SYDNEY-At the final buzzer, we watched and mourned. The Tampa Bay Lightning jumping off the bench, congratulating themselves for winning the 2004 Stanley Cup.

Politeness is that social requirement that makes you do things even when you don't feel like doing them. And if the person you're doing them for knows that you're just doing them because society expects you should, not because you really want to, then why be polite? Why not just be a big, fat, rude, nincompoop? At least you'd be more honest that way, wouldn't you?

Sixty years ago, people vowed "never again." As news of the Holocaust spread around the world, people were determined to make sure such heinous crimes would not be repeated. Yet, 10 years ago, everything went to hell in Rwanda. 800,000 people died, and few people seemed to care.

What happened?

On the eve of my third BSD, which has my liver scared senseless, I'd like to share a few lessons I have mostly learned the hard way. You won't find them in any University of Calgary lecture.

I am without a younger apprentice in my life, but I would like to make sure that somebody has the chance to avoid the left-turns I make on a semi-regular basis. So without sounding like that "Grow" girl in the milk commercials, here come some third-year words of wisdom.

I am a student in the Faculty of Environ-mental Design. Last week, people tried to burn down the high school I attended in Montreal. Their stated reasons for doing so were linked to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. That is, by setting a Jewish school on fire, by seeking to terrorize members of one community, they sought to catalyze support for the cause they espoused.

A friend recently sent me a series of notes about Mel Gibson's recent film The Passion of the Christ, based on a discussion with a Catholic priest who claims to have been on set throughout the filming.

As an out of town student, I am presented with the same dilemma every year: where should I live for the summer? I have been in university for four years now and every year this decision gets harder. Many issues complicate what some would view as an easy choice. I have weighed the options to the point of exhaustion, and the question is always the same: do I want to save money or do I want to have a fun summer?

We all have our own opinions, but when does expressing your opinion become condemning other people and their interests?

1. Respect her mirror space.

You watch yourself to make sure your technique is just right, so why isn't important for her to watch her technique as well? In other words, don't stand in front of her during a set when you could stand just about anywhere else. Just because she doesn't grunt or curl 50lb. dumbells doesn't mean she's not taking her workout just as seriously as you're taking yours.

2. Quit ogling.

It would be hard to find anyone who says they aren't affected by the music they listen to. Everyone can remember the first album they ever bought, or the time their friend played them what was to become their new favourite band. Just look at the unceasing changes in people's musical tastes from junior high through high school and it's obvious that music provides a sense of self and culture to any person who listens to it.