'Ice-jacking' cited in gondola collapse

On Tuesday the Excalibur gondola tumbled, stranding fifty-two passengers and injuring ten. Ice-jacking, caused by ice buildup between two parts of the welded tower caused the tower to fall, and the accident to occur. It appears there was no criminal activity involved. As it is well known, Whistler/Blackcomb is hosting the 2010 winter Olympics, and declared at a press conference on Wednesday that the Excalibur chair lift was not going to be used in any way for the Olympic transportation. Although no one was killed, this incident does make gondola passengers a bit uneasy, but there is still a thorough investigation by the RCMP as to why this happened, and according to officials a "secondary inspection" of the other gondolas. This may make skiers and boarders feel more comfortable. Surprisingly the popularity of the mountain has not changed. As a skier this makes me feel more nervous about using gondolas. I have always been uneasy on them even though I have ridden chairlifts, gondolas, and rope-toes hundreds of times. It was luck that no one was killed- there could easily have been a fatality resulting from this accident. I think it proves that the company making the gondola did not have proper quality control. I think that they should check each one of their gondolas carefully before letting people ride them- they are liable for any injuries or deaths that could result from another fallen lift. Not only will it benefit their customers, but it may save them from future legal problems. I am surprised that is occurred because I would have expected the tower to be made as safe as humanely possible- especially since passengers are suspended so high over ice and rocky peaks. I hope that this accident gave them the wake-up call they needed to start improving the quality of their products.

'Ice-jacking' cited in gondola collapse

By Linda Nguyen December 17, 2008

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Clamshell packaging on the way out

Retailers and manufacturers such as Amazon.com, Sony, Microsoft and Best Buy are no longer wrapping their goods in environmentally unfriendly clamshell packaging, nor using twist-ties to secure items. Instead cardboard wrapping is being used, and it is sealed with strong epoxy. Not only does this benefit the environment, but it also reduces injuries that occur from attempting to open over-packaged gifts. "Some 6,000 Americans wind up in emergency rooms each year with injuries sustained when trying to open their purchases with scissors, paring knives, pliers and other sharp tools"; it is obvious that something needed to be done. These companies have taken initiative to stop the wasteful clamshell packaging that drives North America crazy this time of year. Creating new prototypes, and using recyclable materials is their way of avoiding "frustration-free packaging" and "wrap rage". I am so happy to hear that major manufacturers are finally getting rid of clamshell packaging. Not only is it frustrating when you nearly ruin the gift you're opening because you are trying so hard to tear through the packaging, but it is also extremely wasteful. I am horrified every year by the amount we waste every Christmas from wrapping and unwrapping presents. I would prefer to pay an extra few dollars and use recyclable gift wrap than save money to use plastic wrapping that goes into a landfill. I understand that companies are trying to reduce the amount of gifts being stolen, but clamshell packaging takes it too far. I am glad to hear that clamshell packaging, and other wasteful wrapping products "is on the way out".

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December 16, 2008
By Bruce Ward

Quadra man presumed drowned after sinking

At around noon on Tuesday, two geoduck fishermen were going from Cortes Island to Heriot Bay on Quadra Island, and their small aluminum boat started to sink. While one man, a resident of Quadra Island, was rescued at daybreak the next day, the other has still not been found. The survivor suffered hypothermia and was taken to hospital after being rescued by a private fishing boat. Sadly it seems the missing man has "succumbed to the elements" as he has not been found yet. Over twenty vessels searched for him extensively, and still he has not been found. Currently they are searching for a body, because they have little hope of finding him alive. This story is a sad but effective reminder that people should be careful when boating, or else the results can be fatal. Wearing a life jacket can save your life. This article did not specify whether then men were wearing life jackets or not, but it definitely increased their chances of survival if they chose to wear one. The men were in a small, unpredictable ship which ended up sinking. It is so unsafe to travel in an unreliable vessel. It's sad that they were shipwrecked, but they should not have been boating so unprepared. I hope that others learn from these two men's mistakes, and boat safely.

Quadra man presumed drowned after sinking
Lone survivor found on small island suffering from hypothermia
By Andy Ivens
December 11, 2008

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Mall Santa's life is not so jolly

This article described a new documentary that shows viewers that life behind the fluffy white beard and big fat belly is tough. The documentary captures three mall Santa’s lives on film, and follows each one's Christmas adventures for a season. The documentary takes place in Toronto-area malls. Although they have to deal with stresses like crying toddlers, angry parents, and never-ending line ups of greedy kids, they manage to survive each Christmas with a jolly spirit. The documentary follows three Santas: Santa John, Santa Bernie, and Santa Roy. "Mall Santa is a bittersweet look at one of the most overlooked professions of the season. We also get to know the three Santas outside mall hours." The life of a mall Santa may seem simple, but really it's a tough gig! After reading this article I really want to see this documentary. Not only does it seem hilarious, but I think it would be interesting to have a look at people who share such an interesting job. Maybe after watching this documentary people will have a bit more respect for these merry figures. I'm sure that they have to deal with upset kids and parents on a daily basis over the holiday season, and even if this documentary could silence a few I'm sure it would be very appreciated by mall Santas everywhere! I would enjoy watching this documentary over the holiday break both for entertainment, and out of curiosity.

Mall Santa's life is not so jolly
By Sheri Levine
December 18, 2008

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Office party survival guide: It's not all fun and games

This entertaining guide to holiday office parties was a refreshing change from regular news about criminal activity. It gives a few tips for anyone going to an office party, or any holiday get together to follow so that they have a good time, and don't wake up with any regrets the next day! The first tip is to dress appropriately for the occasion. If you're going to an office party don't wear anything too scandalous. That said, don't dress like your grandmother either! Make sure to have an outfit that will perfectly suit the occasion- otherwise you are guaranteed to start off badly. I think this tip so true- I know so many people who dress not to impress, and when you are wearing something that looks great and is appropriate for the occasion you are far more likely to have a good time. Another tip is to not get carried away with drinking. Of course I don't drink at parties because I am underage, but say if I were to or my friends were to, hypothetically speaking of course, it would be far better for everyone if it were within our limits. Nothing is worse then spewing puke across the dance floor...definitely. It's important to have a good time, so it's alright to drink (if you are of age), but don't let it be the only reason you are having fun. Probably the best tip of them all was don't spend to much time underneath the mistletoe! It's fine to privately do what you want, but when it comes to parties, especially office parties, it's so not cool when people are making out in the middle of everything. As it is said in the guide, "Careless tonsil hockey could result in a) having the embarrassing snog captured by cell phone camera thus becoming the highlight of your colleagues' e-mail the next day or worse b) you clearing your desk on Monday morning." So please people, if you are feeling "passionate" take it outside. Last but not least, the guide advised office partiers to stop worrying about calories, and eat the free food. Overall, I think that this guide provided excellent advice to follow.

The Vancouver Sun
Jackie Middleton, Canwest News Service
December 18th, 2008

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Multiple food-bank raids leave staff disheartened

The Surrey Food bank has been robbed for five out of six days, the attacks finally ending on Sunday. The food bank, providing food to over 14, 000 needy people each month, was unable to open on the days of the attacks, leaving many hungry, (estimated 41% of these people are children and babies). The warehouse is located on 135 Street in Surrey, not far from Surrey's most dangerous streets. Even the alarms didn't stop the thieves, who went as far as taking cash, computers, monitors, tools and even a coat. Smashed glass and broken plywood were all that they left in the charity building.
I am disgusted by the behavior of the criminals involved in this attack. Not only stealing, but stealing from a charity! At Christmas! That feeds hungry babies and children! It doesn't get much worse than that. It seems like at this time of year there are always a few terrible crimes committed- not by the Grinch, but by members of our society so cold and self-centered that they hurt those most venerable for a small financial gain. Shame on these people. This is the time of year when we should all work together to better society. Maybe that is why heartless crimes such as this are often committed during the holiday season- people are easier targets because they simply don't expect others to behave so horribly.
I hope that the thieves who stole from this charity are caught, but in the mean time we must work together to re-build the Surry Food Bank, so that the happiness during Christmas is present for every member of society- rich and poor.


Multiple food-bank raids leave staff disheartened
By Frank LubaDecember 9, 2008 7:00 AM
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Woman convicted 15 years ago of hiring hitman to kill daughter-in-law still complains about victim

Jelka Pesic, 15 years ago was convicted of first degree murder for the death to her daughter-in-law Alexandra Pesic. Recently she was heard still complaining about the victim that she hired a hitman to kill. Clearly showing little remorse, Jelka was suprisingly reported by police to be of low to moderate likelyhood to reoffend. Although the Criminal Code's manditory sentance of first degree murder is life imprisonment (25 years) and no parole, under the "faint hope clause" criminals can "apply for a judicial review of parole ineligibility after serving 15 years". In my opinion, someone who purposefully plans the murder of her daughter-in-law, and pays $30, 000 for a hitman to kill her should not be a member of our society. The fact that she is still complaining about the woman she indirectly murdered seems awful enought that she should not be given a "faint hope". I was disgusted when I read this article, which proved how little remourse she showed. Clearly prison has not taught this awful woman her lesson yet.

By Neal Hall
December 4, 2008

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UBC student convicted of manslaughter in stabbing

On Nov 21st, 2008, Sasan Ansari was found guilty of manslaughter for brutally stabbing and murdering his friend Josh Goos. Ansari, a law student studying at UBC, used the defense that he was in a diassociative state, (not aware of his actions) and that he didn't even remember stabbing Goos 30 times. His plea of automatism was rejected by the jurors, but they did not convict him of second degree murder. He was convicted of manslaughter instead. Just like Mersault, Ansari murdered, and stood on trial. Although Mersault had plenty of provocation and he was intoxicated, he was not tried on manslaughter, but on first degree murder, and he was sentenced to the guillotine. Ansari (from what it suggests in the article) was neither greatly provoked, nor did the article mention intoxication. His only defense was that he didn't remember committing the crime, but admitted to doing it. Who seems more guilty: a man who intoxicated and extremely threatened killed another, or a man studying law (being fully aware of the ways to receive a lesser sentence) saying that he was "in a dissociative mental state, which caused his amnesia"? This plea could easily be false- a simple way to get out of years of prison. Even if it were true, does it seem fair that a man who brutally stabs his friend be punished less than a man who was, one could say, defending himself? Personally, I think it would be far more just if Ansari recieved the conviction of first degree murder, and Marsault was charged with only manslaughter. That is not to say that I wish their punishments were switched, as I strongly disagree with the death sentence, but I think it would be more fair if their convictions were reversed.

UBC student convicted of manslaughter in stabbing
By Neal Hall
November 10, 2008
The Vancouver Sun

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