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LXXXVII N°29 Your charm and courtesy will be advantageous since 1918 Bananas for China A second foray into -H the land of dragons... 4-5 79 m m ag m & \% # ^ M ■am .■vv../> i r | 1=4=1 ■■■■■ii^JL.1 ....■* ^ trh* ^h TG Tom Green still alive... 3 Polar bears hit nude beach...8 W- <P< ^J3. tT7"-T nf JzEl I5 8t^ m a if >£^ ,v/. i •* m m m t Crzf §fc i^F P # Z7 " ffi iS Mi>L -vV: EC € I # I M ?L 1 £P 3 # S M jzzX^r ^ 4P J3 ii i i I m J B 04 7L *"V*Km». 2R Z7C I) ?£ It M & It g(5 # ii * m m # ^ m **1 '-¥^"f yif J£ rr -n- T=r -BE: ;f] 2 Culture Friday, 20 January, 2006 THEUBYSSEY "These are the stories that get lost over time" MOTHER TONGUE: A WOMEN'S HISTORY OF ETHNIC CANADA ChannelM Sunday, 9:30 pm by Sarah Buck CULTUREWRITER After years of living and working around the world, documentary filmmaker Susan Poizner returned to Canada in 2002 less than thrilled at the prospect of leaving behind the wealth of cultural experiences that defined her life abroad. It took a fellow Canadian traveler to point out that Canada is itself defined by its variety of cultural groups. With this inspiration and funding from Heritage Canada, Poizner set out to document some of the untold stories of Canada's women pioneers in a 13-part series entitled Mother Tongue: A Women's History of Ethnic Canada, premiering this month on Channel M. "These are the stories that get lost over time,* says Poizner, who wrote and directed the series. "[It's] partly because women are modest. There are a lot of incredible women in our country, and I just want to help teU their stories/ she says. At the launch of the series last week at the Vancouver Museum, Poizner announced that both episodes featuring women from British Columbia have been made part of BC school curriculum. The first, "Triumph Over Internment/ premieres January 22, and teUs the story of Kimiko Murakami, who in 1896 became the first Japanese baby born in the fishing village of Steveston, BC. Murakami was a big part of her family's success as commercial fishermen in what was then one of the busiest fishing ports in the world. But after Kimiko's younger sibling feU off the boat and drowned, the family traded in fishing for a farm on Salt Spring Island. The farm produced strawberries, asparagus, and eggs until the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbour when Canada joined the United States in declaring war on Japan, and the Murakamis became part of the 22,000 Japanese-Canadians forced to leave their homes for internment camps. Kitagawa says her mother beHeved the "custodian of enemy properties/ an official overseeing of the confiscation of their property when he said: "Don't worry, when you come back, not one chopstick wiU be missing from your house." But the interned Murakamis got word their farm had been sold by the Canadian government. Kitagawa says her mother wasted no time in planning the family's return to Salt Spring regardless. "We were always taught that bitterness always holds us back/ says Kitagawa. A profile of another British Columbia woman, Vancouver- born social activist Mary Lee Chan, airs on January 29. Chan was the third daughter of twelve children to Chinese parents who came to Vancouver hoping to strike it rich during the Klondike gold rush in the late 1800s. Chan's parents were forced to move the family back to China after more than twenty years in Canada, at a time when it seemed impossible to make a Hving in Vancouver. But Chan was determined to return. After meeting and marrying a Chinese man, she came back to Vancouver on her own, six months pregnant Chan worked as a seamstress to raise enough money to bring her husband over to join her. Daughter Shirley Chan says her mother's resolve came from a beHef "there's always a way to work out the problem." In "Taking on City Hall," Shirley Chan talks about Mary Lee Chan's determination to raUy the community against the demoli- tion of their Vancouver neighbourhood in the 1960s. Both episodes are effective in tracing the upheaval experienced by these women trying to find their place in the face of events that seemed to conspire against them. But perhaps the most valuable part of Mother Tongue is their daughters' insight into their mothers' characters and legacy. Mother Tongue gives the viewer a strong sense of how these women's Hves continue to inspire their families and their communities.il 'Tweens Photographic Montages of Vancouver And other Photographic Imagery Work of Gerry Puoco Vancouver East Cultural Centre Gallery (1895 Venables Street) January 20,5pm-7pm The opening reception for this collection of photographic montages is today! Come out and see this collection said to capture the essence of Vancouver. The Exhibitruns from January 20-February 15. AMS Executive ali Candidates Forum The Norm Theatre January 23,11am-1:30pm If you haven't made up your mind about which executives you're voting for in the upcoming AMS elections, come and hear what the candidates have to say. Advance online voting runs Jan 21 to 25, and paper ballots start on Jan 27. Africa Awareness Week January 23-28 Guest lectures devoted to Africa Awareness centered around the theme of Education in the Era of Trans-nationalism and Globalization: Implicating Africa and the African Diaspora. See www.africa-awaFeness.ubc.ca for a schedule of events. CLASSIFIED nnouncemenis RIPPLE EFFECTS. Students and Young Professionals Networking Event - Canadian Water Resources Association. Interdisciplinary: "Water Management, Law, Engineering, etc. Learn about rhe CWRA, discuss water issues and current research. Free admission, drinks, and pizza. Wed Jan 25 @ 5 PM- Penthouse, Graduate Student Centre, UBC. For information contact cwra.syp.van@gmail. com GRADUATE STUDENT SOCIETY ELECTIONS NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN. YOU: President: Graduate Student, Motivated, l^eader, People- person, Attracted to $12,000/yr. VP Admin: Smooth Operator, Skilled Co-ordinator. $10,000/yr. VP Finance: I^evel-headed, Ambitious, Good with Money, $8,000/yr. VP External and Academic: Out-going, Love to Schmooze, Rep' Council to University &C World, $8,000/yr. VP Student Services: Cultured, Oriented, Interests Include Parties, Publishing, $8,000/yr. ME: Graduate Student Council. Fun, Social, looking for "Mr./Mrs. Right". Are you the one? Deadline for nominations: Jan 20th 2006. http://gss.ubc.ca/ INTERESTED IN WORKING ABROAD? Or looking to develop your leadership skills? If you want to bunch your career and expand your network of contacts, come to the AIESEC UBC info session on Wed Jan 25 at 4 PM in SUB Rm 212. If you want to work abroad, our exchange info session is on Thurs Jan 26 in SUB Rm 213 at 5 PM. http://www. aiesecca/ubc Office: SUB Rm 24 IF. STOP THE CANADIAN WAR DRIVE! Student Week Against War and Occupation at UBC. January 23-27 in the SUB Ending with a Mardi and Rally at the Vancouver Art Gallery 2pm January 28th for foil schedule of events: www. mawovancouver.org sponsored by: the AMS, CAWOPI and MAWO FREE STUFF! Free Zenith 26" Color TV and Simmons loveseat hideabedL Both good condition. Must be picked up from Arbutus area- own car required. Call 604-738-5497. CARING UBC STUDENT looking for housing for February or sooner. Seeking safe, warm, stable environment with other females. Must be in university area, in Kits, West Point Grey, or Dunliar (north of 45th, west of Balsam roughly). Aesthetic environment, in the $550/ rent range maximum. Much prefer main floor suite, or non-basement. Please contact Naomi Hart at (604)221-1856 or email naomala@hotmaii.com with subject. Thank You. ervices THE BIKE KITCHEN is your on-campus, student-owned, non-profit bike shop! New & used bikes, parts, storage accessories, bike repairs and bike repair instruction, tool use, bike storage and volunteer opportunities. On the nordi side of the SUB. 604-827-7333. bikekitchen@gmail.com mpioymeni upporuiniues ADVENTURE! Teach English Worldwide. Earn Money: Get TESOL Certified in 5 days. Study In-Class, Online, or by Correspondence. No degree or experience needed. Job Puaranteed. To learn more, come ro a REE Info Session Mondav @ 6PM, #203 1451 West Broadway. 1-888-270- 2941. ' * ' ' globaltesol.com |*mnmnmiiinmimiiing«^ ADD SOME LAUGHTER TO YOUR LIFE. Men and women volunteer for one hour a week with boys and girls in local elementary schools. Call 604-876-2447 ext 246 or www.bigbrothersvaftcouver. com GRAD STUDENTS. - The Vancouver Society for Sexuality, Gender, and Culture, a non-profit society, seeks members for working committee and board member roles. This is an extraordinary volunteer experience for Grad students in the area ofHcalth, Counseling, Education, or Business. Contact: Michael. VSSGC@telus.net or (778)837-1575 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FORTWO UPCOMING EVENTS @ Science World for Odyssey of the Mind, a program designed ro encourage problem solving in school children. Must be able to attend training sessions in Burnaby. Email odysseybc@gmail.com for more information. mpioyment JOBS! SPRING & SUMMER IN KELOWNA! Landscape Company seeks hardworking detail-oriented people with excellent inter-personal skills. Gardening & irrigation exp. an asset. Fulltime & partime. Extra pay for own truck. Send cover letter, resume, reft to PO Box 25035, Mission Park PO, Kelowna BC V1W3Y7. «, PRINCESS TOURS IS NOW HIRING FOR SUMMER EMPLOYMENT IN ALASKA. Visit www.princessiobs.com for additional information and to apply. Princess is an equal opportunity employer. INTERESTED IN ALTERNATIVE MEDICINES? Join Our Club! Countless opportunities for involvement, such as writing a scientific-based article or volunteering for om- Spring Conference! Visit www.aims.ubc.ca or email: inf'o@aims.ubcca uy&se FOR SALE: L-SHAPED BEIGE MELAMINE DESK. 2 bottom drawers, 3 top drawers, bulletin board- $75. 2 matching melamine bookcases, 4 shelves each, both- $40. Beige file cabinet, 2 drawers legal size- $40. Call Maggie <@ 604-324-6045. looking tor a roommate? Gbisomeihirigloselip Or jiisi have an announcement to ;iv;niakeP'Vr':/>-::,;;^:'; il you area student yoii can place classifieds lor FREt! Fof more information visit Room 23 in the SUB (basementj or call 822 1654/ Friday, 20 January, 2006 Vol.LXXXVII N°29 Editorial Board coordinating editor Jesse Marchand coordinating@ubyssey.bcca news editors Paul Evans &£ Eric Szeto news@ubyssey.bcca culture editor Simon Underwood culture@ubyssey.bcca sports editor Megan Smyth sports@ubyssey.bcca features/national EDITOR Bryan Zandberg features@ubyssey.bcca photo editor Yinan Max Wang photos@ubyssey.bcca production manager Michelle Mayne production@ubyssey.bcca Coordinators volunteers Vacant volunteers@ubyssey.bcca research/letters Claudia Li feedback@ubyssey.be ca 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. 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. The Ubyssey is a founding member of Canadian University Press (CUP) and adheres to CUP's guiding principles. Letters to the editor must be under 300 words. Please indude 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. "Perspective^ 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. The Ubyssey reserves the right to edit submissions for length and darity. It is agreed by all persons plating display or classified advertising that if the Ubyssey Publications Sodety 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 24, Student Union Building 6138 Student Union Boulevard Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1 tel: 604-822-2301 fax: 604-822-9279 web: www.ubyssey.bcca e-mail: feedback@ubyssey.bcca BUSINESS OFFICE Room 23, Student Union Building advertising: 604-822-1654 business office: 604-822-6681 fax: 604-822-1658 e-mail: advertising@ubyssey.bcca business manager Fernie Pereira advertising sales Bernadette Delaquis ad design Shalene Takara Sarah Buck was on her way to the AMS Polling station when Nick Black ran past chasing Colleen Tang with a ballot paper yelling "Vote Claudia Li for cheaper sausages!" Riding by on a tandem bike Bryan Zandberg and Paul Evans shouted * No) Vote Champagne Choquer for large lexicons!"Megan Smyth was masticating a dtipolata at the time so Max Wang said she should vote for cheap meat but Andrew Maoae took umbrage at the suggesthw face made by Trevor Gilks at this saucy advke. Boris Koiby told Peggy Cho that he'd give his vote for juky perk.Meredith Hambrock cried to Aaron Carr'Dont be seduced by phantasmagorial lexkonsTThankfuOy there was another option;Citherine Hart and Johanna Yaworskjrt campaign was for large sausages, cheap dictionaries and a good porting for affi' cover design Bryan Zandberg cover photo Yinan Max Wang editorial graphic Simon Underwood V Canadian University Canada Post Sales Agreement Press Number 0040878022 1 THEUBYSSEY Friday, 20 January. 2006 CULTURE 3 Tom Green:"l am sexually functioning on all cylinders and I am having the best sex of my life right now/' TOM GREEN & THE KEEPIW IT REAL CREW Commodore Ballroom January 13 By D.WinterWhite CULTUREWRITER On November 9, Canadian comedian Tom Green openly posted his cell phone number (1- 310-717-1919) on his eponymous web site. Over the next few weeks, media would include it in coverage promoting the release of Prepare for Impact, Green's full length CD. By November 11, the number had made it to the Wikipedia article that summarizes his career. That's why he now leaves it turned off most of the time. Tom Green is a master of many mediums. He went from performing artist to hosting a radio talk show, to a spot on local access TV, to fame with MTV and movies and finally back to music. But Green's true medium, the one in which he best expresses himself, is that of celebrity. It is evident in the way he encourages his fans to believe that he is accessible; in the way he wanders among them and talks to them one on one. Green gives out his cell phone number and he personally answers email on his site. Yet he is free to go private by turning of his cell phone or walking away from the computer. I suspect that when things appear their most chaotic, Green has everything perfectly under his control. My interview with Tom Green starts off by watching him perform at the Commodore Ballroom just days after his digits became public knowledge. The show starts and a member ofhis Keeping it Real Crew enters the stage and announces that the opening act will be a band from Texas they've come across by the name of Electric Presidents. Shortly after, five men appear on stage wearing suits and latex masks resembling the prominent American presidents. They stand perfectly still until one of them starts the music, and without saying a word the performance begins. After only one song, the band leaves the stage and half an hour of flute music plays through the speakers. To much anticipation. Green finally comes out on his stage and begins to work through the new CD, almost forgetting to indude the single Teachers Suck.* The show centres on Tom letting people get close to him. He invites half of the audience—if all the females in the room could be said to make up half— onto the stage to dance and cook eggs and to do whatever else they wanted. Scrambled eggs and broken shells fly across the room. At one time, Tom is hit in the side of his face but doesn't seem to notice. An empty bottle of Grey Goose Vodka thrown by one of the girls hit a fan in the head. With everybody up on stage, Tom decides that he should come down and perform a song rapping with his wireless mic from the back of the room. The set ends with his hit from Organized Rhyme, "Check the O.R.," and performs an encore with the aforementioned opening act, who the audience has now realised is just Green and crew in guise, performing their one song. I had arranged to interview Green a few days before, but after his show things were messy and I had to catch up with Green at the after party. I was told to wait a couple of minutes by his producer, Mike Simpson. I stood around waiting for a couple of minutes, until I realized that the only people Tom and his crew were talking to had vaginas. A female acquaintance decided to help me out and introduce me. The interview begins in earnest WinterWhits: I look at your web site and I see the people who flock around you right now; are you enjoying that? Green: Man; I am just so excited about the internet, man. I just like, I think finally there is a medium that has come along, that is going to allow people who want to do cool shit to just do cool shit and not have to sit around and have to wait for anybody to tell them whether or not the can or can't do it You know? WmterWhite: Are you new to the internet? Green: I am very excited about it we are going live this year on tomgreen.com in march, and its going to be the first Hve blog, the first Hve broadcast blog on the internet, in the history of the internet, on tomgreen.com. So it's very exciting. And were just having fun with it you know. You come up with an idea; you put it on the internet There is already video online now of tonight's show in Vancouver. WinterWhite: It's online this quick? Green: Of last nights show in Victoria, of tonight's show it's already online if you go to tomgreen.com. We just had the best fucking show. The Keeping it Real Crew came to Vancouver; Vancouver came out and supported us and we just feel so fucking happy. DJ EZ Mike Simpson approaches EZ Mu\e: Keeping it Real Mother-Fucking Crew. Green: EZ Mike is here, we had the best show, the most fun we ever had in our Hves here at the Commodore tonight. EZMike: There are three girls back there that said the Electric Presidents are better than the Keeping it Real Crew. Unprovoked they said that is the best shit they have ever seen. Green: Don't say that in front of this reporter. . EZ Mite: Why? Green: Well y'know, well I love them too. EZMike: I think I should probably sign a deal with those guys. Green: Will you keep working with me though too? EZMike: Well o course. Green: Okay don't go sign the Electric Presidents and stop making beats for me or something. EZMike: No, No, No, No. Definitely not Green: EZ Mike, hooked up the Electric Presidents with that beat He also put that beat in my movie Prankstar which is coming out in 2006. Prankstar it's a film we shot in Saskatchewan. EZ Mike scored it; it is the second one of my films that EZ Mike has scored. He scored the first one, Freddy Got Fingered, which was shot right here in Vancouver. And, urn, we're just having the best time tonight At this point in our inter- view the prospect of going to see strippers distracts Green and the interview begins to fall apart. A man named Connor Sheridan thanks Tom because his documentary on testicular cancer had made him aware that he also had the disease and because of early diagnosis was able to have it successfully removed. "I credit Tom for saving my life," the man says. The discussion moves to beauty. Tom expresses the opinion that "the most beautiful thing in this world is a naked woman." Green is "having the best sex of his life right now" with his new girlfriend, an actress who got her start in soft-core porn flicks, Christa Campbell. WinterWhitB: Is one ball a benefit or a detriment?" Green: Neither I would say. life goes on and I'm frilly functioning the same as before. I wouldn't say no to testicular cancer. Don't say no to testicular cancer because I had it, I recovered from it, and I'm actually feeling good about it I enjoy my life; sexually, I am having the best sex I am ever having in my life. I am sexually functioning on all cylinders and I am having the best sex of my life right now. With Christa Campbell. When asked if there is "a playboy Tom Green," the artist repHes that he is indeed looking for some "home town hospitality." Later in the night he gets on the tour bus with at least 14 girls. And there you have it Tom Green doing what he best meeting people, having a good time—being a celebrity. H Maritime Ma THEMAYNARDS Tonight The Media Club by Nick Black CULTUREWRITER The Maynards have only one thing on their mind: making out. This self-described dance/rock trio from Halifax is tired of ihe "deep* lyrics and the contrived instrumentation that pervades the pop music industry, devoting an entire album to "the only thing worth putting any effort into...making out." The group describes themselves on their website as "a musical-deconstructionist movement masquerading as a dance/rock band." My first question when I had the opportunity to interview them over email was to find out want to make out with you, stat! what exactly they meant by that statement There's lots of music around these days that is appreciated for its lyricism, for its technical proficiency, for its (insert term that means earnest/self-reflecting/deep/poetic here)," they wrote. 'And it seemed for a while...maybe for a period until about a year or so ago...that there weren't many bands out there who were just having fun and making music that was simple but good. Does that qualify as deconstructionist? hmm—maybe not..sounds cool though." The Maynards' goal is to produce fun dance/rock that people can make out to, and with their first full-length album Break Out The Make Out, the band certainly achieves a sound that is neither technically proficient nor self-reflective or deep. With lyrics like "cast your vote for more Hp locking/ This year should be about less talking", The Maynards are clearly not trying to do what is so rife within the pop world's larger acts, such as the Coldplays and Green Days—bands too self-involved to notice that their songs aren't deep. Break Out The Make Out is fast and furious, each song roughly two minutes or so in length, so that you barely get a chance to catch your breath. The low-fi production lends the Maynards an indie-rock feeling, but the lyrics and high tempo come across as a bit more punk. The dance-rock description is dead on. Their Hve show portends a "pantless dance party"—I've never been to a "pantless dance party," but it sounds like a good time. 'Dancing is our big goal," say the Maynards. "We want people to be up and having fun and we're not afraid to bribe people with free drinks and novelty prizes to get them on the dance floor." So if you wanna dance, make out, and maybe win some free.drinks, check out The Maynards Friday night at the Marine Club, a m 4 Feature Friday, 20 January, 2006 THE UBYSSEY Friday, 20 January, 2006 FEATURES Green Party of Canada iiiB can In Vancouver Kingsway, vote for • Health - Not just health care • Social Justice • Sustainability Schortinghuis, Arno \XS aschortinghuis@greenparty.ca www.greenparty.ca Authorized by ihe Official Agent for Anw Schortlaghub .Vot*V« ■!#i >A fc "wli*,, "' ' '"' " 'f^' X' "r.\ s ', i ( ; iiijiiii'iHiiiininiii Miiiiiiiiiuiniiii'iniiiiiiiiiHniiiniiiiniiimii! iiniiiiiiiiuiiiiiimiiiiii / br&mn$ rusty cages sinc^ ISIS' ..tlJIrHUw ■Willi i tu iJI»HH».^lilllMlft»l.n*l &.■*■!■ .mlirililt ■)■)■■ i <*i i IUI I ■>»!■>*« HI*-. UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA Campus & Community Planning Public Meeting You are invited to attend a public meeting to view and comment on development application DP 05025: Lot 51, Residential Development in the Theological Neighbourhood on the site labeled 'Subject Property' on the location map below. Intracorp Westridge Development Ltd. proposes a 39-unit, 61/2-storey residential apartment building, including 12 ground-oriented units. The land-use and density will comply with the Neighbourhood Plan policies. Setback relaxation is requested on the north, south and east sides. Tuesday January 31, 2006 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Chancellor Lounge Chancellor Building 6050 Chancellor Blvd For directions to Chancellor Building, please visit: www.maps.ubc.ca. More development application information is on the Campus & Community Planning (C&CP) website: www.planning.ufic.ca/corebus/cievapps.html E>1 Questions: Lisa Colby, Manager Development Services, C & CP e-mail: lisa.colby@ubc.ca ^ This event is wheelchair accessible. For more information about assistance for persons &* with disabilities, e-mail rachel.wiersma@ubc.ca 2U-CAN €U-Cari^ v^ 2006.. *;*;*: Win a trip to Europe : YduhgJou :;-y^ X:y:yl:ll^ 'i-xrx':^ Lastyear marked the twentieth anniver- saxy of sister cities Vancouver and Guangzhou, China. The year began with former Vancouver Mayor Lariy Campbell leading a business and community delegation to the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, formerly known as Canton, to kick-off a year of anniversary activities that recognise the close ties that exist between these two major coastal cities. Guangzhou, the capital city of Guangdong Province, has experienced a phenomenal level of growth over the past 20 years. The Pearl River Delta region, where Guangzhou is nestled, also includes economic powerhouses like Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Vancouver is a signatory to five sister city agreements. Other sister cities are Edinburgh, Los Angeles, Odessa, and Yokohama. These agreements are established to encourage relationships between peoples for the purpose of cultural and trade efforts. It's always easier to deal with friends than with strangers, and Vancouver's sister city relationship with Guangzhou has seen some real success stories. Among the inaugural delegations was a then start-up Vancouver company called Quadra Logic, which signed its first major deal with the Chinese and is now one of Canada's larger pharmaceutical research and development companies. A week after our group's arrival to Guangzhou, Prime Minister Paul Martin and a Team Canada business delegation also touched down in China. Diplomatic courtesies aside, these delegations underscore the recognition of China as an important member of the Global Village. The past few years have seen a steady increase in the flow of information on China in North American newspapers, magazines, television and other media sources. Early articles on China were mainly of human interest and tourism, but now we see much of the focus on the business of Business in China. In fact, there isn't a day that passes by that we do not hear of something about China and how it is influencing our world and our local economy. We complain about the rising costs of concrete, steel, fuel and energy, attributing our shrinking purchasing power to the Chinese. Conveniently oblivious, we are happy and accept how affordable our electronics are—computer components, routers, cell phones, digital cameras, media players: all subsidised by the Throughout the late 1800s, members of my clan came to Canada to work on the railroad, and to this day their remains are scattered throughout the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. enormous and growing Chinese middle class, the most massive and most rapid urbanisation in human history. 2005 was also the tenth year celebration of the sister provinces British Columbia and Guangdong, China. So throughout 2005, delegations of business people, community groups, cultural events and exchanges occurred on both sides of the pond—from sustainability and health forums to photo exhibits, Chinese opera and kung fu exchanges. The largest event occurred during October, when almost 800 delegates arrived from Guangdong province and Hong Kong for a one-week business forum here in Vancouver, hosted by Premier Gordon Campbell and Governor Huang Hua Hua. In reality, the historical ties between the two provinces go back further. Many of Canada's early Chinese pioneers came from Guangdong's Pearl River Delta region. The prevalent Chinese dialect in North America at the turn of the past century leading up to the early 1970s was A UBC alumnus meditates on the rapid changes in his ancestral China and makes good on a promise he made to The Ubyssey before most of us were born. taishanese—a. sub-dialect of Cantonese. My family originates from Kai Ping (Hoy Ping in Cantonese) county on the Pearl River Delta in Guangdong province, China. It was from this region that many early emigrants from China left their homeland to help build the new nation of Canada. Throughout the late 1800s, members of my clan came to Canada to work on the railroad, and to this day their remains are scattered throughout the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. At a young age my grandfather, Mr. Wong Nam, left his home forever to come to a strange land, known then as Gam Shan, ('Gold Mountain*). Having paid the $500 head tax then unjustly imposed on all Chinese, he worked throughout western Canada and eventually settled down in Saltwater City, the original Chinese name for Vancouver. My first time in China was back in die spring of 1984 as an architecture student at UBC on a studies abroad program. Now I have a very keen interest in this effort to mark the sister cities anniversary. My interest is twofold: to explore business opportunities and more importantly, to locate my roots. As I sit and write at the Shanghai Putong airport during Christmas week of 2005, I think and reminisce on the years that have passed since I first visited China. It's not like the first time, when I had no responsibilities, pinching pennies and believing that I knew it all. I wrote an article about the experience for the Ubyssey called 'China through the eyes of a Banana' that was printed in October of 1984. It was to be part one of my experience as a 'banana' (a Canadian of Asian heritage; "Yellow outside and white inside"). I wanted to complete my thoughts a few years later in a follow-up article, which was to contain observations of my ancestral village— a place that I had to skip on my first sojourn due to some nasty bugs I picked up. A whole generation has passed—I am now waiting here with 27 young people at the airport ranging in age from 12 years old to third year university students. We are here too for the concluding celebration of the sister cities anniversary. Our delegation has come to China to learn from renowned Chinese masters and to pay homage to the place that sired icons like Jackie Chan, Wong Fei Hong and Bruce Lee. The China I saw twenty years ago is almost gone. Gone are the masses of cyclists and the cheerful sea of khaki, blue and grey Maoist suits. Gone are many of the monolithic echoes of Soviet influence and, unfortunately, gone too, are many urban peasant village communities. Villages proximal to urban economic centres are slowly, no make that quickly, 'redeveloped.' To my chagrin, an alien product is supplanting the indigenous architecture in many of these redeveloped communities, many of them not of the benign type. In the early Chinese rush to catch up with the West, it was typical of buildings to be adorned with 'western' motifs. Much of this was kitsch applied as 'icing' on the skin of the structures—romanesque detailing, disproportioned Greek columns, pediments and other assorted awkward ornamentation. There were times I wondered about the reverse, 'How would it appear if one were to place a traditional Chinese building in the middle of Rome?" These western interpretations by the Chinese had in fact occurred over much of the past century and for the most part, have been joyful and eclectic. But what has occurred of late may not be so innocent The Chinese have a long and rich cultural history—so much to draw on, especially when it comes to sustainable design and an indigenous response to the local environment So I became quite alarmed and perturbed by the amount of The China I sawtwenty years ago is almost gone. Gone are the masses of cyclists and the cheerful sea of khaki, blue and grey Maoist suits. Gone are many of the monolithic echoes of Soviet influence and, unfortunately, gone too, are numbers OF URBAN PEASANT VILLAGE COMMUNITIES. text and illustration by David Wong newly constructed, testosterone-driven structures peppered throughout many of the Chinese cities I visited. For example: continuous floor-to-ceiling glass (i.e. curtain) wall buildings in subtropical Guangzhou—with much of the energy costs directed toward pumping out the resultant heat. The locals informed me that hordes of "third-rate" foreign designers have been responsible for the buildings of soaring glass and concrete boxes (but I also believe it is a result of what the Chinese had wanted). A large number of these towers were capped off with silly capricious bits and Tiigh-tech' ornaments. Seeing me nervously twitch as we walked through the streets, my Chinese colleagues took note and directed me to some of their more recent efforts. A sense of reassuring calm came over me on when I saw that some of the newer structures show a cultural sensitivity and an appreciation of the environment As I tap out this dissertation, I think about the recent uproar in the forthcoming Canadian federal election and the historic Chinese head tax. How it's become a galvanising flash-point within the Chinese-Canadian community, how pohticians are reacting to it, and how some say it may adversely determine the fate of the Liberal campaign efforts. The head tax was created in 1885, after Canada's transcontinental railroad had been completed. It was seen as a solution to deal with the unwanted Chinese railroad labourers and to discourage further Chinese immigration to Canada. Then, in 1923, the Canadian government passed a further act which excluded all but a few Chinese people from entering Canada—separating families for over a generation, resulting in many stories of sorrow. This racist legislation was only repealed in 1947. And here we are, almost 60 years later, embroiled in an attempt to correct a past injustice that may perhaps even affect the outcome ofa nation's election. A. little ironic. Here I am finally visiting my ancestral district of Kaiping, where many of the early Chinese-Canadian pioneers originated. Land of the head-tax payers. On the three- hour trip from Guangzhou, I see over and over again the famous dialou towers dotting the countryside. These are 100-year- old four to seven-storey towers found only in this small region of China. Odd concrete towers that engage design elements of east and west, built for protection against bandits who periodically raided villages. Constructions of these towers were funded mainly by the early overseas sons in North America who wanted to protect their families back home in China. Today, an application has been made to UNESCO to protect these structures as World Heritage Sites, as the Chinese government has identified them to be important aspects of the area's cultural heritage. The government also recognizes the associated tourist dollars that follow them. I'm an example of this tourist homage. As I near my ancestral village, I feel a long, drawn out sense of sadness. I wish my father, grandpa and grandma were still alive for me to relive the many colourful stories they shared with me as a youngster. It's been over two decades since I originally wanted to make this visit As we slowly weave through the maze of rural roads and run down old buildings, I already knew what to expect an old deserted village—without the life and colour from the tales of my youth. When I finally arrive, I can't help but feel a sense of connection—to the earth and to the ramshackle buildings that once provided shelter and nourishment to my ancestors. I think about how it was. It was a quiet peace— of joy and of sadness. I eventually find a hving relative in the town and I pinch him to see if he is real. He is lost for words, as I appear unexpectedly and he is embarrassed because he has nothing to celebrate and share with me. In the old days, a return of a fat-cat relative would be cause for great feast and celebration. But I'm neither fat, nor am I into roast suckling pigs, greasy goose dishes or other assorted culinary intrigues. He offers me a simple cup of tea, believing he has nothing special to offer me. And yet he does. My newfound relation has old photos of my family, and a small piece of old bride I kept as a souvenir. I can feel my ancestors' presence in every whisper of leaf and every bit of shadow cast by the old clay- tiled roofs. I retrace the paths taken by my ancestors on the well-worn stone walkways. The village is not large. At its heyday, it might have supported up to 100 families. The original dwellings look like they came right out of a kung fu movie: an orderly rectilinear grid of one-storey greenish-grey brick-walled and clay-tiled roof buildings, with the odd two or three-storey renovated home built in the 60s and 70s. And based on classic feng shui principles, the front of the village faces south, onto a stream, with large expanses of farmland behind, protected by a series of lush green mountains immediately to the north. It is here, near the base of the mountain I am told, that the bones of my ancestors once laid. Unfortunately, during the turmoil of the Cultural Revolution, they were removed and destroyed. Amidst the weathered centuries old homes, I locate the village's ancestral hall. It has been renovated terribly. All the old and intricate architectural details have been stripped and replaced by plaster and concrete. I'm reminded that the structure has stood there over many generations and that the building had to be repaired with what Httie funds were available. My ancestral village has two dialous, both of which stand proud and overlook the entire village and the surrounding valley. But they too have seen better days. On the larger dialou, I see a weathered wooden plaque at the entrance, installed by the Chinese government. It is written in both Chinese and English, describing the importance and history of these old towers. It is named Tian lu dialou, 'The Tower of Heavenlv Success and Achievement. I blink as I realise that my Chinese name contains one of these characters and wonder if my parents and grandparents had purposely made this connection. My relative breaks off his smile relating a sorrowful fact all the young people have relocated to the large urban centers for the better economic opportunities to be found there. Only the old have remained, tending the odd plot of land and sharing stories and memories of relatives lost to Canada with whomever would listen. They say that in less than a generation our village will be completely deserted. Absorbing the sensations offered by my hands and eyes, I reflect on the loneliness and reaHty of the situation. My ancestral village has served its purpose and has seen its children relocate, some to Canada like my family. My generation is the last to have actually experienced the bridge of stories and memories through Hving people—my grandparents of days gone by. 2005 will be an important year in the legacy of my family. The year that I finaUy locate and twice visit my ancestral village, first at the beginning of the year, then again, at the end of the year with my children, fourth generation descendants Hving in Canada. They too are awed, a bit with the history, but more so with the idea of Hving in a real-life kung fu movie set. As I finaUy finish my article, 22 years later, I look at the young people on this kung fu delegation and I wonder what wiU they see in 22 years. Right now, I see them as one of the best things Canada has presented to China; these bright and poHte young people have given more diplomatic credibiHty for Canada than aU the poHtical delegations combined over the past year. It's a fitting way to finish off a sister city celebration: the youth of Canada sharing joys and experiences with the next generation of China. H (K Opinion/Editorial Friday, 20 January, 2006 THE UBYSSEY A pox on the ballot box Elections Canada must avoid disenfranchisement of student voters In the last federal election back in 2004, voter turnout among university-aged people was typically low: a scant 38 per cent between the ages of 18 to 30 dragged themselves over to tables, boxes and kiosks to participate in the democratic process. It's election time once again, and provided students can run the gauntlet of ennui that is the Canadian poHtical landscape, they can dutifully elect someone to represent their interests in Ottawa. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case at the University of Toronto. Last Saturday advanced polling stations were removed from various locales around campus under direct orders from Elections Canada, acting on a complaint by the campaign manager for Liberal candidate Tony Ianno. Members of Ianno's campaign for Trinity — Spadina, the larger of U of Ts two St George's ridings, had questioned the legaHty of the special campus voting stations, which had been organised by the Student's Administrative Council and the returning officer for the riding, Nick Ranieri. The result is that 4,000 students will now be assigned to off-campus polling stations. By Elections Canada's own regulations, 4,000 eligible voters warrant between 10- 16 polling stations. When Ianno was approached by the Varsity; the U of T campus paper, his explanation for the complaint was straightforward. "There are no provisions in [elections iawj for [this special voting] to take place," he told the paper. "We only asked the question, Ts this legal?' And Elections Canada said 'No." And so the plans for polling stations was scratched. It doesn't take too large a leap of logic to come to the conclusion that Ianno's complaint might have been poHtically motivated. While Ianno's team asserts that they simply wanted to play by the rules, the article reports that there is considerable NDP support on campus and that candidate OHvia Chow is counting on strong student support to puH off a win in the riding, which she lost by just 800 seats in the last election at a moment when students had gone home for the spring. It doesn't take a genius to realise that the Liberals stand to gain from the polling stations removal, as it would likely result in fewer student votes. If the speculation about strong NDP support on campus is true, this would mean fewer votes for OHvia Chow. While the actions of the Liberals in complaining to Elections Canada may be understandable, if less than righteous, what's deplorable is Elections Canada's decision to close the polling stations down as a result, resulting in widespread voter confusion across campus. "Causing this kind of confusion for first-time voters wiU have a terrible impact on youth voting," commented a frustrated Students' Administrative Council President Paul Bretscher. Because the polling stations were set up under the supervision of the returning officer for the constituency and (although there is some debate about this) in full knowledge of Elections Canada, the fact that they would be intimidated into shutting down the advance polling stations because of a complaint questions their purported commitment to combating apathy among youth voters. The voting stations were obviously being staffed by Elections Canada, so it would be difficult to argue that there was any cheating or impropriety occurring at them. Students were exercising their democratic right in a convenient location. If Elections Canada is wondering why voter turnout dropped to 60.5 per cent last election and is especially abysmal in the case of young voters, they might ask themselves if they are doing everything in their power to offer people the chance to vote. Given their recent action, they have a long way to come in that department a Perspective Opinion The'Key'to success: more funding AMS President Spencer Keys made some vaHd points about the threat to our AMS businesses from development at University Boulevard and the consequent introduction of competing restaurants. He challenged executive candidates on whether they would support a raise in AMS fees when, and if, revenues from student businesses decline. There are a lot of scenarios that could play out at University Boulevard. It seems a bit early to speculate, but to directly answer Mr. Keys's question—yes, there are circumstances where I would support a raise in AMS fees. I would add, however, that we're probably a long way off from being able to have that discussion. Raising our fees involves approval by referendum, and aside from questions concerning the U-Pass, it's difficult to reach quorum- enough people voting to legitimise the results. What is quorum? Ten per cent Less than ten per cent of us vote in a typical AMS election. Spencer Keys leads on a mandate of support from approximately three per cent of the student body. If I win, I would be very lucky to double that figure. We have a long hill to climb before we can prove to students that the AMS deserves more money. The current execs attempted to modernise and reform the AMS; these efforts should continue. It is really a shame though, that we're not even in a position to have a debate on a fee increase. It would be hard to prove in this short letter why the AMS matters to you, but imagine the potential for a well organised and poHtically powerful student society. Administration would Hsten to us if we wanted smaller classes, a farm, or a faU vacation. I'm sure it sounds a bit idealistic, but give us a chance. Vote, and make the AMS matter. -Jeff Friedrich Candidate, VP Academic and University Affairs Svend yourself to the polls! Although I served as a member of the House of Commons for over 25 years, and am running again as the New Democrat candidate in Vancouver Centre, I have often said that the most passionate, bloody and fascinating battles I fought poHtically were in student poHtics at UBC. That was what gave a young, geeky, pre-med science student the idea to run for pubHc office. I was a member of the AMS, a senator, and then one of the first two students elected to the UBC Board of Governors. It was great...I immediately got onto the Finance Committee, which was making key recommendations about how the university budget would be spent. We looked at academic issues, housing, environmental issues, how the university could be more democratic, accessibihty issues, and supporting the California grape workers' boycott. Years later I appeared before the Board as an MP when the then-President tried to stop the 1990 Gay Games from being on the UBC campus. The Board overruled him by a one-vote margin. I learned more about poHtics at UBC than anywhere else, and would realty encourage UBC students to get involved in the AMS, Senate and Board elections— when they have finished volunteering in the federal election! Best wishes from, —Svend Robinson UBC Law Grad 1976 Streeters QUESTION: WHICH PARTY DO YOU THINK STUDENTS ARE MOST LIKELY TO VOTE FOR IN THE UPCOMING FEDERAL ELECTION (AND WHY)? "It depends how rich they are. More students are open to the NDP or Green Party because they are more concerned about tuition and environmental issues, which are important to students." —Seamus Sullivan, Psych 4 "Tough to say. Maybe NDP. It's a more favorable platform for students, but a lot of the people I talk to are thinking Liberals and are worried that the Conservatives will come to power." —Leah Sandhu, English 5 "Most of the students won't vote... whichever one promotes education.* —Antony Kwok, Arts 2 "Liberals. They are established and won't swing eveiy which way. People are scared of change. What the NDP did to BC doesn't sound very nice. Conservatives sound bad.... and who will vote for the Green Party?" —Jessica Millar, Arts 2 "NDP because they promise the most for education. Students are not as worried about high taxes. They are more concerned about what they're facing now: loans and grants. The NDP are more worried about education, so they have their support., but I'm voting for the Liberals." —Eiad El Fateh, Commerce, 3 —Streeters coordinated by Peggy Cho and Kellan Higgans THE UBYSSEY Friday, 20 January, 2006 Sports 7 1 i 1 i i Commonwealth trials by Tia Town-Schon SPORTSWRITER Kelly Stefanyshyn had an atypical Christmas vacation. The T-Bird swimmer received an early Christmas present when she was belatedly appointed to the Commonwealth team. Shortly after receiving word of her acceptance she became fll and needed to have her appendix removed in the US Virgin Islands, aU while on a cruise with her family. Coming back from the hoHday injury aUowed her to improve her technique and achieve a better body position. This has pro- peUed her to achieve some of her fastest times. Five years ago, Stefanyshyn was a member of the Canadian Olympic Team in Sydney; since then she has worked her way through injury and a degree in Leisure and Sport Management. Stefanyshyn, holds multiple CIAU records and is in her final year of varsity swimming. Her technique has improved, her times have gone down and her confidence up. At the Commonwealth trials in November, Stefanyshyn posted times that she has not accomplished since her Olympic performances. The 200m Backstroke has always been Stefanyshyn's event Unfortunately her time was 19/100ths off the required standard time to make the Commonwealth team. "I knew I had swam weU and I went back that night and looked at the times just to see how close I was, and I counted them up and I was 29th." Times within the top 30 of the World were placed on the Commonwealth team. Stefanyshyn and Coach Tom Johnson wrote a letter to the selec tion committee to ask for clarification on the standards. Within a week the response was positive, Stefanyshyn was added to the team. Now able to attend her third Commonwealth games, Stefanyshyn looks forward to personal best times. Approaching quickly are the Canadian Western Championships, being held the last weekend in Januaiy on her home turf. Stefanyshyn is looking forward to the opportunity of having her friends around to watch her swim. Stefanyshyn remembers in her first year when the Canada West Championships were at UBC, "back when I was the youngest on the team, now I'm the oldest* Coach Johnson is proud of what he has seen from Stefanyshyn lately. "She swam with heart and courage [at the Trials], and she's motivated, she's persevered and look she's pulling down some of the best times I've ever seen her do," he said. Stefanyshyn has figured out her ideal workout. She trains 10 times a week—eight swim workouts and two weights. She was trying to maintain her schedule from when she was 16 and would be exhausted by the end of each week. "The coaches are pushing you hard and to your limit, and you want to do what everyone else on the team is doing and you don't want to butt heads with the coaches, but ultimately I know my body the best and I had to fight for what my body could take," said Stefanyshyn. She credits Coach Johnson with helping her, and respecting her opinion; together they took a chance and it's paid off. Her advice to the other swimmers: don't just say yes coach, yes coach, let them know what's going on with your body. As for her future: "three months at time," she responds. She's looking to Melbourne, after that she doesn't know. EventuaUy she wiU stop, and then? She would love to be involved in the 2010 Olympics. That is her dream job right now. However it wiU be hard. As an athlete she has found it challenging to write up a resume because of a lack of work experience. She has been inspired by a saying, "a bad day at the pool is better than a good day at the office," and she looks around the Aquatic Centre and says: 'this is my office, not such a bad place to be." As for the Varsity team, she expects them to continue winning. The UBC Swim Team has been growing in its strength and has been leaving its competition behind. Knowing that they have a strong lock on the CIAU title, at least on paper, I asked Stefanyshyn how the team finds that competitive edge. Stefanyshyn is constantly battling feUow T- Bird Caitlin Meredith in the backstroke events. How in an individual sport, with your biggest competition in the pool next to you day in day out do you build a team atmosphere? When it comes down to it they leave it in the pool. In that one or two minutes of racing, says Stefanyshyn, "it's intense and we want to go 1-2, but we both want to be 1, so there is that animosity only for a minute, if she does weU I'm happy for her." Stefanyshyn has a busy few months ahead of her: Canada West Championships, Varsity Training Camp in Florida, CIS Championships in Quebec, Training Camp and Commonwealth Games in AustraHa. And then there's the matter of her Graduation. How wiH she manage it? "The internet has been very good to athletes," she said. School-work is done on the road while at competition and in between practices. After that, she's not sure; after aU it's more than three months away.W Ted Goveia lands top spot as new Thunderbirds football head coach by Megan Smyth SPORTS EDITOR The rumors are true. At a press conference on January 17, Bob PhiHp, UBC Director of Athletics and Recreation, officially announced the promotion of Ted Goveia from offensive coordinator to head coach and general manager of the Thunderbirds footbaU team. Goveia is the sixteenth head coach since the UBC footbaU program began in 1924. When Goveia came to UBC as the new offensive coordinator "we were 0-8 at the time, and he played a big role in turning the team around. We were much better offensively," remarked PhiHp. Along with a personnel change, the official title for the job has also changed. Goveia's fuU tide is head coach and general manager. This alteration of his title "just takes into account aU the other duties that a head coach has to do at a Canadian university: deaUng with the alumni and the media, helping with our golf tournament and more importantly community relations, working with the high schools," explained PhiHp. With UBC finishing 4-4 in the regular 2005 season, the team is looking to improve and advance further next season. "Coach Goveia has a soHd reputation around the CIS and a lot of players know that too, they know he's a great coach and a great recruiter and hopefully we'U get some good quaHty athletes out to our program," GOVEIA said quarterback Blake Smelser. "I've come from coast to coast through . the game of footbaU and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be here," stated Goveia. Based on UBC's estabHshed reputation as a top Canadian university, Goveia does not feel high academic standards will be an obstacle for recruitment. "We have high academic standards and we'U work with the University to make sure we have the best student athletes," he said. The promise of a great education "aUows us to recruit anybody," acknowledged Goveia. The continuity of having a coach the team is already famifiar with wiU be helpful for the whole team. "It's going to be beneficial for everyone, not just the offense," according to Smelser. We do have another position to fiU, so we're looking to do that as quickly as we can," stated PhiHp. But it appears this may be second priority. Goveia explained that "right now we reaUy need to do a good job of making sure we have a handle on the best student athletes out there. The smart ones make their decisions pretty quick. Then we'U focus on the coaches." Goveia considers the new job as head coach and general manager of the UBC footbaU team a great opportunity. "I look forward to working with everybody in the footbaU community and the University and making sure that we build a winning team," he said. "The last two years I've learned so much from him and having him around and having his views across the whole team; it's going to be great for the season," said Smelser. "I see good things for us in the future." Q [:y/ly}lylff2@0fc Aclvluice votih^ ontirie or.,. Bring your Student Card for ^ on any ballot box location. www.ams.ubc.ca/eiections electtons@ams.ubc.ca Ubyssey Publications Society 2006 Board of Directors Election The Ubyssey Publications Society is the organization responsible for publishing UBC's official student newspaper, The Ubyssey. Its membership consists of all UBC students who have not opted out of membership by completing an opt-out form. Members are eligible to run for, and vote in, Board Elections. The Board of Directors oversees the administrative and business aspects of the paper including advertising, marketing, distribution, the budget and the finances, meetings of the Society, and management of employees. The Board is not, however, involved in any editorial aspects of the paper. Term is February 2006 to February 2007. Directors attend approximately 20 Board Meetings through the year in addition to serving on Board Committees. No previous experience with newspapers or the UPS is required. Elections will be held in conjunction with the AMS elections January 23rd to 27th, 2006. For more information, contact Fernie Pereira at 822-6681. / ft News Friday, 20 January, 2006 THEUBYSSEY Taking the plunge for charity UBC students participate in Wreck Beach Polar Bear Dip NO TIME FOR SANDCASTLES: Cold water can't deter keen polar bear dippers.Thirteen half-naked UBC students braved the elements to take an icy dip at the shores of the Pacific, yinan max wang photo by Megan Smyth NEWS STAFF Thirteen UBC students braved the cold waters off Wreck Beach in the name of charity yesterday. The first annual student-only Polar Bear Dip, presented by UBC REC, Phrateres and UBC Red Cross Club, went off without a hitch yesterday. Even the weather was cooperating: clear skies and very Httie wind created the perfect day for a Httie bit of fun and philanthropy. "The longer I stand here, the less I'm going to want to go in," remarked swimmer Amanda Truscott, moments before she ran into the water. After a group stretch, the 13 participants aU counted down together and charged into the water. Shouts of "it's cold* could be heard from the swimmers and some came out practically as fast as they went in. This year aH proceeds from the Polar Bear Dip wiU be going to the Canadian Red Cross and more directly to the Sahel region of Africa. This area is currently experiencing the worst locust infesta tion in 20 years. Combined with drought conditions, the area has been left in a serious food crisis. "We've already raised $300," said Goldis Chami, co-coordinator of the Polar Bear Dip. Donations were stiU being received the day of the event. Next year the event organisers hope to raise even more funds, although they acknowledge that the Red Cross may be helping out a different cause in the future. The Polar Bear Dip event was created because, as Chami explained, there are many students on campus that can't make it out on New Year's Day. "January first is the worst time to do it," she said. "Everyone is kind of hung-over and tired. So we decided why not do it during the year, during school, when people can actuaUy get the opportunity to come out." "We're totaUy happy with the number; I mean getting people out here to jump into freezing cold water is very difficult," stated Champi. "We're hoping for bigger numbers next year and the year after. We just. want to keep doing this." IB Jumpin' Jack: talking politics with a politician New Democrat leader Jack Layton discusses post-secondary education issues, criticises Liberals for broken promises m~ by Bryan Zandberg NEWS STAFF NDP leader Jack Layton fielded a wide variety of questions from student journaHsts across the country in a conference caU Monday—and he didn't miss a single opportunity to hammer the Liberals for their record on practicaUy eveiything on the menu. The Liberals have made promises about post-secondary education before, and then they promptly break the promises," he said, aUuding to the vow Paul Martin made dining the last election to restore $4 bilHon in federal funding to universities. Layton criticised the $4.6 bilHon corporate tax cut Martin tried to pass in a recent budget as Prime Minister, crediting the NDP as managing to wrangle $ 1.5 bilHon of that money for affordable education. "THE BEST WAY TO SLOW DON AND ULTIMATELY REVERSE THE PRIVATISATION OF THE FINANCING —AND THEREFORE THE INCREASED INFLUENCE OF PRIVATE FINANCING ON RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE AND ENQUIRY—IS TO PROPERLY FUND IT PUBLICLY." -Jack Layton NDP Leader The NDP leader, who's running in the Toronto-Danforth riding, promised major changes to Take your degree to a whole new level of success. In just two semesters, learn the marketing concepts and skills that drive successful and global business. Call 416-675-6622, ext. 3207 or entail peter.madott@humber.ca forfurtherinformation. Apply for all Business School programs at the OCAS web site - n'mv.ontariocolleges.ca Seating is Limited! <2» HUMBER The Business School www.business.humber.ca advanced education if his party is elected. One of those changes would be to legislate a post-secondary education act, which would entrench federal transfer payments to the provinces through what Layton called "a binding commitment" of dedicated and long-term funding—in return for the promise of lower tuition fees and better access for students. He said the NDP would also overhaul the Canada Student Loans Program, which he beHeves falls short of its objective at present, citing the fact that some students are as much as $100,000 in debt at graduation. Others drop out due to financial struggles. One of his party's aims is to remove barriers to education, which he caUs "inequaHties." The attention turned to the topic of universities and their increasing PRINCESS TOURS mean* cemplittly Alaska's Premier Cruisetour Company is Now Hiring for Summer Positions Throughout Alaska. • Hotel Staff • Motorcoach Driver/Guides Railcar Positions Sales & Service Representatives For additional information and to apply visit: www.prtncessjobs.com Princess Tours is an equal opportunity employer. \DVDZONE\ B Your campus movie store. In the Village next to the Bank of Montreal 1^1 B I Large expanded selection of DVDs, foreign films, aitdty^J^ Reservatjqhs 664-2^1-9355 reHance on private-sector funding. Layton voiced several concerns on the matter. "When you under-fund pub- Hcly,* he warned, "you open the door to this influx of private doUars, which can increasingly shape the decisions that are made about what kind of research is done." Layton compared education with health care, underscoring the need for federal spending to promote social democratic values on campus: "The best way to slow down and ultimately reverse the privatisation of the financing—and therefore the increased influence of private financing on research and knowledge and enquiry—is to properly LAYTON fund it pubHcly," said Layton, "That's the best way to go." Before heading off to make an appearance for Much On Demand later in the afternoon, Layton remarked he has seen "an enormous concern about environmental issues" among students he's talked to on the campaign trail. If elected, he wants to see Canada do a better job of Hving up to the Kyoto Accord by pursuing renewable energy sources and efficiency. He also said his party wiU encourage Canada to take a strong stand in foreign poHcy that keeps us out of the war and out of a proposed shared missile program. He urged students to take an "optimistic approach" at the poUs. "We should vote for what we really want," he said, adding later that the Liberals "need to go into the repair shop." BI *.~
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