Publications mail agreement No. 40014024 For teaching award It’s smiles all around winner David Clenman thanks to a new device dressing up in costume from the UVic Assistive brings the history of Technology Team. music to life. 2 5

JULY/AUGUST 2005 www.uvic.ca/ring SERVING THE COMMUNITY GREG YOUNGER-LEWIS law grads celebrate at convocation by Patty Pitts “Happy National Aboriginal traditional knowledge, culture and Day,” said Clarkson to the cheers language. He provided students with Th ere were tears, cheers and smiles as and applause of the crowd. “Th is is Inuktitut language education and bright as the 24-hour northern sun- a wonderful day for . Today’s counselled, mentored and advised shine when the fi rst graduates of the convocation of the them during the program. Akitsiraq law program accepted their completes a dramatic process—and Madam Justice Beverley Browne, University of Victoria law degrees perhaps an unprecedented one—in senior judge of the Court of at a special convocation in , which the larger culture has moved to Justice, also received an honorary law Nunavut, on June 21. accommodate the needs and ways of degree. As one of the grassroots organiz- In a ceremony that combined a much smaller one. Southern people ers of the Akitsiraq law school program, Inuit and academic traditions, the 11 and institutions have made the adjust- she worked for 10 years to help make students were praised and congratu- ment to the northern reality.” the Arctic law school a reality. lated by Canada’s Governor General Speaking mainly in Inuktitut, “We are gathered today to cel- Adrienne Clarkson and Nunavut Pre- Okalik—currently the only Inuk ebrate one of those extraordinary suc- mier , who were both in lawyer in the territory—also referred cesses that, I think, could only happen attendance. to June 21 as “one special day” and in Canada,” said UVic President Dr. Proud friends and family members spoke of his pride in seeing the Inuit David Turpin at the ceremony. “Th e of the graduates, who completed their students complete a program that triumph that we mark today—the studies based in Iqaluit, fi lled the In- seemed like an impossible dream just graduation of 11 new leaders for Nu- uksuk High School gymnasium. Inuit a decade ago. navut—shows that together we have drummers led the academic proces- Akitsiraq’s elder-in-residence, Lu- managed to overcome geographic sion and the ceremony closed with the cien Ukaliannuk, was presented with distance, cultural diff erence, and long singing of O Canada in English and an honorary doctor of laws degree at economic odds.” Inuktitut by Susan Iglukark, a sister the ceremony in recognition of his Th e government of Nunavut, the of one of the graduates. sustained efforts to preserve Inuit SEE LAW GRADS P.3

New Akitsiraq law graduate Sandra Omik. Students benefi t from $3.6 million surprise gift signed for VENUS

A daughter’s love and devotion moved to Duncan to be project installation to her father has resulted in with her father. When he the single largest donation for died in 1953 she moved student awards ever given to to Victoria. She liked by Valerie Shore ing with them on this project.” the University of Victoria. playing bridge and read- Global Marine, based in Eng- Th e faculty of engineering ing, travelled extensively The University of Victoria has land, is an international marine has received an unexpected and dressed impeccably. signed a contract with Global Ma- technology and engineering com- $3.6 million donation from Maurice Summerhayes rine Systems Ltd. in conjunction pany that specializes in the main- the estate of the late Phyllis was a mining engineer with its Canadian subcontractor, tenance of submarine telecom Summerhayes, who died in who came to Canada in OceanWorks International Corp., cables. OceanWorks, located in Victoria in October, 2004 at 1911 to work in the Por- to install the fi rst leg of a subsea North Vancouver, is a leading in- the age of 96. cupine Crown Mine, and cabled observatory in Saanich ternational supplier of specialized “Th is donation came as a later, for Write-Hargreaves Inlet. subsea work systems. total surprise,” says Dr. Michael Mines Ltd. at Kirkland Th e $10-million Victoria Ex- The partners were selected Miller, dean of the faculty of Lake as managing director. perimental Network Under the after a rigorous evaluation proc- engineering. “It’s also a bit of He retired in 1949, but Sea (VENUS) project, led by ess. Winning factors included: a mystery.” continued in a consulting UVic, will be a 50-km network experience with underwater Summerhayes, who had capacity until his death of underwater fi bre-optic cable cabled infrastructure; an interest no previous connection to at the age of 81. He was and instruments. It will provide in commercializing technology the university, made the gift a member of the Cana- scientists and the general public developed through the project; through her will to establish dian Institute of Mining with around-the-clock biologi- and the ability to maximize the Maurice William Sum- and Metallurgy and of cal, oceanographic and geological the science goals of the project. merhayes Memorial Fund. the American Institute of information and images from the Another key factor was a com- Th e endowment will provide Phyllis Summerhayes and father Maurice, circa 1922. Mining and Metallurgical depths of Saanich Inlet and the mitment by the partners to draw bursaries and scholarships in Engineers, and was former Strait of Georgia. on local and B.C. businesses for perpetuity to engineering stu- members of the Summerhayes fam- president of the Working with the VENUS much of the material, supplies dents in memory of her father, the late ily to piece together a picture of the Mining Association. project team, Global Marine support and skilled personnel. Maurice Summerhayes, one of Cana- donor, who spent the later part of her “Th is endowment will enrich our and OceanWorks will design, “Even beyond construction of da’s leading mining engineers during life in Victoria. student fi nancial awards immeasur- manufacture and deploy the the underwater array, the VENUS the fi rst half of the 20th century. “She was an extremely bright ably,” says Miller. “While there’s still an Saanich Inlet array. Installation project will provide a focal point The donation will provide fi- person,” says Cameron. “ She was a unmet need, we can create signifi cantly in Saanich Inlet, with landfall at for B.C. and Canadian marine nancial aid and awards to about 50 meticulous bookkeeper and a very more bursaries than we do now. We the Institute of Ocean Sciences technology industries to develop engineering students every year. savvy investor. She lived a very quiet hope to create one very prestigious in Patricia Bay, is scheduled for new products, services and exper- Norma Cameron, manager of life, but amassed a substantial fortune $20,000 scholarship that will attract this October. tise that can be exported around planned giving in the development of- over the years. We know that she was some of the most talented students to “Global Marine and Ocean- the world,” says Taylor. fi ce, tracked down the scant details of deeply devoted to her father.” the engineering faculty.” Works have demonstrated a thor- The Global Marine-Ocean- the donor’s life. “Miss Summerhayes Phyllis Summerhayes was born News of the gift was announced at ough understanding of the issues Works contract features many was clearly a woman of vision and in 1908 and spent her youth in a special ceremony in the engineering around this installation and what we improvements over the initial VE- tremendous generosity, but sadly, we California. Following her mother’s lab wing on June 30. Members of need them to do,” says Dr. Martin NUS design concept, including hardly know anything about her.” death in 1940, she moved to Canada the Summerhayes family came from Taylor, UVic’s vice president re- Cameron worked with the de- and worked in the banking business England, South Africa and the U.S. search. “We look forward to work- SEE VENUS P.7 velopment offi ce research team and in Toronto for a short time. She later to attend. Ringers

MIKE MCNENEY MIKE When the Vancouver Island Advanced Technology Centre (VIATeC) handed out its annual awards on June 28, many of the winners had strong ties to UVic. The award for Community Involvement went to Dr. Nigel Livingston of UVic’s Assistive Technology Team (UVATT), which is dedicated to developing technology and devices for people with disabilities. VIATeC Member of the Year Award-winner Power Measurement has been a consistent employer of UVic co-op students for many years. PureEdge Solutions, winner of the Colin Lennox Award for Technology Champion, was co-founded in the early ‘90s by then UVic students David Manning and Eric Jordan, now the company’s chief strategy offi cer. Genologics Life Sciences Software, a UVic spin-off company, won the Award for Emerging Technology Company of the Year. It produces software to assist research and pharmaceutical laboratories to manage, integrate and analyse volumes of data. Dr. Antoinette Oberg, an associate professor in the department of curriculum and instruction, has been honoured with the Ted T. Aoki Award for Distinguished Service from the Canadian Association for Curriculum Studies (CACS). Oberg developed UVic’s curriculum studies graduate program in the faculty of education, and has been its coordinator and graduate advisor since it began in 1978. She has supervised to completion seven doctoral students and 118 master’s students. Dr. Andreas Antoniou, a professor emeritus in electrical and computer engineering, has won the 2005 Technical Achievement Award from the Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers Circuits and Systems Society (CAS). The award honours outstanding technical contributions over a period of years as Smith with (clockwise, from left) students Hannah Sanford, Erica Grainger, Nick Church and teaching assistant Karen Suza. documented by publications, books, patents, etc. Antoniou received the award for his contributions in the area of circuit design and digital signal processing. Dr. Deborah Begoray, chair of the department of curriculum and instruction, has Psychology, music teachers received an award for outstanding article of 2004-05 from the Organization of Teacher Education. The award was presented at the annual meeting of the International Reading Association for Begoray’s article on literacy and numeracy in middle schools. cited for alumni awards The article was co-written with Betty Johns of the University of . by Mike McNeney majors) and the technological ex- 1991. “It’s like the theme from pectations of the modern student. Cheers—you want to go where eve- Inmemoriam A professor and an instructor who “Th ey want a quick, well-produced rybody knows your name.” Determination, creativity, resourcefulness, and a deep belief in the potential of all both go the extra mile to enlighten presentation, not just a talking Clenman, in the name of classi- children were the qualities that Barbara McIntyre—who died on June 8—brought and engage their fi rst-year students head. Some lecturers can do that cal music appreciation, frequently to a teaching career that began in a one-room schoolhouse in rural . have been selected the 2005 winners well, but I can’t.” comes to class in costumes related After creating model programs in theatre and drama education at the universities of of the Alumni Awards for Excellence In a typically fast-paced lecture, to the day’s topic. A discussion Pittsburgh and Northwestern, McIntyre was invited to chair the theatre department in Teaching. Smith combines computer presen- about music of the Renaissance will at UVic, a position she held from 1971-81. Her vision and sense of purpose made Dr. Martin Smith is the recipient tations with video clips and class begin with him entering class in full, possible the superb teaching and performance facility that we now enjoy. Of the of the Harry Hickman Award (for discussions that see him move up 15th-century armour. A lecture on three theatres in the Phoenix Building, the Barbara McIntyre studio is best loved regular faculty, librarians or artists- and down the aisles. Stravinsky’s ballet music brings him and used. The work there is, like Barbara, resourceful, creative and full of passionate in-residence) based on his innovative He also does his best to put to class, bravely, in a tutu. potential. McIntyre’s infl uence on the arts and education continues through her past students who are teachers, professors, chairs and deans of university and college and inclusive approaches to teaching names to the crowd by asking “Learning should be fun and I try theatre departments across North America. large groups in his Psychology 100 students to provide digital photos to make it as experiential as possible,” lectures. which he tries to memorize. “It’s says Clenman. “I don’t want students Contributed by faculty colleague Juliana Saxton. School of music instructor David a simple thing but studies have to be spectators. So, I’ll bring in Clenman is the fi rst winner of the proven that when students are costumes, or get them to dance or Gillian Sherwin Award (for sessional called by name it encourages learn- sing or play instruments.” and lab instructors, and limited-term ing and they feel like part of the Clenman, who also teaches mu- faculty). Clenman brings the history process,” says Smith, a member of sic theory, has been noted in peer of music to life—by coming to class the psychology department since reviews for his “intellectual and in costume, for example, or musical wizardry.” by leading students in me- Th e Harry Hickman dieval chants—in his Lis- Award is named for the tening to Music 115 class well-regarded Victoria But why wait for the first one? for non-music majors. College and UVic in- Take a look now at our new Calendar of Smith and Clenman structor and adminis- programs and courses for Fall 2005—you can will each receive a $2,000 trator. The award for download it from our Web site at cash prize. As well, their instructors is named www.continuingstudies.uvic.ca photos will be permanently in memory of Gillian You’ll find general interest courses in a variety displayed in the main stair- Sherwin, an inspiring of topic areas: well of the McPherson Li- senior lab instructor who The Arts, Humanities; Business, Management; brary along with the 33 past worked in the geogra- Computing, Technology; Cultural Resources, winners of the Excellence in phy department for 21 Heritage; Education, Teaching, Training; Teaching award, which was years. Health, Wellness, Safety; History, Issues, Ideas; Languages; Law, Dispute Resolution; The awards will be fi rst presented in 1989. Nature, Environment, Science; Public Smith says the art of formally presented Nov. Relations; and Travel Study. teaching to large groups— 22 during the Legacy For more in-depth study you can choose from 300 students in each of Awards night at the Vic- a growing range of diploma or certificate two sections per term— toria Conference Cen- programs designed to enable you to enhance brings the obvious chal- tre. Th e event will also your other qualifications or gain a professional lenges associated with the spotlight distinguished specialization credential. sheer size of the classes, alumni, Sports Hall of Flexible schedules, options the diversity of the stu- Fame inductees and Blue for distance/online study, dents (from engineering and Gold award-winning and lots of new courses. students to psychology Clenman students (see story, p.4).

Vol. 31 No. 6 Registration is easy—it’s all explained in The Ring is published by UVic Com mu ni ca tions on the fi rst Thursday of every month, except August. the Calendar and on our Web site. Or call 472-4747. Director Bruce Kilpatrick The Ring, PO Box 1700, Why not drop by the Continuing Studies University of Victo ria, Victoria, B.C. V8W 2Y2 Managing Editor Valerie Shore Building, 2nd floor reception, Ring Road Tel: (250) 721-7636 • Fax: 721-8955 at Gabriola Road and register early. Production Beth Doman e-mail: [email protected] • website: www.uvic.ca/ring Bring this ad with you and Contributors Jessica Gillies, Maria Lironi, Mike McNeney, The Ring reserves the right to select and edit all you could win a new book! Patty Pitts, Valerie Shore, Chris Thackray sub mis sions. Story suggestions should be submitted (See page 55 in the Calendar.) Advertising Bonnie Light at least two weeks prior to the copy deadline listed in The printed version of the 388-5321 or [email protected] Calendar Highlights. new calendar will be avail- able on campus the first © Copyright 2005 University of Victoria Calendar Mandy Crocker, [email protected] week of August. Printer Island Publishers Canadian Publi ca tions Mail Agreement No. 40014024.

Page 2 The Ring July/August 2005 Law grads celebrate at Arctic convocation continued from p.1

GREG YOUNGER-LEWIS The future leaders of Nunavut federal Department of Justice, Inuit organizations and the RCMP pro- The idea for the Akitsiraq law program came from a group of judges, vided core funding for the program. court workers, legal interpreters, Inuit bureaucrats, lawyers and college Additional funding from the Walter instructors in the territory. Two of the program organizing committee and Duncan Gordon Foundation members were UVic law students who had spent time in Nunavut, one on and other donors provided fi nancial a co-op work placement with the Nunavut Court of Justice. support to students and curriculum In 1999, a proposal by the Akitsiraq Law School Society for an Arctic law enrichment through travel grants and school for Inuit students was presented to law schools in Canada. UVic, other assistance, especially the elder- quick to see the potential of this innovative approach to , in-residence aspect of the program. agreed to be a partner in the project, along with the law school society and “Th e program was a completely . diff erent approach to teaching law but it made perfect sense for UVic because The curriculum included the mandatory fi rst-year law curriculum, of the law faculty’s commitment to in- 29 units of upper-year course work, integrated co-op style work/training digenous education and its willingness opportunities, and courses in traditional Inuit law, the Nunavut Land Claims to be innovative,” says Jamie Cassels, Agreement and Inuktitut language training. UVic’s vice president academic. “It’s The students were taught by Inuit elders and faculty members from UVic’s terrifi c to see the program come to law faculty, as well as professors from fi ve other Canadian law schools in such a successful conclusion.” Left to right, Nunavut Premier Paul Okalik, UVic President David Turpin, Iqaluit at the Nunatta campus of Nunavut Arctic College. and honorary degree recipients Beverley Browne and Lucien Ukaliannuk. Prior to being called to the bar, the Akitsitraq graduates are articling with law fi rms in the North and in Ottawa, the Canadian and Nunavut departments of justice, the Nunavut Court of Justice, the Legal Services Board and Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., the private corporation established in 1993 to ensure that promises made in the Nunavut Land Claims Faculties honour their Agreement are carried out. One student, , will be clerking in September in the with Madam teaching and research stars Justice Louise Charron.

Each year, several faculties acknowl- microbiology) and Dr. David Berg He teaches evolutionary psychology “These graduates are likely to become the future leaders and builders edge excellence in research or teaching (chemistry) are co-winners of the and co-ordinates the introductory of Nunavut,” says UVic dean of law . “One of the major with special awards. Th e following are faculty of science Award for Excel- psychology class. challenges facing indigenous students is the great distances they are often this year’s recipients in the faculties of lence in Teaching. Ishiguro teaches Dr. Cecilia Benoit (sociology) required to travel to obtain a university education. Through the Akitsiraq humanities, science, social sciences, biochemistry and human health and is the faculty’s Research Excellence program, these exceptional students were able to earn their degrees while and education. introductory microbiology. Berg Award winner. She’s working on a remaining close to their families and culture in the territory that will now Dr. Eike-Henner Kluge (philoso- teaches primarily second-year inor- series of studies that looks at margin- benefi t from their legal knowledge.” phy) is the winner of the faculty of hu- ganic chemistry. alized populations and their working The Akitsiraq law program graduates, dubbed “the Famous Eleven” at their manities Award for Research Excellence. Dr. Robin Hicks (chemistry) is the conditions, health status, and access graduation by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, are: Lillian Aglukark, Kluge is a leading expert in biomedical winner of the faculty’s Award for Ex- to health services. Madeleine Alexander-Redfern, Siobhan Arnatsiaq-Murphy, Henry Coman, ethics and health informatics. cellence in Research. Hicks manipu- Th e faculty of education’s Award Susan Enuaraq, Sandra Inutiq, Connie Merkosak, Sandra Omik, Aaju Peter, Dr. Joseph Kess (linguistics) re- lates molecules to make new organic for Teaching Excellence goes to Dr. Qajaq Robinsonk and Naomi Wilman. ceives the faculty’s Excellence in compounds with novel electronic, Tim Hopper (physical education). He GREG YOUNGER-LEWIS Teaching Award. Kess is the Chair in magnetic or optical properties. uses school-integrated teacher educa- Japan and Asia-Pacifi c Relations in the Dr. Martin Smith (psychology) tion in which his students observe him Centre for Asia-Pacifi c Initiatives. receives the Teaching Excellence teaching in elementary and secondary Dr. Ed Ishiguro (biochemistry & Award in the faculty of social sciences. schools. Board of governors elects new chair

The University of Victoria’s board nors is one of the two primary govern- sity budget (2001-04). of governors has a new chair. Trudi ing bodies of the university. It includes Webb has been the university’s sus- Brown, QC, has been elected to elected faculty, staff and students, tainability co-ordinator since 2003. the position for one year, eff ective and eight members appointed by the She works with academic and sup- July 1. provincial government. port units to implement educational A graduate of the University of New to the board as of July 1 are programs and operational changes on , Brown has prac- faculty representatives Peter Driessen the UVic campus. She has served two tised law in the Victoria area since (electrical and computer engineering/ terms on the senate and her off -cam- Akitsiraq law grads (left to right) Aaju Peter, Sandra Inutiq, 1973 and is currently a partner in music) and Peter Liddell (Germanic pus involvements include the Bike to UVic President David Turpin, Lillian Aglukark and Henry Coman in Iqaluit. the fi rm of Brown Henderson. She’s and Russian studies), staff representa- Work Society, the Veins of Life Water- a director of the B.C. Law Institute tive Sarah Webb (facilities manage- shed Society and her local community and Pacifi c Sports Victoria, a trustee ment), and student Erik Haensel. association. Webb takes the place of of the Nana Foundation, and co-chair Th is is Driessen’s 19th year at UVic. Katherine Williams who, subsequent of the National Family Law Program. He has served on the senate and on the to her election to the board this She joined the board in 2002. executive of the faculty association. spring, left her job at UVic. Public relations consultant Gail Liddell has been academic director of Haensel is a fourth-year humani- Flitton is vice-chair of the board, also the humanities computing and media ties student who currently serves on eff ective July 1. She’s been a board centre since 1986. He has served on the campus planning committee, the member since 2002. the senate (2000-04) and as chair of university budget committee and the Th e 15-member board of gover- the senate committee on the univer- planning and priorities committee.

CFI grants fund two computing researchers Two University of Victoria faculty vanced technology used in Internet to adapt a processor’s architecture to Post Office Now Open members—Dr. Yvonne Coady (com- advertising) and network access the characteristics of the program they puter science) and Dr. Mihai Sima become constantly and transpar- want to run. For example, the com- Peoples Pharmacy on Campus is pleased to (electrical and computer engineer- ently available. puter can act as a media processor for announce the opening of our new postal outlet. Come in today and see Val for all ing)—are recipients of New Oppor- Th e lab will support research into watching DVDs and the next minute your postal needs. tunities Fund grants from the Canada the development of stable system be a text editor, without compromis- • Xpress & Priority Post • Registered Mail Foundation for Innovation (CFI). software and into some of the struc- ing quality, effi ciency or speed. • Mailing Supplies • Mail Boxes (Coming Soon) Coady will use $78,500 to set tural fl aws plaguing integration of Th e CFI is an independent cor- up a UVic ubiquitous computing today’s complex system infrastructure poration established by the federal PEOPLES PHARMACY On Campus lab (UVicUbiq). Ubiquitous com- software. government to strengthen the ability • Free Prescription Delivery • Easy Prescription Transfer puting is the concept of building Sima’s $125,242 grant will be used of universities, colleges, research hos- B138 Student Union Building computers into everyday working to set up a reconfi gurable computing pitals and non-profi t research institu- 250-721-3400 email: [email protected] and living environments to such lab (RCLab). Reconfi gurable com- tions to carry out world-class research Hours: Monday - Friday 9 am - 5 pm an extent that data, rich media (ad- puting gives end users the freedom that will benefi t Canadians.

The Ring July/August 2005 Page 3 VALERIE SHORE VALERIE EIGHT STUDENTS WIN BLUE AND GOLD AWARDS

by Jessica Gillies legal and policy researcher on human traffi cking issues, and in Th ailand, she Eight University of Victoria students served with the Asia Pacifi c Forum on have been honoured with 2005 Blue Women and Legal Development as a and Gold Awards for their on- and off - volunteer legal researcher and editor. campus volunteer work and classroom Shaun Doherty is a fourth-year achievements. political science and sociology stu- Fourth-year business student dent. He has volunteered with the Stephen Albinati co-founded Car- B.C. Special Olympics, the Rock Solid bon-Free Campus, a student-run program, the Victoria Youth Custody group that promotes alternative en- Centre, and Operation Track Shoes. ergy systems. He’s been involved with He’s been a member of the Vikes bas- Habitat for Humanity in Mexico, ketball team since 2001, and captain and has made and advertised Afri- since 2003. can AIDS Angels to raise money for Sue Duff y, a master of educa- AIDS- and HIV-aff ected communi- tion student, has volunteered for Wiebe, left, and Weaver check out the weather station at Campus View Elementary, one of 20 across the city. ties in Africa. the Single Parent Resource Centre Chris Darimont, who is conduct- of Victoria for over 10 years. She’s ing a pioneer study of the wolves of also volunteered with the William UVic partners with schools to create B.C.’s central coast for his PhD in biolo- Head Institution and the Victoria gy, is considered one of North America’s Hospice Society. educational weather network emerging conservation ecologists. An Leanne Gutierrez is a fourth- outspoken advocate for science-based year biochemistry student. She has A joint project between two Univer- ports organizations that work with at UVic. There, the information wildlife conservation, he volunteers for coached Gordon Head girls’ soccer sity of Victoria scientists and School youth to inspire an interest in sci- is compiled and displayed to the the Raincoast Conservation Society teams and plays competitive soccer. District 61 has created a unique net- ence and engineering. In-kind sup- public in two-dimensional pictures and earlier this year won the Animal She has conducted scientifi c research work of weather stations at 20 public port came from Davis Instruments via the Internet at www.victori- Action Award for Compassion in Sci- in the B.C. Cancer Agency’s Terry Fox schools in Greater Victoria. Corp. and principals, teachers and aweather.ca. ence from the International Fund for laboratory, and worked in a hospital Th e goal of the Victoria Micro staff in School District 61. Over the next few months, the Animal Welfare. in Vanuatu. Meteorological Weather Network is “This project continues the website will be updated and en- Darimont is also featured in a new Chelsey Llewellyn, a fourth-year to foster an interest among school- strong partnership between UVic hanced to include continuous movie National Geographic documentary biochemistry student, is a member of children and the public in the two and public schools in Greater Vic- loops of Victoria weather, satellite fi lm called Last Stand of the Great the Vikes rugby team. She volunteers sciences that are fundamental to toria,” says Michael McEvoy, chair and radar imagery, and a host of cur- Bear. He has volunteered with the at Sandringham Care Centre and understanding weather—physics of School District 61. “It will inspire riculum resources for teachers and Koeye Youth Camp and the Heiltsuk participates in the UVic student- and mathematics. our students by bringing science to students. And more school stations Science and Culture Camp, and has senior work program. Llewellyn has “Physics and mathematics are life in classrooms throughout the will be added. “Our goal is to have previously won the President’s Schol- also volunteered for the Rock Solid often perceived as diffi cult and ir- district.” a weather station in every public arship, the David S. Strong Research program. relevant,” says UVic climatologist Th e network consists of a series school in Greater Victoria by the Award, and the Edward Basset Family Prasanna Ranganathan, a third- Dr. Andrew Weaver, who created the of small, solar-powered instrument end of 2006,” says Weaver. Scholarship. year law student, is president of the network with Ed Wiebe, a research packages mounted on school roofs. It’s also hoped the website will Sarah Marsden, a master’s stu- Law Students’ Society. He is the associate in the university’s climate Th e instruments provide real-time become an invaluable community dent in law, has worked at home and founder and a co-ordinator of the modeling lab. “What better way to measurements of temperature, hu- resource. “One of the peculiarities of abroad for human rights agencies. UVic law peer counselling program, demonstrate relevance to kids than midity, wind speed and direction, Victoria weather is that it can vary In Victoria she worked for Victoria and a co-organizer of the UVic law weather, something we see and feel precipitation, solar and UV radia- greatly in diff erent parts of the city,” Street Newz as a volunteer researcher volunteer book project, which is every day?” tion, and atmospheric pressure. says Weaver. “So, if you’re going for and in community liaison, and creating a resource book for students The project is funded with Wireless technology sends the a walk or biking to work and you for the Vancouver Island Human interested in volunteering in Victo- $36,000 from Science and Engi- data from each station to classrooms want to know what to expect along Rights Coalition as a volunteer legal ria. In 2004, Ranganathan won the neering Research Canada’s (NSERC) across the school district and to a the way, go to www.victoriaweather. advocate. Canadian Bar Association (CBA) PromoScience program, which sup- central computer in Weaver’s lab ca and you’ll know for sure.” In India, Marsden volunteered for Edward K. Rowan-Legg Award, the Indian Missionaries of Charity as which is awarded to one law student a childcare and hospital assistant. In nationally for service to the CBA. Cambodia, she worked with the UN Th e Blue and Gold awards receive Committee begins search Inter-Agency Project as a volunteer fi nancial support from CIBC. for VP external relations A committee has been struck to begin with external constituencies. Th ere the qualities and experience it should the search for a vice president external have also been signifi cant changes seek in potential candidates. relations to succeed Faye Wightman, in the division of external relations, Th e search committee membership who recently assumed the leadership including the recent creation of the and the 2001 job description are avail- of the Vancouver Foundation. position of associate vice president, able online at web.uvic.ca/univsec. Th e 11-person committee, chaired development and alumni. Anyone wishing to provide by President David Turpin, will begin Th e search committee invites in- input is invited to write by Aug. meeting in late July. One of its fi rst put from members of the university 15 to the search committee c/o tasks is to review and update the community, including alumni, part- the university secretary, Business position description developed in ners and friends, on the challenges and Economics Building, PO Box 2001. UVic has evolved over the and opportunities the university 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, B.C. last four years, as have its roles in faces in its external relations, the V8W 2Y2; e-mail at [email protected], the community and its relationships requirements of the position, and or fax (250) 721-6223.

Page 4 The Ring July/August 2005 TAKING AIMAT CANCER A UVic physicist seeks to improve the accuracy of radiation therapy DIANA by Shannon McCallum ferent amounts of radiation. Add to ure the exact amount of radiation this that tumours tend to be oddly absorbed. NETHERCOTT nyone who has had radiation shaped, and the task of targeting “Th e therapeutic benefi t is that therapy for cancer, or has cancerous tissue with the proper dose treatment plans and doses can be A seen relatives or friends go while avoiding healthy tissue can be verified more quantitatively,” says through it, knows how unpleasant the a challenge.” Jirasek. “It will allow us to say with side eff ects can be. Modern radiation techniques are more confidence that the dose we UVic’s Dr. Andrew Jirasek wants now sophisticated enough to de- think we’re giving is actually what the to change that. As a medical physicist liver radiation that conforms to the patient is receiving”. he studies how radiation interacts with complex, three-dimensional shape of Jirasek’s lab is also working on biological materials, and his goal is to tumours. Th is helps reduce the dose research to personalize radiation make radiation therapy a more accu- to healthy tissue and minimize side doses. “Two people of the same age rate, eff ective and less debilitating tool eff ects. and gender with the same type of for treating cancer patients. “What we can’t do as well is con- cancer and similar-sized tumours Radiation therapy is used in about fi rm, by measurement, how well the can respond very differently to half of all cancer cases. It works by radiation doses have hit their intended the same dose of radiation,” he destroying the genetic material of mark,” says Jirasek. “Th is creates some explains. tumour cells, preventing them from uncertainty about exactly where the Since DNA is what makes indi- replicating and causing the tumour to radiation has been deposited.” viduals unique, it could help explain shrink or disappear. Side eff ects—such To reduce this uncertainty, Jirasek these variations. To fi nd out, Jirasek as fatigue, nausea, hair loss and skin is collaborating with researchers at has developed a method that monitors irritation—occur when the radiation the BC Cancer Agency’s Vancouver changes in the molecular structure of damages surrounding healthy cells Island Centre, where he recently set DNA as it’s bombarded with varying and tissue. up one of his two new research labs. doses of radiation. Th e goal of improved radiation Th eir project uses jelly-like substances “We’ve taken radiation therapy to therapies is to maximize damage to that absorb radiation in the same way a point where it is very eff ective, but cancer cells while minimizing dam- as human tissue. the doses we use are conservative ones age to the surrounding healthy cells Th ese “gel dosimeters” also include based on population statistics,” says and, consequently, limiting the side special materials that form distinctive Jirasek. “Now we want to personalize eff ects. molecules when hit by radiation. By treatments for individual patients, or- “Th is is easier said than done,” counting the number of molecules gans and tissues. Th at’s where the next says Jirasek. “We know that diff er- formed after a dose of radiation, wave of radiation therapy research is ent organs and tissues tolerate dif- Jirasek and his colleagues can meas- headed.” Jirasek, with a linear accelerator used for radiation therapy. ound ar ive-year-old Melissa Sephton activate in the same way, and plans ll F gets a giggle out of her new, a range of other devices such as a customized Eeyore which—thanks remote-activated lamps and fans. s to the University of Victoria Assistive For another little girl in Vancouver le Technology Team (UVATT)—fl aps his she’s designing a laser pointer- i ears and sings a song when activated activated system that will change m by an infrared remote. the volume and track on an iPod. S The laser pointers are carefully The Victoria youngster has cerebral selected to make sure they won’t palsy with very limited control of her damage eyes. movements. UVATT was asked to design a device that would enable UVATT is a group of UVic faculty, staff Melissa to learn how particular and students who design, build and actions will elicit a response. Since test customized devices for those she can’t point or use a hand switch, with special needs. To date, the team the team —in consultation with has developed more than 25 new Special Education Technology technologies, ranging from tricycles BC—opted for a device she can for visually impaired children to operate with her head. complex brainwave and eye-tracking communication systems. Two people were assigned to the project—Eric Auer, a UVic “Just seeing Melissa’s smile is engineering grad and now full-time heartwarming, but this project also UVATT employee, and Lana Olague, sums up what makes UVATT so a third-year mechanical engineering special,” says Dr. Nigel Livingston, student who is doing a co-op work the group’s director. “Not only are term with UVATT. we producing devices that make a positive diff erence to people’s lives, After several trips to the toy store, but we’re also providing students Olague selected this Eeyore, which with a unique and incredibly

NIGEL LIVINGSTON NIGEL is normally activated when a switch rewarding work experience.” on one of his paws is squeezed. Auer and Olague modifi ed the toy The team’s work is inspiring others to include the infrared detector (the off -campus, as well. The cloth box between the paws). Melissa wrapping over the detector box wears a headband with the infrared and Melissa’s headband were made remote, along with a laser pointer to by Norma Haskett, a volunteer help her fi nd her “target.” sewer in the community who has contributed her time and skills to a Within minutes, Melissa gleefully number of UVATT projects. learned how to activate Eeyore. Olague is now making another For more information on UVATT visit toy—Elvis the frog—for her to web.uvic.ca/uvatt.

The Ring July/August 2005 Page 5 Aroundthering JON CORBETT

Alumni offi ce moves off -campus before the sale started. Organizers were pleased since the The six members of the UVic alumni services offi ce are sale was a week later than usual and competes with several moving this month to new digs at 3930 Shelbourne other garden sales that have sprung up around the same Street, near McKenzie Avenue. “Since our small unit can date. Proceeds from the annual event support ongoing function independently it made sense for us to move improvements to Finnerty Gardens—the free campus temporarily and allow all of the development staff to be showcase of rhododendrons and dozens of other varieties housed under one roof,” explains Don Jones, director of of plants, trees and shrubs. alumni services. Specifi cally, this move frees up space for the Capital Campaign team, who are raising funds for our Criminals on tape new buildings on campus, including the science building, People opposed to the use of closed circuit TV surveillance the social science and mathematics building, and the First (CCTV) in public places should look to themselves and not Peoples House. The move is just a temporary one, and the “big brother,” says a UVic graduate student in sociology. For offi ce will move back to campus once these new buildings his master’s thesis, Kevin Walby researched the rise of open- are ready for occupancy. In the meantime, the Alumni street CCTV surveillance in Canada. He found that there are Association will still call the Alumni House home and now 12 operational CCTV systems in Canada, primarily in alumni will be able to obtain their alumni benefi ts cards Ontario, and 18 other municipalities are planning to have at the Alumni House front desk. Alumni services contact CCTV or have in the past. “Thirty might not seem like a lot, information remains unchanged. but Canada doesn’t have many big cities,” he says. CCTV presents an ethical dilemma, he argues, because “by resisting UVic helps develop hydrogen safety CCTV, we’re resisting ourselves, in a sense. It’s often other guidelines community members who want to use this crime control tool; it’s not always the state.” He also feels that CCTV doesn’t Drs. Ned Djilali and Peter Oshkai (both from IESVic/ deal with the social forces that lead to criminal behaviour. mechanical engineering) are collaborating with the “The technology is about locating crime and sweeping universities of Québec (Trois Rivières), Concordia, Toronto it off the streets and into jail,” he says. Walby’s research and Calgary on a hydrogen safety and infrastructure involved analysing more than 150 Canadian media articles study for zero emission, hydrogen-powered vehicles. about CCTV, examining privacy legislation in government The UVic component of the work, to be conducted documents, and sending open-ended questionnaires to at IESVic, will focus on computational modelling and municipal police services using or planning to use CCTV. experimental measurements of compressible hydrogen jets. “Basically, we’re studying how hydrogen behaves in the atmosphere if it leaks from a pipeline or a storage Sailing venture wins innovation competition tank,” explains Oshkai. “This will help to establish safety This year’s Peter Thomas Innovation Project, where UVic guidelines for fueling stations, pipelines, vehicles, etc. ”The business entrepreneurship students have just $5 and 10 study is part of a national research initiative—entitled days to design a profi table business, saw two eco-friendly Auto 21 Network Centres of Excellence—formed to focus sun and surf ventures take fi rst and second place in the Canadian research expertise on improving the global “most sustainable” category and two other teams win competitiveness of the Canadian automotive industry. It’s the “most profi t” award. “The innovation project is a bit Harvest time supported by the federal government and more than 120 like The Apprentice,” says business professor Brock Smith, industry, government and institutional partners. For more “except we’ve been doing this for eight years and no one Songhees lands manager Cheryl Bryce holds up a bowl of camas bulbs freshly harvested from a campus meadow near Gordon Head Road. The Songhees information visit www.auto21.ca. gets fi red. Students just get fi red-up on their new found entrepreneurial skills.” With just $5 in capital, the Sail With Us (Lekwungen) Nation, supported by UVic’s school of environmental studies, hosted a traditional harvest and pit-cook in the meadow on June 22. Various Plant Sale profi ts bloom team created a green business that delivered value across came to witness and take part in the event. The day included The UVic Plant Sale, held on Mother’s Day in the McKinnon a triple bottom line: students sold environmentally friendly drumming, singing and a discussion on food security and access to traditional Gym, generated a $20,000 profi t for the Finnerty Gardens, sailing trips; they off ered students a signifi cant discount foods. UVic is in the heart of Lekwungen traditional territory where camas was exceeding last year’s total by several hundred dollars. Buyers rate; and they subsidized tours to the Big Brothers and an important and plentiful source of carbohydrates and an essential resource began to line up outside the gym doors about two hours Sisters organization. for trade.

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Page 6 The Ring July/August 2005 NEW HUMAN RIGHTS POLICY APPROVED Calendarhighlights

Th e University of Victoria now has human rights. “For UVic to be a university community. Events free unless otherwise indicated. For a complete list of events, see www.uvic.ca/events an overarching human rights policy university of choice for outstanding Th e policy was reviewed by the to link and guide the university’s students, faculty and staff ,” she says, educational equity and employee Saturday, July 9 existing human rights policies. quoting from the preamble to A equity working groups and the Th e policy was approved by the Vision for the Future, “requires a rig- wider community provided feedback At the Galleries Music 7 p.m. UVic Society for In- board of governors after more than orous commitment to human rights through the web. In response to this www.maltwood.uvic.ca dian Classical Art presents Kathak 721-6562 a year of development and consulta- and fairness.” feedback, some language was clari- Recital, a classical style of dance tion by the university’s director of Th e policy articulates the uni- fi ed and a process to issue an annual Three River/Wild Waters, from North India. Tickets $10 human rights, director of equity, and versity’s commitment to human “report card” evaluating the eff ective- Sacred Spaces July 6–Dec. at Munro’s Books or at the door. assistant university secretary. rights, equity, fairness and enhanced ness of the policy was developed. Th e 23. Exhibit of eight nationally Th e policy stems from recom- diversity. It refl ects the university’s policy will also undergo a compre- acclaimed artists who jour- MacLaurin A144. 479-7539 mendations in the 2003 equity and responsibility and desire to comply hensive review after three years. neyed down the Peel, Snake fairness review and also has links to fully with human rights legislation Th e new human rights policy will and Bonnet Plume Rivers in UVic’s strategic plan, says Cindy and to prevent discrimination, re- be posted on the university secretary 2003. Maltwood Art Museum Saturday, July 16 and Gallery Player, the university’s director of solve complaints, and educate the website at web.uvic.ca/univsec. Book Launch Extravaganza A Retrospective of Works by 1:30–3 p.m. Harry Potter & the Half Eva Campbell July 6-26. A Blood Prince. Features readings, retrospective focussing on the contests, Harry Potter lore, science University leads in energy conservation female fi gure and experiments with perspective. McPherson “magic” with Science Venture. and When it comes to saving energy, committed to adopting energy ef- part of our success this year. Our Library Gallery three chances to win the new book. the University of Victoria is a leader fi ciency as a management practice,” facilities management department Mini lectures by UVic law profes- among leaders. says UVic sustainability co-ordinator and our consultants, Elite Engineer- First Annual British Columbia sor Rebecca Johnson and a UVic Last month, the university re- Sarah Webb. “Th e excellence awards ing, piloted the project last fall and Creative Achievement Awards ceived a 2005 Power Smart Excel- are given out to those partners who subsequently it was created into July 29–Aug. 26. Exhibit of history in art graduate student. Co- lence Award from BC Hydro for have achieved substantial reductions a Power Smart program for other jewelry, furniture design, indus- sponsored by the UVic Graduate trial design, fashion and glass by being in an elite group of provincial in energy consumption.” schools and hospitals.” Students’ Society and the Greater businesses and organizations that UVic was the fi rst institution in Lighting and mechanical retrofi ts talented local artists. McPherson Library Gallery Victoria Public Library. Cinecenta. have significantly reduced en- B.C. to initiate a campus-wide volt- across campus have also contributed to 721-5163 ergy consumption. UVic has been age optimization project, says Webb. reduced energy consumption. a Power Smart Partner since the Voltage optimization involves adjust- During the 2004-05 academic year, mid-1990s. ing the voltages on transformers to UVic saved 5.4 million kilowatt hours, “Power Smart Partners are those reduce energy consumption. or enough to power 540 Vancouver Fall 2005 Ring Schedule businesses or institutions that are “Voltage optimization was a big Island homes for a year, says Webb. Calendar items should be sent by 4 p.m. on the copy deadline date shown below to UVic Communications (Sedgewick C149, fax 721-8955, e-mail [email protected]) or entered into the online calendar (www.uvic.ca/events). Venus continued from p.1 For more information call 721-7636. faster communication rates, higher will not be deployed at this time. tectonic plate off the coasts of B.C., Publication Date Copy Deadline instrument capacity, and lower main- VENUS is the shallow-water Washington and Oregon. UVic is the Thursday, Sept. 8 ...... Tuesday, Aug. 30 tenance costs. testbed for the larger North-East Canadian leader of NEPTUNE. Thursday, Oct. 6 ...... Wednesday, Sept. 28 The second leg of the VENUS Pacifi c Time-series Undersea Net- Th e VENUS project is funded by Thursday, Nov. 3 ...... Wednesday, Oct. 26 network, in the Strait of Georgia, is worked Experiments (NEPTUNE) the Canada Foundation for Innovation Thursday, Dec. 1 ...... Wednesday, Nov. 23 scheduled for installation in fall, 2006. project, which will lay a 3,000-km and the B.C. Knowledge Development To meet the project budget, a cable network of powered fi bre-optic cable Fund. For more information on the VE- array planned for Juan de Fuca Strait on the seabed over the Juan de Fuca NUS project visit www.venus.uvic.ca. 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The Ring July/August 2005 Page 7 New certifi cate program trains future school leaders Access to education in the visual arts in schools is an important factor in the UVic’s faculty of education begins of- says dean of education Dr. Budd throughout the 2005-06 school academic and social development of children. That’s why artist, author and teacher Ted Harrison, one of Canada’s best known painters, has donated funds fering the fi rst and only graduate-level Hall. “Th e university has played a year and concludes in the summer to establish the Ted Harrison Wingate Bursary in art education in the faculty certifi cate program for the next leaders very active role in off ering teachers of 2006. It combines face-to-face of education. “ There’s not enough stress on creativity in young people” says of B.C.’s schools this summer. the opportunity to continue their interaction with online learning. Harrison. “Through art, children gain the creative problem solving skills that, as Funded by the provincial govern- learning and assume leadership With 40 to 60 per cent of the they move on in life, will benefi t them in their work, whether in business, design, ment and provided through UVic’s positions in the province’s schools. province’s principals, vice-principals technology or industry. It also creates two essential attributes for any progressive department of educational psychol- Th is new program will build on that and district staff eligible to retire person—emotion and empathy—two things that make constructive citizens.” ogy and leadership studies, the pro- expertise to give participants the skills in the next fi ve years, the program gram begins with a 10-day intensive they need for their demanding yet is addressing the need to educate Mention the name “Finnerty” around UVic and you’re likely to think of the Finnerty institute in August. rewarding profession.” the individuals who will take their Gardens, Finnerty Road, or the popular coff ee bar under the UVic Bookstore. Annie “UVic is very pleased to be part The professional specialization places. For more information on Finnerty (1874-1937) was a gracious woman of tough pioneer stock who favoured of this partnership to help prepare certificate in school management the program visit www.educ.uvic. full white dresses despite the harsh realties of farm life in 19th-century Victoria. Her ca/csml/index.html. parents were early settlers and farmers in the Mount Tolmie area in the late 1890s. educators to be our future leaders,” and leadership (CSML) continues Now, Annie Finnerty’s memory is being honoured, through a bursary donated in her name. The Annie Finnerty Bursary will assist students in fi nancial need who are enrolled in faculty of education. Her grandson, David Pollock (BEd ’79), established the bursary to honour the wishes of his father Earl Pollock, who was New transition centre helps a student at Victoria College in 1930. “ Teachers deserve our support,” says Pollock, a former school teacher himself. “The education they gave us doesn’t weigh point students in the right direction anything, but you pack it around with you forever, and it always comes in handy.” Students stymied about their fu- and information to all students student and you’re not sure where to tures can get a helping hand and throughout the fall and winter ses- go, come to us.” a nudge in the right direction at a sions, says student aff airs co-ordina- The drop-in centre will be new facility in the Student Union tor Sue Corner. open September to April, Monday Building. “Life is fi lled with transitions,” to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Th e Student Transition Centre, she says. “Once you’re here, you still Workshops will be off ered from which officially launched June 7, have to decide on degree options, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on week- Midsummer will build on existing programs such plan for graduation, and more. Th is days, and will cover topics ranging as New Student Orientation and new centre is intended to support from academic issues to student Grad Year Connections, which help students in their transitions through wellness to social activities. Th e students make the most of their fi rst university by providing information centre is also working with the peer Madness and last years, respectively. that will help them fi nd their way helping program to assist students Sale Th e new centre will off er advice around the institution. If you’re a on a one-to-one basis. CLIMATE CONTROL When it comes to regulating Earth’s climate, big things really do come in small packages

by Shannon McCallum infl uence on climate by removing exports of organic matter to the carbon—one of the main culprits ocean fl oor. In ammonium-based or most of us, the words in global warming—from the at- ecosystems there is very little sink Save 20% “climate change” conjure mosphere.” of carbon to the ocean fl oor. Fup images of rising tem- Like land plants, phytoplank- “If we can fi nd out what form of on clothes, gifts, books peratures and melting glaciers. But ton grow through photosynthesis nitrogen the phytoplankton are us- for Dr. Diana Varela, a biological by taking up dissolved nutrients ing,” says Varela, “I can get a better and more* oceanographer at the University of and carbon dioxide, and releasing measure of how much carbon is be- Victoria, what comes to mind are oxygen. When phytoplankton ing removed from the atmosphere microscopic fl oating algae called die they sink and can become into deeper waters.” One day only phytoplankton. buried in seafl oor sediments. Th is Varela uses growth chambers Found throughout the world’s process—called the “biological and other specialized instruments July 20 oceans, phytoplankton form the pump”—traps carbon in the deep in her lab to determine how a basis of the marine food chain. ocean and can keep it isolated from variety of phytoplankton species Th ey’re eaten by small fi sh, which the atmosphere for thousands to acquire nitrogen and other nutri- are in turn eaten by larger fish. millions of years. ents under diff erent environmental Humans catch and eat many of “Understanding the cycling of conditions. She also participates in these larger fi sh. nutrient elements in the ocean is oceanographic research cruises to But the influence of phyto- a key piece in the climate puzzle,” study phytoplankton in areas such www.uvicbookstore.ca plankton goes far beyond our says Varela, who studies phyto- as Queen Charlotte Sound, Saanich *Excludes textbooks, special orders, calculators, magazines, diploma frames, Alumni clothing, Finnertys and other discounts or promotions. dinner plates. “Phytoplankton plankton physiology and ecology. Inlet and the Gulf of Alaska. are tiny in size but big in impact,” She’s especially interested in how “The ocean is hugely under- says Varela. “Th ey exert a global phytoplankton use nitrogen, silicon sampled,” says Varela. “In general, 721-8311 and carbon—all we know that coastal regions are 8:30-5:00 Weekdays crucial nutrients more biologically rich than the open 11:00-5:00 Saturday for their growth. ocean, but within coastal inlets and The nitrogen on smaller scales, not much is known. cycle gives us insight Nutrient cycles in these areas are into the carbon cycle complicated because nutrients come because phytoplank- from numerous sources including Welcome! ton tend to use car- rivers, deep ocean upwelling and bon and nitrogen in pollution. Call us for known ratios—for “We need to understand the every 106 atoms of details of these smaller-scale cycles Special Student carbon taken up, 16 better if we want to determine atoms of nitrogen are how much carbon is being taken Long Term Rates needed. out of the atmosphere by phyto- Two of the most plankton.” Victoria Super 8 important forms of ni- Varela’s research is funded by the trogen used by phyto- Natural Sciences and Engineering Suites • Kitchenettes plankton are nitrate and Research Council of Canada, the High Speed Internet • Free Local Calls ammonium. In ecosystems with Canada Foundation for Innovation, high nitrate uptake, such as the B.C. Knowledge Development Children 17 & Under Free coastal regions, there are large Fund and UVic. Join TripRewards® Today! 2915 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC 1.800.800.8000 250.385.6731 Varela

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Page 8 The Ring July/August 2005