Around campus

Take a beauty breather

OSIRE GLACIER

"The work we do at McGill is so rigorous. We need beauty somewhere." So says Osire Glacier, photographer and doctoral student in Islamic studies. Glacier balances her work on Moroccan human rights by going on hikes around Charlevoix and her Île-Bizard home in the morning to take photos, before buckling down to harsher tasks in the afternoon. She uses a Nikon SLR, equipped with a macro lens and nothing more — "no filters, just beauty as I see it" — and adores wildflowers because, "we didn't work on them, nature gave them to us."

Take a respite from work yourself by taking in Glacier's photos at the McLennan Library, until June 15.

Another photographer familiar to readers of this paper, Erica Zelfand, is having a show called "Mile-End Mirages" with Henry Michaud at the restaurant Aux Vivres, open Thursday to Sunday, 11 am to 11 pm, at 4631 St. Laurent Blvd., until May 15.

Kick up your heels for cancer research

Happy McGillians at a previous Défi run.
Owen Egan

Get out your wacky outfits for the annual Défi Corporatif Canderel fun run this Friday, May 5. Hundreds of costumed runners will gather at the corner of Bleury and René-Lévesque at 10:30 am to show off their finery to judges, then embark on a trot through downtown to raise money for cancer research. Over the past 16 years, the Défi has raised almost $5 million dollars for McGill's Cancer Centre and the Institut du cancer de Montréal. According to recent stats, cancer is the number one killer in Quebec.

For more info call Sarita Benchimol at 398-3535.

Debbie Travis: From the ground up

COURTESY OF DEBBIE TRAVIS

With a hammer and a hard hat, a paint can and a smile, interior designer Debbie Travis worked her way "from the ground up." In honour of Travis's outstanding achievements as an entrepreneur, the McGill Centre for Research and Teaching on Women (MCRTW) will recognize her next week as Person of the Year 2006.

"Ms. Travis is a role model for women who want to reach the pinnacle of their profession," says Shree Mulay, MCRTW director. "She richly deserves to be recognized for her achievements as a successful businesswoman."

Over the past 15 years, Debbie Travis has worn many different hats — that of TV host and producer, businesswoman, interior designer and author. She has built an impressive decorating empire. A role model for the next generation, Travis's latest television show, "From the Ground Up," will follow a group of young folks as they learn how success hinges on hard work. She will talk about this latest project and her career to date as she accepts her award.

Tuesday, May 9, New Residence Hall Ballroom, 3635 Park Ave. Tickets can be ordered at 398-3911 or by email. VIP cocktail reception, lecture and book signing, $75, 6 pm. Lecture and signing only, 7:30 pm, $25.

Healing through seltzer water and rubber chickens

COURTESY OF PATCH ADAMS

It must be fun having Robin Williams portray your life story on the big screen — of course, having fun is what Patch Adams is all about. Known throughout the world as both a doctor and a comedian, often at the same time, Adams has spent the last 30 years advocating change in the American healthcare system, a system he considers elitist.

The fulltime doctor, part time street clown believes that laughter and creativity are essential parts of the healing process. Early in his medical career, Adams often ran afoul of his superiors for raising the spirits of patients with his antics. But Adams had the, ahem, last laugh, when in 1972 he founded the Gesundheit! Institute, that he calls "the first silly hospital in history." On May 15, Adams will speak on "the Joy of Caring," with all proceeds going to the Asclepius Project and the Hope and Care Cancer Support Foundation at the Jewish General Hospital.

May 15; noon-3:00 pm. Leacock Building, rm 132. Admission $25. To purchase tickets send an email.

Lois Lane at McGill

COURTESY OF MARGOT KIDDER

In April 1996, actress Margot Kidder was found cowering in an L.A. backyard - dazed, confused and having hacked off most of her hair with a razor. The co-star of Superman and The Amityville Horror, Kidder's painful fall from grace turned out to be one of the most widely publicized mental breakdowns in Hollywood history.

On May 10, a recovered Kidder will be on campus expounding upon the merits of orthomolecular medicine - the nutritional therapy that she says has brought her back from the brink.

Mental Health Regained: An evening with Margot Kidder. Wed. May 10, 7:30. Leacock Building, rm 132. Admission: $20. Info: (416) 733-2117 or email.

A 'hood time for all

Something bugging you about the 'hood? The downtown YMCA and Peter McGill Community Council invites all members of the community to get involved in creating a healthy and friendly neighbourhood for all, starting with coming to a public forum. Open to those who work, study, or live in the borough of Ville Marie, between Bleury and Atwater, Camilien-Houde Ave and Notre Dame St.

May 15, 12:30 pm - 2 pm, Atwater Library; May 24, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, Downtown YMCA; June 6, 7 pm - 8 pm. For more info, call 849-8393 x 773.