Week of Jan. 22 – 29, 2001
New president takes over…U.S. President George W. Bush has officially taken over the job of president following his weekend inauguration, but his controversial victory will continue to cast a shadow for some time, predicts SFU historian Michael Fellman, who specializes in the U.S. presidency and politics. Fellman can talk about what lies ahead for Bush as well as the legacy of Clinton.
Michael Fellman, 291-4400; 261-8243 (h)
Competition flies high…Air Canada has announced plans to go head to head with air discount company West Jet with potentially lower rates for Western travellers. Is there room for competition? And what are the implications for air travellers? SFU geographer and transportation expert Warren Gill is an airline industry watcher and can provide a perspective.
Warren Gill, 291-5005
Let it snow…The weekend snow dump of 30 centimeters was a blessing to local mountains after suffering weeks of poor conditions that have hurt business on some local mountains. Others, like Whistler, insist they’ve had a good season. Peter Williams of SFU’s centre for tourism policy and research can look at how weather impacts skiing visits in B.C. He also says those heading for the hills are not just "die-hard skiers," but individuals and families looking for other ways to spend time in the outdoors.
Peter Williams, 291-3103
Stock market suffers from winter blues…SFU economics professors Mark Kamstra and Lisa Kramer are shedding light on how Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects the stock market. In a recent paper they cite "compelling evidence" that stock markets in both hemispheres predictably succumb to the winter blues. They theorize that as winter descends and daylight diminishes, there is "downward pressure" on the market as depressed SADs sufferers become averse to risk and start selling off stock to rebalance their portfolios. Typically, the market starts to pick up after the winter solstice, as daylight and optimism return. The bottom line for investors? Laughs Kamstra: "Plan your portfolio strategy in the summer!"
Mark Kamstra, 291-4514
Alternatives to supporting an ailing health care system…Is pouring more money into healthcare the way to maintain and improve the health status of Canadians? It’s a burning question, given the rising costs of clinical intervention in our financially strapped healthcare system. SFU social geographer is among a growing number of researchers, public policy makers and health professionals who believe more social rather than clinical intervention is the real cure. On Wednesday, Jan. 24, SFU’s newly formed Institute of Health Research and Education (IHRE) and Health Canada will sponsor a one day free public seminar, The Wellness Agenda (10 a.m. to noon, Labatt Theatre, Harbour Centre campus) to address the issue of maintaining and improving the health of Canadians. A panel discussion will look at how the creation of integrated public polices can more effectively address the social, economic, environmental and cultural factors eroding the wellbeing of Canadians. "Healthcare funding should always address the needs of the seriously and terminally ill. But the vast majority of Canadians would need less clinical intervention if we put more money into improving their general wellbeing," says Hayes, an IHRE associate director and seminar co-chair. For more information call 666-7322.
Michael Hayes, 291-4621, 250-920-4165
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