres-
sive approach into organized racism. He
was commissioned to write articles and
columns on acceptable political issues
like free speech and immigration reform
to promote the hidden agenda of
racism, taking care with his language to
avoid Canadian hate-speech laws. It
was a part of his role not to be involved
in violence or any other illegal activity.
Ironically, the one time Lauder almost
got into a physical conflict was when he
and a group of racists were confronted
by angry anti-racist activists. Luckily,
Lauder was able to deal with the
situation without resorting to blows. In
fact, the incident strengthened his
position in the movement. "Violence
anti-racist activist. "You have
tain that discipline or the projeg
jeopardized," he warns,
difficult."
FOrunatehy, Lauder d
to have contingency p
_the stress
of the unde was getting
the better of Lauder. In his writing, he
describes the entire project as
"physically and psychologically drain-
ing." While he was gaining valuable
information on the movement as well as
insights into the racist mind, he increas-
ingly felt "contaminated by their sense
of hatred and xenophobia." It was time
to end the project, as much for his own
well-being as in accordance to his
original plan. And while all his family
and close friends knew of his work and
supported him, he still felt that as long
as he was involved in the far right,
he was betraying his community. "| have
Jewish relatives," he states, "I have
family members who are gay... These
are individuals which the movement
considers not to have a right to live."
Earlier this year the infiltration was
tions,"
fully exposed when a widely published
article named him as director of the
anti-racism program at the Guelph and
District Multicultural Centre. The writer
of the article had given him the choice
of being named or remaining anony-
mous. Lauder chose the former to
finally ensure the death of his racist
persona.
For Lauder, the project was a success.
But it was not without its costs. Lauder
realizes that the organized racist move-
ment now identifies him as an enemy
and a target. He has been threatened
both in person and through messages.
He also admits that his ability to collect
hore information about the movement
Ss been somewhat compromised.
ther infiltration on his part is impos-
? now that he is publicly known as
anti-racist activist. He currently
Inues to work at the Guelph and
ict Multicultural Centre, as well as
ue his graduate studies. However,
feels that infiltration remains an
‘ortant tool in fighting the far right.
think it’s the only way to gain quali-
information on the racialist move-
ent, especially for nonprofit organiza-
he maintains, “It’s important for
us to do our own information-gathering
projects, and then share that with other
agencies, because everybody has to
know what’s going on."
Of all the things Lauder learned during
his immersion, he feels the most impor-
tant is not what makes racists
monstrous, but what makes them
human. After spending so much time in
their presence, Lauder came to the con-
clusion that in order for racists to seri-
ously rethink their beliefs, something
has to occur in their lives. Public scorn
does not have the power of a significant
personal experience. Demonizing :
racists will not encourage them to
change. Turning them into comic book
villains will not make them any easier to
get rid of. "We have to keep in mind that
they’re humans, that they’re people.
They have feelings... They have to
change from inside. They have to
understand that what they’re doing is
not productive, they’re being socially
destructive."
Lene
Edited Text
© "ither press. >>> FEATURES
continued from page 23
points made it appear as if he was
bringing others into the movement.
It was not simply a matter of pretending
to be someone else. Some of the racists
Lauder associated with had been
involved in the movement for over a
decade. They would see through a
superficial pretense. Lauder had to
create a sort of mental costume.
Whenever he associated with the racists,
he had to adopt a premeditated thought
structure, one that would reflect a
helps the far right," he explains, "It
creates a sense of solidarity within
the movement. They enjoy playing the
victim."
Incidents such as this may have
helped Lauder with his infiltration, but
they also had the potential to further
confuse his identity. As he devoted
hours to the movement, both in writing
and Seis information technology,
@when Lauder
sympathetic belief system. "In a covert | ne
operation," he advises, "you really have
to have a certain mindset, and you hay
to keep it consistent." Preparation be
entering their company was essent
Such preparation served Laude
when his commitment to the mé
was inevitably challenged. After
year of infiltration, Lauder wag
confronted in front of eig
members by Marc Lemire, an |
and articulate racist. But Lat
ready for Lemire’s precise line ¢
"| knew that situation was going
up," he says, "I was psych
prepared for his exact question." Lé
successfully turned the tables upe
interrogator, and Lemire left the
flustered.
For all the racists’ latent violenc
Lauder was never forced to defend
himself physically during his infiltration.
Nor was he asked to participate in
violence. As the infiltration progressed,
he was groomed as a movement writer.
His role was to incorporate a progres-
sive approach into organized racism. He
was commissioned to write articles and
columns on acceptable political issues
like free speech and immigration reform
to promote the hidden agenda of
racism, taking care with his language to
avoid Canadian hate-speech laws. It
was a part of his role not to be involved
in violence or any other illegal activity.
Ironically, the one time Lauder almost
got into a physical conflict was when he
and a group of racists were confronted
by angry anti-racist activists. Luckily,
Lauder was able to deal with the
situation without resorting to blows. In
fact, the incident strengthened his
position in the movement. "Violence
anti-racist activist. "You have
tain that discipline or the projeg
jeopardized," he warns,
difficult."
FOrunatehy, Lauder d
to have contingency p
_the stress
of the unde was getting
the better of Lauder. In his writing, he
describes the entire project as
"physically and psychologically drain-
ing." While he was gaining valuable
information on the movement as well as
insights into the racist mind, he increas-
ingly felt "contaminated by their sense
of hatred and xenophobia." It was time
to end the project, as much for his own
well-being as in accordance to his
original plan. And while all his family
and close friends knew of his work and
supported him, he still felt that as long
as he was involved in the far right,
he was betraying his community. "| have
Jewish relatives," he states, "I have
family members who are gay... These
are individuals which the movement
considers not to have a right to live."
Earlier this year the infiltration was
tions,"
fully exposed when a widely published
article named him as director of the
anti-racism program at the Guelph and
District Multicultural Centre. The writer
of the article had given him the choice
of being named or remaining anony-
mous. Lauder chose the former to
finally ensure the death of his racist
persona.
For Lauder, the project was a success.
But it was not without its costs. Lauder
realizes that the organized racist move-
ment now identifies him as an enemy
and a target. He has been threatened
both in person and through messages.
He also admits that his ability to collect
hore information about the movement
Ss been somewhat compromised.
ther infiltration on his part is impos-
? now that he is publicly known as
anti-racist activist. He currently
Inues to work at the Guelph and
ict Multicultural Centre, as well as
ue his graduate studies. However,
feels that infiltration remains an
‘ortant tool in fighting the far right.
think it’s the only way to gain quali-
information on the racialist move-
ent, especially for nonprofit organiza-
he maintains, “It’s important for
us to do our own information-gathering
projects, and then share that with other
agencies, because everybody has to
know what’s going on."
Of all the things Lauder learned during
his immersion, he feels the most impor-
tant is not what makes racists
monstrous, but what makes them
human. After spending so much time in
their presence, Lauder came to the con-
clusion that in order for racists to seri-
ously rethink their beliefs, something
has to occur in their lives. Public scorn
does not have the power of a significant
personal experience. Demonizing :
racists will not encourage them to
change. Turning them into comic book
villains will not make them any easier to
get rid of. "We have to keep in mind that
they’re humans, that they’re people.
They have feelings... They have to
change from inside. They have to
understand that what they’re doing is
not productive, they’re being socially
destructive."
Lene
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
continued from page 6
expert in the fields he is critiquing and has
been widely discredited by his peers, he has
become a media darling. He has had
speaking engagements across’ North
America, front-page stories, editorials and
more. Why is he so popular? Simple—he
assuages our guilt about ecological
problems. Like a travelling tonic salesman, he
tours the land telling us what we would prefer
to hear, making us feel better about
ourselves and the world.
Contrast that with the United Nations
Environment Programme's report, "The State
of the Environment: Past, Present, Future?"
released last week. It's pretty depressing
stuff. According to the report, if we
follow current trends of putting the "market
first," and emphasizing unchecked economic
growth, 55 per cent of the world's population
will suffer from moderate to severe water
shortages by 2032. We'll also lose up to
11,000 species of plants and animals,
including one-quarter of all mammals!
© "ither press. >>> OPINIONS
The report is very comprehensive, offering
a variety of near-future scenarios put
together by more than 1,000 scientists from
around the world. As Laszlo Pinter, one of the
UN report's authors, told the Globe and Mail,
"This is not just one or two crazy scientists
sitting around a table somewhere."
Not surprisingly, it has not exactly piqued
the media's interest. Oh, it got its requisite
billing as the "depressing environment story
of the day." But then it disappeared. Shelved
with many other such stories in the "let's not
worry about it right now" file. How can we
keep doing this? Are we so jaded as a
society that we're willing to stick our heads in
the sand when it comes to environmental
problems, only to pop up when the soothing
sounds of a Scandinavian statistician tell us
not to worry?
| hate depressing news as much as anyone.
Lately, I've found myself searching for good
environment news, just to hang on to
hope for the future. As Holly Dressel and |
The Private Sector
Tom Mellish
OP Contributor
After airplanes were utilized as weapons
to level the I
not only aw
provincial p
NDP’s_ inab
distracted u
to hear the
cuts on tert
obvious,
Regardless, 1
with the batt
the worth of
ize our cultul
an unsettling
The endemic
cine, and car
suggests that -
Reducing the
without balap
those who
There is a
schools, hos|
our fiscal loss is 50 great that we cannot
open new _ institutions of healing,
education, and elderly care then we are
surely in the grips—dare | say—of a
depression rather than a recession.
The Liberals are putting money before
people. That, unto itself, is the very man-
date of the Liberal government. They are
economists whose formula suggests that
we are their "workforce". The average per-
son on the street is not their concern, save
as the method by which the money rolls in.
Otherwise they would open new institu-
tions rather than closing them. Money is no
This is Can
country. There
came. TE
and your
one just di 17
social ineptness, of somehow v being unable
to prioritize. You need only to be a rational
human being to know that one does not
close social institutions. They are sacred
and define our values as human beings.
However much the individual hopes in
their heart to be the priority, that we sacri-
fice these institutions reveals that this is
not the case. Is this wrong? Yes. When we
devalue the individual for the private
sector, we lose the affection of those who
document in our book Good News for a
Change, there are many examples of
individuals, companies, organizations and
governments trying to take a sustainable
path into the future. Even the latest UN
report points out there is still time to change.
We just have to stop ignoring the bad news
and start taking the steps necessary to avoid
the fate of the dire predictions we all hate
so much. Maybe then, 20 years from
now, the media will come to me looking for
a contrarian view—something bad to say
about the environment when the evidence
shows that it has been improving for years.
It's my hope that all | could do then is sit back
in my rocking chair, smile and have nothing to
say.
To discuss this topic with others, visit the
discussion forum at
www.davidsuzuki.org.
make up the whole. Disaffection will be our
downfall.
| am not a corporation, | am not a com-
pany, and | am not a statistic. | come
before money. | ask you: Is our society
we look
elected ing as
having p should
continue
less of
Columbia can petition for the removal of a
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
between elections. Let us hope it doesn’t
come to that.
Edited Text
continued from page 6
expert in the fields he is critiquing and has
been widely discredited by his peers, he has
become a media darling. He has had
speaking engagements across’ North
America, front-page stories, editorials and
more. Why is he so popular? Simple—he
assuages our guilt about ecological
problems. Like a travelling tonic salesman, he
tours the land telling us what we would prefer
to hear, making us feel better about
ourselves and the world.
Contrast that with the United Nations
Environment Programme's report, "The State
of the Environment: Past, Present, Future?"
released last week. It's pretty depressing
stuff. According to the report, if we
follow current trends of putting the "market
first," and emphasizing unchecked economic
growth, 55 per cent of the world's population
will suffer from moderate to severe water
shortages by 2032. We'll also lose up to
11,000 species of plants and animals,
including one-quarter of all mammals!
© "ither press. >>> OPINIONS
The report is very comprehensive, offering
a variety of near-future scenarios put
together by more than 1,000 scientists from
around the world. As Laszlo Pinter, one of the
UN report's authors, told the Globe and Mail,
"This is not just one or two crazy scientists
sitting around a table somewhere."
Not surprisingly, it has not exactly piqued
the media's interest. Oh, it got its requisite
billing as the "depressing environment story
of the day." But then it disappeared. Shelved
with many other such stories in the "let's not
worry about it right now" file. How can we
keep doing this? Are we so jaded as a
society that we're willing to stick our heads in
the sand when it comes to environmental
problems, only to pop up when the soothing
sounds of a Scandinavian statistician tell us
not to worry?
| hate depressing news as much as anyone.
Lately, I've found myself searching for good
environment news, just to hang on to
hope for the future. As Holly Dressel and |
The Private Sector
Tom Mellish
OP Contributor
After airplanes were utilized as weapons
to level the I
not only aw
provincial p
NDP’s_ inab
distracted u
to hear the
cuts on tert
obvious,
Regardless, 1
with the batt
the worth of
ize our cultul
an unsettling
The endemic
cine, and car
suggests that -
Reducing the
without balap
those who
There is a
schools, hos|
our fiscal loss is 50 great that we cannot
open new _ institutions of healing,
education, and elderly care then we are
surely in the grips—dare | say—of a
depression rather than a recession.
The Liberals are putting money before
people. That, unto itself, is the very man-
date of the Liberal government. They are
economists whose formula suggests that
we are their "workforce". The average per-
son on the street is not their concern, save
as the method by which the money rolls in.
Otherwise they would open new institu-
tions rather than closing them. Money is no
This is Can
country. There
came. TE
and your
one just di 17
social ineptness, of somehow v being unable
to prioritize. You need only to be a rational
human being to know that one does not
close social institutions. They are sacred
and define our values as human beings.
However much the individual hopes in
their heart to be the priority, that we sacri-
fice these institutions reveals that this is
not the case. Is this wrong? Yes. When we
devalue the individual for the private
sector, we lose the affection of those who
document in our book Good News for a
Change, there are many examples of
individuals, companies, organizations and
governments trying to take a sustainable
path into the future. Even the latest UN
report points out there is still time to change.
We just have to stop ignoring the bad news
and start taking the steps necessary to avoid
the fate of the dire predictions we all hate
so much. Maybe then, 20 years from
now, the media will come to me looking for
a contrarian view—something bad to say
about the environment when the evidence
shows that it has been improving for years.
It's my hope that all | could do then is sit back
in my rocking chair, smile and have nothing to
say.
To discuss this topic with others, visit the
discussion forum at
www.davidsuzuki.org.
make up the whole. Disaffection will be our
downfall.
| am not a corporation, | am not a com-
pany, and | am not a statistic. | come
before money. | ask you: Is our society
we look
elected ing as
having p should
continue
less of
Columbia can petition for the removal of a
Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA)
between elections. Let us hope it doesn’t
come to that.
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
‘
Es
concrete?
Edited Text
‘
Es
concrete?
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
From The Editor
Editorial —
By Adam Honsinger
Okay, so my first issue as the editor of
the Other Press proved to be somewhat
superficial—the spring clean was more
of a renovation, the learning curve more
of a stagger—and the result has been a
bittersweet debut.
But now the floors are swept, the
schedules are carved in granite tablets,
| have defined the parameters of my
editorial jurisdiction, and alas, we have
integrated a much needed business
manager into the fray. As a result, |
think you will find in this issue, a more
accomplished equilibrium between the
publishing trinity of aesthetic, content,
and typographical integrity.
While the Other Press undergoes a
summer face-lift of both style and staff,
Douglas College is currently negotiating
the Liberal government's slash-and-
burn economics. As you may have
heard, the new budget will translate into
higher tuition fees, departmental and
administrative cutbacks, and among
other things, the possible closure of the
Thomas Haney campus in Maple
Ridge. As students, we are almost con-
stantly negotiating budgets ourselves,
and therefore, perhaps we should act
as consultants regarding the most
appropriate ways of allocating funds. As
it stands, we are vulnerable in these
semesters of self-cultivation to the
money foccussed perpective of the
“Senior Management’.
As your student paper, we will try to
keep you informed about how these
changes manifest specific to you as a
student.
The compromise of education is clear-
ly a grave and sensitive issue. And so
as Douglas College begins to
sweep its own floors, let's hope they
do a more competent job than | did in
the last issue.
Sincerely, Adam Honsinger, Editor
NEWS
4...Blood Donors Needed
4...New "Buckle Up" Initiative
5...Program Closure
5... he Third Degree
OPINIONS
6...When Love Goes Bad
6...Science Matters
7... The Private Sector
8...Broad’s Eye View
9,..Suburban Graffiti
9...0pinion Poll
CULTURE
10...What’s On flround Town
11...Epiphany in Vancouver
12...CD Reviews
13...Dreaming of Guitar Lessons
14...In Appreciation of Belletristic
Endeavors
16...Photo{graphic)
18... Event Turns 30
18...Classifieds
FEATURES
19...Democracy Watch: The fictive Activist
21...Defending the Nation
23...Undercover Racism
SPORTS
25...Ainother Seventh Inning Retch
25...Aired in Mediocrity
26...Under Suspension...or Bad Officiating
27...Soccer: Season Finale
ASTROLOGY
28...The Oracle
Edited Text
From The Editor
Editorial —
By Adam Honsinger
Okay, so my first issue as the editor of
the Other Press proved to be somewhat
superficial—the spring clean was more
of a renovation, the learning curve more
of a stagger—and the result has been a
bittersweet debut.
But now the floors are swept, the
schedules are carved in granite tablets,
| have defined the parameters of my
editorial jurisdiction, and alas, we have
integrated a much needed business
manager into the fray. As a result, |
think you will find in this issue, a more
accomplished equilibrium between the
publishing trinity of aesthetic, content,
and typographical integrity.
While the Other Press undergoes a
summer face-lift of both style and staff,
Douglas College is currently negotiating
the Liberal government's slash-and-
burn economics. As you may have
heard, the new budget will translate into
higher tuition fees, departmental and
administrative cutbacks, and among
other things, the possible closure of the
Thomas Haney campus in Maple
Ridge. As students, we are almost con-
stantly negotiating budgets ourselves,
and therefore, perhaps we should act
as consultants regarding the most
appropriate ways of allocating funds. As
it stands, we are vulnerable in these
semesters of self-cultivation to the
money foccussed perpective of the
“Senior Management’.
As your student paper, we will try to
keep you informed about how these
changes manifest specific to you as a
student.
The compromise of education is clear-
ly a grave and sensitive issue. And so
as Douglas College begins to
sweep its own floors, let's hope they
do a more competent job than | did in
the last issue.
Sincerely, Adam Honsinger, Editor
NEWS
4...Blood Donors Needed
4...New "Buckle Up" Initiative
5...Program Closure
5... he Third Degree
OPINIONS
6...When Love Goes Bad
6...Science Matters
7... The Private Sector
8...Broad’s Eye View
9,..Suburban Graffiti
9...0pinion Poll
CULTURE
10...What’s On flround Town
11...Epiphany in Vancouver
12...CD Reviews
13...Dreaming of Guitar Lessons
14...In Appreciation of Belletristic
Endeavors
16...Photo{graphic)
18... Event Turns 30
18...Classifieds
FEATURES
19...Democracy Watch: The fictive Activist
21...Defending the Nation
23...Undercover Racism
SPORTS
25...Ainother Seventh Inning Retch
25...Aired in Mediocrity
26...Under Suspension...or Bad Officiating
27...Soccer: Season Finale
ASTROLOGY
28...The Oracle
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
the
other press >>> FEATURES
Undercover Racism
University of Guelph student Matthew Lauder researches racism from the inside
From The Ontarion
Matt Lauder receives merit.
(CUP) Racist. The very word conjures a
mental menagerie of grotesque carica-
tures. The steel-toed skinhead. The
sieg-heiling neo-Nazi. The Southern
sheeted Klan member. Inhuman crea-
tures on the periphery of civilization.
But for University of Guelpth student
Matthew Lauder, racists are socially
destructive, but they are people too.
"| think the most important thing to
understand about these individuals is
that they are human beings, but they’re
human beings who are operating from
inside a dramatically different world
view," he says.
And Lauder should know. For two
years, he did his best to see that world
view.
From 1999 until early 2001, Lauder
infiltrated the organized racist movement
in Canada. In a project code-named
Anschluss Kanada, he adopted the guise
of a converted racist in order to examine
the movement as an insider. As he
became a comrade to racists, he
gathered information on their numbers,
membership, gatherings, funding,
cross-border activities, and recruitment
strategies. He associated with such
leading figures in the movement as Paul
Fromm and Wolfgang Droege. He
developed and maintained movement
Web-sites. He wrote and posted articles
written from an extreme right-wing
perspective. He publicly defended and
supported bigots. He drove with them,
drank with them, shook their hands and
smiled. All the while, he was working for
a cause that was antithetical to theirs.
Lauder’s interest in anti-racism began
when he was a teenager. The environ-
ment in which he was raised taught him
to value diverse cultural backgrounds.
"My parents tried to give me an
understanding of respect for others... My
friends as well. We just grew up in a
community where there were differ-,
ences, but we understood and respected
those differences." When he was in high
school, Lauder became aware of the
Heritage Front, which was one of the
more prominent racialist organizations in
Canada. "| was just very concerned
about the impact it would have on our
community and society in general," he
says. He realized that he could not sit
idly by while racialist groups actively
promoted their agenda. He became
involved in anti-racist movement.
“It was then that the idea
of covert research
occurred to him. If he
could convince the
racists that their argum-
nts had won him over,
then he would become
privy to the tuth about
them... All he had to do
was become one of
them.”
Lauder’s involvement continued into
the academic world. As a psychology
undergrad, he studied deviant behaviour,
first in relation to religious cults. The
parallels he saw between cults and
organized racism drew him back to
studying the movement. For his master’s
degree, he did much research on the
subject, but it was purely text-based. By
the time he began his doctorate, the
focus of his research had shifted to
participant observation: he engaged in
personal contact and interviews with
members of the movement. After about a
year, he decided that even this form of
investigation was inadequate.
"What was going on was that they were
giving me information they wanted me to
have," he says, “I don’t think it was very
reflective of the movement itself. They
were too self-conscious. They were too
practiced in dealing with the media, and
that’s how they were treating me, as a
media representative."
Lauder reached what he describes in
his own writings as a breaking point.
He became frustrated with the role of
traditional researcher. He realized that
as long as the movement saw him as an
outsider, he would never really know how
it worked, thus he would never know how
to stop it. It was then that the idea of
covert research occurred to him. If he
could convince the racists that their
arguments had won him over, then he
would become privy to the truth about
them. He would have access to informa-
tion unavailable to any openly anti-racist
activist. He would have the means to
fight them more effectively. All he had to
do was become one of them.
Such a task would not be easy. They
already knew him as a researcher, as
well as a left-leaning person with a
socialist background. They didn’t trust
him. He would have to earn their trust.
"| had to allow the group to see me as
a convert," he explains, "| had to get
them to see | was buying their party
line." He slowly built a rapport with key
insiders, or entry points. He solidified his
reputation by also associating with fringe
dwellers, cover points. Lauder did not
recruit anyone himself, but his cover
continued on page 24
Edited Text
the
other press >>> FEATURES
Undercover Racism
University of Guelph student Matthew Lauder researches racism from the inside
From The Ontarion
Matt Lauder receives merit.
(CUP) Racist. The very word conjures a
mental menagerie of grotesque carica-
tures. The steel-toed skinhead. The
sieg-heiling neo-Nazi. The Southern
sheeted Klan member. Inhuman crea-
tures on the periphery of civilization.
But for University of Guelpth student
Matthew Lauder, racists are socially
destructive, but they are people too.
"| think the most important thing to
understand about these individuals is
that they are human beings, but they’re
human beings who are operating from
inside a dramatically different world
view," he says.
And Lauder should know. For two
years, he did his best to see that world
view.
From 1999 until early 2001, Lauder
infiltrated the organized racist movement
in Canada. In a project code-named
Anschluss Kanada, he adopted the guise
of a converted racist in order to examine
the movement as an insider. As he
became a comrade to racists, he
gathered information on their numbers,
membership, gatherings, funding,
cross-border activities, and recruitment
strategies. He associated with such
leading figures in the movement as Paul
Fromm and Wolfgang Droege. He
developed and maintained movement
Web-sites. He wrote and posted articles
written from an extreme right-wing
perspective. He publicly defended and
supported bigots. He drove with them,
drank with them, shook their hands and
smiled. All the while, he was working for
a cause that was antithetical to theirs.
Lauder’s interest in anti-racism began
when he was a teenager. The environ-
ment in which he was raised taught him
to value diverse cultural backgrounds.
"My parents tried to give me an
understanding of respect for others... My
friends as well. We just grew up in a
community where there were differ-,
ences, but we understood and respected
those differences." When he was in high
school, Lauder became aware of the
Heritage Front, which was one of the
more prominent racialist organizations in
Canada. "| was just very concerned
about the impact it would have on our
community and society in general," he
says. He realized that he could not sit
idly by while racialist groups actively
promoted their agenda. He became
involved in anti-racist movement.
“It was then that the idea
of covert research
occurred to him. If he
could convince the
racists that their argum-
nts had won him over,
then he would become
privy to the tuth about
them... All he had to do
was become one of
them.”
Lauder’s involvement continued into
the academic world. As a psychology
undergrad, he studied deviant behaviour,
first in relation to religious cults. The
parallels he saw between cults and
organized racism drew him back to
studying the movement. For his master’s
degree, he did much research on the
subject, but it was purely text-based. By
the time he began his doctorate, the
focus of his research had shifted to
participant observation: he engaged in
personal contact and interviews with
members of the movement. After about a
year, he decided that even this form of
investigation was inadequate.
"What was going on was that they were
giving me information they wanted me to
have," he says, “I don’t think it was very
reflective of the movement itself. They
were too self-conscious. They were too
practiced in dealing with the media, and
that’s how they were treating me, as a
media representative."
Lauder reached what he describes in
his own writings as a breaking point.
He became frustrated with the role of
traditional researcher. He realized that
as long as the movement saw him as an
outsider, he would never really know how
it worked, thus he would never know how
to stop it. It was then that the idea of
covert research occurred to him. If he
could convince the racists that their
arguments had won him over, then he
would become privy to the truth about
them. He would have access to informa-
tion unavailable to any openly anti-racist
activist. He would have the means to
fight them more effectively. All he had to
do was become one of them.
Such a task would not be easy. They
already knew him as a researcher, as
well as a left-leaning person with a
socialist background. They didn’t trust
him. He would have to earn their trust.
"| had to allow the group to see me as
a convert," he explains, "| had to get
them to see | was buying their party
line." He slowly built a rapport with key
insiders, or entry points. He solidified his
reputation by also associating with fringe
dwellers, cover points. Lauder did not
recruit anyone himself, but his cover
continued on page 24
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
the
itherpress >>> OPINIONS
Suburban Graffiti
Dawn-Louise Mcleod
OP Columnist
Wow, my own column, | thought. And | can
write about anything.
Then my editor utters the words of doom.
"Just be yourself," he says.
Be myself? Yikes. Anything but that.
Suddenly | have no time to
write. | rediscover my dormant
powers of procrastination,
taking refuge in domestic
drudgery. Knitting, cleaning
toilets, even tidying my kids’
rooms fascinates me.
Anything to avoid public reve-
lation.
At the eleventh hour before
deadline, the invocation to "Be yourself" is
reverberating in my brain like a ghostly
mantra from a B grade Disney movie. |
retreat to the woods for a solitary hike,
hoping to find a way out of my predicament.
What the heck, it worked for Trudeau.
But | don’t find enlightenment, or even a
bear. Unexpectedly, | come to grips with
ordinariness—my own.
Thanks to my suburban upbringing, | once
considered myself daring, creative, and a
a sin) won y 2 ve
bit weird. During my walk in the woods, |
admit to myself that | am really quite
ordinary, and possibly boring.
After all, who am |? A middle-class subur-
banite with nothing more than a large Visa
bill and a habit of independent and open-
minded thinking. Considered by some to be
antisocial, this way of thinking is actually a
survival strategy: a bear would terrify me,
but life alone on a desert island would not
(unless the island was inhabited by bears.)
| will even go so far to say that a desert
island is my idea of Club Med.
Realizing my ordinariness is truly deflat-
ing. I’m encouraged by the thought,
however, th
i o pee zy rr aac
at most people are ordinary and
rather than admit it will go to great lengths
to escape their ordinariness.
Which leads me back to the name and the
subject of this column.
Like many other words, both "suburban"
and "graffiti" imply more than their diction-
ary definitions and elicit certain labels and
preconceptions.
Think "suburban". It means, "Relating to a
residential community on the outskirts of a
city." Other words not included in that
definition are implied, however: sheltered,
conventional, staid, provincial, conserva-
tive, mediocre, and—yes—ordinary and
boring.
Now think "graffiti." Definition: "Drawings
or inscriptions made on a wall or other
surface." But the images that spring to mind
are of inner city gang warfare and
spraycan-wielding hooligans.
| see myself as a suburban graffiti artist,
willing to escape ordinary by fessing up to
it, by taking my attitude to press and say
that boring and ordinary have been given a
bad rap. Here you’ll find a closer look at the
ways we trade adventure for the illusion of
security, how we exchange safety for self-
expression. In "Suburban
explore both,
“After all, who am |? A middle-<&2"". . be through a
class suburbanite with nothing
more than a large Visa bill”
housewife hanging out with
rapsters, or a performance
artist shopping for lawnmow-
ers at Canadian Tire.
Look for forays into the
strange and the familiar, the
juxtaposition of diverse and
perverse elements of ordinary life. Check
out the wayward scribbling of a foolhardy
mind bent on a quest for accidental enlight-
enment.
Because here, separate or in tandem,
you'll find the suburban and the sublime.
How far will you go to escape your
ordinariness? Send your comments to:
subgraf @ otherpress.com
Edited Text
the
itherpress >>> OPINIONS
Suburban Graffiti
Dawn-Louise Mcleod
OP Columnist
Wow, my own column, | thought. And | can
write about anything.
Then my editor utters the words of doom.
"Just be yourself," he says.
Be myself? Yikes. Anything but that.
Suddenly | have no time to
write. | rediscover my dormant
powers of procrastination,
taking refuge in domestic
drudgery. Knitting, cleaning
toilets, even tidying my kids’
rooms fascinates me.
Anything to avoid public reve-
lation.
At the eleventh hour before
deadline, the invocation to "Be yourself" is
reverberating in my brain like a ghostly
mantra from a B grade Disney movie. |
retreat to the woods for a solitary hike,
hoping to find a way out of my predicament.
What the heck, it worked for Trudeau.
But | don’t find enlightenment, or even a
bear. Unexpectedly, | come to grips with
ordinariness—my own.
Thanks to my suburban upbringing, | once
considered myself daring, creative, and a
a sin) won y 2 ve
bit weird. During my walk in the woods, |
admit to myself that | am really quite
ordinary, and possibly boring.
After all, who am |? A middle-class subur-
banite with nothing more than a large Visa
bill and a habit of independent and open-
minded thinking. Considered by some to be
antisocial, this way of thinking is actually a
survival strategy: a bear would terrify me,
but life alone on a desert island would not
(unless the island was inhabited by bears.)
| will even go so far to say that a desert
island is my idea of Club Med.
Realizing my ordinariness is truly deflat-
ing. I’m encouraged by the thought,
however, th
i o pee zy rr aac
at most people are ordinary and
rather than admit it will go to great lengths
to escape their ordinariness.
Which leads me back to the name and the
subject of this column.
Like many other words, both "suburban"
and "graffiti" imply more than their diction-
ary definitions and elicit certain labels and
preconceptions.
Think "suburban". It means, "Relating to a
residential community on the outskirts of a
city." Other words not included in that
definition are implied, however: sheltered,
conventional, staid, provincial, conserva-
tive, mediocre, and—yes—ordinary and
boring.
Now think "graffiti." Definition: "Drawings
or inscriptions made on a wall or other
surface." But the images that spring to mind
are of inner city gang warfare and
spraycan-wielding hooligans.
| see myself as a suburban graffiti artist,
willing to escape ordinary by fessing up to
it, by taking my attitude to press and say
that boring and ordinary have been given a
bad rap. Here you’ll find a closer look at the
ways we trade adventure for the illusion of
security, how we exchange safety for self-
expression. In "Suburban
explore both,
“After all, who am |? A middle-<&2"". . be through a
class suburbanite with nothing
more than a large Visa bill”
housewife hanging out with
rapsters, or a performance
artist shopping for lawnmow-
ers at Canadian Tire.
Look for forays into the
strange and the familiar, the
juxtaposition of diverse and
perverse elements of ordinary life. Check
out the wayward scribbling of a foolhardy
mind bent on a quest for accidental enlight-
enment.
Because here, separate or in tandem,
you'll find the suburban and the sublime.
How far will you go to escape your
ordinariness? Send your comments to:
subgraf @ otherpress.com
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
continued from page 14
stimulate the imagination. For those
behind the scenes, this is a somewhat
thankless endeavour where accom-
plishment is relegated to the masthead.
Friday night’s launch saw the literary
quality of Event transcend the page
with readings by Cynthia’ Flood,
Annabel Lyon, George McWhirter, Bud
Osborn, Madeleine Thien, Betsy
Warland, and Tom Wayman—a mixture
of poetry, fiction and person-
al essay that reflected the
diverse quality of Event's
publishing tradition. Despite
the success of the launch,
the future of this tradition is
now in question.
Literary magazines’ are
commonly subsidized by a
combination of government
grants and funding by affiliat-
ed academic institutions. Here at
Douglas College, like all post second-
ary institutions in BC, a three-year
budget freeze has induced a reassess-
ment and reduction of programs and
services. Although Event has received
support from the College Foundation,
unfortunately, "senior management" is
not convinced that supporting a literary
magazine is valuable, relative not only
to students, but to the profile and mar-
ketability of the college itself. With
thriving and well respected creative
writing, English, and professional writ-
ing programs here at Douglas, one can
easily imagine how in terms. of
practicums and volunteer opportunities,
Event is a great resource to not only
the department, but the whole school.
But true to Canadian Politics, the
depth and richness of creative enter-
prise is often the first thing to go when
up against money focussed perspec-
tives. The budget cutbacks have hit
Event hard and the resulting 50 per
cent cut in funding is the product of a
five-year cost recovery plan, which
would eventually like to see Event oper-
ating as a financially independent
business. Event is now left to seek out
alternative funding through donations
strategies and corporate sponsorship.
"It’s a wake up call," says Stonehouse,
“we have got to make efforts to be more
visible to the people in the college."
How a Staff of two manage to produce a
journal of Event’s quality is one thing,
but now they also have to divert their
| © "ither press >>> CULTURE
efforts towards funding and marketing.
We are fortunate to have Event pub-
lishing out of Douglas College as it not
only historically represents some of
Douglas College's own talent, (Event
has publshed and been managed by a
number of Instructors from Douglas)
but also BC, Canada, and indeed inter-
national submissions. Calvin Wharton,
writer, CRWR instructor, and editor of
“Event is in my opinion, a practical
metaphor of larger things—a relatively
untapped resource that could potentially
be integrated to enhance Douglas
College’s profile to a national level.”
Event from 1996-2001 says, "Event
offers students here at the college a
window into the publishing business,
and connects the college to the rest of
the country because Event has a
national profile."—By virtue of publica-
tion, Event has even blessed Douglas
College with an association to Charles
Bukowski and Pablo Neruda. Therefore,
the continued success of Event and
literary journals in general, are a local
and global treasure—a symbol that we
all should acknowledge and consider
as students, faculty, and administration
here at Douglas College.
The special issue of Event, is as
usual, beautifully put together and is
representative of the countless award
winning stories that have appeared
between Event's covers over the
years. lronically, the timeliness of
Event's thirty years of success is jux-
taposed by these recent budget cut-
backs which will ultimately challenge
the journal's immediate future, rais-
ing the question: Will there be anoth-
er thirty years?
Language and communication
are the fabric of society and
higher education, and whether
you are a reader or a writer,
this business of obsessing-
over, celebrating and communi-
cating with words is a fantastic
and enriching occupation.
Event represents a forum for
those who make this fabric
colourful.
As a student here at Douglas, the
opportunity to work with Event has
significantly enriched my experience.
For me, the advantages of this affilia-
tion to the college appear to be not
only poorly advertised, but poorly
appreciated. Event is in my opinion, a
practical metaphor of larger things—
a relatively untapped resource that
could potentially be integrated to
enhance Douglas College’s profile to
a national level. And the reality of this
metaphor is that it relies on dedicat-
ed staff, quality writers, passionate
readers and in the end...funding.
Calvin Wharton, Cathy Stonehouse & lan Cockfield
Neen
Edited Text
continued from page 14
stimulate the imagination. For those
behind the scenes, this is a somewhat
thankless endeavour where accom-
plishment is relegated to the masthead.
Friday night’s launch saw the literary
quality of Event transcend the page
with readings by Cynthia’ Flood,
Annabel Lyon, George McWhirter, Bud
Osborn, Madeleine Thien, Betsy
Warland, and Tom Wayman—a mixture
of poetry, fiction and person-
al essay that reflected the
diverse quality of Event's
publishing tradition. Despite
the success of the launch,
the future of this tradition is
now in question.
Literary magazines’ are
commonly subsidized by a
combination of government
grants and funding by affiliat-
ed academic institutions. Here at
Douglas College, like all post second-
ary institutions in BC, a three-year
budget freeze has induced a reassess-
ment and reduction of programs and
services. Although Event has received
support from the College Foundation,
unfortunately, "senior management" is
not convinced that supporting a literary
magazine is valuable, relative not only
to students, but to the profile and mar-
ketability of the college itself. With
thriving and well respected creative
writing, English, and professional writ-
ing programs here at Douglas, one can
easily imagine how in terms. of
practicums and volunteer opportunities,
Event is a great resource to not only
the department, but the whole school.
But true to Canadian Politics, the
depth and richness of creative enter-
prise is often the first thing to go when
up against money focussed perspec-
tives. The budget cutbacks have hit
Event hard and the resulting 50 per
cent cut in funding is the product of a
five-year cost recovery plan, which
would eventually like to see Event oper-
ating as a financially independent
business. Event is now left to seek out
alternative funding through donations
strategies and corporate sponsorship.
"It’s a wake up call," says Stonehouse,
“we have got to make efforts to be more
visible to the people in the college."
How a Staff of two manage to produce a
journal of Event’s quality is one thing,
but now they also have to divert their
| © "ither press >>> CULTURE
efforts towards funding and marketing.
We are fortunate to have Event pub-
lishing out of Douglas College as it not
only historically represents some of
Douglas College's own talent, (Event
has publshed and been managed by a
number of Instructors from Douglas)
but also BC, Canada, and indeed inter-
national submissions. Calvin Wharton,
writer, CRWR instructor, and editor of
“Event is in my opinion, a practical
metaphor of larger things—a relatively
untapped resource that could potentially
be integrated to enhance Douglas
College’s profile to a national level.”
Event from 1996-2001 says, "Event
offers students here at the college a
window into the publishing business,
and connects the college to the rest of
the country because Event has a
national profile."—By virtue of publica-
tion, Event has even blessed Douglas
College with an association to Charles
Bukowski and Pablo Neruda. Therefore,
the continued success of Event and
literary journals in general, are a local
and global treasure—a symbol that we
all should acknowledge and consider
as students, faculty, and administration
here at Douglas College.
The special issue of Event, is as
usual, beautifully put together and is
representative of the countless award
winning stories that have appeared
between Event's covers over the
years. lronically, the timeliness of
Event's thirty years of success is jux-
taposed by these recent budget cut-
backs which will ultimately challenge
the journal's immediate future, rais-
ing the question: Will there be anoth-
er thirty years?
Language and communication
are the fabric of society and
higher education, and whether
you are a reader or a writer,
this business of obsessing-
over, celebrating and communi-
cating with words is a fantastic
and enriching occupation.
Event represents a forum for
those who make this fabric
colourful.
As a student here at Douglas, the
opportunity to work with Event has
significantly enriched my experience.
For me, the advantages of this affilia-
tion to the college appear to be not
only poorly advertised, but poorly
appreciated. Event is in my opinion, a
practical metaphor of larger things—
a relatively untapped resource that
could potentially be integrated to
enhance Douglas College’s profile to
a national level. And the reality of this
metaphor is that it relies on dedicat-
ed staff, quality writers, passionate
readers and in the end...funding.
Calvin Wharton, Cathy Stonehouse & lan Cockfield
Neen
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
E © "ither press >>> OPINIONS
ENTIRE Se
eae
Broad’s Eye View
J.ALL
OP Columnist
We meet again. Last time we chatted |
may have mentioned that | would be talking
about myself and basically anything that
catches my fancy. Well, | am also going to
discuss my afflictions, namely my diastema.
Sound it out D-I-A-S-T-E-M-A. Not exactly a
pretty word, but | prefer it to gap-toothed,
which is essentially what | am. | have had
this extra sliver of space between my two
front teeth for as long | can remember.
| recall the first day | became hung-up
over it. It was fourth grade and | was pathet-
ically in love with a grotty boy named Scott.
We were sitting in the library and he told me
he was going to draw a picture of me. Oh,
how very romantic. | noticed he was filling
one area of the paper with an awful lot of
pencil lead. When he was finished he slid it
over and there it was. A terrible drawing of
me and with a massive gap between my
front teeth-I looked like a hillbilly beaver. |
responded by ripping it into little shreds and
calling him a homo. | didn’t really know what
homo meant, but it seemed appropriate at
the time.
From that day on | developed a bitchy
smirk and an aversion to men named Scott.
No more open smiles for me. | was con-
vinced my teeth were hideous and would
guarantee my virginity throughout high
school. Luckily | developed breasts and a
fondness for tight shirts. | got dates, | got
laid, but | still hated my teeth.
For my high school graduation gift, my
parents offered to have my teeth bonded.
My mother made the appointment for the
morning after the grad party. Due to circum-
stances beyond my control | never made it
to that appointment—as the grad night
included an episode of drunken skinny-dip-
ping gone horribly wrong, but that is for
another time. According to my insane moth-
er, my window of opportunity had closed
permanently. If | wanted the bonding done |
would have to pay for it myself. At eighteen
| had alcohol and skanky clothing to buy. |
never managed to save up for the dental
work.
Over the next ten years, | basically came
to terms with my roomy grin. When Twin
Peaks made tying a cherry stem with your
tongue all the rage—| kicked ass. My space
was like an opposable thumb—| could tie a
stem with such dexterity | rarely had to pay
for a second drink. I’ve had guys tell me
they think it’s sexy and I’ve had women ask
me why haven't | fixed that thing in my
mouth. Now, men will say anything to score
and women are bitchy—so what’s a girl to
believe. | have wavered back and forth for
years, until recently when | decided to
check out a new dentist, whom a friend of
mine recommended.
As | entered the swanky West End office,
| suddenly felt extremely self-conscious. As
| was led to the chair to wait, | noticed that
the walls were plastered with before and
after shots of gums and teeth and lips. | had
been duped. My ‘friend’ obviously had been
lying her ass off every time she told me she
liked me ‘just the way | was. No matter, |
hated it when she said that and it made me
feel guilty as | hated many things about her.
Now | could add one more thing to the list.
The dentist came in and dove right into
my mouth. Not even a hello, how are you.
He was only at it for maybe a minute before
he sat back and stared intently at me. By
this point | was feeling oddly violated and
the staring really wasn’t helping.
"You're a pretty girl, good symmetry, nice
mouth."
He spoke loudly and almost accusingly. |
had no idea what to say so | waited.
"But those teeth ruin you. Really they do.
Why haven’t you considered doing some-
thing about this before?"
It was like the fourth grade all over again.
| hotly pointed out Madonna, David
Letterman and then for some reason,
Ernest Borgnine. He was unmoved and |
panicked. | couldn’t leave it at Ernest
Borgnine, he wasn’t exactly renowned for
his good looks. | used my trump card.
"What about Lauren Hutton. She refused
to close her gap and look at her!"
He sighed and shook his head, "They all
throw Lauren Hutton in my face. Are you
a gorgeous, blond model who can act?"
Obviously | was not, so | held my tongue.
"Let me put it to you this way. If you had a
big hairy mole on your face, would you
keep it there, even if Madonna or Ernest
Borgnine had one?"
Cheap shot. Of course | wouldn’t. If my
teeth were as disgusting as a hairy face
mole, | wanted it fixed, now. As luck would
have it, he just happened to have time to do
all the measurements, x-rays and photo-
graphs immediately. | numbly followed him
to the other room where the ‘assessment’
would take place. Over the next two hours
a troupe of militant dental assistants (don’t
ever call them nurses—trust me on this
one) subjected my mouth to a series of hor-
rific assaults. When it was over the dentist
came back in and shoved a sheet of paper
in my hands and sent me on my way.
| hardly remember getting home. | sat on
the edge of my bed and finally looked at the
paper; $6,500 is what the good dentist
decided it would cost to make me presenta-
ble. If my jaws hadn’t hurt like I’d spent the
afternoon on Kingsway performing two-for-
one blow-jobs, | would have laughed.
Instead | cried. And then, like an asshole |
went to the mirror and smiled at myself. |
turned that smile left and then right and
then face on again. Not exactly a big hairy
mole, but definitely not pretty. | thought
about $6,500 and then | went to the closet,
got out my nicest bra and snuggest shirt.
Bitchy smirk intact, | surveyed the results in
the mirror and made my decision. So
maybe | can eat corn on the cob through a
picket fence and maybe my smile won't
inspire men to paint me or write me poetry.
But really, | just don’t trust a man who can
look past a rack and concentrate on a little
extra space between a girl’s teeth. Cherry
anyone?
broadeyeview @ hotmail.com
ENTIRE Se
eae
Broad’s Eye View
J.ALL
OP Columnist
We meet again. Last time we chatted |
may have mentioned that | would be talking
about myself and basically anything that
catches my fancy. Well, | am also going to
discuss my afflictions, namely my diastema.
Sound it out D-I-A-S-T-E-M-A. Not exactly a
pretty word, but | prefer it to gap-toothed,
which is essentially what | am. | have had
this extra sliver of space between my two
front teeth for as long | can remember.
| recall the first day | became hung-up
over it. It was fourth grade and | was pathet-
ically in love with a grotty boy named Scott.
We were sitting in the library and he told me
he was going to draw a picture of me. Oh,
how very romantic. | noticed he was filling
one area of the paper with an awful lot of
pencil lead. When he was finished he slid it
over and there it was. A terrible drawing of
me and with a massive gap between my
front teeth-I looked like a hillbilly beaver. |
responded by ripping it into little shreds and
calling him a homo. | didn’t really know what
homo meant, but it seemed appropriate at
the time.
From that day on | developed a bitchy
smirk and an aversion to men named Scott.
No more open smiles for me. | was con-
vinced my teeth were hideous and would
guarantee my virginity throughout high
school. Luckily | developed breasts and a
fondness for tight shirts. | got dates, | got
laid, but | still hated my teeth.
For my high school graduation gift, my
parents offered to have my teeth bonded.
My mother made the appointment for the
morning after the grad party. Due to circum-
stances beyond my control | never made it
to that appointment—as the grad night
included an episode of drunken skinny-dip-
ping gone horribly wrong, but that is for
another time. According to my insane moth-
er, my window of opportunity had closed
permanently. If | wanted the bonding done |
would have to pay for it myself. At eighteen
| had alcohol and skanky clothing to buy. |
never managed to save up for the dental
work.
Over the next ten years, | basically came
to terms with my roomy grin. When Twin
Peaks made tying a cherry stem with your
tongue all the rage—| kicked ass. My space
was like an opposable thumb—| could tie a
stem with such dexterity | rarely had to pay
for a second drink. I’ve had guys tell me
they think it’s sexy and I’ve had women ask
me why haven't | fixed that thing in my
mouth. Now, men will say anything to score
and women are bitchy—so what’s a girl to
believe. | have wavered back and forth for
years, until recently when | decided to
check out a new dentist, whom a friend of
mine recommended.
As | entered the swanky West End office,
| suddenly felt extremely self-conscious. As
| was led to the chair to wait, | noticed that
the walls were plastered with before and
after shots of gums and teeth and lips. | had
been duped. My ‘friend’ obviously had been
lying her ass off every time she told me she
liked me ‘just the way | was. No matter, |
hated it when she said that and it made me
feel guilty as | hated many things about her.
Now | could add one more thing to the list.
The dentist came in and dove right into
my mouth. Not even a hello, how are you.
He was only at it for maybe a minute before
he sat back and stared intently at me. By
this point | was feeling oddly violated and
the staring really wasn’t helping.
"You're a pretty girl, good symmetry, nice
mouth."
He spoke loudly and almost accusingly. |
had no idea what to say so | waited.
"But those teeth ruin you. Really they do.
Why haven’t you considered doing some-
thing about this before?"
It was like the fourth grade all over again.
| hotly pointed out Madonna, David
Letterman and then for some reason,
Ernest Borgnine. He was unmoved and |
panicked. | couldn’t leave it at Ernest
Borgnine, he wasn’t exactly renowned for
his good looks. | used my trump card.
"What about Lauren Hutton. She refused
to close her gap and look at her!"
He sighed and shook his head, "They all
throw Lauren Hutton in my face. Are you
a gorgeous, blond model who can act?"
Obviously | was not, so | held my tongue.
"Let me put it to you this way. If you had a
big hairy mole on your face, would you
keep it there, even if Madonna or Ernest
Borgnine had one?"
Cheap shot. Of course | wouldn’t. If my
teeth were as disgusting as a hairy face
mole, | wanted it fixed, now. As luck would
have it, he just happened to have time to do
all the measurements, x-rays and photo-
graphs immediately. | numbly followed him
to the other room where the ‘assessment’
would take place. Over the next two hours
a troupe of militant dental assistants (don’t
ever call them nurses—trust me on this
one) subjected my mouth to a series of hor-
rific assaults. When it was over the dentist
came back in and shoved a sheet of paper
in my hands and sent me on my way.
| hardly remember getting home. | sat on
the edge of my bed and finally looked at the
paper; $6,500 is what the good dentist
decided it would cost to make me presenta-
ble. If my jaws hadn’t hurt like I’d spent the
afternoon on Kingsway performing two-for-
one blow-jobs, | would have laughed.
Instead | cried. And then, like an asshole |
went to the mirror and smiled at myself. |
turned that smile left and then right and
then face on again. Not exactly a big hairy
mole, but definitely not pretty. | thought
about $6,500 and then | went to the closet,
got out my nicest bra and snuggest shirt.
Bitchy smirk intact, | surveyed the results in
the mirror and made my decision. So
maybe | can eat corn on the cob through a
picket fence and maybe my smile won't
inspire men to paint me or write me poetry.
But really, | just don’t trust a man who can
look past a rack and concentrate on a little
extra space between a girl’s teeth. Cherry
anyone?
broadeyeview @ hotmail.com
Edited Text
E © "ither press >>> OPINIONS
ENTIRE Se
eae
Broad’s Eye View
J.ALL
OP Columnist
We meet again. Last time we chatted |
may have mentioned that | would be talking
about myself and basically anything that
catches my fancy. Well, | am also going to
discuss my afflictions, namely my diastema.
Sound it out D-I-A-S-T-E-M-A. Not exactly a
pretty word, but | prefer it to gap-toothed,
which is essentially what | am. | have had
this extra sliver of space between my two
front teeth for as long | can remember.
| recall the first day | became hung-up
over it. It was fourth grade and | was pathet-
ically in love with a grotty boy named Scott.
We were sitting in the library and he told me
he was going to draw a picture of me. Oh,
how very romantic. | noticed he was filling
one area of the paper with an awful lot of
pencil lead. When he was finished he slid it
over and there it was. A terrible drawing of
me and with a massive gap between my
front teeth-I looked like a hillbilly beaver. |
responded by ripping it into little shreds and
calling him a homo. | didn’t really know what
homo meant, but it seemed appropriate at
the time.
From that day on | developed a bitchy
smirk and an aversion to men named Scott.
No more open smiles for me. | was con-
vinced my teeth were hideous and would
guarantee my virginity throughout high
school. Luckily | developed breasts and a
fondness for tight shirts. | got dates, | got
laid, but | still hated my teeth.
For my high school graduation gift, my
parents offered to have my teeth bonded.
My mother made the appointment for the
morning after the grad party. Due to circum-
stances beyond my control | never made it
to that appointment—as the grad night
included an episode of drunken skinny-dip-
ping gone horribly wrong, but that is for
another time. According to my insane moth-
er, my window of opportunity had closed
permanently. If | wanted the bonding done |
would have to pay for it myself. At eighteen
| had alcohol and skanky clothing to buy. |
never managed to save up for the dental
work.
Over the next ten years, | basically came
to terms with my roomy grin. When Twin
Peaks made tying a cherry stem with your
tongue all the rage—| kicked ass. My space
was like an opposable thumb—| could tie a
stem with such dexterity | rarely had to pay
for a second drink. I’ve had guys tell me
they think it’s sexy and I’ve had women ask
me why haven't | fixed that thing in my
mouth. Now, men will say anything to score
and women are bitchy—so what’s a girl to
believe. | have wavered back and forth for
years, until recently when | decided to
check out a new dentist, whom a friend of
mine recommended.
As | entered the swanky West End office,
| suddenly felt extremely self-conscious. As
| was led to the chair to wait, | noticed that
the walls were plastered with before and
after shots of gums and teeth and lips. | had
been duped. My ‘friend’ obviously had been
lying her ass off every time she told me she
liked me ‘just the way | was. No matter, |
hated it when she said that and it made me
feel guilty as | hated many things about her.
Now | could add one more thing to the list.
The dentist came in and dove right into
my mouth. Not even a hello, how are you.
He was only at it for maybe a minute before
he sat back and stared intently at me. By
this point | was feeling oddly violated and
the staring really wasn’t helping.
"You're a pretty girl, good symmetry, nice
mouth."
He spoke loudly and almost accusingly. |
had no idea what to say so | waited.
"But those teeth ruin you. Really they do.
Why haven’t you considered doing some-
thing about this before?"
It was like the fourth grade all over again.
| hotly pointed out Madonna, David
Letterman and then for some reason,
Ernest Borgnine. He was unmoved and |
panicked. | couldn’t leave it at Ernest
Borgnine, he wasn’t exactly renowned for
his good looks. | used my trump card.
"What about Lauren Hutton. She refused
to close her gap and look at her!"
He sighed and shook his head, "They all
throw Lauren Hutton in my face. Are you
a gorgeous, blond model who can act?"
Obviously | was not, so | held my tongue.
"Let me put it to you this way. If you had a
big hairy mole on your face, would you
keep it there, even if Madonna or Ernest
Borgnine had one?"
Cheap shot. Of course | wouldn’t. If my
teeth were as disgusting as a hairy face
mole, | wanted it fixed, now. As luck would
have it, he just happened to have time to do
all the measurements, x-rays and photo-
graphs immediately. | numbly followed him
to the other room where the ‘assessment’
would take place. Over the next two hours
a troupe of militant dental assistants (don’t
ever call them nurses—trust me on this
one) subjected my mouth to a series of hor-
rific assaults. When it was over the dentist
came back in and shoved a sheet of paper
in my hands and sent me on my way.
| hardly remember getting home. | sat on
the edge of my bed and finally looked at the
paper; $6,500 is what the good dentist
decided it would cost to make me presenta-
ble. If my jaws hadn’t hurt like I’d spent the
afternoon on Kingsway performing two-for-
one blow-jobs, | would have laughed.
Instead | cried. And then, like an asshole |
went to the mirror and smiled at myself. |
turned that smile left and then right and
then face on again. Not exactly a big hairy
mole, but definitely not pretty. | thought
about $6,500 and then | went to the closet,
got out my nicest bra and snuggest shirt.
Bitchy smirk intact, | surveyed the results in
the mirror and made my decision. So
maybe | can eat corn on the cob through a
picket fence and maybe my smile won't
inspire men to paint me or write me poetry.
But really, | just don’t trust a man who can
look past a rack and concentrate on a little
extra space between a girl’s teeth. Cherry
anyone?
broadeyeview @ hotmail.com
ENTIRE Se
eae
Broad’s Eye View
J.ALL
OP Columnist
We meet again. Last time we chatted |
may have mentioned that | would be talking
about myself and basically anything that
catches my fancy. Well, | am also going to
discuss my afflictions, namely my diastema.
Sound it out D-I-A-S-T-E-M-A. Not exactly a
pretty word, but | prefer it to gap-toothed,
which is essentially what | am. | have had
this extra sliver of space between my two
front teeth for as long | can remember.
| recall the first day | became hung-up
over it. It was fourth grade and | was pathet-
ically in love with a grotty boy named Scott.
We were sitting in the library and he told me
he was going to draw a picture of me. Oh,
how very romantic. | noticed he was filling
one area of the paper with an awful lot of
pencil lead. When he was finished he slid it
over and there it was. A terrible drawing of
me and with a massive gap between my
front teeth-I looked like a hillbilly beaver. |
responded by ripping it into little shreds and
calling him a homo. | didn’t really know what
homo meant, but it seemed appropriate at
the time.
From that day on | developed a bitchy
smirk and an aversion to men named Scott.
No more open smiles for me. | was con-
vinced my teeth were hideous and would
guarantee my virginity throughout high
school. Luckily | developed breasts and a
fondness for tight shirts. | got dates, | got
laid, but | still hated my teeth.
For my high school graduation gift, my
parents offered to have my teeth bonded.
My mother made the appointment for the
morning after the grad party. Due to circum-
stances beyond my control | never made it
to that appointment—as the grad night
included an episode of drunken skinny-dip-
ping gone horribly wrong, but that is for
another time. According to my insane moth-
er, my window of opportunity had closed
permanently. If | wanted the bonding done |
would have to pay for it myself. At eighteen
| had alcohol and skanky clothing to buy. |
never managed to save up for the dental
work.
Over the next ten years, | basically came
to terms with my roomy grin. When Twin
Peaks made tying a cherry stem with your
tongue all the rage—| kicked ass. My space
was like an opposable thumb—| could tie a
stem with such dexterity | rarely had to pay
for a second drink. I’ve had guys tell me
they think it’s sexy and I’ve had women ask
me why haven't | fixed that thing in my
mouth. Now, men will say anything to score
and women are bitchy—so what’s a girl to
believe. | have wavered back and forth for
years, until recently when | decided to
check out a new dentist, whom a friend of
mine recommended.
As | entered the swanky West End office,
| suddenly felt extremely self-conscious. As
| was led to the chair to wait, | noticed that
the walls were plastered with before and
after shots of gums and teeth and lips. | had
been duped. My ‘friend’ obviously had been
lying her ass off every time she told me she
liked me ‘just the way | was. No matter, |
hated it when she said that and it made me
feel guilty as | hated many things about her.
Now | could add one more thing to the list.
The dentist came in and dove right into
my mouth. Not even a hello, how are you.
He was only at it for maybe a minute before
he sat back and stared intently at me. By
this point | was feeling oddly violated and
the staring really wasn’t helping.
"You're a pretty girl, good symmetry, nice
mouth."
He spoke loudly and almost accusingly. |
had no idea what to say so | waited.
"But those teeth ruin you. Really they do.
Why haven’t you considered doing some-
thing about this before?"
It was like the fourth grade all over again.
| hotly pointed out Madonna, David
Letterman and then for some reason,
Ernest Borgnine. He was unmoved and |
panicked. | couldn’t leave it at Ernest
Borgnine, he wasn’t exactly renowned for
his good looks. | used my trump card.
"What about Lauren Hutton. She refused
to close her gap and look at her!"
He sighed and shook his head, "They all
throw Lauren Hutton in my face. Are you
a gorgeous, blond model who can act?"
Obviously | was not, so | held my tongue.
"Let me put it to you this way. If you had a
big hairy mole on your face, would you
keep it there, even if Madonna or Ernest
Borgnine had one?"
Cheap shot. Of course | wouldn’t. If my
teeth were as disgusting as a hairy face
mole, | wanted it fixed, now. As luck would
have it, he just happened to have time to do
all the measurements, x-rays and photo-
graphs immediately. | numbly followed him
to the other room where the ‘assessment’
would take place. Over the next two hours
a troupe of militant dental assistants (don’t
ever call them nurses—trust me on this
one) subjected my mouth to a series of hor-
rific assaults. When it was over the dentist
came back in and shoved a sheet of paper
in my hands and sent me on my way.
| hardly remember getting home. | sat on
the edge of my bed and finally looked at the
paper; $6,500 is what the good dentist
decided it would cost to make me presenta-
ble. If my jaws hadn’t hurt like I’d spent the
afternoon on Kingsway performing two-for-
one blow-jobs, | would have laughed.
Instead | cried. And then, like an asshole |
went to the mirror and smiled at myself. |
turned that smile left and then right and
then face on again. Not exactly a big hairy
mole, but definitely not pretty. | thought
about $6,500 and then | went to the closet,
got out my nicest bra and snuggest shirt.
Bitchy smirk intact, | surveyed the results in
the mirror and made my decision. So
maybe | can eat corn on the cob through a
picket fence and maybe my smile won't
inspire men to paint me or write me poetry.
But really, | just don’t trust a man who can
look past a rack and concentrate on a little
extra space between a girl’s teeth. Cherry
anyone?
broadeyeview @ hotmail.com
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
—
for their activities,
other press >>> FEATURES
continued from page 19
one believes to be right or wrong, to
participate in making decisions that
have consequences’ which’ reach
beyond the confines of our own living
rooms, communities, and countries.
Several groups within Canada offer
information that is not readily available
through mainstream sources. These
advocate groups are founded on the
basic principles that Canadians should
have access to government and
business activities, that government
and business should be accountable
that Canadians
should have access to mechanisms of
recourse against government and
business waste, abuse, and misrepre-
sentation—along with the right of
Canadians to gather as _ citizens,
consumers, and taxpayers to have
meaningful participation and represen-
tation in the Canadian political system.
Democracy Watch On-line
www.dwatch.ca/
Democracy Watch was started in
1993 and has worked to empower
Canadian consumers to hold govern-
ment and business’ organizations
accountable for decisions and
practices. The site offers a wealth
of easy to follow links to government
contact information, government Web-
sites and other citizen activist and
lobbyist groups. Another — link
accesses any number of campaigns
and action alerts, such as a government
ethics campaign, and voter’s rights
campaign.
Canadians for Direct Democracy
www.npsnet.com/cdd/
The catch phrase for this Web-site is:
"Direct Democracy is to the 21st
century what the magna carta was to
the 13th century."
The right of citizens to be directly
involved in the country’s decision-
making process by exercising the right
to hold a vote on any issue, essen-
tially giving every citizen veto power.
The belief that democracy should be
tailored to the needs of individual com-
munities is hinted at, but the links to
articles on the site do not explore this
idea fully. There are links to other sites
and the majority of the links are
centred locally in British Columbia
providing examples of how actively
participating in the community can
make a difference.
Rights & Democracy
www.ichrdd.ca/flash.html
This is a simple, yet nicely done
international Web-site calling for inter-
national support for women’s rights,
democratic elections in third world
countries and support for the building
of infrastructure in countries of need.
There are job postings and descrip-
tions for anyone interested in helping
out around the world. The site is
offered in English, French, and
Spanish, and can take some time to
appreciate all of the compiled
information.
Global Democtacy Ottawa
www.gdo.ca/index.html
This Web-site is for the active
activist. It lists a national list of protest
activities and articles relating to past,
current, and upcoming events in
Canada. A big disadvantage to local
activists is most of the meetings
advertised in this site are staged for
an Ontario audience. It is a very
current site and is presently campaign-
ing for people who are interested in
participating at staged protests during
the June 21 to 28 G8 Summit at
Kananaskis National Park in Alberta.
The content of this site is geared
directly for the activist who wishes to
get involved, and a major focus is on
people’s right to protest. Although an
interesting and well laid out site, the
religious fervour saps a lot of energy.
World History of Democracy
www.nipissingu.ca/department/
history/muhlberger/histdem/#implink
A Web-site geared more toward an
academic audience is set up in an
older web format where the user can
either scroll down the page, or click on
one of five subheadings, speeding the
reader to the appropriate section.
Unfortunately there are no links back
to the top of the page, leaving the
reader to scroll back up. Despite the
minor navigation issue, the information
is plentiful and diverse. As the site is
geared towards the _ history of
democracy, there are subjects span-
ning the breadth of human existence
and diversity. Anyone interested in
democratic systems ranging from
American Aboriginal cultures, and
Southern Asian democracies to the
more Western form of Mediterranean
democracy, may very well find this site
enjoyable.
Make a Stand
Most people are really keen on taking
a stand when their own personal space
is being invaded. However, in the new
world order, it becomes imperative to
step outside of our own living rooms,
share with our neighbours, unite with
those who have common goals and
aspirations. As individuals and as
members in a rapidly changing global
community we must keep ourselves
informed, in the proverbial loop, and
develop’ discerning and_ critical
perspectives when observing the
actions of governments, banks and
corporations. As Ralph Nader has
shown, one person can make a
difference. As citizens, it is up to
each of us to avoid being a lamb. We
cannot afford to let banks, corporations,
or government dictate the spin of the
planet. As Macdonald Burbidge has
stated: letting politicians rule spells
disaster for all.
es its
for their activities,
other press >>> FEATURES
continued from page 19
one believes to be right or wrong, to
participate in making decisions that
have consequences’ which’ reach
beyond the confines of our own living
rooms, communities, and countries.
Several groups within Canada offer
information that is not readily available
through mainstream sources. These
advocate groups are founded on the
basic principles that Canadians should
have access to government and
business activities, that government
and business should be accountable
that Canadians
should have access to mechanisms of
recourse against government and
business waste, abuse, and misrepre-
sentation—along with the right of
Canadians to gather as _ citizens,
consumers, and taxpayers to have
meaningful participation and represen-
tation in the Canadian political system.
Democracy Watch On-line
www.dwatch.ca/
Democracy Watch was started in
1993 and has worked to empower
Canadian consumers to hold govern-
ment and business’ organizations
accountable for decisions and
practices. The site offers a wealth
of easy to follow links to government
contact information, government Web-
sites and other citizen activist and
lobbyist groups. Another — link
accesses any number of campaigns
and action alerts, such as a government
ethics campaign, and voter’s rights
campaign.
Canadians for Direct Democracy
www.npsnet.com/cdd/
The catch phrase for this Web-site is:
"Direct Democracy is to the 21st
century what the magna carta was to
the 13th century."
The right of citizens to be directly
involved in the country’s decision-
making process by exercising the right
to hold a vote on any issue, essen-
tially giving every citizen veto power.
The belief that democracy should be
tailored to the needs of individual com-
munities is hinted at, but the links to
articles on the site do not explore this
idea fully. There are links to other sites
and the majority of the links are
centred locally in British Columbia
providing examples of how actively
participating in the community can
make a difference.
Rights & Democracy
www.ichrdd.ca/flash.html
This is a simple, yet nicely done
international Web-site calling for inter-
national support for women’s rights,
democratic elections in third world
countries and support for the building
of infrastructure in countries of need.
There are job postings and descrip-
tions for anyone interested in helping
out around the world. The site is
offered in English, French, and
Spanish, and can take some time to
appreciate all of the compiled
information.
Global Democtacy Ottawa
www.gdo.ca/index.html
This Web-site is for the active
activist. It lists a national list of protest
activities and articles relating to past,
current, and upcoming events in
Canada. A big disadvantage to local
activists is most of the meetings
advertised in this site are staged for
an Ontario audience. It is a very
current site and is presently campaign-
ing for people who are interested in
participating at staged protests during
the June 21 to 28 G8 Summit at
Kananaskis National Park in Alberta.
The content of this site is geared
directly for the activist who wishes to
get involved, and a major focus is on
people’s right to protest. Although an
interesting and well laid out site, the
religious fervour saps a lot of energy.
World History of Democracy
www.nipissingu.ca/department/
history/muhlberger/histdem/#implink
A Web-site geared more toward an
academic audience is set up in an
older web format where the user can
either scroll down the page, or click on
one of five subheadings, speeding the
reader to the appropriate section.
Unfortunately there are no links back
to the top of the page, leaving the
reader to scroll back up. Despite the
minor navigation issue, the information
is plentiful and diverse. As the site is
geared towards the _ history of
democracy, there are subjects span-
ning the breadth of human existence
and diversity. Anyone interested in
democratic systems ranging from
American Aboriginal cultures, and
Southern Asian democracies to the
more Western form of Mediterranean
democracy, may very well find this site
enjoyable.
Make a Stand
Most people are really keen on taking
a stand when their own personal space
is being invaded. However, in the new
world order, it becomes imperative to
step outside of our own living rooms,
share with our neighbours, unite with
those who have common goals and
aspirations. As individuals and as
members in a rapidly changing global
community we must keep ourselves
informed, in the proverbial loop, and
develop’ discerning and_ critical
perspectives when observing the
actions of governments, banks and
corporations. As Ralph Nader has
shown, one person can make a
difference. As citizens, it is up to
each of us to avoid being a lamb. We
cannot afford to let banks, corporations,
or government dictate the spin of the
planet. As Macdonald Burbidge has
stated: letting politicians rule spells
disaster for all.
es its
Edited Text
—
for their activities,
other press >>> FEATURES
continued from page 19
one believes to be right or wrong, to
participate in making decisions that
have consequences’ which’ reach
beyond the confines of our own living
rooms, communities, and countries.
Several groups within Canada offer
information that is not readily available
through mainstream sources. These
advocate groups are founded on the
basic principles that Canadians should
have access to government and
business activities, that government
and business should be accountable
that Canadians
should have access to mechanisms of
recourse against government and
business waste, abuse, and misrepre-
sentation—along with the right of
Canadians to gather as _ citizens,
consumers, and taxpayers to have
meaningful participation and represen-
tation in the Canadian political system.
Democracy Watch On-line
www.dwatch.ca/
Democracy Watch was started in
1993 and has worked to empower
Canadian consumers to hold govern-
ment and business’ organizations
accountable for decisions and
practices. The site offers a wealth
of easy to follow links to government
contact information, government Web-
sites and other citizen activist and
lobbyist groups. Another — link
accesses any number of campaigns
and action alerts, such as a government
ethics campaign, and voter’s rights
campaign.
Canadians for Direct Democracy
www.npsnet.com/cdd/
The catch phrase for this Web-site is:
"Direct Democracy is to the 21st
century what the magna carta was to
the 13th century."
The right of citizens to be directly
involved in the country’s decision-
making process by exercising the right
to hold a vote on any issue, essen-
tially giving every citizen veto power.
The belief that democracy should be
tailored to the needs of individual com-
munities is hinted at, but the links to
articles on the site do not explore this
idea fully. There are links to other sites
and the majority of the links are
centred locally in British Columbia
providing examples of how actively
participating in the community can
make a difference.
Rights & Democracy
www.ichrdd.ca/flash.html
This is a simple, yet nicely done
international Web-site calling for inter-
national support for women’s rights,
democratic elections in third world
countries and support for the building
of infrastructure in countries of need.
There are job postings and descrip-
tions for anyone interested in helping
out around the world. The site is
offered in English, French, and
Spanish, and can take some time to
appreciate all of the compiled
information.
Global Democtacy Ottawa
www.gdo.ca/index.html
This Web-site is for the active
activist. It lists a national list of protest
activities and articles relating to past,
current, and upcoming events in
Canada. A big disadvantage to local
activists is most of the meetings
advertised in this site are staged for
an Ontario audience. It is a very
current site and is presently campaign-
ing for people who are interested in
participating at staged protests during
the June 21 to 28 G8 Summit at
Kananaskis National Park in Alberta.
The content of this site is geared
directly for the activist who wishes to
get involved, and a major focus is on
people’s right to protest. Although an
interesting and well laid out site, the
religious fervour saps a lot of energy.
World History of Democracy
www.nipissingu.ca/department/
history/muhlberger/histdem/#implink
A Web-site geared more toward an
academic audience is set up in an
older web format where the user can
either scroll down the page, or click on
one of five subheadings, speeding the
reader to the appropriate section.
Unfortunately there are no links back
to the top of the page, leaving the
reader to scroll back up. Despite the
minor navigation issue, the information
is plentiful and diverse. As the site is
geared towards the _ history of
democracy, there are subjects span-
ning the breadth of human existence
and diversity. Anyone interested in
democratic systems ranging from
American Aboriginal cultures, and
Southern Asian democracies to the
more Western form of Mediterranean
democracy, may very well find this site
enjoyable.
Make a Stand
Most people are really keen on taking
a stand when their own personal space
is being invaded. However, in the new
world order, it becomes imperative to
step outside of our own living rooms,
share with our neighbours, unite with
those who have common goals and
aspirations. As individuals and as
members in a rapidly changing global
community we must keep ourselves
informed, in the proverbial loop, and
develop’ discerning and_ critical
perspectives when observing the
actions of governments, banks and
corporations. As Ralph Nader has
shown, one person can make a
difference. As citizens, it is up to
each of us to avoid being a lamb. We
cannot afford to let banks, corporations,
or government dictate the spin of the
planet. As Macdonald Burbidge has
stated: letting politicians rule spells
disaster for all.
es its
for their activities,
other press >>> FEATURES
continued from page 19
one believes to be right or wrong, to
participate in making decisions that
have consequences’ which’ reach
beyond the confines of our own living
rooms, communities, and countries.
Several groups within Canada offer
information that is not readily available
through mainstream sources. These
advocate groups are founded on the
basic principles that Canadians should
have access to government and
business activities, that government
and business should be accountable
that Canadians
should have access to mechanisms of
recourse against government and
business waste, abuse, and misrepre-
sentation—along with the right of
Canadians to gather as _ citizens,
consumers, and taxpayers to have
meaningful participation and represen-
tation in the Canadian political system.
Democracy Watch On-line
www.dwatch.ca/
Democracy Watch was started in
1993 and has worked to empower
Canadian consumers to hold govern-
ment and business’ organizations
accountable for decisions and
practices. The site offers a wealth
of easy to follow links to government
contact information, government Web-
sites and other citizen activist and
lobbyist groups. Another — link
accesses any number of campaigns
and action alerts, such as a government
ethics campaign, and voter’s rights
campaign.
Canadians for Direct Democracy
www.npsnet.com/cdd/
The catch phrase for this Web-site is:
"Direct Democracy is to the 21st
century what the magna carta was to
the 13th century."
The right of citizens to be directly
involved in the country’s decision-
making process by exercising the right
to hold a vote on any issue, essen-
tially giving every citizen veto power.
The belief that democracy should be
tailored to the needs of individual com-
munities is hinted at, but the links to
articles on the site do not explore this
idea fully. There are links to other sites
and the majority of the links are
centred locally in British Columbia
providing examples of how actively
participating in the community can
make a difference.
Rights & Democracy
www.ichrdd.ca/flash.html
This is a simple, yet nicely done
international Web-site calling for inter-
national support for women’s rights,
democratic elections in third world
countries and support for the building
of infrastructure in countries of need.
There are job postings and descrip-
tions for anyone interested in helping
out around the world. The site is
offered in English, French, and
Spanish, and can take some time to
appreciate all of the compiled
information.
Global Democtacy Ottawa
www.gdo.ca/index.html
This Web-site is for the active
activist. It lists a national list of protest
activities and articles relating to past,
current, and upcoming events in
Canada. A big disadvantage to local
activists is most of the meetings
advertised in this site are staged for
an Ontario audience. It is a very
current site and is presently campaign-
ing for people who are interested in
participating at staged protests during
the June 21 to 28 G8 Summit at
Kananaskis National Park in Alberta.
The content of this site is geared
directly for the activist who wishes to
get involved, and a major focus is on
people’s right to protest. Although an
interesting and well laid out site, the
religious fervour saps a lot of energy.
World History of Democracy
www.nipissingu.ca/department/
history/muhlberger/histdem/#implink
A Web-site geared more toward an
academic audience is set up in an
older web format where the user can
either scroll down the page, or click on
one of five subheadings, speeding the
reader to the appropriate section.
Unfortunately there are no links back
to the top of the page, leaving the
reader to scroll back up. Despite the
minor navigation issue, the information
is plentiful and diverse. As the site is
geared towards the _ history of
democracy, there are subjects span-
ning the breadth of human existence
and diversity. Anyone interested in
democratic systems ranging from
American Aboriginal cultures, and
Southern Asian democracies to the
more Western form of Mediterranean
democracy, may very well find this site
enjoyable.
Make a Stand
Most people are really keen on taking
a stand when their own personal space
is being invaded. However, in the new
world order, it becomes imperative to
step outside of our own living rooms,
share with our neighbours, unite with
those who have common goals and
aspirations. As individuals and as
members in a rapidly changing global
community we must keep ourselves
informed, in the proverbial loop, and
develop’ discerning and_ critical
perspectives when observing the
actions of governments, banks and
corporations. As Ralph Nader has
shown, one person can make a
difference. As citizens, it is up to
each of us to avoid being a lamb. We
cannot afford to let banks, corporations,
or government dictate the spin of the
planet. As Macdonald Burbidge has
stated: letting politicians rule spells
disaster for all.
es its
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
© "ither press >>> FEATURES
Defending The Nation
The Native Youth Movement unites Native youth at a time when their futures are most at stake
John Kennedy, The SFU Peak
(CUP) Meet Derek Edenshaw. Besides
being Native\Haida and Cree to be exact—
he’s a father, a journalist, a poet and a
well-established local musician. Most
importantly, however, he’s a well-respected
leader of the Vancouver chapter of the
Native Youth Movement (NYM).
At 21 years old, he’s seen and done
more than most people have by that age.
The fact that he now leads such a
normal life, however, makes him a bit of an
anomaly.
The conditions under which so many
First Nation youth in Canada are raised far
too often prevent First Nation adults from
leading the kinds of lives the majority of
Canadians take for granted. Edenshaw
knows this; he’s already spent two years of
his life in jail.
As an off-reserve Native—the most
common kind—one of the more noticeable
things about Derek is his absolute dedica-
tion to the self-empowerment of all First
Nations people.
"Reserves? Get off the reserves!" he
says, "As long as Indian people are sitting
on these little pots of land—what they’d
call a ranchero down in California, a place
where you keep animals—as long as
Indians are staying on this land, these
little reserves, we’re fucked."
His advice?
"Get off them and go to your territories,
it’s the only logical thing to do."
Edenshaw, along with many _ other
Natives in NYM who have overcome over-
whelming odds, spends most of his time
fighting for a better future for First Nations
youth.
The Native Youth Movement, as the
name suggests, brings Native youth from
British Columbia and the rest of Canada
together to raise the political conscious-
ness of Native youth, and to fight for
Native self-determination and preservation
of heritage. Since early 2000, five new
NYM chapters have been formed in both
Canada and the United States, and
according to Edenshaw, five more will be
formed in B.C. within the next few months.
Born in Winnipeg, the NYM came into
being as a way for Native youth to band
together in support amongst extreme
social conditions: poverty, substance
abuse and violent gangs. The cultural
Derek Edenshaw
landscape and social geography of
Winnipeg also played a significant role in
the beginning of such a movement.
"Winnipeg has the highest population of
Native people per capita, for a city that’s
not reserve," explains Edenshaw.
He sees the social unrest among
Winnipeg’s Natives—and accompanying
gang problems, alcoholism, and abuse—
combined with their strength in numbers,
as the catalyst for the creation of the NYM.
"It started off as a way to mobilise, to
give a bit of a steam back to these hurting
kids."
The organization gained national appeal
after a 1995 conference on Native issues
in Ottawa called Sacred Assembly and put
on by the Assembly of First Nations, in
which young Natives felt they were being
ignored by their community leaders.
"A lot of the Native organisations were
talking ‘Youth this, youth this, youth that,
for our future, but there was no youth
participation," said Edenshaw.
According to Edenshaw, these blind
spots in the Assembly highlighted the
need for a platform in which Native
youth could address important issues
themselves.
The Vancouver chapter of NYM was born
shortly after, and it began a gigantic
recruiting spree.
"Every young Native kid in Vancouver
was down," says Edenshaw. "[They were
all] somewhat involved, somewhere."
The NYM has made youth involvement in
the treaty process a number one priority.
British Columbia is the one province
where treaties were never signed at the
time of European colonization. Until the
early 1990s, the government had’t even
begun the process of addressing the
unceded territory, which comprises most
of today’s British Columbia. Since then,
only the Nisga’s treaty has been ratified,
while the majority of existing treaty
negotiations are in the late stages of the
six-stage process.
The NYM, however, is opposed to the
B.C. government’s approach to treaty
negotiations—as much with the B.C.
Liberals’ as they were with the NDP’s.
"The NYM have declared themselves the
official opposition to the B.C. Treaty
Commission (BCTC), the B.C. Treaty
process," says Edenshaw.
"We called it a fraudulent process [in the
early 1990s when it began] and to this day
we Call it a fraudulent process."
The NYM’s argument revolves around
the fact that the chief and council of every
band—funded by the Department of Indian
Affairs (DIA)—while elected, seldom rep-
resent the true wishes of the grassroots
constituents, and in most cases, end up
having to "sell out" traditional Native land
to the wishes of the government.
"The whole treaty process is a big scam,"
says Honey Desjarlais, one of the founding
members of NYM Vancouver. According to.
her, while the sentiment of average band
members is in strong favour of compensa-
tion for unceded land, this gets lost when
continued on page 22
ms —sid
Defending The Nation
The Native Youth Movement unites Native youth at a time when their futures are most at stake
John Kennedy, The SFU Peak
(CUP) Meet Derek Edenshaw. Besides
being Native\Haida and Cree to be exact—
he’s a father, a journalist, a poet and a
well-established local musician. Most
importantly, however, he’s a well-respected
leader of the Vancouver chapter of the
Native Youth Movement (NYM).
At 21 years old, he’s seen and done
more than most people have by that age.
The fact that he now leads such a
normal life, however, makes him a bit of an
anomaly.
The conditions under which so many
First Nation youth in Canada are raised far
too often prevent First Nation adults from
leading the kinds of lives the majority of
Canadians take for granted. Edenshaw
knows this; he’s already spent two years of
his life in jail.
As an off-reserve Native—the most
common kind—one of the more noticeable
things about Derek is his absolute dedica-
tion to the self-empowerment of all First
Nations people.
"Reserves? Get off the reserves!" he
says, "As long as Indian people are sitting
on these little pots of land—what they’d
call a ranchero down in California, a place
where you keep animals—as long as
Indians are staying on this land, these
little reserves, we’re fucked."
His advice?
"Get off them and go to your territories,
it’s the only logical thing to do."
Edenshaw, along with many _ other
Natives in NYM who have overcome over-
whelming odds, spends most of his time
fighting for a better future for First Nations
youth.
The Native Youth Movement, as the
name suggests, brings Native youth from
British Columbia and the rest of Canada
together to raise the political conscious-
ness of Native youth, and to fight for
Native self-determination and preservation
of heritage. Since early 2000, five new
NYM chapters have been formed in both
Canada and the United States, and
according to Edenshaw, five more will be
formed in B.C. within the next few months.
Born in Winnipeg, the NYM came into
being as a way for Native youth to band
together in support amongst extreme
social conditions: poverty, substance
abuse and violent gangs. The cultural
Derek Edenshaw
landscape and social geography of
Winnipeg also played a significant role in
the beginning of such a movement.
"Winnipeg has the highest population of
Native people per capita, for a city that’s
not reserve," explains Edenshaw.
He sees the social unrest among
Winnipeg’s Natives—and accompanying
gang problems, alcoholism, and abuse—
combined with their strength in numbers,
as the catalyst for the creation of the NYM.
"It started off as a way to mobilise, to
give a bit of a steam back to these hurting
kids."
The organization gained national appeal
after a 1995 conference on Native issues
in Ottawa called Sacred Assembly and put
on by the Assembly of First Nations, in
which young Natives felt they were being
ignored by their community leaders.
"A lot of the Native organisations were
talking ‘Youth this, youth this, youth that,
for our future, but there was no youth
participation," said Edenshaw.
According to Edenshaw, these blind
spots in the Assembly highlighted the
need for a platform in which Native
youth could address important issues
themselves.
The Vancouver chapter of NYM was born
shortly after, and it began a gigantic
recruiting spree.
"Every young Native kid in Vancouver
was down," says Edenshaw. "[They were
all] somewhat involved, somewhere."
The NYM has made youth involvement in
the treaty process a number one priority.
British Columbia is the one province
where treaties were never signed at the
time of European colonization. Until the
early 1990s, the government had’t even
begun the process of addressing the
unceded territory, which comprises most
of today’s British Columbia. Since then,
only the Nisga’s treaty has been ratified,
while the majority of existing treaty
negotiations are in the late stages of the
six-stage process.
The NYM, however, is opposed to the
B.C. government’s approach to treaty
negotiations—as much with the B.C.
Liberals’ as they were with the NDP’s.
"The NYM have declared themselves the
official opposition to the B.C. Treaty
Commission (BCTC), the B.C. Treaty
process," says Edenshaw.
"We called it a fraudulent process [in the
early 1990s when it began] and to this day
we Call it a fraudulent process."
The NYM’s argument revolves around
the fact that the chief and council of every
band—funded by the Department of Indian
Affairs (DIA)—while elected, seldom rep-
resent the true wishes of the grassroots
constituents, and in most cases, end up
having to "sell out" traditional Native land
to the wishes of the government.
"The whole treaty process is a big scam,"
says Honey Desjarlais, one of the founding
members of NYM Vancouver. According to.
her, while the sentiment of average band
members is in strong favour of compensa-
tion for unceded land, this gets lost when
continued on page 22
ms —sid
Edited Text
© "ither press >>> FEATURES
Defending The Nation
The Native Youth Movement unites Native youth at a time when their futures are most at stake
John Kennedy, The SFU Peak
(CUP) Meet Derek Edenshaw. Besides
being Native\Haida and Cree to be exact—
he’s a father, a journalist, a poet and a
well-established local musician. Most
importantly, however, he’s a well-respected
leader of the Vancouver chapter of the
Native Youth Movement (NYM).
At 21 years old, he’s seen and done
more than most people have by that age.
The fact that he now leads such a
normal life, however, makes him a bit of an
anomaly.
The conditions under which so many
First Nation youth in Canada are raised far
too often prevent First Nation adults from
leading the kinds of lives the majority of
Canadians take for granted. Edenshaw
knows this; he’s already spent two years of
his life in jail.
As an off-reserve Native—the most
common kind—one of the more noticeable
things about Derek is his absolute dedica-
tion to the self-empowerment of all First
Nations people.
"Reserves? Get off the reserves!" he
says, "As long as Indian people are sitting
on these little pots of land—what they’d
call a ranchero down in California, a place
where you keep animals—as long as
Indians are staying on this land, these
little reserves, we’re fucked."
His advice?
"Get off them and go to your territories,
it’s the only logical thing to do."
Edenshaw, along with many _ other
Natives in NYM who have overcome over-
whelming odds, spends most of his time
fighting for a better future for First Nations
youth.
The Native Youth Movement, as the
name suggests, brings Native youth from
British Columbia and the rest of Canada
together to raise the political conscious-
ness of Native youth, and to fight for
Native self-determination and preservation
of heritage. Since early 2000, five new
NYM chapters have been formed in both
Canada and the United States, and
according to Edenshaw, five more will be
formed in B.C. within the next few months.
Born in Winnipeg, the NYM came into
being as a way for Native youth to band
together in support amongst extreme
social conditions: poverty, substance
abuse and violent gangs. The cultural
Derek Edenshaw
landscape and social geography of
Winnipeg also played a significant role in
the beginning of such a movement.
"Winnipeg has the highest population of
Native people per capita, for a city that’s
not reserve," explains Edenshaw.
He sees the social unrest among
Winnipeg’s Natives—and accompanying
gang problems, alcoholism, and abuse—
combined with their strength in numbers,
as the catalyst for the creation of the NYM.
"It started off as a way to mobilise, to
give a bit of a steam back to these hurting
kids."
The organization gained national appeal
after a 1995 conference on Native issues
in Ottawa called Sacred Assembly and put
on by the Assembly of First Nations, in
which young Natives felt they were being
ignored by their community leaders.
"A lot of the Native organisations were
talking ‘Youth this, youth this, youth that,
for our future, but there was no youth
participation," said Edenshaw.
According to Edenshaw, these blind
spots in the Assembly highlighted the
need for a platform in which Native
youth could address important issues
themselves.
The Vancouver chapter of NYM was born
shortly after, and it began a gigantic
recruiting spree.
"Every young Native kid in Vancouver
was down," says Edenshaw. "[They were
all] somewhat involved, somewhere."
The NYM has made youth involvement in
the treaty process a number one priority.
British Columbia is the one province
where treaties were never signed at the
time of European colonization. Until the
early 1990s, the government had’t even
begun the process of addressing the
unceded territory, which comprises most
of today’s British Columbia. Since then,
only the Nisga’s treaty has been ratified,
while the majority of existing treaty
negotiations are in the late stages of the
six-stage process.
The NYM, however, is opposed to the
B.C. government’s approach to treaty
negotiations—as much with the B.C.
Liberals’ as they were with the NDP’s.
"The NYM have declared themselves the
official opposition to the B.C. Treaty
Commission (BCTC), the B.C. Treaty
process," says Edenshaw.
"We called it a fraudulent process [in the
early 1990s when it began] and to this day
we Call it a fraudulent process."
The NYM’s argument revolves around
the fact that the chief and council of every
band—funded by the Department of Indian
Affairs (DIA)—while elected, seldom rep-
resent the true wishes of the grassroots
constituents, and in most cases, end up
having to "sell out" traditional Native land
to the wishes of the government.
"The whole treaty process is a big scam,"
says Honey Desjarlais, one of the founding
members of NYM Vancouver. According to.
her, while the sentiment of average band
members is in strong favour of compensa-
tion for unceded land, this gets lost when
continued on page 22
ms —sid
Defending The Nation
The Native Youth Movement unites Native youth at a time when their futures are most at stake
John Kennedy, The SFU Peak
(CUP) Meet Derek Edenshaw. Besides
being Native\Haida and Cree to be exact—
he’s a father, a journalist, a poet and a
well-established local musician. Most
importantly, however, he’s a well-respected
leader of the Vancouver chapter of the
Native Youth Movement (NYM).
At 21 years old, he’s seen and done
more than most people have by that age.
The fact that he now leads such a
normal life, however, makes him a bit of an
anomaly.
The conditions under which so many
First Nation youth in Canada are raised far
too often prevent First Nation adults from
leading the kinds of lives the majority of
Canadians take for granted. Edenshaw
knows this; he’s already spent two years of
his life in jail.
As an off-reserve Native—the most
common kind—one of the more noticeable
things about Derek is his absolute dedica-
tion to the self-empowerment of all First
Nations people.
"Reserves? Get off the reserves!" he
says, "As long as Indian people are sitting
on these little pots of land—what they’d
call a ranchero down in California, a place
where you keep animals—as long as
Indians are staying on this land, these
little reserves, we’re fucked."
His advice?
"Get off them and go to your territories,
it’s the only logical thing to do."
Edenshaw, along with many _ other
Natives in NYM who have overcome over-
whelming odds, spends most of his time
fighting for a better future for First Nations
youth.
The Native Youth Movement, as the
name suggests, brings Native youth from
British Columbia and the rest of Canada
together to raise the political conscious-
ness of Native youth, and to fight for
Native self-determination and preservation
of heritage. Since early 2000, five new
NYM chapters have been formed in both
Canada and the United States, and
according to Edenshaw, five more will be
formed in B.C. within the next few months.
Born in Winnipeg, the NYM came into
being as a way for Native youth to band
together in support amongst extreme
social conditions: poverty, substance
abuse and violent gangs. The cultural
Derek Edenshaw
landscape and social geography of
Winnipeg also played a significant role in
the beginning of such a movement.
"Winnipeg has the highest population of
Native people per capita, for a city that’s
not reserve," explains Edenshaw.
He sees the social unrest among
Winnipeg’s Natives—and accompanying
gang problems, alcoholism, and abuse—
combined with their strength in numbers,
as the catalyst for the creation of the NYM.
"It started off as a way to mobilise, to
give a bit of a steam back to these hurting
kids."
The organization gained national appeal
after a 1995 conference on Native issues
in Ottawa called Sacred Assembly and put
on by the Assembly of First Nations, in
which young Natives felt they were being
ignored by their community leaders.
"A lot of the Native organisations were
talking ‘Youth this, youth this, youth that,
for our future, but there was no youth
participation," said Edenshaw.
According to Edenshaw, these blind
spots in the Assembly highlighted the
need for a platform in which Native
youth could address important issues
themselves.
The Vancouver chapter of NYM was born
shortly after, and it began a gigantic
recruiting spree.
"Every young Native kid in Vancouver
was down," says Edenshaw. "[They were
all] somewhat involved, somewhere."
The NYM has made youth involvement in
the treaty process a number one priority.
British Columbia is the one province
where treaties were never signed at the
time of European colonization. Until the
early 1990s, the government had’t even
begun the process of addressing the
unceded territory, which comprises most
of today’s British Columbia. Since then,
only the Nisga’s treaty has been ratified,
while the majority of existing treaty
negotiations are in the late stages of the
six-stage process.
The NYM, however, is opposed to the
B.C. government’s approach to treaty
negotiations—as much with the B.C.
Liberals’ as they were with the NDP’s.
"The NYM have declared themselves the
official opposition to the B.C. Treaty
Commission (BCTC), the B.C. Treaty
process," says Edenshaw.
"We called it a fraudulent process [in the
early 1990s when it began] and to this day
we Call it a fraudulent process."
The NYM’s argument revolves around
the fact that the chief and council of every
band—funded by the Department of Indian
Affairs (DIA)—while elected, seldom rep-
resent the true wishes of the grassroots
constituents, and in most cases, end up
having to "sell out" traditional Native land
to the wishes of the government.
"The whole treaty process is a big scam,"
says Honey Desjarlais, one of the founding
members of NYM Vancouver. According to.
her, while the sentiment of average band
members is in strong favour of compensa-
tion for unceded land, this gets lost when
continued on page 22
ms —sid
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
fimanda fikman
OP Contributor
Morrissey once sang, "I thought that if you
had an acoustic guitar, that it meant that you
were a protest singer". These days it would
mean that you were an Alt-Country singer.
Whether they are saddled with the country
label or pegged as folk or roots, the results
are truly impressive and there is certainly
riothing "Alt" about the Corb Lund Band's
brand of country music. Playing to an
over- Capacity crowd, suspiciously stocked
with Albertans, the band chose the Railway
Club in Vancouver to launch the release of
their new CD, Five Dollar Bill, on May 17th.
The evening's festivities got underway with
the help of openers Anselmo and Old
Reliable. The former was an inconsequential
blur of half-baked love songs, but to be fair
| may have stopped paying attention when |
saw the ponytail of the lead singer. Old
Reliable was a definite improvement, offering
up a string of country-fried dreamscapes a la
Giant Sand. Two opening bands is a lot to ask
of any crowd though, especially one with a
high alcohol/cowboy hat ratio, and the
"other press >>> CULTURE
Dreaming of Guitar Lessons
Corb Lund on stage.
natives were beginning to get a bit restless
as the evening wore on.
It was past midnight when former Smalls
bass player, Corb Lund, and his band finally
took the stage. Opening with the title track,
“Five Dollar Bill", a full on country foot
stomper, the tone was set for the evening. As
the "Yee Haws" bounced off of the promi-
nently displayed Albertan flag and Edmonton
Oilers banner, the band progressed into the
Spanish-tinged songs of their Unforgiving
Mistress album and the diverse yet well
received covers "Okee from Muskogee" and
“These boots were made for walking’.
Eeking out my fraction of floor space in the
sweaty overcrowded club, these vast yet
intimate songs had me thinking ahead to an
impending road trip. As sparse as they are
lush, as dramatic as they are simple, as
country as they are western these are the
kinds of inspiring songs that make you
wish you had taken guitar instead of
German lessons.
Edited Text
fimanda fikman
OP Contributor
Morrissey once sang, "I thought that if you
had an acoustic guitar, that it meant that you
were a protest singer". These days it would
mean that you were an Alt-Country singer.
Whether they are saddled with the country
label or pegged as folk or roots, the results
are truly impressive and there is certainly
riothing "Alt" about the Corb Lund Band's
brand of country music. Playing to an
over- Capacity crowd, suspiciously stocked
with Albertans, the band chose the Railway
Club in Vancouver to launch the release of
their new CD, Five Dollar Bill, on May 17th.
The evening's festivities got underway with
the help of openers Anselmo and Old
Reliable. The former was an inconsequential
blur of half-baked love songs, but to be fair
| may have stopped paying attention when |
saw the ponytail of the lead singer. Old
Reliable was a definite improvement, offering
up a string of country-fried dreamscapes a la
Giant Sand. Two opening bands is a lot to ask
of any crowd though, especially one with a
high alcohol/cowboy hat ratio, and the
"other press >>> CULTURE
Dreaming of Guitar Lessons
Corb Lund on stage.
natives were beginning to get a bit restless
as the evening wore on.
It was past midnight when former Smalls
bass player, Corb Lund, and his band finally
took the stage. Opening with the title track,
“Five Dollar Bill", a full on country foot
stomper, the tone was set for the evening. As
the "Yee Haws" bounced off of the promi-
nently displayed Albertan flag and Edmonton
Oilers banner, the band progressed into the
Spanish-tinged songs of their Unforgiving
Mistress album and the diverse yet well
received covers "Okee from Muskogee" and
“These boots were made for walking’.
Eeking out my fraction of floor space in the
sweaty overcrowded club, these vast yet
intimate songs had me thinking ahead to an
impending road trip. As sparse as they are
lush, as dramatic as they are simple, as
country as they are western these are the
kinds of inspiring songs that make you
wish you had taken guitar instead of
German lessons.
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
© "ther press. >>> CULTURE
CD Reviews
Neil Halstead
Tyler Bradford
Culture Editor
Sleeping On Roads
(4AD)
Heartbreak is often a beautiful thing. It isn’t at the time of
_.course; you're filled with heartache, sorrow and self-pity. In
retrospect, however, after a breakup is typically one of the most
productive times for artists. Such is the case with Mojave 3 front-
man Neil Halstead’s first solo release, Sleeping On Roads.
Written while couch-surfing after a harsh breakup, the album is
gorgeously full of pain, sadness and the hopefulness of starting
over.
While his songwriting and lyrical style remains similar to past
albums, Halstead has discarded Mojave 3’s country-tinged dusty
steel guitar and replaced it with cello and muted trumpet. The
result is a lush soundscape that has you drifting in mellowed-out
euphoria as you contemplate the deeper meaning of Halstead’s
introspective lyrics.
On "Hi-Lo and Inbetween" Halstead’s honey-coated vocals
float, offering up beautiful lyrics such as the opening line: "One
day it just snowed | guess/and they closed the roads into your
heart." What kind of cruel woman could hurt someone so sweet?
Other standout tracks include the bittersweet lullaby "Martha’
Mantra (For The Pain)" with its soft strumming and melancholy
lyrics and "Driving With Bert" with its beautiful trumpet opening
and settles into alternating rhythm, glockenspiel and sing-along
chorus.
Oliver Schroer
Tyler Bradford
Culture Editor
Restless Urban Primitive
(Big Dog Music)
Canadian fiddler/composer/producer Oliver Schroer has been
nominated for a Juno in the past. His recent release, Restless Urban
Primitive, won't be nominated for anything, except for perhaps worst
CD of the year.
This 20-track train wreck is a self-serving piece of artistic
indulgence, which hides itself as a "journey—both interior and
exterior." It doesn’t matter what you veil this shit with, it’s painful to the
ears. The CD opens with tracks that sound like Schroer is
busy tuning his fiddle and the droning sounds continue for the rest of
the CD.
While artistic vision is important, artists need to realize that if they
are releasing the CD as a commercial product, it needs to have some
appeal outside their attic or basement. Schroer apparently doesn’t
understand this by releasing a CD only his mother could love.
Oliver Schroer will be appearing at this year’s Vancouver Folk Festival.
You'll be able to tell by the people running away covering their ears.
Neil on the beach.
While Neil Halstead has long been considered a major song
writing talent, due to his output as the lynchpin of Mojave 3 and
Slowdive, but with Sleeping On Roads he takes a further
step-up demonstrating his talent for lyrics, vocals and guitar as
much as songcraft and arrangement.
The “Restless Urban Primitive” himself.
Leen
Edited Text
© "ther press. >>> CULTURE
CD Reviews
Neil Halstead
Tyler Bradford
Culture Editor
Sleeping On Roads
(4AD)
Heartbreak is often a beautiful thing. It isn’t at the time of
_.course; you're filled with heartache, sorrow and self-pity. In
retrospect, however, after a breakup is typically one of the most
productive times for artists. Such is the case with Mojave 3 front-
man Neil Halstead’s first solo release, Sleeping On Roads.
Written while couch-surfing after a harsh breakup, the album is
gorgeously full of pain, sadness and the hopefulness of starting
over.
While his songwriting and lyrical style remains similar to past
albums, Halstead has discarded Mojave 3’s country-tinged dusty
steel guitar and replaced it with cello and muted trumpet. The
result is a lush soundscape that has you drifting in mellowed-out
euphoria as you contemplate the deeper meaning of Halstead’s
introspective lyrics.
On "Hi-Lo and Inbetween" Halstead’s honey-coated vocals
float, offering up beautiful lyrics such as the opening line: "One
day it just snowed | guess/and they closed the roads into your
heart." What kind of cruel woman could hurt someone so sweet?
Other standout tracks include the bittersweet lullaby "Martha’
Mantra (For The Pain)" with its soft strumming and melancholy
lyrics and "Driving With Bert" with its beautiful trumpet opening
and settles into alternating rhythm, glockenspiel and sing-along
chorus.
Oliver Schroer
Tyler Bradford
Culture Editor
Restless Urban Primitive
(Big Dog Music)
Canadian fiddler/composer/producer Oliver Schroer has been
nominated for a Juno in the past. His recent release, Restless Urban
Primitive, won't be nominated for anything, except for perhaps worst
CD of the year.
This 20-track train wreck is a self-serving piece of artistic
indulgence, which hides itself as a "journey—both interior and
exterior." It doesn’t matter what you veil this shit with, it’s painful to the
ears. The CD opens with tracks that sound like Schroer is
busy tuning his fiddle and the droning sounds continue for the rest of
the CD.
While artistic vision is important, artists need to realize that if they
are releasing the CD as a commercial product, it needs to have some
appeal outside their attic or basement. Schroer apparently doesn’t
understand this by releasing a CD only his mother could love.
Oliver Schroer will be appearing at this year’s Vancouver Folk Festival.
You'll be able to tell by the people running away covering their ears.
Neil on the beach.
While Neil Halstead has long been considered a major song
writing talent, due to his output as the lynchpin of Mojave 3 and
Slowdive, but with Sleeping On Roads he takes a further
step-up demonstrating his talent for lyrics, vocals and guitar as
much as songcraft and arrangement.
The “Restless Urban Primitive” himself.
Leen
Content type
Page
DGI Image Discovery Discovered Image
File
©) "ither press >>>SPORTS
ed 6 —
Patrick Witwicki
Sports Editor
“Major league baseball players have decid-
ed on a possible August strike date, because
they are unhappy with negotiations so far."
—Canadian newswire, May 15, 2002.
Right. So let me get this straight: exactly
eight years after going on strike and can-
celling the World Series in 1994, the players
have decided to do it again? Baseball is an
absolute mess right now. The only teams that
can afford to pay their players and make the
bottom line are in New York, and maybe
California, and every year, we all know the
Yankees will win the World Series (with the
odd exception, like last year, thanks to a
bloop single in the bottom of the ninth by
Arizona). Before opening day, baseball fans
in small markets like Milwaukee, Kansas City,
and_..Pittsburgh know they have no hope in
hell of making the playoffs.
Once upon a time, you could actually build
a winning team. You could draft players, and
build from within, and finally, one day, you
would have a team strong enough to com-
pete every year for the playoffs. Well, in base-
ball, not anymore. 1994 was the final nail in
any "building" team’s coffin. Three words: the
Montreal Expos. During the early 90s, they
built their team into a contender, and were
well on their way to possibly their first World
Series berth in 1994, when the strike hap-
pened. And you all know how this story
ended up.
Now, Montreal can barely compete, and
they draw less fans on an average day than
our Single A club here in Vancouver. More
recently, Oakland tried similar tactics, and
took New York to a fifth and deciding game in
last year’s playoffs. Oakland’s reward? Those
rich Yankees stole their best player, Jason
Giambi to make their payroll higher than the
Expos, Twins, Royals, and Devil Rays com-
bined, and basically made Oakland take
another step backward. Yes, Oakland still has
great pitching, but don’t worry—after this sea-
son, they will probably lose those pitchers to
the Yankees, or maybe the Mets.
So, of course the owners want to change
the bargaining agreement, otherwise, for 20
or so of the teams, remaining in the Major
Leagues is a complete waste of time. And if
you think surprising teams like Florida,
Montreal, or Minnesota will still be in the hunt
after the all-star break, think again. And can
any of those teams dream of coming up with
enough money to sign a free agent like Alex
Rodriguez at the tune of $25 million per sea-
son? Not a chance.
So, that’s why | hate baseball. Never mind
the fact that trying to watch a game is about
as exciting as watching paint dry, being a
baseball fan is a complete waste of time. How
Mired in Mediocrity
WLA recap for May
Patrick Witwicki
Sports Editor
For the most part, the Western Lacrosse
Association 2002 season has begun as
predicted: Victoria keeps winning, North
Shore keeps losing, and the New
Westminster Salmonbellies continue to
play with the expected inconsistency that
plagued them during the 2001 campaign.
|
Case in point: the Salmonbellies opened
their season with an impressive 14-10
victory over reigning Mann Cup
Champions, the Coquitlam Adanacs. They
also hammered the young Maple Ridge
Burrards 19-12, but were beaten easily by
Victoria and Burnaby.
However, perhaps the only surprise at
the beginning of the season is the fact
that Coquitlam is only at .500. The
Another Seventh Inning Retch (or why | hate baseball)
do you think baseball fans in Kansas City
feel, knowing they have no hope of making
the playoffs, ever? The days of building
around a player like George Brett are over.
Nowadays, if you have a player like Brett on
your squad, inevitably you’re going to lose
him to one of the New York teams, or a rich
owner like the one in Texas. Basically, you
build your team and develop your players
who eventually will become free agents, and
leave you in their dust. Baseball desperately
needs a new contract that would give all
teams a chance to at least compete, or keep
their franchise players.
But the players don’t care. They all know
that if they keep the status quo, they will get
ridiculous amounts of money to go play for a
team in New York, or they may have to settle
for Arizona or Los Angeles. They don’t seem
to realize that the majority of baseball owners
won't stick around if things don’t change.
How does an eight team Major baseball
league sound? Hm, that would mean over
300 players would be out of work. Maybe that
is what we need. The players go on strike,
piss off all the fans they still have from the
last strike, and suddenly find themselves on
the outside looking in when the league goes
under.
Yeah, | know, this probably won’t happen.
Instead, we'll see a new version of the usual:
the players will hold their collective gun to the
heads of the owners, the owners will cave in,
and the Yankees will keep on winning World
Series by stealing players like Giambi away
from the poorer teams. For this reason, |
once again pledge my oath: | will never watch
baseball, period. Instead, I’m looking forward
to Team Canada representing us next year at
the World Cricket Championship...
Adanacs opened their season against
Victoria, and despite a furious third period
comeback to force overtime, they eventu-
ally lost 17-15. After this, they lost to New
Westminster, and Adanac fans had to be
wondering what had happened to their
champions, especially since they had sup-
posedly improved the team from one year
ago. Since then, Coquitlam has rattled off
two impressive victories over Burnaby and
continued on page 26
——— i
Edited Text
©) "ither press >>>SPORTS
ed 6 —
Patrick Witwicki
Sports Editor
“Major league baseball players have decid-
ed on a possible August strike date, because
they are unhappy with negotiations so far."
—Canadian newswire, May 15, 2002.
Right. So let me get this straight: exactly
eight years after going on strike and can-
celling the World Series in 1994, the players
have decided to do it again? Baseball is an
absolute mess right now. The only teams that
can afford to pay their players and make the
bottom line are in New York, and maybe
California, and every year, we all know the
Yankees will win the World Series (with the
odd exception, like last year, thanks to a
bloop single in the bottom of the ninth by
Arizona). Before opening day, baseball fans
in small markets like Milwaukee, Kansas City,
and_..Pittsburgh know they have no hope in
hell of making the playoffs.
Once upon a time, you could actually build
a winning team. You could draft players, and
build from within, and finally, one day, you
would have a team strong enough to com-
pete every year for the playoffs. Well, in base-
ball, not anymore. 1994 was the final nail in
any "building" team’s coffin. Three words: the
Montreal Expos. During the early 90s, they
built their team into a contender, and were
well on their way to possibly their first World
Series berth in 1994, when the strike hap-
pened. And you all know how this story
ended up.
Now, Montreal can barely compete, and
they draw less fans on an average day than
our Single A club here in Vancouver. More
recently, Oakland tried similar tactics, and
took New York to a fifth and deciding game in
last year’s playoffs. Oakland’s reward? Those
rich Yankees stole their best player, Jason
Giambi to make their payroll higher than the
Expos, Twins, Royals, and Devil Rays com-
bined, and basically made Oakland take
another step backward. Yes, Oakland still has
great pitching, but don’t worry—after this sea-
son, they will probably lose those pitchers to
the Yankees, or maybe the Mets.
So, of course the owners want to change
the bargaining agreement, otherwise, for 20
or so of the teams, remaining in the Major
Leagues is a complete waste of time. And if
you think surprising teams like Florida,
Montreal, or Minnesota will still be in the hunt
after the all-star break, think again. And can
any of those teams dream of coming up with
enough money to sign a free agent like Alex
Rodriguez at the tune of $25 million per sea-
son? Not a chance.
So, that’s why | hate baseball. Never mind
the fact that trying to watch a game is about
as exciting as watching paint dry, being a
baseball fan is a complete waste of time. How
Mired in Mediocrity
WLA recap for May
Patrick Witwicki
Sports Editor
For the most part, the Western Lacrosse
Association 2002 season has begun as
predicted: Victoria keeps winning, North
Shore keeps losing, and the New
Westminster Salmonbellies continue to
play with the expected inconsistency that
plagued them during the 2001 campaign.
|
Case in point: the Salmonbellies opened
their season with an impressive 14-10
victory over reigning Mann Cup
Champions, the Coquitlam Adanacs. They
also hammered the young Maple Ridge
Burrards 19-12, but were beaten easily by
Victoria and Burnaby.
However, perhaps the only surprise at
the beginning of the season is the fact
that Coquitlam is only at .500. The
Another Seventh Inning Retch (or why | hate baseball)
do you think baseball fans in Kansas City
feel, knowing they have no hope of making
the playoffs, ever? The days of building
around a player like George Brett are over.
Nowadays, if you have a player like Brett on
your squad, inevitably you’re going to lose
him to one of the New York teams, or a rich
owner like the one in Texas. Basically, you
build your team and develop your players
who eventually will become free agents, and
leave you in their dust. Baseball desperately
needs a new contract that would give all
teams a chance to at least compete, or keep
their franchise players.
But the players don’t care. They all know
that if they keep the status quo, they will get
ridiculous amounts of money to go play for a
team in New York, or they may have to settle
for Arizona or Los Angeles. They don’t seem
to realize that the majority of baseball owners
won't stick around if things don’t change.
How does an eight team Major baseball
league sound? Hm, that would mean over
300 players would be out of work. Maybe that
is what we need. The players go on strike,
piss off all the fans they still have from the
last strike, and suddenly find themselves on
the outside looking in when the league goes
under.
Yeah, | know, this probably won’t happen.
Instead, we'll see a new version of the usual:
the players will hold their collective gun to the
heads of the owners, the owners will cave in,
and the Yankees will keep on winning World
Series by stealing players like Giambi away
from the poorer teams. For this reason, |
once again pledge my oath: | will never watch
baseball, period. Instead, I’m looking forward
to Team Canada representing us next year at
the World Cricket Championship...
Adanacs opened their season against
Victoria, and despite a furious third period
comeback to force overtime, they eventu-
ally lost 17-15. After this, they lost to New
Westminster, and Adanac fans had to be
wondering what had happened to their
champions, especially since they had sup-
posedly improved the team from one year
ago. Since then, Coquitlam has rattled off
two impressive victories over Burnaby and
continued on page 26
——— i