p on the roof with the whole world at our feet, is this everything you thought it'd be?"
-The Get Up Kids from "Up on the Roof"

Faked moon landings, hidden shooters on grassy rises, and a zit under makeup: these are good cover-ups. On the other hand, some things, like music festivals, summer sex, and heavily trodden city squares, need air.

A proposed roof at Robson Square, alternately referred to as the Umbrella and the Clam, has drawn a battery of verbal and editorial protests from concerned Vancouverites. The project, which would reportedly cost around $40 million dollars, is aimed as a shelter spot for area revelers.

Though detractors have been quick to take to pen and podium, not much is actually known about the project. The secrecy itself has also become a point of contention. What is known is that the new canopy, composed largely of glass and wood, will cross Robson Street near the Vancouver Art Gallery.

Originally suggested as a pre-Olympics project, the roof, should it be given the go-ahead, will go into production after the city has cleared out all the high-level amateur athletes. Still, amidst the building concern, a decision is a ways off. Oh, and though "Umbrella" is a catchy song (especially when covered by Tegan and Sara), I prefer Clam. -S.T.