News Shorts By Kristina Mameli Will there be enough snow for Olympic events? According to VANOC CEO John Furlong, who took helicopter tours of Olympic venues Wednesday, there will be. Furlong commended the efforts of staff who have been exhaustively trucking snow to the Cypress Bowl for their dedication and noted that dropping temperatures and sporadic snowfalls should greatly aid their efforts as they ready the venue for the Games. Olympic road closures “Walk, bike, or take transit” is the mantra being repeated by TransLink as the Games fast approach. TransLink had hoped to see a five per cent reduction in traffic each week leading to the Opening Ceremonies totalling 30 per cent. At the time of this writing however, traffic stands at only a 13 per cent reduction. Major closures Thursday, such as that of the Georgia Viaduct, and the implementation of Olympic lanes, heralded the start of true Olympic gridlock. TransLink encourages drivers to leave their cars at home or visit http:// travelsmart2010.ca/ for road closures and alternate routes. Harper makes up for lost time It was revealed via a series of leaked emails Wednesday that Prime Minister Stephen Harper plans to cancel two weeks of parliamentary breaks in March and April in an attempt to make up for time lost when he prorogued (or suspended) Parliament following the holidays. : The parliamentary calendar can only be changed with the consent of all parties, a rule Harper has twice ignored. : The House of Commons is expected to be in session during March 15 to 19 and April 12 to 16 and is expected to be very busy. Normally during that time, MPs would visit their ridings. Parliament remains suspended until March 3, following the Olympics. ae College fair promotes student health and wellness Tanya Colledge Staff reporter ouglas College was the host of the Health and Di fair last week at both the David Lam and New Westminster campuses to inform students of the free services available to them through the College. The event, organized by the SWAT (Student Wellness Awareness Team), the College Centre for Student Life and and fitness assessments and an on-site chiropractor and naturopathic doctor were available to answer any questions and offer advice to students. A massage therapist also joined to fair, giving free pain relieving massages to Douglas College students and faculty. “Being a part of events like this helps the Wellness Centre to advertize more and tell women that there are resources available to them,” said Nieder, explaining that the centre has a full library of reading material on topics surrounding abuse, rape, child care and information for single parents. “It’s just a safe space on campus to come hang out and talk to other women.” Nieder also said it’s important for students to be aware “It’s really important for women to know that there is a Women’s Centre here at Douglas College. It’s important for us to let women know that there’s information about health here.” —Christine Nieder, Women’s Centre representative the Women’s Centre, included several interactive booths: the sport science, nursing and therapeutic recreation departments; DC Recreation; and special fundraising booths for the Canadian Red Cross and the health science students. “Tt’s really important for women to know that there is a Women’s Centre here at Douglas College,” said Christine Nieder, representing the centre. “It’s important for us to let women know that there’s information about health here.” Students were treated to a variety of perks at the fair courtesy of the College, in order to promote health and well-being. The sport science department offered free health of activities promoted through the college that help others in the community, such the Women’s Centre’s upcoming Cinderella project, which will collect high school graduation gowns to donate to those who are not able to afford them. The fair was an overall success, with giveaways such as free snacks, a chance to win Vancouver Canucks tickets and other great health and wellness related prizes. The fair is expected to be a recurring event at the College to keep students aware of the free health and wellness services they can take advantage of throughout their studies. U.S. President gives modern address to Americans Obama uses YouTube to discuss healthcare reform and employment opportunities By Tanya Colledge, Staff Reporter audiences directly, President Barack Obama sat down with Steve Grove, the head of news and politics at YouTube, for an exclusive interview last week to answer questions submitted and voted on by Americans during the president’s State of Union address on January 27. In the 40-minute interview, Obama answered questions that were submitted via video, text message or by email on matters surrounding the economy, education, energy policy and foreign affairs. An estimated 53,000 users voted for their favourite question out of 11,600 submitted to YouTube, with jobs and the economy being the top category of questions submitted. “Tt is my greatest hope that we can get this done not just a year from now, but soon,” said Obama as he addressed the current and highly politicized American healthcare reform, explaining that the White House is calling on its Republican colleagues to get behind the bill to provide health care that provides not only insurance reforms for people who do have health insurance but also coverage for those who don’t. “My hope is, is that they accept that invitation and that they work with us together over the next several weeks to get it done,” he said. No stranger to YouTube or online forms of media himself, the President also shared his views on open Internet being a powerful engine for economic growth and employment. “I’m a big believer in net neutrality. I campaigned on this. I continue to be a strong supporter of it,” he said, adding that he is committed to providing equal opportunities online for Americans. “We don’t want I: an attempt to bypass traditional media outlets to reach to create a bunch of gateways that prevent somebody who doesn’t have a lot of money but has a good idea from being able to start their next YouTube or their next Google on the Internet.” The president ended his address to the public by expressing his gratitude to those who contributed to the discussion. “I hope we get a chance to do this on a more regular basis,” he said, “because it gives me great access to all the people out there with wonderful ideas. And even if you didn’t make your question, even if it wasn’t on this show, we appreciate your submission, and hopefully we’ ll catch you next time.”