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Opinions

Pissing on new plans;

The Great White Urinal’ to get a makeover

By Eric Wilkins, Staff Writer

he Sears building at West

Georgia and Granville Street has been called many things in its lifetime. None of them complimentary, though. And now, with news that Nordstrom is taking over, esteemed Vancouver architect, James Cheng has been recruited to eliminate any and all traces of the structure’s existence.

While many are rejoicing at the thought of replacing an eyesore with a fancy schmancy new look, I find myself a bit disappointed. It’s true that the white behemoth has never been an attractive sight, but does that really

The state of the roof

The colleges roof needs a cleaning

By Dominic Dutt, Contributor

ave you ever looked

up to view the roof of Douglas College’s New Westminster campus? You will notice what appears to be green, mouldy-looking spots everywhere. Nota pleasant sight, right? That's exactly what I thought the first time I saw the college’s roof.

I first noticed the roof when I was sitting on the fourth floor of the school.

I was checking my email and when I looked up, I immediately lost interest in what I was doing because | was in such disbelief.

On the first day of school orientation, I said to myself, “My goodness. This school is amazingly beautiful.” Unfortunately, because of the roof I no longer feel this way. I have to wonder, when was the last time that glass roof was

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matter? It’s unique. It stands out. You remember it from the first time you clap

eyes on it. Bring it up in conversation and everyone knows what you're talking about. Like it or not, it’s a Vancouver landmark. And what are we trading it in for? A spick and span glass structure. Well, gee whiz. That’s sure to stand out in our heavily glass-deficient downtown area.

You can’t buy character. Much like spunk, you either got it, or you don’t. The mock-ups I’ve seen of the new design are, for lack of a better word, nice. It’s pleasant. It’s fine. It doesn’t really stand out, though. It’s (sorry, James) basically just another massive window.

People like to call Vancouver a beautiful city.

I tend to agree. It is also said that the Sears building

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really cleaned?

Perhaps we choose not to notice. It’s not just the glass roof, either. There are other little things, as well. For example, dusty computer screens—have you noticed them? I’ve also even seen cobwebs in different

is a blemish. Also true, to an extent. From these two points, many have come to the consensus that the city would be more beautiful without it. And it is there that I have to disagree. To elaborate, many see worms as disgusting. But, stick a cockroach beside a worm, and suddenly you don’t mind what you started

off with. Bad example. However, while the urinal may not be the most aesthetically-pleasing sight,

it sure does make everything

else look pretty darn good. Just like the struggles in life

Photo courtesy of Twotwentysix (Flixter creative commons)

make us appreciate the good | Remember walking down

times, the eyesores make us appreciate the beauty.

Last but not least in considering what we’re losing here, is the history. You really don’t need to go far back in order to find something relevant.

areas. The cleanliness of the roof should be an important issue to all of us. It helps with morale. For example, who doesn’t enjoy going to the park? Besides seeing all the greenery, the squirrels, and hearing the sound of

Robson Street during

the Olympics? Flags everywhere, the anthem being sung at will, and patriotism at its overall finest. What was flanking you as you walked?

The Sears building. Sometimes I still get a little

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birds chirping away, we feel calmer.

Now imagine looking up from the third floor of the school campus where the steps are. The view will likely be of a blue sky seen through the glass roof. This view should bring a sense

sentimental walking by and remembering the good times. And now, I'll never be able to picture it quite the same again. My memories will be reduced to just that: memories.

You don’t know what you've got till it’s gone.

of calm, relaxation, and improved morale. Now imagine a view of green, mould instead. When was the last time you actually noticed a student admire the sky through the glass roof? Most of those who have seen the roof do not dare look up again.

As a student, I do take pride in Douglas College. I think the New Westminster campus is amazing, and it has become my second home. Although the campus is a great place, it could easily be improved. We spend so much time at the school—whether attending classes, studying, going to clubs, or hanging out with friends—it would be nice if the school itself was more pleasant.

We are paying lots of money to study here. With all that money coming into this college, the least this school can do is clean the glass roof. By the looks of that roof, it seems as if it hasn’t been touched for over two decades. It’s overdue for a good cleaning.