A Hairy Situation

Whether or not women should consult with their significant others before cutting, dyeing, permanently curling, straightening or altering their hair in any way was the basis for a heated discussion on today’s Kid Carson Morning Show on the Beat 94.5.

The apparent triviality of the subject served comedic purposes, but the underlying debate raised important societal questions on appearances and male and female relationships.

On one side of the argument, women should not have to ask permission to alter their own physical appearance. The side in favour of consultation however argued that altering one’s look affects both people in the relationship, and a woman’s selfishness in deciding to cut her hair for her own purposes can cause her man to lose attraction towards her, create distance between the couple, etc.

Boohoo.                                    

The argument in favour of consultation is so extremely shallow that it can barely be given any validity as an argument. A hair cut does not affect one’s personality, and holistically and morally that is what we should base our attractions on when choosing a life partner. Where are society’s priorities?

The argument has one main logical fallacy: that if men want control over what their women do with their hair, women should be given the same rights with regards to their men. Tattoos, piercings, buzz cuts, moustaches and beards are all fair game.

The whole debate seems juvenile, because hair is hair is hair. It grows back, it falls out and even permanent alterations are easily reversible.

If the question of appropriate and acceptable hairdos is so apparently controversial, what would the pro-consultation males have to say about their other half getting implants or plastic surgery? And would their attraction to her be lessened if she needed an amputation?

The excuse of I’m-attracted-to-blondes-but-now-you’re-a-brunette to justify a lack of attraction, is morally repulsive and unethical when the situation is altered: I’m-only-attracted-to-two-legged-women-but-now-you-only-have-one. Unfortunately, cancer doesn’t wait for consultation.

But relationships revolve around compromise. So it would likely be in the best interest of both individuals to mention any “life-altering” intentions so as to make their significant other feel included in their life. Like a little hair trim, it is more of a courtesy than anything else.

Good girls falling for bad boys is old news

 

You would think that after your boyfriend has disappeared for a week; told you he has a girlfriend; or ditches plans for dinner, not once but twice in one week, you would break-up with him.

This has not been the case for a handful of women in my social circle. My friends, ranging from the ages of 22 to 55 years-old, are hopelessly devoted to emotionally-unavailable men.

With their fantasies of togetherness, my friends call me to talk about their ‘perfect days and nights.’

Hand-in-hand they will walk along the beach, water brushing at their ankles as they kiss against the sunset: They spend a wonderful thanksgiving dinner together where his mother says, “call me Mom:” Or tells the gorgeous woman in my life “I love you,” seemingly meaning these three words from the bottom of his heart.

They are so convinced these men have changed; they convince me. And just when their smiles are glimmering all day long, there is no phone call, no more dinners with ‘Mom,’ and it turns out Sex-addict is very happy with his live-in girlfriend after all.

My you-can-do-way-better friends are stuck in a cycle. What’s up with this wonderfully creative, intelligent, sexy women giving into to Low-life number one, two, three and four?!

Vancouver-based, Certified Canadian Counselor, Pamela Catapia, says there are generally three reasons why great women continue to pursue emotionally-unavailable men.

Catapia says, one reason is that women have a fear of commitment. As a defense mechanism, the woman will subconsciously be attracted to men who have a fear of commitment as well, assuring the stagnant relationship will not develop.

This fear of commitment could stem from past heartbreak. She could feel “it’s too scary” to be in a committed relationship, says Catapia.
 

Fear of rejection is another reason why women chase the bad-boy. In this case, the woman feels if a man truly took the time to get to know her, he would not be attracted to her anymore.

Lastly, certain women seek emotionally-unavailable men because it is familiar. Catapia says many women with this problem had one or more parents who were withdrawn or distant, causing it to transfer over into her future relationships.

“She’s creating the same relationship over and over,” says Catapia, “but this time hoping to change the other person.” She may have not been able to get that closeness with the parent, “but she’s hoping to with the guy.”

No matter what the situation is, if you’re dating the emotionally-unavailable man, Catapia says firmly, not unless he’s had a “life-threatening, or near death accident” will this man change.

So, smarten up ladies and break the cycle! We all know you deserve multiple ‘perfect days.’
 
 
To learn more about Pamela Catapia and her private practice, Aspire Consulting, visit PamelaCatapia.com. Or contact her by email: pmcatapia@telus.net.

Dating Tips for Women

There was a lot of discussion in one of the free daily newspapers in Vancouver recently when a Mr. Mann wrote in and started a whole controversy on the “I-won’t-let-a-pregnant-woman-have-my-seat” nonsense.

Readers subsequently responded to Mr. Mann’s comment and ripped him to shreds, in the processing starting the classic “men vs. women” debate all over again.

We’re not going to get into that whole debate, but suffice it to say, there’s no point in rehashing it all since everyone has his or her own viewpoints in this touchy subject.

What we want to get into today is another aspect of the men vs. women issue: Dating faux pas when it comes to women.

People who weigh in have said that women in Vancouver are unapproachable. (Yes, I’ve had that experience too when approaching a woman on the street. And no, I didn’t look like a homeless dude or drug addict.) Women, on the other hand, have said men here are insecure, lack confidence, or, simply put, are wimps.

Again, no need to get into that, but I will, however, list a few tips for women.

Now, I don’t profess to be an expert, but there are a few things that definitely don’t turn men on during a first date or when looking for one.

Here are some of those “not to do” items:

* Use fake names and then forget which one you were using during the date. “Oh, yeah, I’m Kathy, nice to meet you…. (phone rings) ‘Hello, Cindy here.’ …”

* On a dating website, post a profile picture that was obviously taken five years earlier. Seriously, when you end up meeting the guy, you don’t think he’d notice?

* Start off the first conversation by saying, “What kind of alcohol do you drink?” or “Where are you from?” Well, my answer to the latter question would be: “Planet Earth.”

* Show up more than 20 minutes late for a first date. Okay, yes, I know in Vancouver, it’s a norm (and maybe even cool) to arrive late for a get-together. But for a first date when first impressions are crucial?

* Leave your phone on the whole time during the date so that your mom can you every few minutes to see what you’re doing.

Sure, have I made mistakes before on my end during a date. Of course, you bet! But it wouldn’t be as entertaining if I mentioned those.

The ones I did mention really happened. Needless to say, there was no second or subsequent date after.

Well, if anyone else out there has more tips or goofy stories to share, feel free to leave a comment.

In the meantime, good luck to everyone in the dating world.

_______________________________

**Support a Canadian author; Pick up KP Wee’s baseball novel, “The Homecoming Pitcher“, about a Canadian with a dream to play in the big leagues.**

Tweetin' athletes

I have discovered a world. A world where superstars communicate with the average individual, and where a person can know the every action of a friend half way across the world. Unfortunately, I am not the first to discover this world. In fact, I am fairly delayed in my entrance to this social realm. If you haven’t already caught on to the realm I am referring to, then you probably haven’t been introduced to the world of Twitter as of yet. Twitter allows members to update their every action on an online social network, while also letting them “follow” the tweets of other “twitterers.”

One of the most exciting aspects of this social network is that it allows you to follow your favourite celebrities. I used this opportunity to follow a few popular athletes that are on twitter. What surprised me was what some athletes are willing to share with the fans. Athletes provide a sneak peak into their personal lives and emotions. The following athletes and their tweets were especially fun to follow. Now I was fairly suspicious of fake accounts with people pretending to pose as athletes, but twitter-athletes.com has assured me that these people are the real deal.

Martin Havlat:
http://www.twitter.com/martinhavlat
The recent news around Martin Havlat has been that he was not resigned by the Chicago Blackhawks even though he desperately

Havlat is an avid Twitterer, consistently updating his fans on his latest happenings.

wanted to sign with the team. Instead the Blackhawks grabbed sniper Marian Hossa, which resulted in Havlat signing with the Minnesota Wild.
Havlat’s most recent tweets included comments such as “there is something to be said about loyalty and honor” and “didn’t leave them… they left me.” These comments completely negate those of an article in wcco.com I read, entitled “Happy Havlat Checks Out New Home in Minnesota.” The truth is Havlat didn’t even seem close to happy in his “tweets” and consistently lets fans known of his love for the Blackhawks.

Dwight Howard:
http://www.twitter.com/dwighthoward
One of the most prominent “tweeters” out there, Howard provides hourly updates on his life. What makes him even more fun to follow, however, is the fact that he diligently responds to a lot of “tweets” fans throw his way. After “following” him for sometime, I have nothing but love the guy, even after he stifled the opportunity for Kobe and Lebron to go head-to-head in the finals. You also learn the social aspects that revolve around athletes through Twitter. Most recently, Howard and his “boys” bought some “wacky” wigs and went bowling while wearing them. The proof was provided in the twitpic options that allow you to share pictures on Twitter.

Chad “OchoCinco” Johnson:
http://www.twitter.com/OGOchoCinco
If you think this guy is a character on the field, he’s an even more interesting character off the field. Aside from consistently reminding his twitter followers about his heavy diet consisting of a range of meats, OchoCinco also pulls some out-of-the-ordinary social stunts. In responding to a tweet from a fan, OchoCinco asked the fan for his number and allegedly called him up. Apparently, OchoCinco needed a favour from this random fan because of this fan’s current location. OchoCinco tweeted publicly to the fan that he “needs help with something for the season, and it’s located in Mexico/” Only through twitter can individuals on different ranges of the social hierarchy can talk and exchange information.

I am excited at the prospect of getting such frequent updates from athletes that I follow throughout the season and hope to consider them as role-models. Getting a glimpse of the social lives of stars allows the fans to see the type of personalities that these athletes have outside of the sporting realm, and in the end, isn’t that what really determines whether someone can be designated as a role-model or not?

Sussex Drive has a new tenant

Prime Minister and the Aga Khan at the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat. Photo: Farhan Devji, the Charlatan.

Stephen Harper has not been greeted with the most courteous of welcomes by anyone, anywhere as of late but the Prime Minister, who is currently tangled in Canada’s latest web of government drama, had that trend bucked when he attended a house-warming party of sorts for his newest neighbour on Saturday.

The Aga Khan, spiritual leader – or Imam – of approximately 80 thousand Ismaili Muslims in Canada and 20 million across the world, officially opened the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat on Saturday in the presence of his family, the Prime Minister, former Canadian Governor General Adrian Clarkson, and government and Ismaili leaders from across Canada. And the trying time in Canada and for Harper specifically was not lost on the Imam.

“I particularly want to thank the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Stephen Harper, for the honour of his presence, at a time of immense global challenges for those who bear the responsibilities of national leadership” said the Aga Khan at the beginning of his speech, according to a transcript from theismaili.org.

Sussex Drive’s latest landmark is a 50-million dollar, beautifully constructed edifice designed by internationally renowned Japanese architect Fumihiko Maki of Toronto’s Moriyama & Teshima. At the request of the Aga Khan, the Delegation creates a certain mystique by way of the “mysteries of rock crystal”. While its elegance is sheer and awe-inspiring, gazers from the outside and in, may not necessarily be struck by its outward beauty, rather though by its subtle and striking fascination, which the Aga Khan believes emanates from the rocky crystal.

An outside view of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat. Photo: theismaili.org

Physically and through the likening to rock crystal, the Aga Khan wanted the building to represent “symbolically to the Faith of Islam”.  He said that “qualities [of] rock crystal seem to be such an appropriate symbol of the profound beauty and the ever-unfolding mystery of Creation itself – and the Creator,” referring to the Islamic God of Allah.

But going beyond its physical beauty, there was a reason why the Aga Khan chose Canada to establish his first ever Delegation – a building which will act as a home to his various developmental organizations such as the AKDN – in Canada. The Aga Khan, who returned to Canada for the second time in as many weeks as a part of his Golden Jubilee commemoration to open the Delegation, has had a longstanding relationship with Canada. Stemming from the time of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, who welcomed immigrants into Canada from unsettling times in East Africa during the late 70’s, the Ismaili population and the Aga Khan have not been strangers to Canada and have become an instrumental part of its makeup.

A view of the spacious atrium inside the Delegation. Photo: Farhan Devji, the Charlatan.

Additionally, the Aga Khan – who is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Ismailis and is believed to be a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad – said that the Delegation is intended to be “new creative link between the spiritual dimensions of Islam and the cultures of the West”.

It has been well-documented that, according to His Highness, there has been a misunderstanding between the Western world and the Islamic world. A misunderstanding which he has called a “clash of ignorance” as opposed to what other scholars and critics have called a “clash of civilizations”.

The Aga Khan seemingly hopes to put both of these clashes to an end through his continuing relations with Canada. Other projects underway in Canada, founded by the Aga Khan and some with backing from the Canadian government, are the Global Center for Pluralism which will be housed in the old Canadian War Museum, also on Sussex Drive, in Ottawa, and a new Ismaili Jamatkhana, Center and Museum in Toronto.

His Highness makes a speech at the opening of the Delegation. Photo: Farhan Devji, the Charlatan.

Prince Karim the Aga Khan IV, who is approaching his 72nd birthday on December 13th, said that “the establishment of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat represents yet another step on a long path” of positive relations between himself, his institutions and Canada. Additionally, he said that being able to have the Delegation sited on Sussex Drive is “a symbol of the outgoing, interactive spirit which must guide our response to global challenges”.

But what Ismailis, Canadians and citizens globally should take from the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat being housed on Confederation Drive in one of the world’s most pluralist, tolerant, accepting countries, is that the Aga Khan truly represents all that is good in Islam. And what is good in Islam is good for the world.

Photos courtesy of TPB News Ottawa Correspondant, Farhan Devji, who was on assignment for the Carleton University student newspaper, The Charlatan, during the opening of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat. Stay tuned for Farhan’s article covering the opening for the Charlatan, in early January.

Ismaili leader, the Aga Khan, visits Vancouver

It was cold, dark and the rain was pouring down on Metro Vancouver, but not even a gloomy mid November downpour could wash the bright smiles off over 20,000 Ismaili Muslim faces this past Tuesday.

Members of the Ismaili community paraded the streets of downtown Vancouver around BC Place on Tuesday delighted with having an opportunity to be graced with the presence of their spiritual leader – or Imam – His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, leader of approximately 80 thousand Ismailis in Canada and tens of millions more spanning 25 countries worldwide.

The Aga Khan speaks at a luncheon hosted by BC Premier, Gordon Campbell

“It was a very exciting time,” said Amaan-Ali Fazal, 21. “I remember having butterflies in my stomach as I walked into BC Place.” Fazal, who is a member of the Ismaili Students Association executive body at Simon Fraser University, also spoke of his unique opportunity of being able to welcome the Aga Khan to Vancouver along with other distinguished members of the community, at the Vancouver International Airport on Monday evening.

“It was a feeling I could never describe” said Fazal of the airport welcome. “At the airport, my physical being was happy and at BC Place my soul was happy.”

The Aga Khan is welcomed in a ceremony at YVR. Photo courtesy of: theismaili.org

Although only a select few were able to greet His Highness as he got off the plane on Monday night, thousands more lined the streets of downtown Vancouver to welcome the Aga Khan to Vancouver when he was en route from YVR to the Pan Pacific hotel, where he lodged on his overnight stay. Sheeba Amlani, 23, was one of those anticipatory Ismailis.

“It was exhilarating,” said Amlani, who works for Scouts Canada in Vancouver and is an active member of the Ismaili Community. “It was one more opportunity to see the Aga Khan and be in his presence, even [if] for just a moment.”

The Aga Khan spent seven days in Canada, from November 18th-25th, as a part of his worldwide tour of countries in which Ismailis reside. Canada is his fourteenth stop during his Golden Jubilee commemoration, which began on July 7, 2007 and marks his fiftieth year as Imam of the Ismaili population. His visit began with stops in Toronto and Calgary and culminated Tuesday in a closed door meeting with his followers at BC Place.

“There was a huge amount of happiness within the community,” reflected Fazal from his home on Wednesday. “Times like this certainly bring out the best in people. People forget about their sense of time, and generously give countless volunteer hours.”

In an increasingly capricious economic climate, the Imam is said to deliver messages of guidance pertaining to worldly and spiritual matters. But the mood of this visit commemorating his Jubilee, according to Fazal, was joyous and celebratory.

“He spoke about his Golden Jubilee projects in Canada, as well as his key goals for the Golden Jubilee year.  He also spoke in great admiration of the volunteers in the community who made everything in the visit possible.”

Ismailis line the streets on Monday night to welcome the Aga Khan. Courtesy of: canada.com

Sheeba Amlani was one of those volunteers leading up to and on the day of the visit, she assisted on the parking and transport team. When asked why she decided to volunteer, Amlani cited two reasons. “The first was through my sense of responsibility and the second was through my desire to be involved emotionally, physically, and spiritually.”

Amlani, who aspires to become an elementary school teacher, said that the Aga Khan’s guidance helps her in her daily life. “In my daily life, his guidance often helps me make the right decisions regarding my health, my education, and my future so that I will be able to achieve success and happiness and so that I may be able to use my knowledge and resources to help those around me.”

And while his visits are well noted, celebrated and joyous, Amlani and the rest Ismaili population does not forget that the benefits of a visit by His Highness – believed by Ismailis to be the bearer of the light or noor of Prophet Muhammad – for them are overwhelmingly spiritual.

“Religiously, he and his guidance help connect me spiritually to Allah,” she explained. “It is through this recognition of who the Aga Khan is and the remembrance of Allah that my soul is uplifted and purifed.”

Fazal, like many other Ismaili Muslims, says he was rejuvenated and inspired by being in the presence of the Aga Khan. “The material aspect of actually seeing him, inspires me to enhance my spirituality,” he said.

The Aga Khan, who ascended to the throne of Imamat in 1957 after succeeding his grandfather as the 49th hereditary Imam the Ismailis, is no stranger to Canada. Within the past few years, he and his Aga Khan Development Network have commissioned the creation of the Global Centre for Pluralism to be housed in the former Canadian War Museum on Sussex Drive, along with the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat in the Nation’s capital, and the new Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre and Museum in Toronto.

He is expected to return to Canada in December for the inauguration of the Delegation in Ottawa, news which has his followers elated.

“I would never turn down the opportunity to see my Imam,” said Amlani looking forward to December. “And though he will return and be present in a different aspect, his presence is nonetheless certain to bring out my yearning and awe.” Fazal echoed many of the same sentiments. “A personality like his always leaves you wanting more – I’m extremely excited for his return,” he said. “It’s an absolute honour. I look forward to living up to his expectations in Canada.”

The Aga Khan last visited Canada last in 2005 in a similar type of visit which had him stop in Toronto and Vancouver. His Golden Jubilee commemoration is expected to end on December 13th, his 72nd birthday, a day which is known as Salgirah Khushiali to Ismailis.

Do you still kick your dog?

* The scripture references in this article are from the New International Version of the bible.

A very interesting sections in Romans deals with submission to authorities.

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. (Romans 13:1-3)”

If rebelling against established authorities is to rebel against God, how is the formation of the protestant church legitimate in the eyes of God? Clearly, its formation defies the leadership of the Catholic Church. Another instance of defying established authorities is the American Revolution. American politics is dominated by the influence of God, yet the country rebelled against British authority. Many authorities have been over thrown by fractions that legitimize their own movement by claiming the backing of God. Moreover, Paul is rebelling against established authorities by preaching against other religious practices. Paul continues his defiance of human created laws in Corinthians when he states:

“I care very little if I am judged by you or by human court (1 Corinthians 4:3)”

Does this mean he is rebelling against God by rebelling against authorities? It may be argued that Paul is referring to the authority of God rather than human authorities. This argument is invalid for he states:

“This is why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants (Romans 13:6)”

This one line coupled with Romans 13:1-3 identifies human authorities as being established by God, some of the same authorities that Paul preaches against. The idea of spreading the Christian faith appears, especially if it requires preaching against government bodies or other religious faiths, at odds with the message to obey established human authorities. If the human authorities put forth laws that defy Gods’ laws, which happens so often, is the authority still legitimized by God? Whether or not the human law is a test for man is irrelevant as the situation is the same as inquiring whether a person “still kicks their dog?” If the person never kicked their dog there is no right answer. As with human laws inconsistent to God’s law, the follower either breaks the law of God by sinful acts or disobeys God by disobeying established authorities, a situation that is hardly just.

AIDS Walk for Life

On September 21st, thousands of Vancouverites and others all over Canada joined together for the Annual Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life. I fundraised for the event along with my other classmates, and participated in the walk as the “SFU Team”. For some reason, it rained the entire week, except for the Sunday of the walk.

As I researched the walk, I found out that it was established in Vancouver in 1986, and the event was so successful, that many more cities quickly followed. Because of the many cities that started to participate, the Canadian AIDS Society (CAS) decided to take on the role of coordinating the walk in 1996, and established AIDS Walk Canada. The walk puts emphasis on community driven projects and national awareness. The walks have raised $28 million to date to support services and programs for people affected by HIV/AIDS.

Each year, the walk picks a piece of artwork from a Canadian HIV-positive artist to show in their promotional materials, to serve as a link to the public. The message is meant to inspire people in a positive way, and show that this disease is not meant to slow anyone down. This year, Morgan McConnell’s art was chosen. McConnell says,  “Since the mid-1990s, HIV has been losing importance in the eyes of many Canadians. It has been downgraded from deadly disease to manageable illness, and for many people it has become something that one can easily live with. This new face of HIV has made it seem much less deadly to society at large. For those living with the virus, however, HIV has not been forgotten. People in Canada are still getting sick and dying. The false sense that HIV is manageable has led to people in Canada, including youth, becoming infected at an ever-increasing rate.”

Walks such as this remind people that HIV and AIDS are still prominent in our city, and that we are not so different from the people living across the ocean. We often get caught up in stereotypes and generalize that people in Africa need help with AIDS “the most”, and this causes people to think that there’s already been a cure for HIV. There hasn’t.  When taking the 135 bus from SFU to Harbour Centre , the two blocks of the downtown east side causes people to look away, or ignore what’s going on in our own back yards. I however, think that those two blocks are important in reminding us what work still needs to be done, and events such as the AIDS Walk for Life, are bringing us closer to solving our problems.

Top 10 Summer Vacation Spots

With gas prices these days, it’s nearly impossible for young, hard-working undergraduates or the not-so-rich to enjoy a nice summer getaway. Any hope of “getting away” entails having to sacrifice virtually the entire summer working tooth and nail. Not only is saving every penny from your summer job enough, but gathering enough discipline to not spend your savings on nights out with friends or purchasing your favourite products is another challenge all on it’s own. One has the image that nowadays, one’s entire summer savings must be utilized, and the entire summer must be sacrificed to enjoy a little R & R away from home. Well, don’t break that piggy bank just yet.

Through some good old fashioned online research, Know Our World was able to come up with some summer hot spots that don’t require you to break the bank! Too good to be true? Maybe so.

There is one catch to this researched list of cheap vacationing spots. It won’t require as much spending money in comparison to other vacationing spots, as long as you reside in or near the Vancouver, British Columbia area, located in Canada. Since this writer is currently located in Vancouver, and so is much of the Know Our World audience, I thought it best and easiest to calculate the traveling costs from this particular west coast location. However, this doesn’t mean that this article is irrelevant to outsiders. Out-of-towners spending their summer in the lower mainland area can refer to this list to experience the Pacific Northwest without overpaying. All in all, this list can be of relevance to all Pacific Northwest vacationers and each individual can find a location that best suites their needs… and budget.

The vacation spots were ranked based on their vicinity to Vancouver, approximated average price of activities within the location, accommodations, weather, and population. “Distance,” “Traveling Time,” and “Traveling Costs” are calculated for a one way trip and are approximated. Furthermore, traveling costs are calculated on the basis that one would drive to the destination, due to the fact that driving would create fewer expenses in comparison to flying. “Accommodation Costs” are calculated per night and are also approximated.

(10) Portland, OR

Distance: 504.9 km

Traveling Time: 5 hours 26 minutes

Traveling Costs: $45 in gas

Accommodation Costs: $54-$179 (Majority in $60-$70 range)

Food: Various:

Comments: Portland has much to offer as a city, but very little to offer as a vacation spot. One can enjoy Portland if looking for another city to explore, in terms of restaurants, shopping malls, bars and clubs. However, Portland is mainly a city filled with houses and office buildings and has the advantage of being a city available for discovering only a few hours away from Vancouver.

(9) Seattle, WA

Distance: 225.6 km

Traveling Time: 2 hours 36 minutes

Traveling Costs: $22 in gas

Accommodation Costs: $111-$302 (Majority $120-$140)

Food: Various

Comments: Seattle provides Vancouver with a neighboring city that consists of a few warm lakes that are extremely enjoyable during the summer time. These lakes are usually bustling with people, and are surrounded by great restaurants. Water activities are also an option. Furthermore, Seattle provides a decent nightlife where bars and clubs are available until 1 a.m. Shopping is also a potential option with many outlet malls and products that are not available in Vancouver.

(8) San Francisco, CA

Distance: 1526.6 km

Traveling Time: 15 hours 36 minutes

Traveling Costs: $125 in gas

Accommodation Costs: $74-$155 (majority around $100)

Food: Various

Comments: A city known for its beauty, San Francisco provides a pleasant mix between the hustle and bustle of a city with the quietness of a town. One can find many different cultures and markets in San Francisco, and spend quiet a few days exploring different types of cultural events and occurrences this city has to offer. The downfall to San Francisco is that it is known to have large parts of it that are strictly residential, and one may have trouble finding activities in these residential areas. However, the downtown regions are spectacular for shopping, dining, and exploring in general, and the beaches are perfect for relaxing.

(7) Tofino, BC

Distance: 284 km

Traveling Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (assuming no ferry traffic)

Traveling Costs: $24 in gas; $50 for Ferry Ride

Accommodation Costs: $95-$135

Food: Seafood, Small Dine-Ins, Limited Fast Food

Comments: Perfect for an isolated getaway, Tofino provides a beautiful rainforest and relaxing beaches to explore. The city is quaint and hauntingly quiet, and offers tourists activities such as hiking, surfing and whale watching. However, the downside to Tofino is the fact that it might be too quiet and isolated for some people, providing little to no nightlife.

(6) Penticton, BC

Distance: 412 km

Traveling Time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Traveling Costs: $40 in gas

Accommodation Costs: $99-$161

Food: Fast-Food, Small Dine-Inns, Surf and Turf, Seafood, Steakhouses

Comments: Penticton provides a warm desert environment only a few hours away from Vancouver. The city is brimming with fun daytime activities, and with two lakes within the town’s vicinity, water activities are a must. Nightlife is also an option in Penticton, with a few bars and clubs available until 2 a.m. Furthermore, campfires and camping is also an available option for those that really want to experience the outdoors.

(5) Seaside, OR

Distance: 530 km

Traveling Time: 6 hours

Traveling Costs: $46 in gas

Accommodation Costs: $89-$165 (Majority in $110-$130 range)

Food: Seafood, Small Dine-Inns, limited Fast Food, Steakhouses

Comments: One of the most beautiful, quaint, and friendliest beachside towns the U.S. has to offer, and not too far from Vancouver as well. Seaside is a quiet town that has plenty of perks for those who like to party, as well as get their rest and relaxation in a peaceful environment. Plenty of daytime activities are available including surfing at the beach. While the nightlife lacks nothing as well, this town is filled with friendly people in their mid-20s that like to have a good night out. Accommodations may get a bit pricey, and daytime activities may be limited for those that don’t enjoy the water.

(4) Whistler, BC

Distance: 124 km

Traveling Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Traveling Costs:$15 in gas

Accommodation Costs: $85-$150

Food: High Class Dine-In Restaurants, Limited Fast Food, Grocery Stores

Comments: One of Whistler’s great benefits is that it is right near Vancouver. It provides hotels at decent prices, a movie theatre, restaurants and bars, peace and quiet, and (exclusively for the summer months) mountain biking and hiking trails. The only downside is that the Whistler village itself is relatively small, so after a day or two of exploring you may run out of potential activities.

(3) Los Angeles, CA

Distance: 2046 km

Traveling Time: 20 hours 30 minutes

Traveling Costs: $164 in gas

Accommodation Costs: $73-$158 (Majority in $80-$100 range)

Food: Various

Comments: A vacationing hotbed, LA provides great daytime and nighttime activities for moderate pricing. Shopping, dining, and other various tourist attractions are available, some for cheaper pricing than others. If are not willing to spend much, the LA beaches are always free to explore and some clubs don’t cost much to get into. A potential downside is all the hustle and bustle might be a turn-off if you are looking for a quite getaway. Not to mention the expenditure of gas money to travel to Southern California could also be a turn-off.

(2) Osoyoos, BC

Distance: 394 km

Traveling Time: 4 hours 45 minutes

Traveling Costs: $37 in gas

Accommodation Costs:$78-$180 (Majority in $80-$110 range)

Food: Fast Food, Small Dine-Ins, Seafood, Steakhouses, Grocery Stores

Comments: Only hours away from Vancouver, Osoyoos provides a vacation spot similar to that of Penticton, in its desert climate. Osoyoos is located on the edge of Osoyoos Lake and therefore provides many fun water activities under moderately warm weather. This desert weather also provides great land activities such as hiking and biking. The town itself is moderate, yet quaint, providing a nice getaway from the city life. However, it is difficult to find too many activities at night aside from beach campfires and a few bars.

(1) Las Vegas, NV

Distance: 2080 km

Traveling Time: 20 hours 10 minutes

Traveling Costs: $170 in gas

Accommodation Costs: $25-$60

Food: Various

Comments: An obvious when considering summer vacationing, Las Vegas is known world-wide for its famous nightlife. However, that doesn’t mean that one is restricted to night time activities in Las Vegas. Daytime activities such as shopping, dining, and musical performances are also available. The available options of accommodations in Las Vegas start off at 25 dollars but can go all the way up to 3 grand. However, we are only looking at the hotels that provide the best quality for the lowest prices. The downside to visiting Las Vegas with a limited budget is that if you are not a gambler or do not have the funds to gamble, you can run out of activities to partake in within Las Vegas. It might not be worth the time and gas money spent to travel there, when you don’t have the funds to gamble, or are not a gambler yourself. Another downside to Las Vegas in comparison to other vacations spots is the lack of beach and ocean.

Women & HIV: Microbicides

According to the World Health Organization, women now make up 70% of the world’s HIV infected population. In the earlier days of HIV, people who were thought to be most “at-risk” were injection drug users, and men who have sex with men. Although that’s not far from the truth, the HIV/AIDS movement has dramatically changed and now the focus is shining on women. In countries such as India and Sub-Saharan Africa, women are being infected by their husbands and have little power to act on the issue.

Microbicides are the promise for the feminization of HIV. They are compounds that can be applied to the inside of the vagina to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. They usually come in the form of gels, films or creams. Presently there is no working microbicide available, but according to the WHO there are now around 60 microbicides in clinical trials.

The main rationale behind microbicides is that unlike condoms, women can have control over their bodies by using these products without the knowledge or cooperation of their partners. The developing world where this powerlessness against male partners is most evident is where the HIV epidemic is growing the quickest. And since there are no current vaccines for HIV, microbicides would be an excellent alternative to condoms.

A recent cost-benefit analysis (done by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine) showed that if a certain microbicide were to be implemented in 73 low-income countries, the HIV rate would fall from 30 to 40%, and would save close to 6 million infections over the course of 3 years (in men, women and children). These numbers also show that the health care costs would fall by an astounding 3.2 billion US dollars. Figures such as this indicate that even a low-effective microbicide could mean a giant step forward in the fight against HIVAIDS.

So why is there such little research being done? And why is there such a lack of funding in microbicide research? The biggest drawback is that microbicide research has not been taken on by any of the larger pharmaceutical companies, and the development cost of microbicides can scale up to tens of millions of dollars. Currently the work that is being done on microbicides is by small biotechnology companies and individual researchers. Larger scale companies do not see them as profitable since the market will be “poor women”.

In reality, the market for microbicides is much larger, as many advocates agree. They will not only be effective in the low-income countries, but worldwide. Even in Vancouver, many of the at-risk groups are large advocates for microbicides. Some people argue that even though microbicides will help a little bit, it will not make a dramatic difference. But when it comes to people getting infected with a deadly virus with little to no treatment, does it really matter if the difference is dramatic?