© Opinions Kali thurber =e the other presse opinionsubmit@hotmail.com December 10, 2003 It was several months ago, on a bright, sunny morning that I found myself listening in on two older fellows walk-and-talk con- versation. The men were quite a pair with their matching tweed coats, and black top hats—the kind of people that don’t really belong anywhere, but in the same sense, fit in everywhere. They strolled down Commercial Drive in an unusu- ally awkward manner—one lurched across the sidewalk with long, smooth strides, as the other raced along beside him in short, hurried steps. The two men intrigued me, and before I knew it I had passed my street and was dangerously close to falling into the stalker stereo- type—side-stepping after my newest victims. ‘I finally caught up and over- heard just two lines of their Monday morning back-and- forth. One said in a wistful tone, “I want to write poetry that starts conversations,” and the other retorted with the gur- gling chuckle of a braggart, and said, “I'd be pleased to have con- versations that start poetry.” Entranced by the funny sim- plicity of this overheard tidbit of these men’s lives, I find now that I can't stop myself from strain- ing my neck to listen in on ran- dom stranger's conversations. When not heard in context, most sentences are amusing. Now, my dear reader, here is where you come into the pic- ture. You will now benefit from my nosy habit, as this is the start of a weekly column in the Other Press. A quote of the week will appear just for you, loyal reader. Sometimes they will be silly, sometimes they will be pretty, but they will always be stolen words. The column is dedicated to the two men in top hats on a Monday morning, and to all other snoopy observers out there. Other people might say them, but we can steal them. Follow the Rainbow Welcome Back! Joel Koette, OP Columnist This article is intended to welcome back all the old and new students to Douglas College and provide information about the Douglas Students’ Unions Pride Collective. What is Pride? Pride is a sense of one’s own proper digni- ty or values and the self-respect that they hold for them- selves, their culture, and community. The Pride Collective was created to help foster these positive ideas and attitudes toward Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and Transgendered people. The Pride Collective is active on a regular basis holding pub nights, campaigning for equal marriage rights, educat- ing the college community on AIDS awareness, and on the Queer community. Beginning in the January 2004 semester the DSU Pride Collective will be launching our Positive Space Campaign at both campuses. The campaign will con- sist of positive space stickers, myth and fact sheets, pam- Name: Jennyfer Age: 18 Angela Blattmann OP Photographer Tegan and Sara Yes. To be honest. Program at Douglas College: Music Last CD in your stereo? Worst Christmas gift you've ever gotten? A lump of coal — no seriously. Best part of the holidays? Being able to sleep in! How did you spend New Years? At a party at home with friends. Have you ever made a New Years resolu- tion that you kept? phlets, and posters that will be distributed to each and every professor, staff person, and office on campus. Each individ- ual will have the option to make their office a “Positive Space” for members and allies of the Queer community. The Positive Space Campaign has been launched at many other campuses around the Lower Mainland and across Canada in the hopes of eliminating homophobia on our campuses and in our communities. The Pride Collective is hoping the Positive Space Campaign will be a huge success. If you have any questions about how to get involved with the Pride Collective visit the Pride Resource Centre on the top floor of the Douglas Students’ Union in room 328 or contact us by phone at 604.527.5474. Welcome back every- one. Name: David Age: 25 Program at Douglas College? Business Dear Diary Lynn Paus OP Contributor I miss my Christmas tree. I miss long relaxing hours cuddled up in my fleece blanket, drinking tea, and reading books—no schoolbooks. The gift of time over the past few weeks has been pure heaven. No projects, no homework, and no deadlines. Now that school’s started again, it's hard to get motivated and into the swing of things after the long semester break. I always dread taking down my cheerful Christmas tree on New Year’s Day and this year it was doubly hard because it was a reminder that I'd have to get into student-mode again within a few days. Our family ritual of bringing in the New Year includes taking the tree down and putting the ornaments away on the first day of January. It also includes the dreaded creation of New Year’s resolutions. I loathe these darn things and this year I rebelled and refused to make any resolu- tions for 2004. Tell me, why do so many people decide they need a makeover at the beginning of each year? Why do they announce their resolu- tions so publicly? Knowing all the while, that they will most likely fail (just like every other year) and everyone will be witness to the inevitable fizzle of their grand intentions? Yes, I believe that New Year's resolutions will inevitably fail and that’s why I’m not taking part in the crazy ritual this year. How can it be good for a person to look in a mirror and find them- selves wanting? Once we start judging ourselves as not thin enough, or not organized enough, or not fill-in-the-blank enough, we start on this quick downward spiral of shame and guilt which ultimately sabotages our intentions/reso- lutions. We fail and then feel bad about it until the next year and then we go through the whole crazy thing all over again. Now that just sucks! So, Dear Diary, this year I will not resolve to eat healthier, exercise regularly, spend less money, and get straight As at school. This year, instead of making grand plans to makeover the way I look, live, and act, I’m going to treat myself kindly and accept myself unconditional- ly. Oh no, I just made a New Year's resolution! Last CD in your stereo? Ghetto Fabulous Worst Christmas gift you've ever gotten? I walked into my brothers room while he was lis- tening to a CD. He popped it outta the player and said, “Hey, here’s your Christmas present.” Best part of the holidays? Being away from family, cooking dinner, and play- ing poker with friends. How did you spend New Years? At a hot-tubbing house party in West Van. Have you ever made a New Years resolution that you kept? I don’t think P've ever made one ae Page 6 e_http://www.otherpress.ca