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Swine flu, May Day
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April 29, 2009
Swine flu hysteria? Not yet
The swine flu outbreak continues to lead the news with "swine flu watch” stories dominating 24-hour news channels and newspaper headlines. Some critics are already worried that oversimplified, sensational media coverage, poor public education and changing medical information could fuel unnecessary panic over the outbreak. But so far, says Stephen Corber, director of the SFU Faculty of Health Sciences’ Public Health Practice, the press has helped more than hurt public understanding of the situation. Corber can also talk about all aspects of the virus and Canada’s current level of preparedness.
Stephen Corber, 778.782.7183; scorber@sfu.ca
Commemorating May Day
With a global depression, rising unemployment and people looking for alternatives to ‘business as usual,’ this Friday (May 1) will be a particularly important time to reflect on the significance of May Day, says SFU labour historian Mark Leier. Since 1889, May 1 has been a workers' day of celebration, commemoration and protest in their fight for justice and dignity. SFU's Centre for Labour Studies has produced a graphic novel on the history of May Day in Canada. In pictorial form, it highlights the country’s labour history in the context of May Day. Researched and written by SFU students and illustrated by local artists, May Day: A Graphic History of Protest also demonstrates how workers have brought about social change.
Mark Leier, 778.782.4450 (o), 604.988.4257 (h); mark_leier@sfu.ca
The novel (see www.sfu.ca/history) will be unveiled on Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. at Rhizome Café during its May Day Cabaret, 317 East Broadway, following the annual May Day march in East Vancouver. The event will also feature musical performances. Tickets ($5 donation) available at the door. For information contact Robin Folvik, rfolvik@sfu.ca.
The swine flu outbreak continues to lead the news with "swine flu watch” stories dominating 24-hour news channels and newspaper headlines. Some critics are already worried that oversimplified, sensational media coverage, poor public education and changing medical information could fuel unnecessary panic over the outbreak. But so far, says Stephen Corber, director of the SFU Faculty of Health Sciences’ Public Health Practice, the press has helped more than hurt public understanding of the situation. Corber can also talk about all aspects of the virus and Canada’s current level of preparedness.
Stephen Corber, 778.782.7183; scorber@sfu.ca
Commemorating May Day
With a global depression, rising unemployment and people looking for alternatives to ‘business as usual,’ this Friday (May 1) will be a particularly important time to reflect on the significance of May Day, says SFU labour historian Mark Leier. Since 1889, May 1 has been a workers' day of celebration, commemoration and protest in their fight for justice and dignity. SFU's Centre for Labour Studies has produced a graphic novel on the history of May Day in Canada. In pictorial form, it highlights the country’s labour history in the context of May Day. Researched and written by SFU students and illustrated by local artists, May Day: A Graphic History of Protest also demonstrates how workers have brought about social change.
Mark Leier, 778.782.4450 (o), 604.988.4257 (h); mark_leier@sfu.ca
The novel (see www.sfu.ca/history) will be unveiled on Friday, May 1 at 7 p.m. at Rhizome Café during its May Day Cabaret, 317 East Broadway, following the annual May Day march in East Vancouver. The event will also feature musical performances. Tickets ($5 donation) available at the door. For information contact Robin Folvik, rfolvik@sfu.ca.