Seems there's been a lot of discus- sion lately about a student radio revival at UPEI, but that's been a bit of a regularity since I started here 3 years ago. Now well into my fourth year on campus, I have heard the notion of a student run radio station batted around the halls and lounges like a shuttlecock in a badminton match more often than I can recall.

The problem is for all the talk, nothing ever seems to materialize. Like high school relationships, all the buildup that happens over the course of a school year dies shortly after exams. With few exceptions, people talk a big game and then never do anything about it, leaving those who remain to task grossly over stretched, or want to see such an entity exist so they can partake as consumers but can't be bothered to do anything.

Well let this next blow be the last big one taken - either it kick starts a success, or it dies on the table once and for all. After all, an electric jolt can kill you or save your life.

One of the things different about radio discussions this year is that there are a number taking place in a publicly accessibly forum - Weblogs@upei. Many people have realized the power of "putting pen to paper" via the web, making their thoughts and wants publicly known in a tangible, albeit virtual environ- ment.

Given the forum (Weblogs@upei) in which these discussions have taken place, the recent rollout of The Cadre Online! (TCO), and the student program BEAT (BUS 482) which has been their driving force, a unique opportunity to turn talk

into action has presented itself: through some sort of online merger via blogs and possibly something similar to podcasting, to join TCO with UPEI Web-radio (or whatever it's eventually called) to form UPEI's Online Student Media - TCO providing the basis of text and graphics, Web-radio providing the soundtrack.

Such a joint delivery would dra- matically aid in making Web-radio a reality through the provision of an existing student driven online base from which to deliver, while help- ing to dramatically diversify TCO's online and print — content. Additionally, this could act as a launching ground for closed circuit video streaming and multimedia hosting - my own personal pipe dream.

And it would seem that the SU agrees and is ready to show sup- port. Says SU President Clare Henderson, "We want UPEI Web- radio to be basically a vocal format for The Cadre and a new voice for students. For example, reporters would read their stories on the air, things like call in shows could be held on hot topics, and music and entertainment could fill in the rest."

Further asked what the number one thing that needs to happen for UPEI Web-radio to become a reality, Clare responded, "People need to step forward and take on some responsibility - take action. These things can't happen without stu- dents.”

To that end, an information sched- ule has been set for Friday Oct 29th at lpm in the SU. All interested parties - be there or be square.

lit take to donate? Giving blood takes about an hour and is totally safe. In

3700.

lif you knew you could help save a life, would you?

It isn't every day that a person can do something really special for someone they don't know, but here's your opportunity. Once a year, the University of Prince Edward Island hosts a blood donor clinic on campus so that students, staff and faculty can donate blood and help someone who is less fortunate.

As an indication of just how many donors are needed on Prince Edward Island, last year alone Island patients used over 5,300 units of blood, plas- ma and platelets. Patients undergoing cancer treatments, recovering from surgery, dealing with chronic anaemia — all required someone to donate on their behalf. Indeed, one unit of blood can save up to three lives. It is for this reason that Canadian Blood Services needs regular donors like yourself, as well as people who have never given blood before, to come forward and donate.

Every minute of every day, someone in Canada needs blood! So, what does

order to donate, a person must bring identification with full name and sig- nature, or full name and photograph. To be eligible, donors must be between their 17th and 61st birthday if they are a first time donor. The minimum interval permitted between blood donations is 56 days. A donor should be in general good health and feeling well on the day that they donate. It is a good idea to have had something to eat and adequate sleep beforehand.

The blood donor clinic will be located in the concourse of the CARI com- plex between the arena and the swimming pool on Thursday October 28th. The clinic hours are 9:30 am to 11:00 am, and 1:00 to 4:00 pm. EVERY- ONE is encouraged to participate by calling 1-888-2 Donate (1-888-236- 6283) for blood donor clinic information, eligibility information, or to book an appointment. In Charlottetown, the direct number to call is (902) 892-

iQuick Facts:

Blood is the specialized cells suspended in solution that are constantly cir- culating through the body. Blood carries oxygen and nourishment to cells and removes waste products. This process involves a multitude of organs: the heart to maintain blood flow, the kidney, spleen and liver to filter the blood, lungs to oxygenate the blood and the intestines to introduce food molecules.

Whole blood is separated into four components: red blood cells carry the} oxygen to the tissue, platelets are used in coagulation or clotting, plasma maintains blood volume and blood pressure while also preventing infec- tions and excessive bleeding, and white blood cells fight infection.

There are four major blood groups: A, O, B and AB and each is further divided into Rh positive and negative. The most common type in Canada is O+ and the rarest is AB-. When a donor is referred to as a universal donor, it means that they have O- blood. O and A blood groups are always in high demand.

UPEI Cadre September 14, 2004 page 14