Nf IATION/WORLD The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, October 29, 1997 - 7# Drought speeds worst Amazon burning ever -MANAUS, Brazil (AP) - This year' burning season in the Amazon rain. forest is so bad even a lake is on 1vo factors - the worst drought in 25 years and government policy that encourages farmers to burn their land - are speeding destruction of the world's largest wilderness, not to iention choking inhabitants of the Amazon's largest city with thick smoke. At the Balbina dam reservoir, a record-low water level has exposed tt that were long submerged. For nths they dried, then caught fire. "Even the trees in the lake are burn- ing. I've never seen anything like it," said Abner Brandao de Souza of Ibama, the government's environmental protec- tion agency. A dense haze spews from the thou- sands offires that have spread with ease over the parched Amazon, an area near- ly two-thirds the size of the continental wsed States. The haze is choking the 1.1 million residents of the northern city of Manaus. "You leave the house in the morning and you step into a thick haze," secre- tary Selena Oliveira said. Fires at this time of year are common in heavily deforested Amazon states such as Mato Grosso and Para, where land is regularly burned for pasture. But the fires now are the worst in memory - and the intensity is new here in Amazonas state, Brazil's largest, where nearly 98 percent of the original forest canopy remains intact. Worse, the fires have spread into vir- gin forest, where deep roots usually keep trees so moist they rarely burn. By most estimates, at least 10 percent of the 2 million square-mile Amazon has been destroyed. There are no wide-scale efforts to stamp out the blazes because they most- ly are cases of landowners burning on their own property. And there is nothing to stop the smoke. Doctors say the number of people seeking treatment for respiratory ail- ments has jumped 30 percent since the smoke began smothering the city in mid-September. Before scant showers fell in mid- October, the region had gone 70 days without rain. The water level at Balbina dam, 100 miles north of Manaus, has plunged to the point that the city is forced to ration energy. Some neighborhoods have elec- tricity for only six hours a day. Two babies died at a maternity ward that lacked a private generator to power their incubators. El Nino is blamed for the drought: The cyclical phenomenon of warm Pacific Ocean currents is sending trop- ical storms north to desert regions such as Baja California and Arizona, and leaving normally moist areas thirsty. Even more fires are burning in Southeast Asia, where El Nino also has caused drought, spreading dangerous, choking haze over Indonesia, Malaysia and other nations. Part of the Amazon forest bums near the city of Manaus, in northern Brazil, on Oct. 18. A combined worst drought in 25 years and government policy that encourages farmers to torch their land are speeding destruction of the world's largest wildemess. Ap I AFTER SCHOOL CHILD CARE needed **SPR ING BREAK CANCUN & LOW FARES WORLDWIDE Instant pur- for 10 yr. old boy in A2. Transportation a JAMAICA $379! Book early - save $50! Get chase Eurail passes issued. Regency Travel must! 20 hr./wk. & some evenings. All in- a group - go free! Panama City $129! South 209 S. State 665-6122. quiries accped.Please cal1668-8200ask for Beach (bars close 5 am!) $129! MICHIGAN @WISCONSIN springbreaktravel.com 1-800-678-6386. 11/15 - tickets for sale ARRSCHOOL CARE for II yr. old & 6 yr. old in NE Ann Arbor home. Own car, non-smoker, refs. req. 994-9083. CARE GIVER for 4mo. old needed. 15-20 hrs.wk. Flexible schedule. Exp. pref. Non-' s ihoker must have reliable transportation $5:50-$? hourly pay or salary btw. $300- $ /m6. fits, paid vacation, holidays, c41l 930-6854. CAREGIVER in our home, I day a wk. Bfe & after school care for 6 yr. old AM kindeirg4 it~ boy. Must be dependable, exp., enthusiastic. Own trans., non-smoker. Refs. nt say._ 975-1799. IARING STAFF NEEDED part-time for gterschool program serving special needs stwdentts. -Call Just Us Club 994-8111 ext. 1699. CHILD CARE NEEDED for infant & 5 year old. Weekends, & evenings. Ref. neoded. Dexter location. 426-9129. CHILD CARE NEEDED-Loving person to care for two girls, 10 months and 2 1/2" Looking. for someone who loves infants and toddlers and has had some experience caring for them. About 25 hours per week, three 1/2 d and one full day. Some flexibility in r~ uing: Transportation needed. Referen- ces required. Excellent wages. Located near North Campus in Ann Arbor. 663-4441. EXPERIENCED, LOVING child care pt ideri my home. References required. "95-9(Y76. LOOKING FOR CARING care giver for 2 s 1&4. 2 afternoons/wk., possibly more. Saary neg. 327-9376. tickets & travel $ I NEED FOOTBALL TICKETS! Selling George Clinton. Call 480-4332. ***OSU TICKETS Needed. Price neg. Call Shira @ 930-2145. **SPRING BREAK BAHAMAS Party Cruise! 6 days $279! Includes meals, free patties, taxes! Get a group - go free! Prices increase soon - save $50! springbreaktrvel.com 1-800-678-6386, EANFREE TRPS & CASH! prLASS TPVAEL needs 1 de W promote 5prri Break 1995! Sell 15 triss & travel free! Highly motivated 5tudent can earn a free trip & over $10,000! Choose Cancun, Lahama5, Mazatlan, Jamaica or Florida! North Americas laraest student tour cperatorf Call lNow 1-800-838-0411. **SPRING BREAK**..."take 2" Organize group! Sell 15...take 2 free. Jamaica, Cancun, Bahamas, Fla., Barbados, Padre. Free parties, eats, drinks. Sunsplash Tours 1-800-426- 7710 Nlobody Doe% riuq 2Br ak Setter DRIVEE 'ORSE F &SRVE . D rie allSErf & St b P" ,APERSON DEPENDING ON DESTINATON I PEAKDATES/I ENGTH OFSTAY -pr.800 NCHASE TOLL REE INMORMATION & RRsERVATIONs + r' ww''""chase-com 4 **SPR ING BREAK '98! Free food & drinks!t Cancun, Bahamas, Jamaica, & Florida from $3991 Organize a small group & trave FRE!Highest commissito blowes campus rep. (800) 574-7577. AAAHHH! Spring Break '98. Best Prices to Mexico, Jamaica, Bahamas, Florida. Group Discounts & Free Drink Parties! Sell Trips, Earn Cash & Go Free! !-800-234-7007. www.endlesssummertours.com AIR TICKETS 2 companion fare $525 US 48-Canada. Use by 12-31-97. 662-0321. ATTENTION STUDENTS-Staff-Faculty. For all your travel needs call Stamos Travel, special U of M line: 663-5500. FLORIDA SPRING BREAK from $129/ person. Sandpiper Beach Resort. Panama City, FL. Tiki Bar, hot tub, world's longest keg party. Free info. 1-800-488-8828. www.sandpiperbeacon.com Any quantity 800-745-7328 NEED 1-3 TIX for Penn State game. (412) 881-3713. ROMANTIC GETAWAY- Cozy log cabins on lake. $54-79 ntly. Incl. hot tub, canoes & more. Traverse City. 616/276-9502. SEEKING 2 PENN STATE tickets. 919- 383-9188. SELLING 2 PENN STATE Tickets. 919- 383-9 188. SPRING BREAK Reps wanted for Acapul- co from $559. Quad Call Dan Regency Travel 665-6122. SPRING BREAK '98 - Sell Trips, Eam Cash & Go Free!!! STS is now hiring campus reps. Lowest rates to Jamaica, Mexico & Florida. Call 800-648-4849. STUDENTS Purchase your tickets with Con- tinental vouchers & Amex card. Regency Travel 209 S. State St. 665-6122. TRAVEL FOR FREE & EARN $ on S pring Break 98. Become a Travel Rep. w/ I l.M.1.F Travel Corp. For more info, contact Tony 1-888-974-1499. REACT Continued from Page 1 "I think so far the policy had been working," Chang said. This is the first visit from the Chinese president since the protest and massacre in Tiananmen Square that sent shock waves around the globe. Chang said he feels the visit is more than just a showpiece and that many issues may finally be put to rest. "I think some of the issues will be resolved in the visit,' said Chang, who said he believes this is a great chance for the two presidents to improve rela- tions between the United States and China. One of the most visible issues President Clinton and Jiang will tackle during this visit is that of freedom for Tibet. The recent protests held outside the White House have increased pres- sures on both nations to re-examine the controversial issue. But Mertha said China is not likely to give up Tibet due REAL WORLD Continued from Page 1. to the small nation's strategic location as a buffer zone. Chang and Mertha both said that expectations do appear high on both sides during the visit. Mertha, how- ever, warned that not as much will come out of this visit as did when President Nixon visited China in 1972. "They were starting on ground zero there," Mertha said, adding that both nations have a concrete starting point. The visit is crucial not only to forge a stable and consistent policy and resolve issues between the two countries, but also to combat the negative public image that many Americans harbor about China. "There is a lot more opposition against China," Mertha said. "Generally people either see China as a land of Pandas or a land of tanks crushing students." The visit also is important to many student groups on campus that are anx- ious to see U.S.-Chinese relations improve. "It's good he's coming," said Rebecca King, president of the Chinese Student Assembly. King said she hopes that President, Jiang's visit will cause him to rethink. his human rights policies and his, nation's policies on holding political prisoners. The Chinese Christian Fellowship is holding group and individual prayer sessions today and plan on a° large prayer service in the upper lobby of East Quad at 6 p.m. tomor- row evening. "The Chinese Christian community, here is praying for him," said PaoLin Chi, a coordinator for CCF. Chi said the Christian community shouldn't turn its back on Jiang, but' should instead "remain humble" and forgive the leader and his country's past actions. "China is known as one of the great- est persecutors of the Christian Church," said Chi, an LSA junior. "We. will pray for his salvation." -Daily Staff Reporter Debra Hirschfield contributed to this report. THE BEST REPAIR SHOP FOR YOU. Endorsed by idols & most makers. Herb David Guitar Studio. 302 E. Liberty. 665- sorn announcements Attention all Gamma Phi Betas! Midterms are finished, and November is near So your hyper-active social chairs Thought we'd cause you some fear. On the 30th of October, Just before twelve o'clock, The calendar says we're planning to... Hmm...paint the rock? NOPE! Imprmptu date party, Thursday, tober 30 at 10 o'clock! So grab a date, ladies, And prepare for good times, We'd give you more information, But we're all out of lines! MTV is holding open casting calls. Casting assistants have already been to San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Richmond, Va., and Atlanta. The last and final stop will be in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday. So far, the largest turnout was in D.C., where directors auditioned almost 700 aspiring cast mem- bers. If MTV were to cast a University student for the '98 sea- son, he or she wouldn't be the first Ann Arborite to shine in "The Real World" spotlight. Judd Winick, a 1992 University graduate, appeared in 1994's "The Real World - San Francisco" season. An Art major and editorial cartoonist for The Michigan Daily, Winick is the only person affiliated with the University to appear in the series - so far. Participants in today's audition have the chance to follow in Winick's footsteps. "Usually half the cast comes from open calls," McFadden said, adding that open calls "are extremely effective." McFadden said the other half of the two shows' casts comes from videotapes sent in by ardent fans around the country. Both tapes and casting calls make up the first round of a six- or seven-round screening process. People who leave a memorable impression in round one will advance to the second round. In later rounds, auditioners are filmed in groups to get a feel for their on-screen dynamics. The final round, where casting assistants interview the top people, will not take place until after Dec. 1, McFadden said. "Right now, it's too early to start having characters," he said. The weeding-out process, he emphasized, is still only in its beginning stages. Julie Hazimi, a general manager at Touchdown Cafe, said yesterday that she didn't know what to expect from the event. She said it has been publicized on fliers around the metro Detroit area. "People have been calling and asking directions from Lansing and Detroit. I'm sure we'll get a good turnout,? Hazimi said. "Definitely the bar business will r .k up" she added. "People are going to be waiting." To quench the thirst of a large and eager crowd; Touchdown will offer several specials, Hazimi said. Those stuck in the bar for the day can treat themselves to $2 Mil1er Lites or $2.50 Coronas with Bacardi Limon shots. LSA first-year student Rebecca Mall said she plans to be in line by 10 a.m. "My GS1 and I obsess about 'The Real World,"' she said enthusiastically. "I am from San Francisco and I used to See Puck all the time in his boxcar."'~ Though he said he doesn't obsess about the show, LSA sophomore Simon Perazza said he wouldn't mind getting a spot. "I want to live in a phat house and not pay rent so then I could save money," he said. "I don't want to do 'Road Rules,"' Perazza added. "I don't want to live in a trailer, but I will live in a house.' And for those worried if the pimple, albeit tiny, on their nose will hinder their audition, McFadden had some reassuring words. Attractiveness "plays a small part," he said. "Obviously.a person has to have some sort of appeal. In past casts, looks haven't really been an issue. "I'm not going to name individual people - like, hey you're ugly - that wouldn't be right." tr BOXING! Well-established, friendly student club meets at the Coliseum M., W., Th. 7-9 p.m. Vacancies. Beginners are welcome. Check out UM Mens Boxing Club. It's af- fordable & fun. 930-3246. i r ..... h=1 The Big Blue Scary' by seth benson and'oWet \/ V6.4gG Y1;Ll- < tINUTZ LAWE 3, -T '9 Tb AccWJNT FUR. / N~ IJC1ToR / WAY A i 0'T WQIY.Y mw is IN tOP'4 OF I wsiAs ~iERCE ?I*LAP * gSlrlo MofesI KARAOKE FRI. & SAT. night at 9;30. Mobil Lounge. 45851 Michigan Ave. Fun!! YOU DON'T KNOW what "hot" is 'til you have tried Dave's Insanity Sauce. Tios Mexican Restaurant - We Deliver! 333 E. Huron, 761-6650. turday, November 1 i t ___._.. Dersonal, -3-on-3 basketball tournaments -4-on-4 volleyball tournaments Food, drinks, music, door prizes and tons of fun for stay sober for the evening. Free with student ID orl IM Sports Bldg., Hoover St. 10 pm-2 am Lots of substance-free dancing fun for lesbians, gay transgendered folks and their friends! Rackham, 4th Floor 10 pm-2 am nday, November 3 "Leaving Las Vegas" Michigan Union, U-Club 9 p AIcoho1 r all those pledging to Rec Pass, $5 for all others. y men, bisexuals, A HAPPILY MARRIED couple seeks in- fant to adopt. We promise a lifetime of love/ opportunity. Call Gordon or Karen at 1-800- 603-4405 Code 97. .11:1 Pm UMAAW sponsored by SAEN, UHS & the Michigan State Medical Societ y. Tesday, November 4 Cashd Cr isay. A -- A - -- ~I.. - I I