Letters While leaving the cafeteria last Friday, I noticed a paper thumb- tacked to the bulletin board. It was a copy of the infamous Engineer’s article, but this time it was titled “Why women are better than some men”. I suspect that the posting of the piece was to some degree spurred by anger and vengeance. It is very easy to lash out in this way, but what can it accomplish? In the final analysis, it only serves to degrade the person who posts it. The Atlantic Regional COPUS conference was held at UPEI Sat- urday, Nov. 8th. A conference on campus provides a great opportun- ity to find out what is happening at other universities. Conferences are stimulating and helpful in ascer- taining just where a group fits, what it can and should do, and what is already being achieved. There is a re-affirming of purpose and an identification with visiting Editorial By Lori Anne Heckbert As I’ve said before, sexism is a two- way street. It makes no difference whether it is a man or a woman who perpetuates a sexist stereo- type. Do you believe that the way to combat a stereotype is to avenge it? I think not. If our society is ever to change, then we must channel our energies in more productive ways. This is a challenge for each of us, as it requires a critical exam- ination of our attitudes and values. Our society is changing, and we Mapus groups who experience the same stumbling blocks and have the same goals. I was particularly pleased that Professor Barnardinelli and Rob Kelley as guests. It is so important that the faculty understand the unique problems and concerns of the part-time and older than aver- age student, a group that forms a large segment of the student popu- lation. must change with it. The process of revamping our atti- tudes cannot take place overnight; many of these beliefs have been a part of our lives for eighteen years or more. What is required of us is that we consider our patterns of thought and behavior, and deter- mine their appropriateness to the age in which we live. If sexism angers you, then you have achoice to make: the choiceis between justice and vengeance. Choose carefully. Both the student union and MAPUS recognize that in order to meet the needs of all students on campus, a close understanding and coopera- tion is of vital importance. I appre- ciate that both of these people were interested enough to take time from a busy schedule in order to attend and I thank them on behalf of MAPUS. Jackie Schoelfield Poet’s Corner It happened suddenly; And wind whips my face One day we were talking over coffee With icy tendrils The next, he was sick. I tried to be hopeful, But I knew there was little chance. He died soon after; Better, I suppose As I walk to school. I finally arrive Relieved to be Out of the cold. Than being hooked to some machine But even hours later, Just to lie like a vegetable In some obscene greenhouse. I am chilled to the bone. — Kerry Lafferty Andy opportunity newspaper. The Gem is a’student newspaper supported by the UPEI Studen; Union.os cist. & Views expressed in the Gem are not necessarily those of the editor, the Gem, or the UPEI Student Union. The Gem is an equal ‘EDD-FIORIAL | RigL| , CONT AT LOO TO ME FoR BRLUANT SOCIAL ComMENT os! | sus gs Fe inG To FeGUIRE 2 3 Z a nie } = a & Now it’s November To My Friends Once I aod Thad a cloth to cover the blue sky, and wished I could have been _ as free and fair as a butterfly. I wished I had a big brick wall that could cover that sad scene. But most of all, I wished I was as happy as you all seemed to me. My friends, they hid that cloth from me so I could see the sky. ~ I felt I lost my greatest friend, there were no butterflies. Well, that brick wall was too hard to raise it pulled me down so deep. But soon I saw the sadness fade and joy in the friends I keep. — Angela Van Dijk Today I wandered through mounds of dead leaves, staring aimlessly at dead trees, wondering where you are... Today I held a crying friend, com- - - forting him, sharing his tears of pain, wondering where you are... Today I cried alone, not knowing when to stop, wishing I could say how you’re missed, wondering where you are... Today I smiled, remembering your words when I was down, knowing how youtouched my life, missing who you are... Now we’re home, friends laughing’ again just like we did, not hurting as much For in our hearts you’re never far. I miss you friend, Dawn Announcing the Third Annual Great Canadian Solar Race | The University of Waterloo is helping to organize the upcoming ‘‘Great Canadian Solar Race’’ to be held on the Victoria Day Weekend, May 16-18, 1987 at Ontario Place, Toronto. This annual event is sponsored by the Solar Energy Society of Canada, Inc. (SESCI) with support from various groups in the solar community. The one day competition is open to college and university (undergraduate and graduate) students across Canada. There are two separate competitions being planned. The traditional Thermosyphon event requires the building of a thermosyphon (no pump) solar hot water heating system. Points are awarded for the design, aesthetics, durability, cost and performance. A number of water draws will be made during the course of the day and the highest temperature will determine the best performing system. The second event is a Photovoltaic (PV) water-pumping competition. The object is to use solar cell panels (supplied by the organizers if enough schools are interested) to pump the largest volume of water from Lake Ontario 27 metres to the roof of one of the buildings at Ontario Place. Points are also awarded for the cost, aesthetics and durability of the system. Total prizes for the winners will be valued at $1000 and include memberships in SESCI. A concurrent high school hot dog cooking contest and PV powered remote-controlled model car race are also being planned. : Interested students can obtain entry forms and ALE ae by contacting the University of Waterloo (519) 885-1211 and asking for Evan Jones (extension 3885) or Professor Alfred Brunger (extension 6843) or by writing to The Great Canadian Solar > Race, c/o Prof. K.G.T. Hollands, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3Gl. : py “f See ——