Image
File
© Opinions
the other press e Kali Thurber e opinionsubmit@hotmail.com
Coming of
Age in the
Reality TV
Kali Thurber
Opinions Editor
For years now I have been left out of
coffee shop talk, dismissed as an
uncultured hag, and even verbally
harassed for not being up to date on
the new reality TV show of the sec-
ond. The absence of a television
altogether was the obstacle for a cou-
ple of those lonely years, then when
I gave in and bought a cheap TV
from the thrift store I still refused to
purchase cable, and so continued in
my old-fashioned ways with only
three channels. But three weeks ago
all of that changed—I was shocked
to find that my roommate had gone
behind my back and signed us up
for six months of basic cable. Watch
out TV junkies, I am now in the
loop...and desperately seeking the
exit.
Reality TV has taken over the air-
waves, my friends. Of course, you
probably know this already, and
have most likely just labelled me
“Pretentious bush-whacking hippy,”
“Wannabe anarchist,” or just plain
“Stupid.” I know your type—I had
to beat one of your kind off with
sticks a few years back when I asked,
“Who is this Geri?” to a group of
hardcore Survivor fans. Bad idea,
trust you me.
The reality TV fad has reached a
point of no return and the crazy
thing is that nobody even cares.
Reality shows seem to have taken the
reality out of the simple life, er I
mean...reality. You see? I can’t even
construct a regular sentence without
accidentally slipping in some reality
TV reference. You can’t walk down
the hallway without hearing that
Paris Hilton ripped her mini skirt on
a fence, or go to the bank without
encountering some lady intent to
give you a complete recap of the last
episode of Queer Eye for the Straight
Guy. People talk about the “actors”
Aipril 7, 2004
Buzzocracy
Jessica L. Plescia
OP Contributor
Democracy. So, what is this buzz-
word all about anyway? It’s been
around for a few hundred years now,
but nowadays it’s smothered all over
the place. We hear it murmured,
disgruntled in the streets. We taste it
in the chocolate flakes sprinkled on
our coffee shop lattés. We see it
flaming red at the protests—being
whipped around left, right, and cen-
tre (well, mostly to the left), but
really, is the fundamental essence of
democracy truly understood among
the masses? If you have an iota of
wonder dancing about your cerebral
cortex, then keep reading.
Democracy is a system that func-
tions only when activated, like the
on/off button of your television
screen. When democracy is activat-
ed, the show that comes on should
be one that you would most likely
choose to watch. In this way,
democracy sets the foundation for
the rights and regulations that you
will your leaders to implement. If
you partake in the democratic
process, your voice will be heard.
There are very few ways in which
Canadian citizens can actually exer-
cise democracy, and I can assure you
that voting is the most effective (it
sure beat referendums or public
forums—geez, how often do you see
these forms of democracy come
around?).
So what, you thought you were
democratic just because you live in
Canada? Wrong! Democracy is an
action, not a flimsy adjective.
Democracy is participatory, mean-
ing that it is achieved once it is
engaged. Your values, your morals,
your concerns, your opinions,
everything and anything that pro-
pels your self-existence, attitude and
identity can only ever be represent-
ed by the leaders that you vote for.
No vote = No representation, No
representation = No democracy. So
then what are you waiting for?
Feeling motivated yet? Is the
blood surging through your veins
and is your will aching for atten-
tion? No? Do I sense some discon-
tent here? Are you thinking what
many democratic skeptics are think-
ing? Are you wondering if your vote
really does matter? Is our electoral
system fair and will your concerns
truly be heard?
If youre in this bandwagon,
youre definitely not riding alone.
This wagon would more likely be
seen in the traffic packed multi-lane
highway off the Toronto 401 than
the solemn, dusty, old dirt road usu-
ally associated with it. Okay, so let
me explain how this can all change.
You see the best part about democ-
racy is that you have the choice to
alter it in the manner in which you
see best fit. Democracy is malleable,
it can come in any flavour, it just has
to be the flavour most people are
diggin. And I can comfortably
ascertain that chocolate is not the
flavour of our electoral system as we
have it, that’s for sure.
So if you're tickled pink about the
fact that Canada is one of the three
remaining democracies left in the
world to adopt a more proportional-
ly representative voting system, or if
youre irked by the mere thought of
© coastcap
Helps Students Meet Tuition Costs
SURREY Coast Capital Savings is
helping students meet the cost of
al.
SAVINGS
dents who, due to special circum-
stances, may not normally be eligi-
Kali Thurber
Opinions Editor
knowing that only four Federal gov-
ernments in the past 100 years have
actually been a majority government
as a result of our skewed First Past
the Post Party system—then change
it!
There are a number of initiatives
in progress as we speak. Check out
the websites, get reading those party
platforms—choose — democracy.
Choose to support those that sup-
port you. Vote in your next election,
and feel what democracy is really
all about.
Stolen Words
tuition by providing more than
$130,000 in scholarships through
its Education Awards program.
“We are delighted to be able to
offer 66 Education Awards worth
$2,000 each,” said Lloyd Craig,
President and Chief Executive
Officer, Coast Capital Savings. “We
believe that by helping students
achieve their education goals, we
can foster their growth as future
leaders and in turn, strengthen our
communities.”
The credit union has a long histo-
ry of helping set students on the
path to success and has awarded
more than $500,000 in scholarships
since 2000.
“We want to award students who
have taken a leadership role in our
communities and have made
ble for scholarships,” said Craig,
In order to be eligible for an
Education Award, applicants must
be registered in a post-secondary
program or planning to register
within the year. Selection is based on
community service, school activi-
ties, leadership, and academic per-
formance.
The application deadline is April
15, 2004. Education Awards appli-
cations are available at Coast Capital
Savings branches or at
.
Coast Capital Savings is Canadas | |
second largest credit union with
$6.4 billion in assets, 300,000 mem-
bers and 42 branches across the
Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, and
Vancouver Island. Coast Capital
Savings re-qualified as one of
apparently, just like the people on notable contributions to improving Canada 50 Best Managed | I could think was thank God | never have to be a snarky
the screen who're looking out at me the lives of others. This includes stu- Companies for 2004. ;
between commercials.
see Page 6 e _http://www.otherpress.ca
on reality shows as if they are
engaged in an intimate relationship Perhaps it’s the pending arrival of summer or my growing
with the people who pretend to act inability to hand in assignments within a week of their
natural on the screen before them.
It’s a sickness I tell you, but it has no
advised due date, but this last week has forced a multi-
tude of flashbacks to being a self-absorbed thirteen-year-
cure.
Now that I am fully accepted as a
citizen of the western world—thor-
oughly informed as to what colour
of nail polish made Jennifer feel new,
old girl. Take this scene for example: it’s a bright Monday
morning when I flop down into the only empty seat on
the pyr next to a middle-aged woman and ibrar teenage
EN b cae
i ite scowlit g teenage! Is felce are! Orel amin) full-on club
fresh, and exciting on Extreme
gear—white, faux-skater shoes so puffy they appear to be
Makeover, and wholly acquainted
round, skin-tight jeans just low enough to get an inti-
with the insane singing standards of
mate view of the red thong stretching up her behind, and
American Idol—\ wish to escape.
an obviously brand-new shirt cut up to look twenty years
There is something very, very dis-
turbing about the picture of a full
grown adult sitting on the couch
watching a few other full grown
old. Really, you can’t help but stare at these chicks. I’m
guessing she ripped out a Le Chateau ad from 2001 and
created her outfit as a replica, but that’s just me.
Anyways, as I’m scrutinizing her with a vicious side-
adults doing fairly regular, everyday
stuff. If reality TV has done any-
thing for me it has taught me how
mature, intelligent adults should
look and act, and dress and talk—
view (the kind Pm semi-famous for) her mother asks het
a question that I (in my skepticism) miss. The teenager's
response, however, was epic. She pushed ronan pra botrom
lip to blow her bangs from her eyes and snarled,
“Honestly mother, you piss me off just by breathing.” All
teenage girl again.
the other press e Kali Thurber e opinionsubmit@hotmail.com
Coming of
Age in the
Reality TV
Kali Thurber
Opinions Editor
For years now I have been left out of
coffee shop talk, dismissed as an
uncultured hag, and even verbally
harassed for not being up to date on
the new reality TV show of the sec-
ond. The absence of a television
altogether was the obstacle for a cou-
ple of those lonely years, then when
I gave in and bought a cheap TV
from the thrift store I still refused to
purchase cable, and so continued in
my old-fashioned ways with only
three channels. But three weeks ago
all of that changed—I was shocked
to find that my roommate had gone
behind my back and signed us up
for six months of basic cable. Watch
out TV junkies, I am now in the
loop...and desperately seeking the
exit.
Reality TV has taken over the air-
waves, my friends. Of course, you
probably know this already, and
have most likely just labelled me
“Pretentious bush-whacking hippy,”
“Wannabe anarchist,” or just plain
“Stupid.” I know your type—I had
to beat one of your kind off with
sticks a few years back when I asked,
“Who is this Geri?” to a group of
hardcore Survivor fans. Bad idea,
trust you me.
The reality TV fad has reached a
point of no return and the crazy
thing is that nobody even cares.
Reality shows seem to have taken the
reality out of the simple life, er I
mean...reality. You see? I can’t even
construct a regular sentence without
accidentally slipping in some reality
TV reference. You can’t walk down
the hallway without hearing that
Paris Hilton ripped her mini skirt on
a fence, or go to the bank without
encountering some lady intent to
give you a complete recap of the last
episode of Queer Eye for the Straight
Guy. People talk about the “actors”
Aipril 7, 2004
Buzzocracy
Jessica L. Plescia
OP Contributor
Democracy. So, what is this buzz-
word all about anyway? It’s been
around for a few hundred years now,
but nowadays it’s smothered all over
the place. We hear it murmured,
disgruntled in the streets. We taste it
in the chocolate flakes sprinkled on
our coffee shop lattés. We see it
flaming red at the protests—being
whipped around left, right, and cen-
tre (well, mostly to the left), but
really, is the fundamental essence of
democracy truly understood among
the masses? If you have an iota of
wonder dancing about your cerebral
cortex, then keep reading.
Democracy is a system that func-
tions only when activated, like the
on/off button of your television
screen. When democracy is activat-
ed, the show that comes on should
be one that you would most likely
choose to watch. In this way,
democracy sets the foundation for
the rights and regulations that you
will your leaders to implement. If
you partake in the democratic
process, your voice will be heard.
There are very few ways in which
Canadian citizens can actually exer-
cise democracy, and I can assure you
that voting is the most effective (it
sure beat referendums or public
forums—geez, how often do you see
these forms of democracy come
around?).
So what, you thought you were
democratic just because you live in
Canada? Wrong! Democracy is an
action, not a flimsy adjective.
Democracy is participatory, mean-
ing that it is achieved once it is
engaged. Your values, your morals,
your concerns, your opinions,
everything and anything that pro-
pels your self-existence, attitude and
identity can only ever be represent-
ed by the leaders that you vote for.
No vote = No representation, No
representation = No democracy. So
then what are you waiting for?
Feeling motivated yet? Is the
blood surging through your veins
and is your will aching for atten-
tion? No? Do I sense some discon-
tent here? Are you thinking what
many democratic skeptics are think-
ing? Are you wondering if your vote
really does matter? Is our electoral
system fair and will your concerns
truly be heard?
If youre in this bandwagon,
youre definitely not riding alone.
This wagon would more likely be
seen in the traffic packed multi-lane
highway off the Toronto 401 than
the solemn, dusty, old dirt road usu-
ally associated with it. Okay, so let
me explain how this can all change.
You see the best part about democ-
racy is that you have the choice to
alter it in the manner in which you
see best fit. Democracy is malleable,
it can come in any flavour, it just has
to be the flavour most people are
diggin. And I can comfortably
ascertain that chocolate is not the
flavour of our electoral system as we
have it, that’s for sure.
So if you're tickled pink about the
fact that Canada is one of the three
remaining democracies left in the
world to adopt a more proportional-
ly representative voting system, or if
youre irked by the mere thought of
© coastcap
Helps Students Meet Tuition Costs
SURREY Coast Capital Savings is
helping students meet the cost of
al.
SAVINGS
dents who, due to special circum-
stances, may not normally be eligi-
Kali Thurber
Opinions Editor
knowing that only four Federal gov-
ernments in the past 100 years have
actually been a majority government
as a result of our skewed First Past
the Post Party system—then change
it!
There are a number of initiatives
in progress as we speak. Check out
the websites, get reading those party
platforms—choose — democracy.
Choose to support those that sup-
port you. Vote in your next election,
and feel what democracy is really
all about.
Stolen Words
tuition by providing more than
$130,000 in scholarships through
its Education Awards program.
“We are delighted to be able to
offer 66 Education Awards worth
$2,000 each,” said Lloyd Craig,
President and Chief Executive
Officer, Coast Capital Savings. “We
believe that by helping students
achieve their education goals, we
can foster their growth as future
leaders and in turn, strengthen our
communities.”
The credit union has a long histo-
ry of helping set students on the
path to success and has awarded
more than $500,000 in scholarships
since 2000.
“We want to award students who
have taken a leadership role in our
communities and have made
ble for scholarships,” said Craig,
In order to be eligible for an
Education Award, applicants must
be registered in a post-secondary
program or planning to register
within the year. Selection is based on
community service, school activi-
ties, leadership, and academic per-
formance.
The application deadline is April
15, 2004. Education Awards appli-
cations are available at Coast Capital
Savings branches or at
.
Coast Capital Savings is Canadas | |
second largest credit union with
$6.4 billion in assets, 300,000 mem-
bers and 42 branches across the
Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, and
Vancouver Island. Coast Capital
Savings re-qualified as one of
apparently, just like the people on notable contributions to improving Canada 50 Best Managed | I could think was thank God | never have to be a snarky
the screen who're looking out at me the lives of others. This includes stu- Companies for 2004. ;
between commercials.
see Page 6 e _http://www.otherpress.ca
on reality shows as if they are
engaged in an intimate relationship Perhaps it’s the pending arrival of summer or my growing
with the people who pretend to act inability to hand in assignments within a week of their
natural on the screen before them.
It’s a sickness I tell you, but it has no
advised due date, but this last week has forced a multi-
tude of flashbacks to being a self-absorbed thirteen-year-
cure.
Now that I am fully accepted as a
citizen of the western world—thor-
oughly informed as to what colour
of nail polish made Jennifer feel new,
old girl. Take this scene for example: it’s a bright Monday
morning when I flop down into the only empty seat on
the pyr next to a middle-aged woman and ibrar teenage
EN b cae
i ite scowlit g teenage! Is felce are! Orel amin) full-on club
fresh, and exciting on Extreme
gear—white, faux-skater shoes so puffy they appear to be
Makeover, and wholly acquainted
round, skin-tight jeans just low enough to get an inti-
with the insane singing standards of
mate view of the red thong stretching up her behind, and
American Idol—\ wish to escape.
an obviously brand-new shirt cut up to look twenty years
There is something very, very dis-
turbing about the picture of a full
grown adult sitting on the couch
watching a few other full grown
old. Really, you can’t help but stare at these chicks. I’m
guessing she ripped out a Le Chateau ad from 2001 and
created her outfit as a replica, but that’s just me.
Anyways, as I’m scrutinizing her with a vicious side-
adults doing fairly regular, everyday
stuff. If reality TV has done any-
thing for me it has taught me how
mature, intelligent adults should
look and act, and dress and talk—
view (the kind Pm semi-famous for) her mother asks het
a question that I (in my skepticism) miss. The teenager's
response, however, was epic. She pushed ronan pra botrom
lip to blow her bangs from her eyes and snarled,
“Honestly mother, you piss me off just by breathing.” All
teenage girl again.
Edited Text
© Opinions
the other press e Kali Thurber e opinionsubmit@hotmail.com
Coming of
Age in the
Reality TV
Kali Thurber
Opinions Editor
For years now I have been left out of
coffee shop talk, dismissed as an
uncultured hag, and even verbally
harassed for not being up to date on
the new reality TV show of the sec-
ond. The absence of a television
altogether was the obstacle for a cou-
ple of those lonely years, then when
I gave in and bought a cheap TV
from the thrift store I still refused to
purchase cable, and so continued in
my old-fashioned ways with only
three channels. But three weeks ago
all of that changed—I was shocked
to find that my roommate had gone
behind my back and signed us up
for six months of basic cable. Watch
out TV junkies, I am now in the
loop...and desperately seeking the
exit.
Reality TV has taken over the air-
waves, my friends. Of course, you
probably know this already, and
have most likely just labelled me
“Pretentious bush-whacking hippy,”
“Wannabe anarchist,” or just plain
“Stupid.” I know your type—I had
to beat one of your kind off with
sticks a few years back when I asked,
“Who is this Geri?” to a group of
hardcore Survivor fans. Bad idea,
trust you me.
The reality TV fad has reached a
point of no return and the crazy
thing is that nobody even cares.
Reality shows seem to have taken the
reality out of the simple life, er I
mean...reality. You see? I can’t even
construct a regular sentence without
accidentally slipping in some reality
TV reference. You can’t walk down
the hallway without hearing that
Paris Hilton ripped her mini skirt on
a fence, or go to the bank without
encountering some lady intent to
give you a complete recap of the last
episode of Queer Eye for the Straight
Guy. People talk about the “actors”
Aipril 7, 2004
Buzzocracy
Jessica L. Plescia
OP Contributor
Democracy. So, what is this buzz-
word all about anyway? It’s been
around for a few hundred years now,
but nowadays it’s smothered all over
the place. We hear it murmured,
disgruntled in the streets. We taste it
in the chocolate flakes sprinkled on
our coffee shop lattés. We see it
flaming red at the protests—being
whipped around left, right, and cen-
tre (well, mostly to the left), but
really, is the fundamental essence of
democracy truly understood among
the masses? If you have an iota of
wonder dancing about your cerebral
cortex, then keep reading.
Democracy is a system that func-
tions only when activated, like the
on/off button of your television
screen. When democracy is activat-
ed, the show that comes on should
be one that you would most likely
choose to watch. In this way,
democracy sets the foundation for
the rights and regulations that you
will your leaders to implement. If
you partake in the democratic
process, your voice will be heard.
There are very few ways in which
Canadian citizens can actually exer-
cise democracy, and I can assure you
that voting is the most effective (it
sure beat referendums or public
forums—geez, how often do you see
these forms of democracy come
around?).
So what, you thought you were
democratic just because you live in
Canada? Wrong! Democracy is an
action, not a flimsy adjective.
Democracy is participatory, mean-
ing that it is achieved once it is
engaged. Your values, your morals,
your concerns, your opinions,
everything and anything that pro-
pels your self-existence, attitude and
identity can only ever be represent-
ed by the leaders that you vote for.
No vote = No representation, No
representation = No democracy. So
then what are you waiting for?
Feeling motivated yet? Is the
blood surging through your veins
and is your will aching for atten-
tion? No? Do I sense some discon-
tent here? Are you thinking what
many democratic skeptics are think-
ing? Are you wondering if your vote
really does matter? Is our electoral
system fair and will your concerns
truly be heard?
If youre in this bandwagon,
youre definitely not riding alone.
This wagon would more likely be
seen in the traffic packed multi-lane
highway off the Toronto 401 than
the solemn, dusty, old dirt road usu-
ally associated with it. Okay, so let
me explain how this can all change.
You see the best part about democ-
racy is that you have the choice to
alter it in the manner in which you
see best fit. Democracy is malleable,
it can come in any flavour, it just has
to be the flavour most people are
diggin. And I can comfortably
ascertain that chocolate is not the
flavour of our electoral system as we
have it, that’s for sure.
So if you're tickled pink about the
fact that Canada is one of the three
remaining democracies left in the
world to adopt a more proportional-
ly representative voting system, or if
youre irked by the mere thought of
© coastcap
Helps Students Meet Tuition Costs
SURREY Coast Capital Savings is
helping students meet the cost of
al.
SAVINGS
dents who, due to special circum-
stances, may not normally be eligi-
Kali Thurber
Opinions Editor
knowing that only four Federal gov-
ernments in the past 100 years have
actually been a majority government
as a result of our skewed First Past
the Post Party system—then change
it!
There are a number of initiatives
in progress as we speak. Check out
the websites, get reading those party
platforms—choose — democracy.
Choose to support those that sup-
port you. Vote in your next election,
and feel what democracy is really
all about.
Stolen Words
tuition by providing more than
$130,000 in scholarships through
its Education Awards program.
“We are delighted to be able to
offer 66 Education Awards worth
$2,000 each,” said Lloyd Craig,
President and Chief Executive
Officer, Coast Capital Savings. “We
believe that by helping students
achieve their education goals, we
can foster their growth as future
leaders and in turn, strengthen our
communities.”
The credit union has a long histo-
ry of helping set students on the
path to success and has awarded
more than $500,000 in scholarships
since 2000.
“We want to award students who
have taken a leadership role in our
communities and have made
ble for scholarships,” said Craig,
In order to be eligible for an
Education Award, applicants must
be registered in a post-secondary
program or planning to register
within the year. Selection is based on
community service, school activi-
ties, leadership, and academic per-
formance.
The application deadline is April
15, 2004. Education Awards appli-
cations are available at Coast Capital
Savings branches or at
.
Coast Capital Savings is Canadas | |
second largest credit union with
$6.4 billion in assets, 300,000 mem-
bers and 42 branches across the
Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, and
Vancouver Island. Coast Capital
Savings re-qualified as one of
apparently, just like the people on notable contributions to improving Canada 50 Best Managed | I could think was thank God | never have to be a snarky
the screen who're looking out at me the lives of others. This includes stu- Companies for 2004. ;
between commercials.
see Page 6 e _http://www.otherpress.ca
on reality shows as if they are
engaged in an intimate relationship Perhaps it’s the pending arrival of summer or my growing
with the people who pretend to act inability to hand in assignments within a week of their
natural on the screen before them.
It’s a sickness I tell you, but it has no
advised due date, but this last week has forced a multi-
tude of flashbacks to being a self-absorbed thirteen-year-
cure.
Now that I am fully accepted as a
citizen of the western world—thor-
oughly informed as to what colour
of nail polish made Jennifer feel new,
old girl. Take this scene for example: it’s a bright Monday
morning when I flop down into the only empty seat on
the pyr next to a middle-aged woman and ibrar teenage
EN b cae
i ite scowlit g teenage! Is felce are! Orel amin) full-on club
fresh, and exciting on Extreme
gear—white, faux-skater shoes so puffy they appear to be
Makeover, and wholly acquainted
round, skin-tight jeans just low enough to get an inti-
with the insane singing standards of
mate view of the red thong stretching up her behind, and
American Idol—\ wish to escape.
an obviously brand-new shirt cut up to look twenty years
There is something very, very dis-
turbing about the picture of a full
grown adult sitting on the couch
watching a few other full grown
old. Really, you can’t help but stare at these chicks. I’m
guessing she ripped out a Le Chateau ad from 2001 and
created her outfit as a replica, but that’s just me.
Anyways, as I’m scrutinizing her with a vicious side-
adults doing fairly regular, everyday
stuff. If reality TV has done any-
thing for me it has taught me how
mature, intelligent adults should
look and act, and dress and talk—
view (the kind Pm semi-famous for) her mother asks het
a question that I (in my skepticism) miss. The teenager's
response, however, was epic. She pushed ronan pra botrom
lip to blow her bangs from her eyes and snarled,
“Honestly mother, you piss me off just by breathing.” All
teenage girl again.
the other press e Kali Thurber e opinionsubmit@hotmail.com
Coming of
Age in the
Reality TV
Kali Thurber
Opinions Editor
For years now I have been left out of
coffee shop talk, dismissed as an
uncultured hag, and even verbally
harassed for not being up to date on
the new reality TV show of the sec-
ond. The absence of a television
altogether was the obstacle for a cou-
ple of those lonely years, then when
I gave in and bought a cheap TV
from the thrift store I still refused to
purchase cable, and so continued in
my old-fashioned ways with only
three channels. But three weeks ago
all of that changed—I was shocked
to find that my roommate had gone
behind my back and signed us up
for six months of basic cable. Watch
out TV junkies, I am now in the
loop...and desperately seeking the
exit.
Reality TV has taken over the air-
waves, my friends. Of course, you
probably know this already, and
have most likely just labelled me
“Pretentious bush-whacking hippy,”
“Wannabe anarchist,” or just plain
“Stupid.” I know your type—I had
to beat one of your kind off with
sticks a few years back when I asked,
“Who is this Geri?” to a group of
hardcore Survivor fans. Bad idea,
trust you me.
The reality TV fad has reached a
point of no return and the crazy
thing is that nobody even cares.
Reality shows seem to have taken the
reality out of the simple life, er I
mean...reality. You see? I can’t even
construct a regular sentence without
accidentally slipping in some reality
TV reference. You can’t walk down
the hallway without hearing that
Paris Hilton ripped her mini skirt on
a fence, or go to the bank without
encountering some lady intent to
give you a complete recap of the last
episode of Queer Eye for the Straight
Guy. People talk about the “actors”
Aipril 7, 2004
Buzzocracy
Jessica L. Plescia
OP Contributor
Democracy. So, what is this buzz-
word all about anyway? It’s been
around for a few hundred years now,
but nowadays it’s smothered all over
the place. We hear it murmured,
disgruntled in the streets. We taste it
in the chocolate flakes sprinkled on
our coffee shop lattés. We see it
flaming red at the protests—being
whipped around left, right, and cen-
tre (well, mostly to the left), but
really, is the fundamental essence of
democracy truly understood among
the masses? If you have an iota of
wonder dancing about your cerebral
cortex, then keep reading.
Democracy is a system that func-
tions only when activated, like the
on/off button of your television
screen. When democracy is activat-
ed, the show that comes on should
be one that you would most likely
choose to watch. In this way,
democracy sets the foundation for
the rights and regulations that you
will your leaders to implement. If
you partake in the democratic
process, your voice will be heard.
There are very few ways in which
Canadian citizens can actually exer-
cise democracy, and I can assure you
that voting is the most effective (it
sure beat referendums or public
forums—geez, how often do you see
these forms of democracy come
around?).
So what, you thought you were
democratic just because you live in
Canada? Wrong! Democracy is an
action, not a flimsy adjective.
Democracy is participatory, mean-
ing that it is achieved once it is
engaged. Your values, your morals,
your concerns, your opinions,
everything and anything that pro-
pels your self-existence, attitude and
identity can only ever be represent-
ed by the leaders that you vote for.
No vote = No representation, No
representation = No democracy. So
then what are you waiting for?
Feeling motivated yet? Is the
blood surging through your veins
and is your will aching for atten-
tion? No? Do I sense some discon-
tent here? Are you thinking what
many democratic skeptics are think-
ing? Are you wondering if your vote
really does matter? Is our electoral
system fair and will your concerns
truly be heard?
If youre in this bandwagon,
youre definitely not riding alone.
This wagon would more likely be
seen in the traffic packed multi-lane
highway off the Toronto 401 than
the solemn, dusty, old dirt road usu-
ally associated with it. Okay, so let
me explain how this can all change.
You see the best part about democ-
racy is that you have the choice to
alter it in the manner in which you
see best fit. Democracy is malleable,
it can come in any flavour, it just has
to be the flavour most people are
diggin. And I can comfortably
ascertain that chocolate is not the
flavour of our electoral system as we
have it, that’s for sure.
So if you're tickled pink about the
fact that Canada is one of the three
remaining democracies left in the
world to adopt a more proportional-
ly representative voting system, or if
youre irked by the mere thought of
© coastcap
Helps Students Meet Tuition Costs
SURREY Coast Capital Savings is
helping students meet the cost of
al.
SAVINGS
dents who, due to special circum-
stances, may not normally be eligi-
Kali Thurber
Opinions Editor
knowing that only four Federal gov-
ernments in the past 100 years have
actually been a majority government
as a result of our skewed First Past
the Post Party system—then change
it!
There are a number of initiatives
in progress as we speak. Check out
the websites, get reading those party
platforms—choose — democracy.
Choose to support those that sup-
port you. Vote in your next election,
and feel what democracy is really
all about.
Stolen Words
tuition by providing more than
$130,000 in scholarships through
its Education Awards program.
“We are delighted to be able to
offer 66 Education Awards worth
$2,000 each,” said Lloyd Craig,
President and Chief Executive
Officer, Coast Capital Savings. “We
believe that by helping students
achieve their education goals, we
can foster their growth as future
leaders and in turn, strengthen our
communities.”
The credit union has a long histo-
ry of helping set students on the
path to success and has awarded
more than $500,000 in scholarships
since 2000.
“We want to award students who
have taken a leadership role in our
communities and have made
ble for scholarships,” said Craig,
In order to be eligible for an
Education Award, applicants must
be registered in a post-secondary
program or planning to register
within the year. Selection is based on
community service, school activi-
ties, leadership, and academic per-
formance.
The application deadline is April
15, 2004. Education Awards appli-
cations are available at Coast Capital
Savings branches or at
.
Coast Capital Savings is Canadas | |
second largest credit union with
$6.4 billion in assets, 300,000 mem-
bers and 42 branches across the
Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, and
Vancouver Island. Coast Capital
Savings re-qualified as one of
apparently, just like the people on notable contributions to improving Canada 50 Best Managed | I could think was thank God | never have to be a snarky
the screen who're looking out at me the lives of others. This includes stu- Companies for 2004. ;
between commercials.
see Page 6 e _http://www.otherpress.ca
on reality shows as if they are
engaged in an intimate relationship Perhaps it’s the pending arrival of summer or my growing
with the people who pretend to act inability to hand in assignments within a week of their
natural on the screen before them.
It’s a sickness I tell you, but it has no
advised due date, but this last week has forced a multi-
tude of flashbacks to being a self-absorbed thirteen-year-
cure.
Now that I am fully accepted as a
citizen of the western world—thor-
oughly informed as to what colour
of nail polish made Jennifer feel new,
old girl. Take this scene for example: it’s a bright Monday
morning when I flop down into the only empty seat on
the pyr next to a middle-aged woman and ibrar teenage
EN b cae
i ite scowlit g teenage! Is felce are! Orel amin) full-on club
fresh, and exciting on Extreme
gear—white, faux-skater shoes so puffy they appear to be
Makeover, and wholly acquainted
round, skin-tight jeans just low enough to get an inti-
with the insane singing standards of
mate view of the red thong stretching up her behind, and
American Idol—\ wish to escape.
an obviously brand-new shirt cut up to look twenty years
There is something very, very dis-
turbing about the picture of a full
grown adult sitting on the couch
watching a few other full grown
old. Really, you can’t help but stare at these chicks. I’m
guessing she ripped out a Le Chateau ad from 2001 and
created her outfit as a replica, but that’s just me.
Anyways, as I’m scrutinizing her with a vicious side-
adults doing fairly regular, everyday
stuff. If reality TV has done any-
thing for me it has taught me how
mature, intelligent adults should
look and act, and dress and talk—
view (the kind Pm semi-famous for) her mother asks het
a question that I (in my skepticism) miss. The teenager's
response, however, was epic. She pushed ronan pra botrom
lip to blow her bangs from her eyes and snarled,
“Honestly mother, you piss me off just by breathing.” All
teenage girl again.
the other press e Kali Thurber e opinionsubmit@hotmail.com
Coming of
Age in the
Reality TV
Kali Thurber
Opinions Editor
For years now I have been left out of
coffee shop talk, dismissed as an
uncultured hag, and even verbally
harassed for not being up to date on
the new reality TV show of the sec-
ond. The absence of a television
altogether was the obstacle for a cou-
ple of those lonely years, then when
I gave in and bought a cheap TV
from the thrift store I still refused to
purchase cable, and so continued in
my old-fashioned ways with only
three channels. But three weeks ago
all of that changed—I was shocked
to find that my roommate had gone
behind my back and signed us up
for six months of basic cable. Watch
out TV junkies, I am now in the
loop...and desperately seeking the
exit.
Reality TV has taken over the air-
waves, my friends. Of course, you
probably know this already, and
have most likely just labelled me
“Pretentious bush-whacking hippy,”
“Wannabe anarchist,” or just plain
“Stupid.” I know your type—I had
to beat one of your kind off with
sticks a few years back when I asked,
“Who is this Geri?” to a group of
hardcore Survivor fans. Bad idea,
trust you me.
The reality TV fad has reached a
point of no return and the crazy
thing is that nobody even cares.
Reality shows seem to have taken the
reality out of the simple life, er I
mean...reality. You see? I can’t even
construct a regular sentence without
accidentally slipping in some reality
TV reference. You can’t walk down
the hallway without hearing that
Paris Hilton ripped her mini skirt on
a fence, or go to the bank without
encountering some lady intent to
give you a complete recap of the last
episode of Queer Eye for the Straight
Guy. People talk about the “actors”
Aipril 7, 2004
Buzzocracy
Jessica L. Plescia
OP Contributor
Democracy. So, what is this buzz-
word all about anyway? It’s been
around for a few hundred years now,
but nowadays it’s smothered all over
the place. We hear it murmured,
disgruntled in the streets. We taste it
in the chocolate flakes sprinkled on
our coffee shop lattés. We see it
flaming red at the protests—being
whipped around left, right, and cen-
tre (well, mostly to the left), but
really, is the fundamental essence of
democracy truly understood among
the masses? If you have an iota of
wonder dancing about your cerebral
cortex, then keep reading.
Democracy is a system that func-
tions only when activated, like the
on/off button of your television
screen. When democracy is activat-
ed, the show that comes on should
be one that you would most likely
choose to watch. In this way,
democracy sets the foundation for
the rights and regulations that you
will your leaders to implement. If
you partake in the democratic
process, your voice will be heard.
There are very few ways in which
Canadian citizens can actually exer-
cise democracy, and I can assure you
that voting is the most effective (it
sure beat referendums or public
forums—geez, how often do you see
these forms of democracy come
around?).
So what, you thought you were
democratic just because you live in
Canada? Wrong! Democracy is an
action, not a flimsy adjective.
Democracy is participatory, mean-
ing that it is achieved once it is
engaged. Your values, your morals,
your concerns, your opinions,
everything and anything that pro-
pels your self-existence, attitude and
identity can only ever be represent-
ed by the leaders that you vote for.
No vote = No representation, No
representation = No democracy. So
then what are you waiting for?
Feeling motivated yet? Is the
blood surging through your veins
and is your will aching for atten-
tion? No? Do I sense some discon-
tent here? Are you thinking what
many democratic skeptics are think-
ing? Are you wondering if your vote
really does matter? Is our electoral
system fair and will your concerns
truly be heard?
If youre in this bandwagon,
youre definitely not riding alone.
This wagon would more likely be
seen in the traffic packed multi-lane
highway off the Toronto 401 than
the solemn, dusty, old dirt road usu-
ally associated with it. Okay, so let
me explain how this can all change.
You see the best part about democ-
racy is that you have the choice to
alter it in the manner in which you
see best fit. Democracy is malleable,
it can come in any flavour, it just has
to be the flavour most people are
diggin. And I can comfortably
ascertain that chocolate is not the
flavour of our electoral system as we
have it, that’s for sure.
So if you're tickled pink about the
fact that Canada is one of the three
remaining democracies left in the
world to adopt a more proportional-
ly representative voting system, or if
youre irked by the mere thought of
© coastcap
Helps Students Meet Tuition Costs
SURREY Coast Capital Savings is
helping students meet the cost of
al.
SAVINGS
dents who, due to special circum-
stances, may not normally be eligi-
Kali Thurber
Opinions Editor
knowing that only four Federal gov-
ernments in the past 100 years have
actually been a majority government
as a result of our skewed First Past
the Post Party system—then change
it!
There are a number of initiatives
in progress as we speak. Check out
the websites, get reading those party
platforms—choose — democracy.
Choose to support those that sup-
port you. Vote in your next election,
and feel what democracy is really
all about.
Stolen Words
tuition by providing more than
$130,000 in scholarships through
its Education Awards program.
“We are delighted to be able to
offer 66 Education Awards worth
$2,000 each,” said Lloyd Craig,
President and Chief Executive
Officer, Coast Capital Savings. “We
believe that by helping students
achieve their education goals, we
can foster their growth as future
leaders and in turn, strengthen our
communities.”
The credit union has a long histo-
ry of helping set students on the
path to success and has awarded
more than $500,000 in scholarships
since 2000.
“We want to award students who
have taken a leadership role in our
communities and have made
ble for scholarships,” said Craig,
In order to be eligible for an
Education Award, applicants must
be registered in a post-secondary
program or planning to register
within the year. Selection is based on
community service, school activi-
ties, leadership, and academic per-
formance.
The application deadline is April
15, 2004. Education Awards appli-
cations are available at Coast Capital
Savings branches or at
.
Coast Capital Savings is Canadas | |
second largest credit union with
$6.4 billion in assets, 300,000 mem-
bers and 42 branches across the
Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, and
Vancouver Island. Coast Capital
Savings re-qualified as one of
apparently, just like the people on notable contributions to improving Canada 50 Best Managed | I could think was thank God | never have to be a snarky
the screen who're looking out at me the lives of others. This includes stu- Companies for 2004. ;
between commercials.
see Page 6 e _http://www.otherpress.ca
on reality shows as if they are
engaged in an intimate relationship Perhaps it’s the pending arrival of summer or my growing
with the people who pretend to act inability to hand in assignments within a week of their
natural on the screen before them.
It’s a sickness I tell you, but it has no
advised due date, but this last week has forced a multi-
tude of flashbacks to being a self-absorbed thirteen-year-
cure.
Now that I am fully accepted as a
citizen of the western world—thor-
oughly informed as to what colour
of nail polish made Jennifer feel new,
old girl. Take this scene for example: it’s a bright Monday
morning when I flop down into the only empty seat on
the pyr next to a middle-aged woman and ibrar teenage
EN b cae
i ite scowlit g teenage! Is felce are! Orel amin) full-on club
fresh, and exciting on Extreme
gear—white, faux-skater shoes so puffy they appear to be
Makeover, and wholly acquainted
round, skin-tight jeans just low enough to get an inti-
with the insane singing standards of
mate view of the red thong stretching up her behind, and
American Idol—\ wish to escape.
an obviously brand-new shirt cut up to look twenty years
There is something very, very dis-
turbing about the picture of a full
grown adult sitting on the couch
watching a few other full grown
old. Really, you can’t help but stare at these chicks. I’m
guessing she ripped out a Le Chateau ad from 2001 and
created her outfit as a replica, but that’s just me.
Anyways, as I’m scrutinizing her with a vicious side-
adults doing fairly regular, everyday
stuff. If reality TV has done any-
thing for me it has taught me how
mature, intelligent adults should
look and act, and dress and talk—
view (the kind Pm semi-famous for) her mother asks het
a question that I (in my skepticism) miss. The teenager's
response, however, was epic. She pushed ronan pra botrom
lip to blow her bangs from her eyes and snarled,
“Honestly mother, you piss me off just by breathing.” All
teenage girl again.
the other press e Kali Thurber e opinionsubmit@hotmail.com
Coming of
Age in the
Reality TV
Kali Thurber
Opinions Editor
For years now I have been left out of
coffee shop talk, dismissed as an
uncultured hag, and even verbally
harassed for not being up to date on
the new reality TV show of the sec-
ond. The absence of a television
altogether was the obstacle for a cou-
ple of those lonely years, then when
I gave in and bought a cheap TV
from the thrift store I still refused to
purchase cable, and so continued in
my old-fashioned ways with only
three channels. But three weeks ago
all of that changed—I was shocked
to find that my roommate had gone
behind my back and signed us up
for six months of basic cable. Watch
out TV junkies, I am now in the
loop...and desperately seeking the
exit.
Reality TV has taken over the air-
waves, my friends. Of course, you
probably know this already, and
have most likely just labelled me
“Pretentious bush-whacking hippy,”
“Wannabe anarchist,” or just plain
“Stupid.” I know your type—I had
to beat one of your kind off with
sticks a few years back when I asked,
“Who is this Geri?” to a group of
hardcore Survivor fans. Bad idea,
trust you me.
The reality TV fad has reached a
point of no return and the crazy
thing is that nobody even cares.
Reality shows seem to have taken the
reality out of the simple life, er I
mean...reality. You see? I can’t even
construct a regular sentence without
accidentally slipping in some reality
TV reference. You can’t walk down
the hallway without hearing that
Paris Hilton ripped her mini skirt on
a fence, or go to the bank without
encountering some lady intent to
give you a complete recap of the last
episode of Queer Eye for the Straight
Guy. People talk about the “actors”
Aipril 7, 2004
Buzzocracy
Jessica L. Plescia
OP Contributor
Democracy. So, what is this buzz-
word all about anyway? It’s been
around for a few hundred years now,
but nowadays it’s smothered all over
the place. We hear it murmured,
disgruntled in the streets. We taste it
in the chocolate flakes sprinkled on
our coffee shop lattés. We see it
flaming red at the protests—being
whipped around left, right, and cen-
tre (well, mostly to the left), but
really, is the fundamental essence of
democracy truly understood among
the masses? If you have an iota of
wonder dancing about your cerebral
cortex, then keep reading.
Democracy is a system that func-
tions only when activated, like the
on/off button of your television
screen. When democracy is activat-
ed, the show that comes on should
be one that you would most likely
choose to watch. In this way,
democracy sets the foundation for
the rights and regulations that you
will your leaders to implement. If
you partake in the democratic
process, your voice will be heard.
There are very few ways in which
Canadian citizens can actually exer-
cise democracy, and I can assure you
that voting is the most effective (it
sure beat referendums or public
forums—geez, how often do you see
these forms of democracy come
around?).
So what, you thought you were
democratic just because you live in
Canada? Wrong! Democracy is an
action, not a flimsy adjective.
Democracy is participatory, mean-
ing that it is achieved once it is
engaged. Your values, your morals,
your concerns, your opinions,
everything and anything that pro-
pels your self-existence, attitude and
identity can only ever be represent-
ed by the leaders that you vote for.
No vote = No representation, No
representation = No democracy. So
then what are you waiting for?
Feeling motivated yet? Is the
blood surging through your veins
and is your will aching for atten-
tion? No? Do I sense some discon-
tent here? Are you thinking what
many democratic skeptics are think-
ing? Are you wondering if your vote
really does matter? Is our electoral
system fair and will your concerns
truly be heard?
If youre in this bandwagon,
youre definitely not riding alone.
This wagon would more likely be
seen in the traffic packed multi-lane
highway off the Toronto 401 than
the solemn, dusty, old dirt road usu-
ally associated with it. Okay, so let
me explain how this can all change.
You see the best part about democ-
racy is that you have the choice to
alter it in the manner in which you
see best fit. Democracy is malleable,
it can come in any flavour, it just has
to be the flavour most people are
diggin. And I can comfortably
ascertain that chocolate is not the
flavour of our electoral system as we
have it, that’s for sure.
So if you're tickled pink about the
fact that Canada is one of the three
remaining democracies left in the
world to adopt a more proportional-
ly representative voting system, or if
youre irked by the mere thought of
© coastcap
Helps Students Meet Tuition Costs
SURREY Coast Capital Savings is
helping students meet the cost of
al.
SAVINGS
dents who, due to special circum-
stances, may not normally be eligi-
Kali Thurber
Opinions Editor
knowing that only four Federal gov-
ernments in the past 100 years have
actually been a majority government
as a result of our skewed First Past
the Post Party system—then change
it!
There are a number of initiatives
in progress as we speak. Check out
the websites, get reading those party
platforms—choose — democracy.
Choose to support those that sup-
port you. Vote in your next election,
and feel what democracy is really
all about.
Stolen Words
tuition by providing more than
$130,000 in scholarships through
its Education Awards program.
“We are delighted to be able to
offer 66 Education Awards worth
$2,000 each,” said Lloyd Craig,
President and Chief Executive
Officer, Coast Capital Savings. “We
believe that by helping students
achieve their education goals, we
can foster their growth as future
leaders and in turn, strengthen our
communities.”
The credit union has a long histo-
ry of helping set students on the
path to success and has awarded
more than $500,000 in scholarships
since 2000.
“We want to award students who
have taken a leadership role in our
communities and have made
ble for scholarships,” said Craig,
In order to be eligible for an
Education Award, applicants must
be registered in a post-secondary
program or planning to register
within the year. Selection is based on
community service, school activi-
ties, leadership, and academic per-
formance.
The application deadline is April
15, 2004. Education Awards appli-
cations are available at Coast Capital
Savings branches or at
.
Coast Capital Savings is Canadas | |
second largest credit union with
$6.4 billion in assets, 300,000 mem-
bers and 42 branches across the
Fraser Valley, Lower Mainland, and
Vancouver Island. Coast Capital
Savings re-qualified as one of
apparently, just like the people on notable contributions to improving Canada 50 Best Managed | I could think was thank God | never have to be a snarky
the screen who're looking out at me the lives of others. This includes stu- Companies for 2004. ;
between commercials.
see Page 6 e _http://www.otherpress.ca
on reality shows as if they are
engaged in an intimate relationship Perhaps it’s the pending arrival of summer or my growing
with the people who pretend to act inability to hand in assignments within a week of their
natural on the screen before them.
It’s a sickness I tell you, but it has no
advised due date, but this last week has forced a multi-
tude of flashbacks to being a self-absorbed thirteen-year-
cure.
Now that I am fully accepted as a
citizen of the western world—thor-
oughly informed as to what colour
of nail polish made Jennifer feel new,
old girl. Take this scene for example: it’s a bright Monday
morning when I flop down into the only empty seat on
the pyr next to a middle-aged woman and ibrar teenage
EN b cae
i ite scowlit g teenage! Is felce are! Orel amin) full-on club
fresh, and exciting on Extreme
gear—white, faux-skater shoes so puffy they appear to be
Makeover, and wholly acquainted
round, skin-tight jeans just low enough to get an inti-
with the insane singing standards of
mate view of the red thong stretching up her behind, and
American Idol—\ wish to escape.
an obviously brand-new shirt cut up to look twenty years
There is something very, very dis-
turbing about the picture of a full
grown adult sitting on the couch
watching a few other full grown
old. Really, you can’t help but stare at these chicks. I’m
guessing she ripped out a Le Chateau ad from 2001 and
created her outfit as a replica, but that’s just me.
Anyways, as I’m scrutinizing her with a vicious side-
adults doing fairly regular, everyday
stuff. If reality TV has done any-
thing for me it has taught me how
mature, intelligent adults should
look and act, and dress and talk—
view (the kind Pm semi-famous for) her mother asks het
a question that I (in my skepticism) miss. The teenager's
response, however, was epic. She pushed ronan pra botrom
lip to blow her bangs from her eyes and snarled,
“Honestly mother, you piss me off just by breathing.” All
teenage girl again.