ew (cine) Works howcases six inde- ndent filmmakers uid „ C men's hockey's inless streak just eeps on truckin' ^bC Archives Serial Head, Philip Head since 1918 Urate, '■ H 1' .*- -i ** ■■■<" .^£1 J^m www.ubvssev.bc.ca VOLUME 81 ISSUE 22 m%^m ^igdy ^|pjr i TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 30. 1999 Turbulent first day at the WTO by Nicholas Bradley SEATTLE—A security breach and a protest that shut down sections of downtown marked the first day of the third World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference yesterday, and drew attention away from the official proceedings of the international trade group. The hundreds of pohce officers surrounding the Washington State Convention and Trade Centre—home to the week-long conference—created a tense atmosphere all day, but the mood away from the official conference was decidedly upbeat Roughly 2000 protesters marched through the downtown core in what was considered a preview of today's rally, which is expected to draw some 50,000 demonstrators from around the world. The demonstrators are very clear about what they are protesting. ■We're in an international economy. The question is going to be who writes the rules and who benefits and who is asked to sacrifice," US Senator Paul Wellstone told the Ubyssey. The crowd of environmentalists and union workers gathered one block away from the convention centre to voice their opposition to these sacrifices. Speakers emphasised that the labour movement and the environmental movement must join forces to be effective against the WTO, and demonstrators agreed, calling out to workers watching the march on their lunch breaks. "You don't know what [the WTO] is because they've wanted that it way," said Cory McKinley, a member of the United Steelworkers of America from Spokane, Washington, in Seattle with hundreds of other union members. "It's brought a new awareness, there's the alignment with the environmentalists, so all this brought us together," said a fellow Spokane steelworker, who cited labour relations with local employer Kaiser Aluminum as one of the reasons for which the union was protesting the WTO. .And Keven Kniffim, an area vice-president of the Graduate Students Employees Union of the State University of New York, said that his organisation, which represents roughly 4000 student workers, came to Seattle in solidarity with the various groups opposed to the policies of the WTO. The rally organisers spoke in support of this unity between different interest „t \T\ groups, echoing the sentiments expressed at a conference on environmental issues hosted by non-governmental organisations that morning. At the conference, George Miller, a member of the US House of Representatives, invoked "an economic and moral obligation" to ensure that trade is fair and responsible. Meanwhile, at the rally, Patti Forkan, executive director of the Humane Society of the United States, charged that the WTO has, so far, ignored such a social obligation. "The road to Seattle is strewn with dead dolphins, fur from trapped wildlife, blinded rabbits, mangled turtles. The road to Seattle is full of broken promises, fractured laws, treachery and deceit, with more to come," she said. In 1997, three countries brought a suit before the WTO, forcing the US to abandon a law that required shrimp fisheries to use devices that helped prevent the accidental capture of endangered sea turtles. The WTO ruled that the a^merican law constituted an unfair trade restriction. Environmental organisations such as Greenpeace are calling on the WTO to operate with increased consideration for ecological and social issues. The WTO, however, maintains that it has environmental issues in mind, and yesterday announced an agreement with the United Nations Environment Program. The arrangement is intended to increase cooperation between the two organisations. "We have, as part of our mandate, sustainable development," said WTO Director- General Michael Moore. Meanwhile, another more aggressive protest targeted a downtown McDonald's. Led by radical French farmer Jose Bove, a crowd of protesters forced traffic to a standstill and took over the street as it emptied out the fast-food restaurant Demonstrators climbed onto a city bus and nearby lampposts as activists wrote slogans on the TAKIN' IT TO THE STREETS: thousands of protesters hit the pavement on the first day of the World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference in Seattle yesterday, tara westover photo McDonald's and blocked its doors to potential customers. "French farmers, .American farmers, consumers, are all together to have safe food and that we don't want this kind of food, this industrial food," said Bove. Kathereine Ozer, executive director of the National Family Farm Coalition, a farming lobby group based in Washington, DC, had similar concerns. "Our grievances are not specifically against McDonald's, they're against the increasing industrialisation and corporati- sation of the food supply, and McDonald's in France was a symbol of what the multinational company was trying to do in terms of changing the culture of food," said Ozer. A block further up the road, riot police with their guns drawn blocked the protesters from advancing further, but after a brief standoff, the demonstrators turned back. Tension also ran high early in the day, when the Convention Centre was closed to all conference delegates and media because of a breach of security. A WTO spokesperson explained that someone had tried to break into the building during the night The resulting security sweep delayed the scheduled business by several hours, leaving delegates waiting outside. The official WTO talks will continue until Friday. Major issues to be discussed by the 135-country trade group include regulations regarding agriculture, services, and intellectual property.** NGOs attack the WTO for lack of open dialogue by Daliah Merzaban SEATTLE-Attempts by tlie World Trade Organisation (WTO) to include the inter' ests of international civil society groups into trade negotiations left many disappointed after a day-long meeting yesterday at the Seattle Convention and Trade Centre. On the first day of the! third WTO Ministerial Conference, the, first-ever Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) symposium was held to address the concerns of interest groups opposed to the trade group's multilateral trading practices—for example, environmental and labour standards. Actual decisions will be made behind closed doors this week. But many NGOs—organisations such as Greenpeace and Amnesty International—felt the process was not as democratic and accountable as it should have been, and rather was an effort by the WTO to ward off criticism from NGOs around the world. Following two hours of statements by a panel of top WTO and government officials, NGOs attacked what they perceived as an inadequate effort by the WTO to promote dialogue and to address their concerns. "I hope the WTO does this dialogue job better in the future/ said Martin Kha, a member of the Third World Network in Malaysia, to cheers from an audience containing hundreds of NGO representatives, ministerial delegates, and journalists. Kha is critical of the WTO because he says it concentrates wealthin the hands of a few countries, increases poverty for the majority of the world's population, and promotes unsustainable patterns continued on page 2 I THE UBYSSEY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30,1999 CLASSIFIEDS ccommoaaiion ACCOMMODATION IN EXCHaANGE FOR DRIVING two children to and from UBC daycare. No smoking, impeccable driving record. References required. Phone 266-3744. RM FOR RENT. Available Dec 15. Furnished Private Entrance. Newly Renovated. Near UBC, SW Marine. Urils. Incl. Light cooking only. $475/month. Call 264-0448. BACHELOR SUITE FOR RENT IMMED. Utils. incl. Furnished, dble bed. Just renovated. Near UBC, SW Marine Dr. Bright private entrance. $780/month. Call 264-0448. li.lllI'I'llWllHlH ftp [Mill S7/HR SURFING THE NET. Free, no buying/selling. netcasn2000@ys3ioo.com BE PAID FOR SURFING THE WEB! Go to www.alladvantage.com/go.aspJrefid =DXZ099 click "Join* and sign up Please keep DXZ-099 Follow instructions in your email ENJOY! NO FEES! NO RISK! Questions or just to say THi\NK YOU email sweeterlife@yahoo.eom $100 FOR STUDENTS (FROM ALL DISCIPLINES) to participate in problem-based learning workshops at St. Paul's Hospital. To sign up, email your SIN number, address and phone number. All new participants must attend a mandatory 1 hr. training session from 12:30-1:30 in IRC 400 - date TBA. lsocn@iiitercriarige.ubc.ca icaaemic services TUTORS, EDITORS, WRITERS. A team of PhD students and certified teachers with over 25 years experience offer their services with learning and writing. .All levels: elementary, secondary, university and ESL. Call 228-1336. ANSOC T-SHIRT DESIGN CONTEST. Any design welcome that incorporates the two disciplines. Drop off entries in the ANSO Office or in our Club Office. Deadline: Dec. 4th, 1999. You'll win the best prizes! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO PLAYW/ 14 MONTH OLD TODDLER while mom studies at home (on campus). Sm. honorarium available. Call Cindy @ 827-0014. OSI & HUM FOUND: 1 AQUA INDIGLO WATCH. Found on NE SUB Staircase near the Ubyssey office. Come to SUB Room 245 to claim. ervices TYPING, WORD PROCESSING, ESSAYS, ASSIGNMENTS, ETC. Quick service, reasonable rates, close to UBC. 222-8000. UNIVERSITY DRY CLEANERS. Dry cleaning, dress making and ALTERATIONS available. 105 - 5728 University Boulevard (UBC Village). Ph 228-9414. Special discounts for UBC students. TIRED OF TYPING? For 1.5 cents per word, I will type/edit all your typing needs. Pick up/delivery available. 983-0749. To place an Ad or a Classified, please call our at 822-1654. continued from page 1 for production and consumption. But he doesn't believe that stating these criticisms will have much effect on negotiations. Greenpeace International official Remi Parmentier agreed that interaction with the different interest groups was inadequate. .Although he's not opposed to trade, Parmentier wants the WTO to increase its recognition of the importance of the environment to trade. One of Paramentier's major concerns was the use of the WTO by the US and Canadian governments to force genetically-modified organisms into global food and agricultural systems. "If you start working with us in good faith there will be a better mutual understanding. This will be good for the WTO as well as for the environment," he said. In his introductory comments, WTO Director-General Michael Moore refuted many common criticisms of the role of the WTO in international affairs, including allegations that the WTO is undemocratic, that it overrules national laws, and that it places commercial interests above development, environment, and health and safety. "The WTO is not a superna- tional government and no one has the intention of making it one," said Moore, who added that the WTO was the ultimate force of international peace and security, "despite all of our imperfections." While acknowledging that the WTO does have some flaws, he criticised protesters, whom he called "freedom fighters," of misunderstanding the way the WTO works, and for not offering a meaningful alternative to multilateral trade. He called the WTO a "firm foothold" in an uncertain world. "Law is an equaliser between countries," he said. Even though officials expect 50,000 protesters to hit downtown Seattle tomorrow, Moore reminded the audience that "over 30 countries, 1.5 billion people want to join the WTO." Other officials echoed Moore's optimism. Clare Short, Secretary of State for International Development in the United Kingdom, commented that criticism of the WTO is often misguided. "No WTO means no rule of law, and the rich and powerful bully the rest," she said. She believes the WTO is the forum to deal with pervasive inequities occurring in the world, with the 225 richest individuals having a combined wealth of 47 per cent of the wealth of the poorest nations. "Make the next round the development round," she said. But other speakers, more candidly critical of the WTO, took care to highlight the importance of making the WTO more accountable to the public, and more likely to take into account public criticism. "Transparency and account ability are stabalising forces," said US Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky. And Mark van Putten, President of the National Wildlife Federation, said that the WTO needs extensive reforming to make it more accountable to the public because the "greatest threat" to the WTO is loss of public confidence. "The multilateral trading system is in the crisis of plummeting public confidence," said van Putten, who encouraged the WTO to take into account NGO concerns. Yash Tandon, director of Southern and Eastern African Trade, Information and Negotiations Initiative in Zimbabwe, called the WTO was one of the most non-transparent and non-democratic organisations. "The WTO is destroying itself through its short-sightedness and greed," said Tandon. "[It's an] instrument of imposing immoral order of the powerful over the weak." This round of the WTO, dubbed the Millennium Round, is a Ministerial Conference designed to address the changing demands of international trade for the 21st century. During the next four days, 6000 delegates from the WTO's member countries will meet to launch new negotiations to further liberalise international trade and to review and modify current trade rules. The WTO has 135 members.»> SAVE 50% OFF CANUCKS AND GRIZZLIES GAME TICKETS ON FRIDAYS »«> CANUCKS JANUARY 28 FEBRUARY 25 MARCH 24 APRIL 7 SAN JOSE SHARKS LOS ANGELES KINGS ANAHEIM MIGHTY DUCKS EDMONTON OILERS TICKETS AS LOW AS $11.75! PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS AT ANY TICKETMASTER OUTLET IN THE LOWER MAINLAND BY PRESENTING YOUR 99/00 STUDENT ID GRIZZLIES DECEMBER 3 JANUARY 14 FEBRUARY 4 MARCH 17 MARCH 31 APRIL 14 CHARLOTTE HORNETS CLEVELAND CAVALIERS CHICAGO BULLS PHOENIX SUNS NEW YORK KNICKS MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES All games are on Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased any time up until 90 minutes prior to the start of the game. For more information please call 899-RUSH. This offer is only valid for tickets in select price ranges only. Subject to availability and while quantities last. Offer valid for games listed on this ad. Please show current student ID at time of purchase. This offer cannot be combined with any other ticket offer. Ticket prices include GST and are subject to Ticketmaster service charges. V . Courtesy of Warner Bros. receive a movie pass for Two with every purchase of Two Canucks or Grizzlies Tickets TOM HANKS Green Mile §fi % i*y IN THEATRES ONLY-DECEMBER 10 SSESSt SB .uoaCtfc. faa aMW .war tnfflss THE UBYSSEY»TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3D, 1999 The hunger strikes WTO Members of the WTO Action Committee won't eat until Pierre Petti grew agrees to meet with them by Tom Peacock Six members of a group called the UBC WTO Action Committee are in the fifth day of a seven-day hunger strike. According to a statement issued by the group, they are striking to protest the lack of democratic process in Canada's involvement in the World Trade Organisation (WTO). "Our demand is to meet with [Canadian Minister of International Trade] Pierre Pettigrew and have him speak to us during the Ministerial," said Sabina Iselli- Otto. "We want a referendum. We want people to be able to engage in this discussion about the WTO." Despite their specific aim, the concerns of the activist group stretch beyond Canada's borders. They believe that the WTO is contributing to the decline of social and environmental standards the world over. "It's the proverbial race to the bottom," said Alma Mater Sociaty councillor and group member Lesley Washington. "The whole premise of trade liberalisation is that if we bring down the borders such that there's no barriers to trade, it'll boost the economy and everybody will thrive. But that, in fact, is not what's happening," added Washington. The participants in the hunger strike come from a diverse range of departments. Fine arts, biology, computer science, and the School of Social Work are all represented. The motivation to form the committee stemmed from personal concerns they had over the role of WTO. "We're sort of an ad-hoc group of students who, at the beginning of the year, didn't see anything happening around the WTO," said Iselli-Otto, "and decided to get something started." So far, the hunger strike has received quite a lot of attention from the mainstream media. As well, Dave Bleakney, national union representative for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers has offered to carry personalised messages from the group to Parliament Hill, and Nelson Riis, MLA for the Kamloops, Thompson and Highland valleys, wrote to the committee to ensure them that the NDP would be addressing the issue of Canada's membership in the WTO in the House of Commons. The federal Liberal government has yet to contact the strikers, and strike organiser .Andreas Hernandez confirmed that if Pettigrew refuses to meet with the strikers, they will continue the action indefinitely. The strikers are camped out in the basement of the Jack Bell building, in space provided by the School of Social Work, who also provided a parking pass and camera to the strikers. According to the students, the School has been very supportive of "The whole premise of trade liberalisation is that if we bring down the borders such that there's no barriers to trade, it'll boost the economy and everybody will thrive. But that, in fact, is not what's happening." -Lesley Washington member WTO Action Committee and AMS councillor SKIPPING MEALS: A hungry Sabina Iselli-Otto feels the media crunch in her place at the WTO Action Committee table in front of the SUB. The display drew a lot of attention to the Committee's cause, and several group members intend to travel to Seattle today to make their hunger heard, tom peacock photo their action. Still, the students involved expressed concern about the level of awareness in the academic community in general. "One of the real misgivings that I have," said Washington, "is that nobody or very few people really have a sense of what the WTO is all about, and how that fits into Canada's agenda of trade liberalisation and globalisation." Today, the strikers will be down in Seattle to join the mass WTO protests taking place there. Wednesday, they will return to school, to resume their studies. The strikers agreed that the first 24 hours of hunger were the hardest, and, according to Hernandez, two people had actually gotten very ill. They have since recovered, and at press time, the strikers were all in stable physical condition.*?* Education not on agenda: Pettigrew by Cynthia Lee SEATTLE—Despite assurances made by Canadian Minister of International Trade Pierre Pettigrew at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) conference yesterday, the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS) is still concerned about the possibility of Canada putting education on the negotiating agenda. "As far as Canada is concerned, what I have said is that public health and public education will not be on the table. We will absolutely not enter into negotiations into those particular fields," Pettigrew told the media outside a meeting of the Cairns Group, an international group of agricultural exporting nations, which includes Canada. Pettigrew explained that the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS)—one of the trade arrangements being negotiated in Seattle—takes "a bottom-up approach* in selecting issues for negotiation. He said Canada must voluntarily put an issue on the agenda in order for it to be adopted into the agreement But the CFS, Canada's largest national student lobby group, doesn't agree with the minister. According to BC Chair Mark Veerkamp, Pettigrew's comments don't necessarily mean that private education will be exempt from the Seattle round of talks, and that it could have a serious effect on publicly funded education. 1 can't think of a single public institution that isn't in competition nor provided on a non-commercial basis. We pay tuition fees and public schools are in competition with private ones," said Veerkamp. "The fact is, if Canada wants to seriously protect public education, it must seek a complete exemption from talks like it did at the NaAFTA table, and it hasn't done that" He added that "market principles applied to education will not provide adequate access and quality for all." The student group remains opposed to the WTO, stating that the trade organisation needs to address some of the concerns that market mechanisms cannot accommodate, such as public education, health care, labour standards, culture, and environmental standards. The CFS is taking part in today's anti-WTO day of protest, arranging bus transportation to Seattle for about 400 BC students to the planned demonstration, where more than 50,000 protesters are expected.*?* UBC Freedom of Information policy changed by Stanley Tromp UBC has been forced to amend its policy on freedom-of-information (FOI) requests because it gave too much power to UBC's corporate partners. The university finally admitted that its Policy 116 was inconsistent with the BC Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy AcL Policy 116 stated that UBC would accept its business partners' judgement about how to apply the Act. In effect, the policy allowed UBC's partners to decide which records should be kept secret. But the Information Commissioner's office told UBC that changes to the policy were needed, noting that only government can interprpt the law. At the last UBC Board of Governors meeting, on November 18, Policy 116 was amended. It now says that UBC will merely "consider* the business partner's suggestion about how tlie Act should be properly applied. The policy had stated that the business party alone had tlie burden of proof when an FOI application was made to the Commissioner. Now, if UBC refuses to disclose any of the third parry's business information to the applicant, the university must prove that the records should remain sealed. But if UBC decides to give an applicant access to the information and the business party objects, tlie business must prove that Lhe records should remain confidential. Policy 116 had also said that if an applicant appealed, UBC and its corporate partner would evenly split the legal costs to oppose the appeal. In the amended policy, tlie business has to pay the whole amount. In 1995, UBC signed an agreement with Coca-Cola to give the company exclusive cold beverage distribution rights on the Point Grey campus. The details of the deal remain confidential.* THE UBYSSEY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30,1999 W^'fiWM [.HEWER TWIN THE FUS. the ut^ssey, Copies Plus COPY B3 IMAGING CENTRE FULL SERVE COPIES 4.5< ea. 8V2X11, each side 1 Copy Centres are not created equal • We offer quality smudge free, sharp, straight copies using Xerox brand paper. • Experience outstanding service from fast and friendly staff Sale ends Dec 31/99 STOP! DON'T GO ELSEWHERE Discover the Friendly Competition! @ 2nd Floor. 2174 Western Parkway (above UBC Pizza) tel: 224-6225 GOING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS ? SAVE YOUR SEAT TODAY! SHOW YOUR ISIC AND SAVE 25% ON POINT-TO-POINT TICKETS WITH GREYHOUND CANADA. New Office: West End, 1114 Burnaby Street 659-2845 120 W. Broadway 659-2887 Granville Island 659-2820 567 Seymour St 659-2830 SFU, Burnaby 659-2850 UBC Village 659-2860 UBC SUB 822-6890 Serving Canadian travellers for 30 years. 54 offices across Canad. Owned ana operated fay the Canadian Federation of Students. All offices registered with the BC Travel Reqistri 99 Chairs^ Bistro Pub at the David Lam Research Centre IT1 sr >r \v ^ hair w/d^9 *or V°rtnds>. OTY dVour there's a UBCFOODSERVICES www.foodserv.ubc.ca friev*c Food policies re-examined by Eric Jandciu The benefits of buying locally- grown produce—and the need for a drastic restructuring of the world's existing food policy- were emphasised at a community lecture Thursday at the Vancouver Maritime Museum. "We need to rebuild connections between the land and the people who consume the products," said Tim Lang, professor of food policy at Thames University in London. Lang compared two competing models for the food economy. According to the dominant globalisation model, "it doesn't matter where your apple comes from, as long as you are eating an apple," said Lang. The second model, known as the relocalisa- tion model, states that where the food you eat comes from is just as important as what you're eating. Lang is critical of the dominant model, which holds that the quantity and price of food is more important than the quality. He asserted that producing cheap products yields no real benefits other than bringing down labour costs. "What matters is not cheapness but affordability. And by any criteria, to have two billion people out of six billion people in the world eating a health inadequate diet...this cannot be defined to be a success," said Lang. The globalisation model is also redefining cooking as mere reheating, said Lang, alluding to the prevalence of factory-prepared, ready-to-eat food. And a culture in which the ability to cook has declined is an incompetent culture, he added. "Our grandmothers are probably right that our food does taste worse," he suggested. "There is this immense machine trying to churn out new products to meet our bodily needs which actually don't meet them in the first place," he added. According to Lang, of the ten thousand new products created each year in Europe, only one per cent remain on grocery store shelves after the first year. And because of the massive amounts of food available in stores, Lang questioned how well-balanced our diets are. During a typical visit to the grocery store, he said, we often fail to realise that many products we buy contain essentially the same ingredients. Lang also criticised the dominant model for perpetuating health problems. He said that because it relies on medical advances to cure illnesses caused by diet, the dominant model fails to encourage consumers to control their diets from the onset and prevent illness. "Why are we creating and eating and encouraging our fellow citizens, let alone ourselves, to eat a diet that...years later...is increasing unnecessary, preventable diseases?" After years of ignoring evidence that links poor diet and bad health, Lang said the global- isationists, including the manufacturer Nestle, are using this link as a growth opportunity. According to Lang, Nestle sells roughly one per cent of all the food eaten by humans. "You want...high protein, high energy? We design food for your particular bodily need. You're diabetic? We'll design food...for you to take your diabetes under control," said Lang of the growing tendency of large manufacturers to produce "health-value added" foods to meet the changing demands of consumers. But this change in manufacturing is matched by the rebirth of the popularity of public markets, making places like Granville Island popular destinations. Lang said markets are increasingly associated with high quality fresh produce, and offer a favourable alternative for many local consumers. The seminar was hosted by UBC's Health Sciences Centre, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, the School of Social Work and Family Studies, and other local groups dealing with food policy. Lang will be in Seattle this week to speak about food policy during the World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference. ♦ RCMP investigating locker break-ins by Alex Dimson The RCMP is investigating a rash of recent locker break-ins in the Buchanan and Chemistry buildings, and has suspects in mind. Though lockers break-ins occur throughout the year, in the past four weeks there has been a large increase in the number of break-ins, which have occurred mainly in Buchanan. According to Jeff Bingley, Operations Supervisor for Campus Security, most of the roughly 30 break-ins have occurred at night, when there are typically few people in the building. Staff Sergeant Lloyde Plante of the campus RCMP detachment says that the problem is compounded by the fact that the "security of some of these buildings leaves much to be desired." Plante says the RCMP has "expressed concerns to the university. There is state of the art technology available but it is up to the university to take these steps." Bingley adds that catching thieves is very difficult because lockers are so easy to break into. "I could break into your locker in three seconds without any tools," he said, explaining that in the recent cases thieves simply pry the lockers open or cut the locks off. Bingley says that students have a responsibility to call campus security if they see anything suspicious. But both Plante and Bingley are optimistic. "We have a very good idea of who it is," said Bingley. Plante says that the RCMP has several suspects in mind but notes that the investigation has been hampered by a surprising lack of eyewitnesses. Powan Gill, a second year Science student whose Buchanan locker was broken into, says he finds it "frustrating that during the day no one will take the time out to see if anyone is walking around or breaking into a locker." Meera Bhadlawa, who also experienced a break-in, estimates she lost about $450 worth of books. Plante says that is an average loss and warns that the thieves will take anything with resale value, such as books and laptop computers. Both Plante and Bingley emphasise that the only way avoid a major loss is to avoid leaving any valuables in the lockers. In Buchanan, lockers are rented to students by the j\rts Undergraduate Society, which declined to comment on the break-ins. ♦ m (S cc G AWAY Win a limited edition vinyl of BECK'S FIRST SINGLE "SEXXLAWS" OR 1 OF 3 COPIES OF HIS NEW CD "MlDNITE VULTURES" Be one of the first to correctly tell us the name of one of Beck's previous 3 albums at the Ubyssey Business Office (Room 245) PLUS bring 2 donations for the food bank to win!* Bring two donations for the food bank and answer trivia to win! THE UBYSSEY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3D, 1999 Youngsters make good in 499 Victoria civic elections by Kristin Froneman the Martlet VICTORIA (CUP)-Unlike the two UBC student candidates who ran in local elections earlier this month, young candidates saw success in the Greater Victoria civic elections. Art Vanden Berg of the Green Party and Rob Fleming of the Victoria Civic Electors both won seats on Victoria city council with a large percentage of the popular vote. Both 28, they say they have the energy and vision to bring Victoria into the 21 st century. Vanden Berg, a computer programmer, said that part of his success came from a high voter turnout that indicated a lot of students made it to the polls. Fleming, a former chair of the University of Victoria (UVic) Students Society and a fourth-year history student, said the long lineup of young people outside a polling station in a student neighbourhood was a clear factor in his victory. "I think youth worked to my advantage," said Fleming. "I spent a lot of time on this campaign re-enfranchising young people. People knew my record from the. student society." Fleming and Vanden Berg both said that although their campaigns were not age-specific, they did voice opposition to issues that affect young people, such as the anti-panhandling and street camping bylaws. "I think the signal was received by citizens who said it hurts Victoria to have some bylaws that are anti-young and anti-poor," said Vanden Berg. Fleming agreed, saying the last council was out of touch by pushing these issues. Meanwhile, 21-year-old UVic economics student Chris Graham, regained his seat for a second term. "Now I've, proven myself," said Graham, a self-described right-wing environmentalist who was first elected while in high school. "1 probably got more of the younger vote than the others, but I also received a lot of support from seniors who said I was doing a great job." Warren Magnusson, a professor of urban politics at UVic, said he is happy that some of the younger candidates were elected. *I certainly think it's a good sign the new generation is getting involved with municipal politics," he said. "Its a good place to start where issues ought to concern us most" Magnusson said young politicians have an advantage because they often don't have the pressures of family life and they can invigorate municipal councils with much-needed energy and enthusiasm. "Older people don't necessarily know more than the young,* he said. Here in Vancouver, two UBC student candidates wentdown in defeat Court Caldwell, who ran for mayor, gathered 784 votes—46,000 votes shy of the wiruQer, auaimbentPhilip Clwen. Jon Chandler, who ran for director of Electoral A—the district that encompasses the UBC area—received 117 votes, but he was edged out by retired UBC professor Tom Blom, who got more than 560 votes.* Dosanjh on inequality by Daliah Merzaban BC Attorney General Ujjal Dosanjh spoke out against racism, discrimination and other forms of inequality at a public forum last week in the SUB. Dosanjh is the first of a number of speakers in an AMS antidiscrimination campaign. The "Not on Our Campus Challenge" is an initiative aimed at promoting respect between diverse groups and creating a discrimination-free environment on campus. Dosanjh—who is also the Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism, Human Rights, and Immigration, and one of the contenders in the upcoming New Democratic Party leadership race—criticised the Canadian government for failing to eliminate discrimination and other forms of prejudice. He also cited both federal and provincial government's inability to reduce the gap between the rich and poor. Although internal government agencies do achieve some degree of equality in terms of gender and visible minorities, Dosanjh said the same is not true of the civil service, in which only about six per cent of the total work force is composed of minority groups. "We, the government are negligent—I won't say reckless. Negligent in the sense that we have tried to do things, but we have not been able to achieve the kind of reflection of diversity within the civil service that we would like to see," he told the audience of about 30 Wednesday morning. Dosanjh, who is originally from India, moved to BC from Britain when he was 17, worked in a lumber mill, attended school and raised his family here. Although he maintained that his speech at UBC was not intended to promote his campaign, Dosanjh did say that if he is elected premier, his background would encourage the communication necessary to combat societal inequities. "I believe that this is not a leadership speech. One of the reasons I'm running for the leadership is because I want to make sure that we absolutely have the freest possible exchange of ideas. And not have some knee-jerk pohtical reactions to any issues, regardless of what the outcome might be." One audience member asked for the minister's opinion of the right to express politically unpopular minority views, with particular reference to the Genocide Awareness Project (GAP) that was displayed at UBC last week. G/AP is considered by some to be discriminatory because it features photographs that equate abortion to acts of genocide, such as the Holocaust Dosanjh, who said he is pro-choice but also a strong believer in freedom of expression, asserted that a free flow of ideas has limits. "There are always limits. Sometimes limits are self-imposed. Sometimes they are articulated by others who may be around you, and then it's really up to you to either accept them or reject them. Freedoms, no matter what they are, are never absolute," he said. Jesse Guscott, AMS councillor and student representative to the Board of Governors, questioned Dosanjh about the recent detention of hundreds of Chinese migrants who arrived in boats to BC shores earlier this year. Guscott was upset by the government's justification for these detentions, which he said has tended to focus on "upsetting statistics" about the number of claimants who have fled the country because they were not detained. "It seems to me that we're discriminating against current DOSANJH: a quiet moment after last week's talk with students, tara westover photo claimants based on the actions of past claimants," said Guscott Dosanjh responded that he was "absolutely appalled" by how Canadians reacted to the arrival of the migrants. He added that the Canadian system for claiming refugee status is too cumbersome and should be simplified. "You can't treat any refugee claimant, no matter how the person gets here, as a criminal," said Dosanjh. "You have to treat them as people with equal refugee status and you have to put them through the process and whether or not they are detained is a decision made by way of judicial authorities." The aAMS anti-discrimination campaign, which was launched earlier this month during Multicultural week, has hosted and will host several discrimination and harassment forums across campus, and raise awareness during events including BC Human Rights Week and International Women's Day.*> Canada unprepared for WTO: NDP By Dave Leibl the Manitoban WINNIPEG (CUP) - The federal government is so poorly prepared for this week's World Trade Organization (WTO) summit it may end up damaging Canada's reputation, says New Democratic Party leader aAlexa McDonough. "It's clear that Canada can no longer be viewed as a country...that can be seen as any kind of a leader among progressive nations," McDonough said last week. The NDP leader also criticised federal Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew for waiting until the last minute to announce Canada's negotiating position at the WTO trade talks this week in Seattle. On Monday, November 15—two weeks before the WTO summit was scheduled to begin—Pettigrew released a document that said Ottawa was not going to protect education and health during the Seattle talks. But barely a day later, Pettigrew said education would not be used as a bargaining chip at the WTO summit "Let me be absolutely clear, our univer sal health care and public education are not subject to any international trade rules unless Canada accepts those rules," Pettigrew told the House of Commons November 16. "We did not accept them in the Uruguay Round and we will not accept them in the next Round." "It's clear that Canada can no longer be viewed as a country...that can be seen as any kind of a leader among progressive nations." -Alexa McDonough NDP leader McDonough says Pettigrew's statements are contradictory and unclear. "What we're left with is a minister who doesn't understand what trade deals are about, or who is purposely creating confusion so that the real position of the Canadian government is masked," said McDonough. "I don't think there's any basis for thinking that Canada has prepared a coherent position going into the WTO." Pettigrew joins officials from 133 other countries this week in negotiations for a new multilateral trade agreement Despite opposition from the NDP, Pettigrew says the government is prepared to stake out a deal that Canadians will approve. "Our economy is based on exports and we must continue to press for increased access for our goods and services," said Pettigrew. "At the same time, we will continue to safeguard Canada's vital social interests." Yet McDonough says the government appears ready to give Canada's "social interests" away. Federal New Democrats and various organisations have been campaigning for months to ensure Ottawa does not put Canada's social programs on the negotiating table. "He [Pettigrew] has to make it very clear that these things are not on the table. Our culture and services like health and education are simply not up for grabs," said McDonough. "Any trade deals that we enter into have to protect these things." ♦ 6 THE UBYSSEY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30,1999 Evaa Rtt.pI Too fl001*t0 ^e true' ■ ^*^* ■^•■i • Damn straight On Friday, bring your wallet Sub Ballroom 4-8 An All-Round Good Place to Eat! *? F O R IF O O ID R X V IE Bring 2 cans of food (two non-perishable food items) to SUB Room 245 to win 1 of the following CD's: 1. Nitty Gritty Dirt Band Bang Bang Bang 2. Marky Ramone and the Intruders The Answer to Your Problems? 3. Madder Rose Hello June Fool 5. Why?2K or 1 of the following vinyl records 1. Wink Simple Man 2. Korn All in the Family the ubyssey British Columbia Legislative Internship Program Purpose To provide recent university graduates with an interest in public affairs an opportunity to supplement their academic insights of the legislative process with practical legislative and administrative experience. Who is Eligible Students who have received a degree from a British Columbia University by the program commencement date. 8 interns will be selected for the 2001 program. Location Parliament Buildings, Victoria, British Columbia. When January through June 2001. Stipend $10,500 for 6 months (under review). Application Deadline Friday, January 28th, 2000, 4:00 p.m. How to Apply Program Applications are available from the Political Science Departments and the Student Employment Centres on Campus, at the University of Victoria, Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia. They are also available from the Assembly Services Office located at 431 Menzies Street, Victoria, British Columbia, V8V 1X4. BRITISH For further information on the program, "**■" Columbia please call 250-953-4645. LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBIY ?J&@K3fr3P 0 V -1- ^ CAMPUS! OOp: Challenge * V HOI US :^j« t,«t* ftttr r*-rz- >V>JI' t . ' I. I- f"a«*- g. ,^«j» vnviv, f#OT Wt >».»»...*», »..-■*■*•»... HOJ ON a project of your student society Do you have an idea for a creative project to combat discrimination at UBC? JS? To app(y for funding for your for aproji svs-. «©T OM CHJSR gjuw- In Application formr - front the Speake se; your residence front desk, or by - dropping 262. Funding decision will be announced by January, 2000. s < &UM Deadline: November 30 :*<»■■ » • **»*'' OM -XI** C***»*- ~ »»«'** *■>«. *•., <»»-*, t$Q Questions? 822 -8722 or ema^a£Com@am^ute:.c^; Cm 8m THE UBYSSEY • TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 30,1999 NO PEAS OR CARROTS: Acadia residents were forced to remove their gardens due to rodent infestation, sara morrison photo by Karmen Ho j\fter a rat infestation last summer, students living in the Acadia Park Residence are not too thrilled about dealing with another rodent problem—this time, it's mice. But UBC Housing officials say they'll work with Acadia to help solve Lhe problem. Last summer, a ral infestation at tho Acadia community garden prompted UBC Housing lo clean out the gardens and cut back tlie bushes to stop the rats from feeding. Residents were forced to remove their vegetables. This successfully got rid of most of the rats in the gardon. Now residents face a mouse problem in the buildings. Acadia resident Chris Gawronski believes that "there may have| been too much concentration on the garden" and said 'thai other measures may Last summer, a rat infestation at the Acadia community garden prompted UBC Housing to clean out the gardens and cut back the bushes to stop the rats from feeding. have been appropriate." But Darcelle Cottons, assistant director of UBC Housing, said that having animals around the residences is almost inevitable because of tlie open space and the resi dences' proximity to the forest. "We do what we can to be sure that [the animals] don't jeopardise our safety," said Colli jns, who added that Housing is particularly concerned about rodent problems since many small children live in tlie neighbourhood. Gawronski, Cottons, and Acadia Residence Life Manager Palty Hambler agree that tlie mouse problem will be hard to deal with because mice are attracted to tlie warmth of the homes and the availability of food. They did cite some preventative measures, however, such as keeping doors closed and putting screens on windows to keep mice from running in.*> Charity meters under fire by Teya Greenberg In an effort to further reduce panhandling in Vancouver, city councillors have proposed installing ten recycled parking meters throughout the city to give people the option of donating money to charities instead of giving it directly to panhandlers. The meters were first used in Kamloops and garnered mixed reactions. According to Bob Macdonald, a parking engineer for the City of Vancouver, the meters are intended to provide an 'alternative to giving people money on the street." But the plans to include the "spare change meters" in Vancouver have brought sharp criticism from both panhandlers and local activists. "Not everyone on the street is a drug-dealer or a drug-user," said Rachel Rosen, a representative of End Legislated Poverty, a province-wide anti-poverty advocacy group. "This legislation criminalises poor people by lumping them into one category," she said. Other than Winnipeg, Vancouver has the strictest panhandling laws in Canada. Last April, the city passed a by-law that drastically limits legal panhandling. Panhandlers who ask for money in a seated or prone position, within ten metres from a bus shelter, or between sunset and sunrise, are all subject to fines of up to $2000. Rosen sees the meters as part of a growing effort to hide rising poverty rates caused by reduced government spending. She noted Panhandlers who ask for money in a seated or prone position, within ten metres from a bus shelter, or between sunset and sunrise, are all subject to fines of up to $2000. that government cuts to social spending have had a serious effect on poverty rates and that the meters function only to "dehumanise" and "depersonalise" poverty. "By hiding poverty, the government is trying to hide its responsibility," she said. But both Macdonald and Micheal Jacobson, director of the Rotary Club, j\rbutus—the organisation that proposed and funded the meters—agree that the chari ty meters are one of the few ways to guarantee that donated spare change will do some good. The donated money will be given to charities chosen by the city and the Rotary Club. Jacobson promised that the money will help panhandlers. "We will ensure that the money will go to a charity which will directly impact these people. They'll get food, not drugs," he said. But many panhandlers believe these efforts are misdirected. Walter has been panhandling for three years. He said he doesn't use any of the food banks because of severe dietary restrictions caused by his poor health. He has a place to sleep, but says he knows many panhandlers who won't use shelters because they're full of drugs. Walter doesn't think that the meters will work, and he doesn't agree with their installation. j\nd Rosen argues that strict panhandling laws are an infringement on people's rights as established in the Canadian Charter. "Everyone has the Charter right to speak in public and ask for money. The city's actions are a clear violation of rights," she said.»> UBC research gets $5.5 mil for biophysics by Melanie Streich UBC's molecular biophysics lab will be able to purchase much needed laboratory equipment after receiving over $5.5 million from a fund recently dedicated to UBC research by the BC Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF) and the Canadian Foundation of Innovation (CFI). According to UBC Associate Vice- President Research Richard Spratley, joint funding from the CFI and BCKDF is critical for research at UBC. "Research funding has been cut back quite a bit in the previous years... For about six to eight years [UBC's] been fairly starved for research funding and this is a big boost to where things are going," noted Spratley. At the biophysics lab, 80 per cent of the funding needed to purchase new equipment was obtained from the BCKDF and CFI last month. UBC will provide the remaining 20 per cent of the cost of equipment from its $3 5 million Blossom Fund, which is used to supplement external funding. According to biochemistry professor Grant Mauk, the total project budget is $8.75 million. He said the money will go towards purchasing expensive equipment, such as fibre-optic ultraviolet resonance Ramen spectrometer, that would be difficult to purchase under normal grant applications. A spectrometer is an instrument for measuring wavelengths in spectra—the band of colours formed when any radiant energy is broken up. The spectrometer, said Mauk, will help to develop "chemically modified polymeric surfaces that would be gentler in terms of the ways they're reacting with [sensitive] blood cells or with tissue cells of various types." As well, the spectrometer will assist in detecting drugs or metabolite—a small chemical compound found primarily in blood—which has been difficult because, said Mauk, it's like "trying to pick out types of needles in the haystack and identify them and measure them." Both BCKDF and CFI have also contributed to a host of other on-campus research projects in health sciences and the resource sector. Seven projects each received from $33,000 to $300,000 in BCKDF and CFI money. CFI recently approved $9.3 million for the construction of a Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics, which will bring together scientists in biophysics, physics, chemistry, and biotechnology. UBC is anxiously awaiting a BCKDF decision on whether they will help out with funding this project "If we don't get it, we don't [get the] building" said Spratley. BCKDF has also dedicated $ 1.5 million toward a project examining the causes of infant deaths. But the funding demand is far from being met UBC is applying for further CFI and BCKDF grants for 33 other research projects. Even though UBC has money in its $35 mill inn Blossom Fund to help out with research, Spratley said researchers should begin look elsewhere for additional funding. "[The Blossom Fund] is not going to last [UBC] through all of the CFI. We're encouraging people to put together applications to look for private money," he said.*** TZAXVUVHOi Pouring now! «=•=- MORRISSEY IRISH BAR **** Students used to be "It's a Secret" *> Every Monday I * tf o ;guage. y\s vulgar as it is, the film is i fetched. It does look a lot like some peoj o Besides the fact that all six shorts o gram were recently screened at the 19 Vancouver International Film Festival, t films h^ve another tie: the directors are; members,, of Vancouver's only film-me ers' co-op>, Cineworks Independe Filmmakers' Soejgty. The co-op providi each member wifrpEQduction and po: production equipment ancTfacnitiesr Tl society was originally formed in 1980 promote and encourage the productio] distribution and exhibition of indepei dent film in British Columbia and sine then it has been a focal point for undei ground filmmaking. Except for special events, public screenings are usually held regularly ai the Blinding Light!! cinema on the last Thursday of every month. ♦> BEAUTIFUL BODIES at Presentation House until Dec. 4 by Aisha Jamal Horned Moon Productions has a great mission: to seek out projects that provide opportunities for female theatre artists, on stage and behind the scenes. It's true that plays in Vancouver consistently have a higher number of leading male roles, so their effort should be applauded. But it's too bad i that Beautiful Bodies, their first production, i sucked so much. Directed by SFU alumna Toni Rozylo, \ the play tells the story of six friends from j college who are coming together for a < baby shower. All six have chosen different ! paths in life: Jhe-modet^e44tchy, sue- j cessful bjisiness woman, the nervousyup- '. pie, pie ballooning housewife, the unKap- ( > pily married one and the guest of honour/ J- the free-spirited musician. The only stereo-1 type missing is the tough lesbian. So, these \ j / six friends get together and yap, mainly ] about the problem with the men in their j lives. J: A major part of the play's problems was ', ll the "pretend" set. With hardly any fiirni- ; }] hire on the stage, you were supposed to ; P use your imagination to see all the furni- \ ture that was referred to. Comments such as "I like what you have done with the place" just don't work when the only things on stage are three chairs and a table. And it feels like a high school play when a character pretends to press a buzzer by just poking the wall. Adding to the distracting air of "pretend" was the convoluted acting. The characters seemed to be working on their own, and nobody managed to find a meeting ground for all six characters to come together. The blocking of the characters just piled on to the downfalls of the play. For a major part of thd^ play the characters were, facing the audience and making far too much eye contact, which crossed into some audience members' comfort zones, \ Theje are some funny lines iji Beautiful Bodies, but u|[fortunately, a handful of witty lines don't majte a play. Despite a ppor first effort, I hope mat Horned Moon keeps pursuing its goals— because things can only get better.*!* FEELING FRISKY? The Hornec THE SEC attheWa Nov. 18th For more information on films see our website: www.ies.ubc.ca/events/film Childhoo funny fla time? A your voc unabashc rain inui sky, amic of conn remembc get help. and4et-€ Secret & existence doms of 1 THE UBYSSEY • TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 30.1999 ks november 25 r // al and complex f the 'pornologi- remely foul lan- q is not too far a peoples' fives, orts on the pro- he 1999 ival, the s are all Lm-mak- lendent rovided id post- ..-■'-''" es. life 1980 to Luction, idepen- 1 since under- public irly at e last WHAT A SHAPELY NOSE YOU HAVE: Frances O'Connor and Jonny Lee Miller in Mansfield Park. MANSFIELD PARK now playing by Vanessa Ho "Run mad whenever you choose, but do not faint" That's the personal motto of our heroine Fanny Price (Frances O'Connor) in the new adaptation of Jane Austen's third novel ^Mansfield Park. Canadian writer-director Patricia Rozema's adaptation of Mansfield Park is filled with subtle grace and plenty of Austen witticisms. Rozema has delivered a faithful adaptation of -'Austen's masterpiece that is both beautifully acted and beautiful to ;-look at. Central to the story is young Fanny Price, who is sent by hers ''* impoverished family to live with her more affluent relatives, the Bertrams. With them, she is treated as nothing less than a servant by her Aunt Norris (Sheila Gish), her Uncle Sir Thomas (Harold Pinter), and her cousins Maria (Victoria Hamilton, in her thirdjp Austen film) and Julia (Justine Waddell). The only person to treat 0 Fanny with any respect is her cousin Edmund (Joflhy Lee Miller). As she grows up, her appreciation of Edmund's kindness turns into love. However, everything is thrown into turmoil at Mansfield [ Park with the arrival of the Crawfords: the rakish and devilishly handsome Henry (aAlessandro Nivola) and his sister, the scheming Mary (Embeth Davidtz). Each member of the Bertram household is taken in by the charms of the Crawfords, except Fanny, which causes problems when Henry comes courting and when Edmund courts Mary. Could this lead to heartache for our heroine or will all turn out well? Finding out how is where the appeal of the film lies. This version of Mansfield Park might not be what fans are used to. This is because Rozema has modernised it, adding elements of the abolitionist movement of the early 1800s and hints at lesbianism between two female characters. aAnother admirable thing Rozema has done was to update the character of Fanny Price. Fanny is no longer the young woman who represses her feelings and watches in silence as things go before her, but is how a headstrong, smart and opinionated young woman, one not afraid to say what she feels even to those who are higher than her in society. The most interesting aspect of the film was Fanny's relationship with Edmund. Unlike the previous BBC mini- series adaptation and perhaps the novel, it was enjoyable to see that Edmund did return Fanny's feelings. However, Miller, although quite handsome, was somewhat miscast as Edmund. Miller doesn't look the part of the pious clergyman, but he does act the part very well, which compensates for the deficiency of casting. O'Connor is a marvel as Fanny. She brings beauty, great wit and imagination to the part Her chemistry with Miller and Nivola was electric. Mansfield Park is definitely a place you'll want to revisit.* OURTOWN at Studio 58, Langara College until Dec 12 t by Nicola Taylor lorned Moon's production of Beautiful Bodies. \ SECRET GARDEN ie Waterfront Theatre 18th to Dec. 31st by Regina Yung ihood. Ever want to go back? Do you get ty flashes of nostalgia for a more innocent i? A time when "rnarketable" was not in • vocabulary, whten honest laughs and )ashed wonder were okay? With winter inundating the wbrld beneath a concrete amidst pre-examS frenzy and the tragedy commercialised j Christmas, trying to ember way back When seems difficult. So lelp. Grab a kid, or take your inner child, let-Carousel Theatre's production of The et Garden transport you from your busy ence back to the secluded, fantastic king- s of childhood to watch a girl, a boy and a garden all come to life. Mary Lennox, ten years old and sour as a lemon, has been orphaned in India by a cholera outbreak and sent to live with her English uncle in gloomy Misselthwaite Manor on the moors. She finds a house full of mysteries, but things really begin to happen when she starts figuring out the secret of this garden that's been locked up, like her, for the past ten years. It may not sound that exciting, but anyone who's read the classic book by Frances Hodgson Burnett knows its subtieties and surprising complexity. As the story progresses, the children and the garden form a beautiful and complex metaphor, each coming to life as the other restores them. The playwright, Paul Ledoux, has wisely chosen to move the action along at a fast clip by combining scenes and including narration in the dialogue while remaining true to the spirit of the story. The two childlike ghosts of Misselthwaite Manor (Ledoux's additions) who narrate and comment on the action are very effective, adding extra layers of meaning for older folk while explaining what's happening for the younger kids. The cast is uniformly strong, with all the leads acting a believable ten or 12 years old, whether they were giggling together or screaming at each other. I was also impressed by Colin Miller's masterful rendition of crusty old Ben Weatherstaff and Sarah Louise Turner's strong turn (and good accent) as Martha. I have to admit that sometimes the drama school voices get a little tiresome, but at least they were never unintelligible. -Although a little uneven in places, The Secret Garden was a gentle reminder that even in midwinter there is more to life than grades and money, that like small seeds scattered in garden soil, there is magic in me— there is magic in you.* In Our Town, playwright Thornton Wilder asks the question, "Do any human beings realise life as they're hV ing it?" In the Studio 58 production itself, the opening act bombards us with various characters and their too- stereotypical roles in the Anierican town of Grover's Cornersrhi the early 19th century. Menjre'hard at work while^hwrsewTves are intent on singing and gossiping. The only breath of fresh air is the local alcoholic choir master, whose drunken stupor provides relief from the other average characters. By the end of the play I found myself wondering if a swig from his flask would make the singing and naivite more bearable. The second act is somewhat more intriguing as a love story develops between Emily Webb and George Gibbs, the eldest children of the play's two central families. Studio 58 remains true to Wilder's vision of raw theatre, providing its audience with fit- tie in the way of props and stage setting. According to Wilder, "the climax of this play needs only five square feet of boarding and the passion to know what life means to us." Unfortunately, this technique also requires its audience to be thoroughly intrigued by the story and characters. The families are interesting enough and the actors provide us with a realistic representation. Jennifer .Anderson as Emily Webb is the emotional core of the play. Her sincerity distracts us from the overbearing theatrics of the secondary characters, who are all- too-aware of the play in which they exist. But just when the story has almost charmed its audience, Wilder suddenly sends the play into a fog of philosophical garble. It seems bizarre that a play aimed towards theatrical simplicity then addresses complicated notions of morality. We cannot help thinking that Wilder has enticed us with a love story in order to keep us around for his final philosophical thoughts. Studio 58 has made an interesting choice in producing a piece that requires its actors to create an entire town with a minimal amount of props and setting. The characters tell us that some day in the next century people will look back on this play and see just how much things have changed. One can see that director Jane Heyman was struck by the simple irony that we are the writer's intended audience. However, this irony is not fascinating enough for an audience of Vancouverites at the end of the 20th century. The unorthodox nature of Wilder's play has been lost Instead, we are left with a monotonous song and dance about small-town USA. And unfortunately, it does tittle to relate to us today.* 10 THE UBYSSEY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30,1999 %m k m %JI« Ite^ QmBlhui^ amS Off/ice, csx2**ia M Nominations for all of the following positions are now open and will close January 7,2000 at 4:00 pm. General Duties of the AMS Executive: Executives, are elected by the student body and are responsible for ensuring that the goals and obligations of the AMS are carried out. Each Executive officer has specific duties and roles, that fall under their specific portfolio. President: is responsible for over-seeing the AMS and its activities. Consequently the President has a broad mandate to deal with any issues or business. VP Academic & University Affairs: formally responsible for Student Council. The VP looks after all matters concerning academic and campus issues. VP Administration: is responsible for looking after matters, which deal with the Student Union Building (SUB), and with AMS sub-groups. VP Finance: is responsible for all monetary budgetary matters of the AMS. and VP External Affairs: this is a very broad portfolio; the coord, is responsible for affairs with organizations outside the AMS. Senate & Board of Governors Nominations are also open Nomination forms and further information regarding only UBC Board of Governors and Senate Elections are available from the Registrar's Office in Brock Hall. Student Legal Fund Society Nominations are open 6 Directors Responsible for: the overall operations of the society which administers the AMS Student Legal Fund. Nomination forms & candidate information are available in SUB room 238. It is only after the close of nominations that campaigning may begin. For more information, please \contact, the Elections Administrator, Sukhwinder S. Sangha, SUB Room 224 or call 822.0109. ■"*w^" UBC BOOKSTORE t 6m ON NOW UNTIL DECEMBER 24.1999 (OR WHILE QUANTITIES IASI> Till, - Drop by the most unique store in town - ** UBC Bookstore ^ We have Bright Ideas for everyone on your gift list! Save 20% on Selected Books (Food, Hobbies, Children's Books, Gardening, Games, Sports and Fitness, Health, Parenting, Humour and Adases) A huge selection of sale books, too! In a Hurry? See our Gift Basket selection in the Gifts Department. More Bright Ideas Check out the whole store including Computer Shop, Stationery, Art/Design, Electronics, Sportswear and Gifts/Souvenirs. Gift Certificates Can't decide? UBC Bookstore Gift Certificates are available at our front cashiers. Good for anything - including texts! Photos with Santa UBC Students - Have your photo taken with Santa on December 2 and 3 from 11 AM to 2 PM in our Front Lobby. Free of charge. United Way Day at UBC Bookstore The UBC Bookstore is proud to support the UBC Campus United Way Campaign by donating a portion of our sales on Saturday, December 4, 1999. Hours on December 4 are from 11 .AM to 5 PM. UBC Bookstore, 6200 University Blvd., Vancouver, B.C. 822-2665 www.bookstore.ubc.ca Weekdays 9:30 AM - 5 PM Saturday 11 AM - 5 PM Discounts will be taken at the registers. Prices in effect until December 24,1999 or while quantities last. Awesome CD action! THE VENGABOYS: ALBUM! [Breakin' Records] THE PARTY I will never sell this CD. I will never trade it. When I die, I'll have it buried alongside my grinning corpse. When my mom dies, I'm gonna sell her ashes to buy copies of it for my friends. The Party Album! is like a face-full of musical semen that'll stick to your teeth, stick to your hair, stick to your nose... hell, it'll plaster your whole bloody face. And there's nothing you'll be able to wipe it off with. But, hey, that's not really a bad thing (trust me). I got my first jizz-mask after hearing the lead-off single, 'We Like To Party/ blaring from a florescent green window on Main Street. The next day my friend Tesla Van Halen called me from work to leave my new favourite song on the answering machine. I pranced about for five days singing "the Venga Bus is coming dun dun dun dun dun dun dun," pissing off all my roomates. Let's be serious, though; how could anyone pass on an album that has, for its liner art, pictures of wild beasts copulating. Elephants, lions, snails, and (oh boy!!!) giraffes. This is pure, unadulterated fuck music! The kind that makes you want to take a week's worth of Viagra and run, naked, into your local church screaming "viva casual sex." This album is gonna usher the Fiji boys onto their cocaine trail toward the new millennium. Shit, with the Vengaboys around, they won't even need the cokeK* --GabbyReach JORDAN KNIGHT: JORDAN KNIGHT [Interscope] I think you should praise me. Do you understand the lengths, the depths of depravity that I went to for the sake of journalistic integrity? I tortured myself. I sat through all 13 songs on this less than wonderful tribute to the teenyboppers of the world. Sometimes, in a fit of compassion, I would convince myself that the folk monsters who produce music for the teenybopper masses are people too. Other times, I would rent a pitbull and take it for a walk around playgrounds, just so that the very people who purchase this tripe pay for making it into chart-topping material. Forget Marilyn Manson, Jordan Knight is the Antichrist. Tractor noises are more soothing than the destined-for-elevators tin that this ex-New Kid produces. Why does he bother? Why not just sell posters of himself, it would save me the effort of hating him at least. I'm scarred. If I hear another "oooh" or "baby," I'm gonna go postal on the next pretty boy or 13-year old girl I see. So lock me up and call me Dora, I'm burning this album.*> —Graeme Worthy ROB ZOMBIE: AMERICAN MADE MUSIC TO STRIP BY [Geffen] To be honest, I have never listened to Rob Zombie before, on purpose. When this album was being passed out for review, I seized it for two reasons. First, it was extremely colourful and, second, German icons Rammstein mix on it American Made Music To Strip By is a compilation of remixed Rob Zombie tracks by various artists, including Charlie Clouser and Chris Vrenna from Mne Inch Nails, and did I mention Rammstein? First, this album can only be listened to at an obnoxiously loud volume. I have never been much for thrash music, but there is enough electronica on this album to make it pretty decent. Lyrically, I have no idea what they're saying, something to do with zombies and hell raisers, but I guess it really doesn't matter as long as it's being played obnoxiously loud. The album cover is worth half the price of the album. It is a cross between a comic book and Playboy magazine. Plenty of naked chicks with live concert footage and some slimy green cartoon characters. The electronica sound really compliments the railing, demonic sound of Rob Zombie. I could place almost all of these songs in an End O/Oajs-type-film. For those die-hard Zombie fans, these tracks will be part of The Thrilling, Chilling World of Rob Zombie, a maze in Universal Studios Hollywood. Rooms will be loosely modeled after tracks like "SUPERBEAST" (the entrance to the room is through Rob Zombie's big mouth). So, if you want to be experimental, and you have loads of aggression to release, and want to listen to music really loud, this album is for you. If you are not able to crank the volume on the stereo, don't bother. ♦ —Andrea Winkler THE UBYSSEY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30,19991 11 Birds just can't get a win by Sara Newham and Naomi Kim A losing streak seems reason enough to want to win. But for the men's hockey team, which was on a six-game losing streak, the two games against the second-place University of Calgary Dinos at the Thunderbird Winter Sports Centre this past weekend meant even more. "[It] was a do-or-die game for us. We had to win," said UBC goaltender Matt Wealick. It's no surprise then, that UBC came out with a lot of jump in their step—or stride—to open Friday's contest. The Birds were awarded some early power plays, but were unable to capitalise. And when the Dinos were given a man advantage, Dinos winger Eoin Colquhoun drew first blood when he scored on a 5-on-3 situation at 17:47. The Thunderbirds entered the second period down 1-0, but once again, both sides came out strong. It was Wealick, though, who stole the show in the middle stanza with great glove saves and Dominic Hasek- like acrobatic moves between the pipes. UBC forward Chris Rowland also gave the 650-or-so fans something to cheer about when he tied the game on a highlight reel shot from the blue line to make it 1-1. "I think Wealick played an outstanding game," said UBC forward Sandy Hayer. "I think if there was a first star...Wealick would have been the first star." The third period started out in the same manner as the first two. Wealick, who faced 38 shots and was named the player of the game, kept the Birds in the game and gave UBC a reason to hope that it might break its slump. But two quick goals by the Dinos within a minute of each other early in the period eliminated that possibility. The Birds were unable to overcome the 3-1 deficit despite several opportunities, and thus extended their losing streak to seven consecutive games. "We're not getting enough from the top guys, especially up front," said UBC right winger Jason Deleurme, who was visibly upset. "I feel that the line of Deleurme, Hayer, and [centre Ian] Lampshire has pretty much not done a thing." The three have combined for 32 points this season. Heading into their final regular season game of this year, Hayer simply explained: "We've got to find a way to win. Bottom line." Scoring is one way to win, and that's how the Birds started Saturday's game. UBC centre Rob Petrie gave the Birds the early lead less than three minutes into the game. The stunned Dinos recovered quickly, however, as Dinos winger Matt Holmes hung on to a pass after a weak UBC swipe at the puck, and took a shot that dribbled in behind Wealick to tie the game at 13:57. Calgary's momentum continued into the second period. /After an unsuccessful UBC rush the Dinos brought the puck right back and got their first lead of the game and followed with another goal seven minutes later. The Birds found themselves in the same situation as the previous night—down 3-1. But UBC left winger Dean Shiels stole a Calgary pass at centre ice and scored his first goal of the season to end the rush and close the gap to 3-2. /And the comeback didn't end there. Wealick got his first point of the season by assisting a pass to first-year centre Corey LaFreniere. Checked tightly, LaFreniere fanned on his first shot but sent the puck over the Dinos goalie's shoulder to tie the game 3-3 at 18:07. And there was still the third period to go. The Dinos' scored at the 1:28 mark to dim the Birds' hopes, but the chances kept coming for UBC. And with the man advantage and six minutes remaining, the Birds' didn't squander this opportunity. Shoaf took a long shot from the blue line, and Lampshire scored UBC's second game-lying goal. REFLECTING in the Plexiglas and on a rough season-the Birds have had more injuries and illnesses than wins. Against the Dinos, UBC was able to end its losing streak with a tie. tara westover photo aAlthough the Birds outshot the Dinos in each frame, overtime was when the Dinos were revived. They outshot UBC 5-1, and there were some dangerous moments, but the Birds pulled through to hold on to the tie. "We needed it," said Lampshire. "We needed a game where everyone broke out together and everyone was working together and everyone felt the energy and tonight was sort of that game. We didn't win, but it was a comeback sort of tie and we did get a point out of it* .And especially for a team with players dropping like flies—second-year defender Dave Penner out with mononucleosis, second-year winger Rob Teleske out with a fractured leg, third-year defender Brian Josephson out with a concussion and second-year centre Nils Anton out since the beginning of the season with a separated shoulder—the team executed despite a sorely missed veteran presence. "Injuries and illness have really taken [a] toll on this team...But you're down 3-1 and 4-3, and to keep coming back and to show the heart that they did, it's a huge compliment to them," said UBC head coach Mike Coflin. "They don't give up, they won't give up, and I think that signals an exciting second half of the season." The Birds are 3-10-1 and are now halfway through their season. They will resume regular season play January 7 in Manitoba. "The guys made a step towards doing the right thing going into the second half," said Shoaf, "but we've got a long ways to go." ♦ St. James wins UBC's first Metras trophy by Naomi Kim The Thunderbirds' remarkable football season may have come to an end on November 12, but the UBC players have not been forgotten. The 1999 CIAU Royal Bank Football Awards Dinner took place in Toronto last week just prior to the Vanier Cup game and players from across the country received recognition. UBC defensive lineman Tyson St James received the John P. Metras Trophy as the most outstanding lineman in the CIAU. "There were a bunch of top athletes that were nominated for it," said St James. "I had put up good numbers, but everybody else put up good numbers too." But the 6'2", 235 pound third-year player is a two-time CIAU All-Canadian who led the conference this season with 5 quarterback sacks while adding 28 tackles and a fumble recovery. In addition to bringing home a major award, another fact made the award even more special. "I just found out today—well, I kind of looked at the award—but I'm the first player to win it from UBC. So it's pretty cool. It's quite an honour for me." Running back Akbal Singh was the other major award nominee for UBC. Singh was nominated for the Hec Crighton Trophy, for the most outstanding university football player in Canada. It was his second consecutive nomination for the award, but Ottawa Gee Gees quarterback Philippe Cote won the award. "It was totally exciting to be nominated for the second year in a row," said Singh. "I wanted to win the Hec Crighton...but that's the way it goes." aAnd there is no stop for Singh, even after a second Hec Crighton disappointment. After a two week-long mental and physical break following the football season, Singh is back in the weight room gearing up for next season. "[Singh and St. James are] just two of the most outstanding individuals you'd ever want to have on your football team and in your community," said head coach Jay Prepchuk. "At UBC we were very fortunate to have both those guys as part of our team and they were very instrumental in our success this year." Named to the first aAU-Canadian team were Singh (running back), St. James (defensive end), and offensive guard Aaron Barker, and defensive tackle Daaron McField. Wide receiver Brad Coutts was named to the second All- Canadian team.*> is now 6-2 on the season. The Birds will continue their regular season at homo on January 7 against the University of Alberta. with 16 points and 11 rebounds. UBC will return to their regular season games at home on January 7 against the University of Alberta. WOMEN'S BASKETBALL MEN'S VOLLEYBALL MEN'S BASKETBALL Thn men's baskt.lhall team start ed off the weekend by handing the Canada West-leading Lethbridge. Pronghorns their first loss of the season. UBC guard Courtenay Kolla, who scored 18 points, led tlie Birds to an 82-79 victory. Saturday, Kolla once again led tlie Birds in scoring willi 11 points, but unlike Friday, tlie Birds lost 71-61. UBC Tlie baskelbull Birds swept the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns to improve their record to 5-3. Friday, first-year post Lia Granger finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds in the Birds' 83-51 victory. Saturday, tlie Birds continued to roll, winning 81-46: Forward Jessica Mills contributed 31 points and 14 rebounds while Grainger registered her second double-double of the weekend Tlie Birds travelled to Winnipeg and playpd two tight games that both ended 3-2 in favour of the Manitoba Bisons. Friday, UBC power Jeff Orchard finished with 24 kills, 13 digs and three blocks. Friday's game also saw the early return of captain Guy Davis to his first regular season game this year. He played in the libero position. After winning two sets each, tlie Bisons won the fifth set 27-25. Saturday's game was even closer and went on for 2 hours and 22 minutes due to the tight sets (29-27,26-24, 25-27, 33-31, 19-25). Davis played in the power position for four sets and finished by leading the team with 21 kills and 21 digs. Despite their 3-7 record, most of UBC's series go down to tlie wire. According to UBC head coach Dale Ohinan, bad officiating also played a part in the losses. The men's volleyball team will play at Trinity Western University on December 1. WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL The women's volleyball team knew it was going to be lough playing against the number one- ranked University of Manitoba Bisons (7-0). Even before the serips, head coach Erminia Russo said, "If we can come out of [Manitoba] with a split, at least a split...that would be jrreal for us." And that's what they did. On Friday, the Birds dropped three straight sets. UBC middle Kalcy Boyd led the Birds with eight kills and 12 digs. Saturday's game started out like Friday with tlie Birds getting behind by two sets, but UBC came back to hand the Bisons tlie first loss of their season. UBC middle Michelle Collens finished with 15 kills and 27 Tlie Birds will play at Trinity Western University on January 7.* STUDENT SOCIETY OF UBC ams UPDATE visit us at www.ams.ube.ea It's coming tQ your mailbox 2 soon! -4 your plan health benefits ^ dental ^ benefits ^ other benefits Your one-stop reference guide to the new AMS-GSS student health plan. For further details regarding the new AMS-GSS Student Health & Dental plan please visit www.studentcare.net or call 1-877-795-4421. the ams wishes euepqone good luck on their exams and we will see euepqone in the millennium! what's going on at the ams The AMS is seeking Judges for Student Court. 3 positions available: • Chief Justice • 2 alternate Judges It is recommended but not necessary that the judges be members of the law constituency. The position of Chief Justice requires that the applicant be entering or enrolled in 3rd year law at UBC. There is a paid honorarium for all three positions. For further details & a description of the duties please contact either: Bev Meslo- 123bam@home.com Desmond Rodenbour- policy@ams.ubc.ca y2it ITIHY ROT BE THE EflD OF THE WORLD, BOT IT IS THE EflD OF SOIOKIOG 111 THE PIT PUB & THE 6RLLERY L0UI1GE WCB Decrees No Smoking in Any Workplace Under revised legislation in the Worker's Compensation Act, as of January 1, 2000 there will be no smoking allowed in any workplace in British Columbia. Previous restrictions on smoking in the workplace were generally covered under municipal jurisdiction, however this revised article in the WCB Act will override any legislation currently in place, and will include offices, stores, restaurants and bars, in fact anywhere people work. This new provision will affect two of the AMS' businesses directly. As of January 1, 2000 both the Pit Pub and the Gallery Lounge will be non-smoking only premises. The new law provides only for smoking in outside areas. As a result the only aAMS commercial operation that will have a smoking section will be the Pendulum Restaurant's patio. We ask for your cooperation in adhering to this new legislation - this is not a choice but rather a directive. THE UBYSSEY •TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 3D. 19991 13 BoG rep disappointed in Marshall by Jesse Guscott I would like to express my utter disappointment in Alma Mater Society (AMS) President Ryan Marshall's actions in response to the events surrounding the appearance of the Genocide Awareness Project (GAP) display last week. I recognise that this display and the actions of individuals who pulled down the display are extremely controversial and I would like to leave the debate on the appropriateness of both the display and the protest to others. My concern lies in the absence of responsible leadership shown by our AMS president in the aftermath of the Genocide Awareness Project. Mr. Marshall's assertion that he "had no choice but to allow the [Students for Life] presentation to council" printed in Friday's Ubyssey, is extremely misleading. j\nyone who attended this meeting saw that Mr. Marshall went out of his way to have this presentation made immediately. In the interest of fairness and efficiency, the policies of the AMS council state that any presentation to council that has not been approved as an agenda item, can only be allowed if council votes to allow it by a two-thirds majority. Mr. Marshall attempted to circumvent this policy and invited the Students for Life group to begin their presentation at the onset of the council meeting. When challenged on this point, Mr. Marshall then attempted to allow this presentation as part of the President's Remarks. When challenged again, the issue was finally brought to a to urge council members to take disciplinary action against Erin Kaiser and Jon Chandler, two AMS volunteers, for their actions as private citizens outside of AMS circles against the GAP display. Since the a4MS is not in the practice of disciplining students for their actions outside of the AMS, this amounted to little more than a political Ubyssey. Mr. Marshall is quoted as yelling, "You guys are no better than Nazis" at AMS Coordinator of External Affairs Nathan Allen in reference to Mr. Allen, Ms. Kaiser, and Mr. Chandler. For any individual to accuse another individual of being akin to a Nazi is deplorable, but for the spokesperson of our student PERSPECTIVE vote. Mr. Marshall urged council members to allow the presentation, suggesting that there was some great urgency to the situation and that there may be legal implications for the AMS. Council members therefore voted to allow the presentation. Contrary to Mr. Marshall's suggestion, there was no grave urgency to the situation and at no point in the presentation was there mention of legal ramifications against the society. The purpose of the presentation was witch-hunt which was appropriately dismissed. Whether Mr. Marshall intentionally or unintentionally put himself at the forefront of this witch-hunt is debatable, suffice it to say that Mr. Marshall's political distaste for Mr. Chandler and Ms. Kaiser is well known to anyone acquainted with the politics of the AMS. What is not debatable is the absolutely reprehensible comment made by Mr. Marshall and quoted in Friday's edition of the society to make such a comment to a student whose family members spent time in Nazi concentration camps and in reference to a Jewish student is disgusting. Mr. Marshall's actions have been insensitive, irresponsible and quite possibly illegal. I would like to stress that I am in no way suggesting that Mr. Marshall does not have the right to criticise the actions of others. However, there must be a more diplomatic way for a student society president to express his disapproval than to make such slanderous and malicious comments to students whose families have suffered from the atrocities of Nazis. Again, the fact that Mr. Allen, who was not even involved in the incident in question, was categorised in such a way and the fact that the statement was made in front of the press suggest that Mr. Marshall may have allowed his personal political feelings to cloud his judgement. While I am willing to dismiss Mr. Marshall's actions at council as the ugly side of politics, I am not willing to accept that the spokesperson for our student society can speak with such a blatant disregard for the feelings of others. I urge council members and students at-large to join me in demanding from AMS President Ryan Marshall a public apology for his deplorable public comments. As the spokesperson for the AMS, Mr. Marshall has a responsibility to represent the society in a responsible way and in my opinion he has failed miserably in this respect. -Jesse Guscott is an AMS councillor and a student representative on UBC's Board ofGovernors Ubyssey Publications Society 2000 Board of Directors Elections The Ubyssey Publications Society is the organisation responsible for publishing UBC's official student newspaper, the Ubyssey. Its membership consists of all UBC students who have not opted out of membership in September by completing an opt-out form. Members are eligible to run for, and vote in, Board Elections. The Board of Directors oversees the administative and business aspects of the paper including advertising, marketing, distribution, the budget and finances, meetings of the Society, and management of employees. The Board is not, however, involved in the editorial aspects of the paper. The editorial policy and content of the paper is determined by the editorial board of the paper, elected by the staff in March of each year. To become a staff member, those interested need contribute to three issues of the Ubyssey and attend regular staff meetings in order to get voting rights and the right to run for editorial postion. Term is February 2000-February 2001. Directors attend approximately 20 Board Meetings throughout the year in addition to serving on the Board Committees. No previous experience with newspapers or the UPS is required. The postions up for election are the President and 4 Directors at Large. Nomination forms are available at the Ubyssey Business Office, SUB 245. Completed forms must be returned by 4:00pm Wednesday, January 5, 2000. Elections will be held in conjunction with the -AMS elections January 17 to 21, 2000. For more information, contact Fernie Periera at 822-6681. 14 THE UBYSSEY • TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 30.1999 LilSI sse TUESDAY, NOVEMBER30,1999 VOLUME 81 ISSUE 22 EDITORIAL BOARD COORDINATING Bruce Arthur NEWS Nicholas Bradley and Daliah Merzaban CULTURE Duncan M. McHugh and Jaime Tong SPORTS Naomi Kim FEATURES Tom Peacock NATIONAL/COPY Cynthia Lee PHOTO Tara Westover PRODUCTION Todd Silver COORDINATORS CUP/VOLUNTEERS Nyranne Martin web Flora Graham LETTERS/OPINION Lisa Denton RESEARCH Daniel Suvemtan/Graeme Worthy The Ubyssey is the official student newspaper of the University of British Columbia. It is published every Tuesday and Friday by The Ubyssey Publications Society. We are an autonomous, democratically run student organisation, and all students are encouraged to participate. Editorials are chosen and written by the Ubyssey staff. They are the expressed opinion of the staff, and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Ubyssey Publications Society or the University of British Columbia. The Ubyssey is a founding member of Canadian University Press (CUP) and firmly adheres to CUP's guiding principles. All editorial content appearing in The Ubyssey is the property of The Ubyssey Publications Society. Stories, opinions, photographs and artwork contained herein cannot be reproduced without the expressed, written permission of The Ubyssey Publications Society. Letters to the editor must be under 300 words. Please include your phone number, student number and signature (not for publication) as well as your year and faculty with all submissions. ID will be checked when submissions are dropped off at the editorial office of The Ubyssey, otherwise verification will be done by phone. "Perspectives" are opinion pieces over 300 words but under 750 words and are run according to space. "Freestyles" are opinion pieces written by Ubyssey staff members. Priority will be given to letters and perspectives over freestyles unless the latter is time sensitive. Opinion pieces will not be run until the identity of the writer has been verified. It is agreed by all persons placing display or classified advertising that if the Ubyssey Publications Society fails to publish an advertisement or if an error in the ad occurs the liability of the UPS will not be greater than the price paid for the ad. The UPS shall not be responsible for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value or the impact of the ad. EDITORIAL OFFICE Room 241K, Student Union Building, 6138 Student Union Boulevard, Vancouver, BC. V6T 1Z1 tel: (604) 822-2301 fax: (604) 822-9279 email: feedback@ubyssey.bc.ca BUSINESS OFFICE Room 245, Student Union Building advertising: (604) 822-1654 business office: (604) 822-6681 fax: (604) 822-1658 BUSINESS MANAGER Fernie Pereira AD SALES Jennifer Riley AD DESIGN Shalene Takara Duncan McHugh liked his doughnuts dipped in Tristan Winch's coffee. Cynthia Lee round this repulsive "oh my god" said she to Naomi Kim who rnerery pro nounced three consecutive vowel minds in reply. Daliah Menohan, Laura Blue, and Todd Silver chose u> dip Iheir doughnuts in cool n-iBV a prugreuive choice, while Nyranne Martin, flora Graham, Tara Westover, Jeremy Beauline and Melanie Streich, being vegetarians, chose ethically lo dip theirs in water. Daniel Silverman and Nick Bradley deplored this, aqylhing that sacrifices flavour Ibr ethics is just plain wrong) Jaime Tong just had to agree as she bit into her baljy seal burger. Bruce Arthur. Dale Lum, and Tom Peacock finally agreed on something when ihey codedared that baby seal tastes just like wildebeasl The best darned rump roast an the Savanah." Lisa Denton, felt slightly sick though as ihe watched Graeme Worthy go after the wasabi paste. 'Aisha Jamal wouldn't even eat that" cried Andrea Winkler lo Regina Yung, but Sara Morrison defended her. 'Aisha Jamal would tod" Vanessa Ho lied about her culinary preferences Just to fit in. Doug Quan eyed Jenn Gardy and suggested sauces that would conqdinwnt her nicely to Thomas Lindner and Teya Greenberg, who nodded appreciatively. Cabby Kesch though was the Gastronomical King oT the evening aa before witnesses Alex Dimsoa Nicola Taylor and Erkjandchi he ate an entire slat* of old copies of the Ubyssey. Sara Newham and jenn Neilsen left in disgust, and Rusa Davidson, Stanley Tramp, and Karmen Ho went Ibr seconds on the leal burgers. Bar Garden Friday! Canada Post Publications Sales Agreement Number 0732141 Witness to his madness aAs you may or may not know, Staff Sergeant Hugh Stewart, the erstwhile head cop at APEC, has testified at the RCMP Public Complaints Commission (PCC) about his role in the big event In case APEC has faded gracefully from your memory, Stewart was the man who led the pepper-spraying of several students and a CBC cameraman at Gate Six. Since the real transcripts are hard to come by, here's one possible scenario. Lawyer for the complainants, Cameron Ward, versus Hugh "Sgt Pepper" Stewart. Ward: Are you Staff Sergeant Hugh Stewart of the Vancouver RCMP? Stewart: Who are you? What am I doing here? Ward: That didn't work yesterday, sir, and it won't work today. Let's talk about the events of November 25, 1997, at Gate Six. You pepper-sprayed protesters there, did you not? Stewart No. I've never been to UBC. Ward: According to your staff logs you were at UBC that day, sir. Stewart Oh, Gate Six. Yes. That was me. Ward: And how much time did you give the protesters to get out of the way, sir? Stewart I don't exactly recall. About an hour. Ward: Guess again. Stewart About 30 minutes? Ward: Thirty minutes, sir? Stewart Give or take. Maybe ten minutes. Lots of time. Ward: The tapes show that it was significant ly less than ten minutes, sir. Stewart: How much less? Ward: According to the CBC tape, about nine minutes and 57 seconds less. Stewart: Well, maybe ten seconds. Ward: Try again. Stewart: .An hour? Ward: No. The tapes indicate a gap of only three seconds between the end of your verbal warning and the first shot of pepper spray. Stewart: What did I say it was? Ward: Anywhere between ten seconds and an hour, sir. Stewart: Well, if you count the time between my lunch break and the actual spraying...That would be about right Ward: Why did you give them so little time? They were sitting peacefiilly, blocking the road, and they were getting up before you even ended your warning. Why so little time? Stewart They were attacking. Ward: Attacking, sir? They were unarmed, peacefiil demonstrators. Stewart They had guns. Ward Sir, they did not have guns. Stewart Pointed sticks? Ward No, sir. Stewart They were charging—charging like wildebeasts. Ward (impatiently) They were not charging, sir. Why would a protester, faced with over 20 police officers armed with pepper spray. charge? They were sitting down, sir. Stewart: Wildebeasts sit down. Ward: Why did you spray the protesters? They were sitting peacefully until you told them to get. They then began to get up. Why did you spray them Mr. Stewart? Stewart: Mmm. Well, I was under a lot of pressure. Ward: Pressure, sir? Stewart: I had this crazy thing going on with my hand. It was like a muscle spasm or something. I was holding the spray...It was like my brain was telling it to do something, and then it did something else. I can't explain it Ward: (silence) Stewart aAnd besides, pepper spray isn't so bad. Ward: Sir, you wrote the definitive paper for the RCMP for the use of pepper spray. In it, you describe pepper spray as "about as painful as a stinging nettle jammed in your eye. Holy shit, it hurts." Stewart Yep. It sure does hurt, like a sono- fabitch. Ward: So why did you do it. Sergeant? Why did you subject peaceful protesters to an extremely painful procedure, when they presented no physical threat to you? Stewart Jesus! It's not like they were laboratory rats, or bunny rabbits, or an endangered species or anything... Ward: No, sir. They were just students.*** Voices censored by the AMS I would like to know what caused some people associated with the Alma Mater Society (aAMS), the morning of Tuesday, November 23rd, to overturn tables, scatter pamphlets all over the ground and speak harshly to a group of pro-lifers. I arrived after the incident, drawn to the crowd out of curiosity. I wondered what kind of violently forceful event had occurred. I learned from a friend in the crowd that some people associated with the AMS had come down, told the group they weren't authorised to be there, then wreaked this havoc of flipping over tables and spreading the pamphlets like lit ter on the ground. Many times around the SUB I have seen communists and marxists handing out their newspapers, but never have I heard of the .AMS suppressing a voice allowed to speak up because democracy gives it that right. Since the aAMS is beginning to censor the voices we students hear on campus, is it resorting to a sort of communism whereby speech is not free? Is it to become the "Big Brother" watching every word students mutter? Is it now forbidden to hear both sides of a debate? It is only right to be able to listen to both sides of an argument in order to be better informed so that knowledgeable decisions can be made. Is this not the purpose for which university was intended—the acquisition of knowledge? I am not stating whether I am for or against abortion. To me that is not the issue. The issue is how free speech is on our campus. I saw the tables of the pro-choice people upright and heavily guarded by security. Yet the tables of the pro-lifers were unguarded and had been overturned and their pamphlets scattered, ironically, around the Goddess of Democracy. Does this not sound like the AMS has made their position clear as to whose side it is on and whose side we students will be allowed to hear? As a UBC student whose tuition helps pay for the AMS, I am outraged at this incident of censorship. I would like the freedom to listen to both sides of an issue—not have the .AMS decide for me whose position I will be allowed to hear. This country is a free and democratic country. I expect the University of British Columbia to be the same. Kristi Tencarre Third Year History Where's the slogan? I'm a UBC alumnus (MD '64) who returned for a campus visit this week with my daughter who is considering attending UBC. Because I was a reporter and senior editor of the Ubyssey many aeons ago (1959-1960), I picked up the Nov. 23 issue with great interest I'm pleased to see you are perpetuating the same high standards of journalism! My only disappointment was the absence of the slogan that adorned the masthead in those days of yore: Non Illigitimus Carborundum. "Don't Let the Bastards Grind You Down" seems as appropriate today as it did 40 years ago! Thanks for the memories. Allan Chernov UBC Alumnus THE UBYSSEY ■ TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 3D. 1999 15 "Are we in Nazi Germany?" ou^urii f i told you i ould you write for the by Mary Gray On Tuesday, Nov. 23/99 a terrible injustice was committed on this campus. Three students from the Alma Mater Society (AMS): Erin Kaiser, Jon Chandler, and Lesley Washington, attempted to silence a group of students from expressing their opinion by destroying their display. These three students tore down signs, ripped up posters, turned over tables, and yelled obscenities at those who peacefully stood and watched this take place. PERSPECTIVE OPINION One would have thought this blatant act of discrimination, violence, and hatred on the part of Kaiser, Chandler, and Washington would have been publicly denounced by the aAMS and the student newspaper. One would have expected those organisers of the "Not on our Campus" campaign to rally behind the students whose fundamental rights to free expression were violated. One would have expected the student body at UBC to be utterly horrified. /After all, if three members of the aAMS were allowed to get away with attempting to silence one group of students, what would stop them from silencing other groups of students who had differing opinions on other matters? Jesse Guscott's argument that this incident had nothing to do with the aAMS is completely false. This has everything to do with the jAMS. Trying to say that Kaiser, Chandler, and Washington acted as individuals and so are not accountable as .AMS members is ludicrous. They are in positions of power on this campus and are expected to represent all students. People who are so closed-minded that they have to resort to violence and intimidation towards those with differing opinions should not be in positions of power. Whether they like to admit it or not, by refusing to deal with this issue seriously, the aAMS is saying that the actions of these three individuals are acceptable. I attended the last aAMS council meeting of Wednesday, Nov. 24/99 and this matter was definitely not treated in a serious manner. Upon watching the videotape of Kaiser, Chandler, and Washington destroying the display, several people laughed and cheered. The discussion that followed was brief, but disturbing. One comment by .Arts Representative Bev Meslow, was particularly incredible. She commented, "I can't believe these people [Students for Life] were allowed to have any say at all." And Nathan Allen's comment about being ashamed of AMS President Ryan Marshall for "standing by them [Students for Life] and helping them with this crap," should make everyone on this campus uneasy. Ryan Marshall was simply doing his job as an elected representative of ALL UBC students by allowing Students for Life to tell their story. Whether members of council are pro-life or pro- abortion is irrelevant, the fact is that the aAMS has a DUTY to make sure the people it represents are treated fairly. At the conclusion of this meeting a decision was made by council to wash its hands of the whole incident. What does that say to you? It clearly says that the aAMS is not prepared to stand behind students' rights to free expression. It also says if you don't like what someone has to say, go ahead and violently shut them down. Are we in Canada or Nazi Germany? I encourage the students of UBC to express their unhappiness with the aAMS over how they have handled this issue. —Mary Gray is a 3rd year pharmacy student The ubyssey publications society seeks chief returning officer for 2000 board elections QUALIFICATIONS - Not a UPS Board Member or Candidate for the Board - Not a Staffer (or if a staffer, one that will not be involved with the Ubyssey paper for the length of the CRO term) - Must be a member of the Society in good standing - Must be on campus everyday (Monday to Friday) during voting hours - Should be someone familiar with AMS elections procedures: i.e. a polling clerk in previous elections if possible, but not required. - Must be on campus first three weeks of January, 2000 - Must be able to work up to 30 hours during election week (January 17-21, 2000) - Must possess excellent communication skills. DUTIES - To report to the UPS Board - Liaise with the AMS elections - Provide for the advertising nominations - Liaise with candidates and ensure their adherence to rules. - Promote the elections - Hold office hours during campaigning and voting week (at least 1 hour per day) - Become familiar with AMS and UPS electoral procedures - Monitor polling stations daily during election week Qanuary 17-21, 2000) - Count or provide for counting of the ballots - Approve campaign materials (posters) - Provide written report to the Board with Election Results - Provide written report for the benefit of future CRO's - Prepare elections budget and administer funds for elections as dispersed by UPS Business Manager and approved by the Board COMPENSATION Pay rate is to be an honorarium of $500, to be paid on the acceptance of the CRO's report by the board. DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 7TH, 1999 AT 5PM Call UPS Business Manager, Fernie Pereira, at 822-6681 OR by fax to 822-1658 OR in person to SUB Room 245. CiTR and the ubySSey are proud to present... The last bzzr garden of 1999! Dec 3, 1999 SUB ballroom Y2K compliant 16 THE UBYSSEY • TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3D. 1999 I am slowly going crazy one two three four five six switch crazy going slowly am I six five four three two one switch I am i|i!AIJjM&&sMazy oneB Bfive six fl ||S |ing slowly am I six five four three two one switch I am slowly going crazy one two three four five six switch crazy going slowly am I six five four three two one switch I UBC—is it an open forum? A Bard-Busting Laugh Fest ■■* The Complete W>rks of i bd-hfcf-kiuan Pnxtadio. Granville bland Stag* Ticketmaster 280-3311 • Box Office 687-1644 Corporate & Group Sate 687-5315 • www.artsclttb.corB The GaAP/Lifeline display in front of the Goddess of Democracy last Tuesday calls into question the tolerance we, as students, have for forms of expression we just don't want to witness. Desmond Rodenbour insists that the pro-life group crossed the line with its tactics ("Is hatred free", Nov. 26). Alana McFarlane calls the group's actions "reckless and irrational" ("There's nothing like shooting yourself in the foot", Nov. 26). What about the students who chose to "aggressively [demonstrate] their opposition to the display?" If Erin Kaiser, Jon Chandler or Leslie Washington demonstrated anything by tearing down GAP posters, it's that freedom of expression doesn't apply when what's being expressed is unpopular. ^^^^ I oppose the nature of the GAP posters. I wish they could find some other way to make their point When I read that a larger scale GAP presence was thwarted by demands including a $35,000 security levy and a restriction to Mclnnis Field, I was secretly relieved, as I suspect were many others. We can rationalise these "rigorous" demands all we want, but we're still left with the sense that we're somehow being hypocritical. .After all, UBC prides itself as being an open forum for discussion, where it's recognised that "behaviour which obstructs free and full discussion, not only of ideas which are safe and accepted but of those which may be unpopular or even abhorrent, vitally threatens the integrity of the University's forum." The GAP/Lifeline display was certainly unpopular, maybe even abhorrent But what gives anyone the right to get rid of it? Erin Kaiser claimed the GAP display con- by Aniz Alani stituted hate literature. Rodenbour cites the Human Rights Code of BC, which prohibits displays "...likely to expose a person or a group or class of persons to hatred or contempt" and goes on to say "...GAP is proliferating contempt and hatred, and it ought not to be tolerated." Whether the Lifeline display qualifies as "hate literature" in the legal sense is likely not as clear-cut as some suggest I'm certainly not qualified to make that decision and I doubt that the students who tried to put an end to the display are either - they're students, not a travelling Human Rights Tribunal. PERSPECTIVE OPINION Ms. Kaiser's reaction to the CBR-supplied posters is at odds with what she, as founder of the Students for Choice group, wrote in an e- mail to SFC members on November 4th—"If you find yourself in a situation where a Lifeline member is participating in an action such as holding a sign with a disturbing image or offensive slogan, please remember to remain calm. ...For many people there will be a feeling of wanting to prevent the sign or display from being seen. Avoid acting on these feelings." Overturning tables and tearing apart posters is not my idea of "calm." As for Lifeline's "complete disregard for public safely," I disagree that they were so irresponsible. GAP displays have had a history of inciting violence in the United States—so what? Unless someone has evidence that Lifeline intended for violence to break out, it's a stretch to suggest that the.group, who used smaller GAP posters to deliver its message, disregarded public safety. As demonstrated by Ms. Kaiser's e-mail to opponents of the display, people should be able to control themselves. It's not Lifeline's fault that some students couldn't Should it be Lifeline's responsibility to ensure the presence of campus security in case people don't react to their message in a civil manner? In response to Rodenbour's suggestion that the AMS Council's democratically resolved condemnation of GAP tactics or non-endorsement of its presence on campus constitutes fair treatment of the issue, it's irrelevant whether such a resolution is passed by a simple majority, two-thirds majority or even if it's passed unanimously. We're supposed ™ to tolerate the "unpopular" perspectives, not just the ones that support the majority. Remember Voltaire? To effectively censor these unfavourable messages, either by refusing to allow them on campus or by tearing down what is displayed, suggests that UBC students are incapable of forming decisions as individuals. We might be occasionally apathetic, but we're not stupid. With all that's happened here on campus, I've certainly thought more about abortion recently than I would have otherwise. I may not have changed my view, but if Lifeline's goal was to make people reflect on their values, they've certainly been effective with me. The students who tried to put a stop to their message only amplified it. Now that's shooting yourself in the foot. —Aniz Alani is an Arts One student STUDENT DI IPLINE REPORT ( 1 September 19 9 8 T o 3 1 A u Under section 61 of the University Act the President of the University has authority to impose discipline on students for academic and non-academic offences (see page 50 of the 1999/2000 University Calendar). A summary of such disciplinary cases is published on a regular basis, without disclosing the names of students involved. In the period 1 September 1998 to 31 August 1999,31 students appeared before the Presidents Advisory Committee on Student Discipline and 30 were subsequently disciplined. For each case, the events leading to the imposition of the discipline and the discipline imposed are summarized below. Discipline may vary depending upon the circumstances of a particular case. 1. A student failed to respond to repeated attempts to schedule a disciplinary hearing to examine misconduct incidents alleged to have been committeff when seeking admission to a Faculty. Discipline: ongoing and future registration blocked pending appearance before the President's Advisory Committee on Student Discipline, and a notation to that effect placed on transcript 2. A student provided false and incomplete information when seeking admission to the University. Discipline: a suspension from the University for 8 months*. 3. A student submitted a term paper that was completely plagiarized. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and suspension from the University for 12 months*. 4. A student brought unauthorized material into a midterm examination. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and suspension from the University for 12 months*. 5. A student left the examination room without submitting an exam paper and subsequently engaged in a cheating scam in an attempt to secure a grade for the course. Discipline: in the special circumstances, a mark of zero in the course and a suspension from the University for 4 months*. 6. A student provided false and incomplete information when seeking admission to the University. Discipline: a suspension from the University for 8 months*. 7. A student completely plagiarized a report that was submitted in a course assignment Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and a suspension from the University for 8 months*. 8. A student used take identification to gain entry to an examination room and wrote an examination in the name of another individual. Discipline: a suspension from the University for 12 months*. 9- A student provided incomplete information'when applying for admission to the University. Discipline: in the special circumstances, a letter of reprimand. G 22. UST 19 9 9) 10. A student brought an unauthorized calculator into a final examination. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and a suspension from the University for 4 months*. 11. A student was alleged to have cheated during a final examination. 23 Outcome: charge dismissed; allegation could not be substantiated from a consideration of the available evidence. 12. A student colluded with another student in a cheating incident during a midterm examination. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and home University advised of the misconduct and disciplinary penalty*. 13- A student committed forgery on a Registration/Change of Registration Form. Discipline: a mark of zero in the involved courses and suspension from the University for 12 months*. 14. A student submitted plagiarized work in a term paper for a course. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and a suspension from the University for 12 months*. 15. A student was involved in a cheating incident on a mid-term examination. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and suspension from the University for 12 months*. 16. A student colluded with another student in a cheating incident during a midterm examination. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and home University advised of the misconduct and disciplinary penally*. 17. A student essentially completely plagiarized a term paper for a course. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and a suspension from the University for 12 months*. 18. A student was involved in a cheating incident during a final examination. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and a suspension from the University for 8 months*. 19. A student was involved ina cheating incident during a final examination. Discipline: a nmk of zero m the coiurse and a suspension from the University for 8 months*. 20. Astiidentconimittedpbgiarisminatermpaper. Discipline: in the special circumstances, a mark of zero for the paper and a letter of reprimand. 21. A student was involved ina cheating incident during a final examination. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and a suspension from the University for 12 months*. A student altered a returned midterm examination in an attempt to obtain a revised grade. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and a suspension from the University for 8 months*. A student completely plagiarized a term paper for a course. Discipline: in the special circumstances, a letter of reprimand and the completion of remedial measures. 24. A student was involved in a cheating incident during a midterm examination. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and a suspension from the University for 12 months*. 25. A studeffl substantially plagiarist a tenn paper in a course. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and a suspension from the Universityfor 12 months*. 26. A student left the examination room without submitting an exam paper and subsequently engaged in a cheating scam in an attempt to secure a grade for the course. Discipline: in the special circumstances, a mark of zero in the course and a suspension from the University for 4 months*. 27. A student committed plagiarism in a graduation essay Discipline: a letter of reprimand and the completion of remedial measures. 28. A student was involved ina cheating incident during the midterm examination in a course. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and a suspension from the Universityfor 12 months*. A student was involved in a cheating incident during a midterm examination. Discipline: in the special circumstances, a letter of reprimand. A student was involved in a cheating incident during a midterm examination. Discipline: a mark of zero in the course and a suspension from the University for 12 months*. 31. A student tailed to respond to attempts to schedule a disciplinary hearing to examine an allegation of substantial/complete plagiarism in a term paper for a course. Discipline: ongoing and future registration blocked pending appearance before the President's Advisory Committee on Student Discipline, and a notation to that effect placed on transcript * In all cases indicated by an asterisk a notation of disciplinary action is entered on the student's transcript At any time after two years have elapsed from the date of his or her graduation the student may apply to the President to exercise her discretion to remove the notation. Students under disciplinary suspension from UBC may not take courses at other institutions for transfer of credit back to UBC. 29. 30.