Over the edge volume 19 issue 9

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The Editors

February 6th 2013 • Over the Edge

Over the Edge is the official independent publishing media of students at the University of Northern British Columbia Managing Editor

Production Coordinator

Copy Editor

Randy Roy

Shelley Termuende A&E Editor

Ben Filipkowski

Sports Editor

Jordan Tucker

Student Life Editor

Geoff Sargent

Features Editor

Leila Maheiddinibonab

News Editor

Hanna Petersen

Gala Munoz

It is our mandate to report on issues of interest to students in the Northern Region.We encourage all students, both on the main and regional campuses to submit to Over the Edge. Over the Edge is part of the Canadian University Press network of papers, otherwise known as CUP. CUP is an organization that is entirely owned by member papers, and provides such services as a news wire and advertising to Over the Edge. Over the Edge is published every second week during the fall and winter semesters.

Office Location: NUSC 6-350 MAILING ADDRESS 3333 University Way Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9 PHONE (250) 960-5633

NEXT SUBMISSION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 14TH, 2013 Bob Steventon,

Allie Dickson,

Contributors Jim Mullen, Sarah Jackson,

The Cariboo Blues,

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Over the Edge • February 6th 2013

British Columbia Youth Parliament

Why dont you run for NUGGS? MEGAN PRICE OMBUDSPERSON

ALLIE DICKSON BCYP LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION

The British Columbia Youth Parliament is a non-profit, non-partisan service organization that meets each year from December 27th to the 31st at the Legislative Buildings in Victoria. During this week-long event, also

a great opportunity for youth and students in BC to get involved in their communities as volunteers and as leaders. BCYP is a one of a kind organization in that it combines educational information about our government along with allowing youth to explore their interests in leadership no matter where they live. This year

Members of the Parliament are taught about legislation, private member’s resolutions, and the basics of debate and parliamentary procedure. known as Session, the 95 newly elected members (who are aged 16-21 and represent all areas of the province) meet to discuss both the organizations plans for the upcoming year as well as interesting topics relevant to the youth of British Columbia. Since the BCYP is primarily a service organization, legislation is debated that outlines what Parliament and the membership would like to complete in terms of service to the community. Projects run by the Parliament may include smaller activities such as beach cleanups or helping provide another organization with volunteers for their event.

Alternatively, the BCYP also has the ability to organize and carry out major projects such as Regional Youth Parliaments. Regional Youth Parliaments, or RYPs, are smaller versions of the BCYP that take place in multiple areas around the province each and every year.

RYPs generally only have between 16 and 35 members; however, areas with denser population can attract up to 60 members at a Parliament. Unlike the BCYP, RYPs are designed for high school students aged 14-18 and typically take place over a single weekend rather than a full week. During this time, members of the Parliament are taught about legislation, private member’s resolutions, and the basics of debate and parliamentary procedure, all vital to understanding the Canadian political process as it exists today.

In addition to legislation, members of the BCYP also have the chance to debate private member’s resolutions, which can be presented by any member of the House and can cover almost any topic. Being a youth Parliament, the conversations and debates can often be about lighthearted or amusing topics; however, much more frequently, the topics pertain to serious regional, provincial, national, or international issues. With 95 youth present, the debate is often contentious and always interesting to listen to.

The British Columbia Youth Parliament is

was the 84th Session of the British Columbia Youth Parliament and it turned out to be a great success. Four members represented Prince George in the House, including two students from UNBC. The BC Youth Parliament is a truly life-changing experience - if you want more information please go to www.bcyp.org!

Once again, January is drawing to a close which means that NUGSS elections are coming up! Do you like to be involved?

Do you enjoy being part of a group? Are you interested in the inner workings of the University and what that means to students? Do you love the Thirsty Moose so much that you want to be involved with it? If you said yes to any of these questions then NUGSS just might be for you!

There are many aspects of NUGSS that make your involvement appealing in many ways. For example, did you know you get a cubicle in the NUGSS Office?

This gives you lots of room to leave your coat and winter boots; you don’t have to worry about cramming them in a locker with all your books. There is a fridge in the office where you can store

fellow students on this campus, and on UNBC’s regional campuses as well.

You also get the experience of working professionally with a group of your peers and post secondary student government experience looks great on a resume.

NUGSS positions are volunteer positions but directors who fulfill their time requirements with duties related to their portfolios are awarded monthly honouraria.

So really, why aren’t you running for NUGSS? This year’s election dates and locations are as follows: nomination period February 1- Feb 15, campaign period February 16-March 4, speeches February 27 @ noon in the Wintergarden, voting – March 5 & 6 in the NUSC If you have any questions, ask any of the current NUGSS board or come into

You will learn valuable time management and networking skills and take part in important decisions for your fellow students on this campus. your lunch and snacks – suddenly your dining options on campus just expanded!

You can be among the first on campus to learn what the Moose’s daily specials are!

Don’t be fooled into thinking it is all fun and games. NUGSS does serious work; you will learn valuable time management and networking skills and take part in important decisions for your

the office and ask one of our friendly, helpful staff members. Or attend our NUGSS 101 session – an open house in the April Price Boardroom, 6-390, on February 7 at 2pm. You’ll be able to interact with the current board, ask any questions you might have, and get free pizza!

CALGARY, Alberta May 10 – 12, 2013

Are you between 18-28 years old and interested in sustainable transportation?

Check out our program online to find out how you can...

• Discover sustainable transportation • Explore career possibilities issues & opportunities. in transit and related fields.

• Get the tools you need to be a leader in your community.

• Network with students and professionals from across Western Canada and the Territories.

Apply to be a youth delegate by Monday February 25!

leadingthewayyouthsummit.com

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Campus News

February 6th 2013 • Over the Edge

Canada to get a National Wireless Code of Conduct?

2log.biz HANNA PETERSEN NEWS EDITOR

Cell phone horror stories are not uncommon these days. While it is not an uncommon occurrence to go over the monthly allotment of data, some unlucky souls have been hit

large bill upon his return to Canada. Franz did as he was told and only used wifi networks but was sent the bill regardless. Obviously, not every mobile user has had such bad luck, but dealing with cell phone companies is far from being anyone’s favourite past time.

Canadians are one of the largest consumers of cell phone services in the world, and yet the finer details of the industry remain largely unknown. with thousands in obscure roaming charges and for violating vague mobile usage rules. CBC’s show Marketplace: Canada’s Consumer Watchdog even has an special in which they scour the country looking for the worst cell phone bill in Canada. In the 2011 special, Marketplace interviewed Perry Franz, the owner of a $17,148.75 cell phone bill courtesy of Bell, one of the big three cell phone companies in the country. The big three companies (Bell, Telus, and Rogers) control around 96% of the market. Franz incurred the giant bill while using his iPhone on a student trip to Moscow. Franz even took the preventative step by visiting the Bell store before leaving for Russia to ensure he would not receive a

While the topic may seem frivolous in comparison to other more significant global issues, the fact remains that most Canadians are shelling out money each month for a service that is difficult to quantify to providers who have no accountability. In fact, Canadians are one of the largest consumers of cell phone services in the world, and yet the finer details of the industry remain largely unknown. How much does it really cost to send a text message or receive a long distance phone call? What is a fair amount to pay in coverage fees? In this billion dollar industry the consumer just doesn’t have a leg to stand on. There is an inherent ambiguity in calculating the exact cost of the services being provided; thus,

unless a consumer is hit with an astronomical bill, it can be difficult to discern if the mobile companies are playing fair or gouging people for every cent. The Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission, better known as the CRTC, has actually taken the initiative to clarify these issues.

The CRTC is in the process of drafting a National Wireless Code of Conduct which outlines what wireless providers must offer consumers and, more importantly, what they will no longer be able to get away with doing.

The CRTC is asking for public input on the guidelines in order to make sure that the most common concerns of mobile users are actually addressed in the code of conduct. The proposals that have already been formulated originate from over 3,500 complaints mailed to the CRTC and an additional 600 complaints that were submitted through an online forum. The online discussion in which the CRTC is asking for feedback with be open to the public until February 15th.

A few proposals that the CRTC intends on addressing include limits on early termination fees; providers must unlock phones under reasonable terms; customers must receive

a personalized summary of their contract; consumers must be given tools to monitor their usage compared to the limits in their plans; consumers must be able to restrict features that could incur additional fees; they must have the ability to specify to the provider to suspend services that may result in extra fees; and early termination fees must only include subsidies of the phone and other mobile device discounts received for signing onto a contract. While variations of these proposals may be found on some plans or contracts available, the code of conduct would insure that the same formula for fees and contracts would exist throughout the country. However, the Code of Conduct is still in its infancy and while it promises a glorious future of accountability for the mobile provider’s in the country, the CRTC still faces the big issue of how exactly it will enforce this code? Regardless of how idyllic the future of cell phone use in Canada will become the code remains a huge step towards levelling the playing field for Canadian mobile users against the giant domineering titans of cell services; better known as Bell, Telus and Rogers.

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Over the Edge • February 6th 2013

Justin Trudeau visits UNBC

HANNA PETERSEN NEWS EDITOR

Bidding for leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada, Justin Trudeau has embarked on a Canada-wide tour and on January 23rd he paid a visit to UNBC’s Prince George campus.

Before being elected as MP for Papineau in Quebec in 2008, Trudeau was mostly known for his famous last name. He is, of course, the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau. Pierre Trudeau remains one of the most iconic Prime Ministers Canada has ever known. The phrase “Trudeaumania” was even coined in 1968 to describe the excitement generated by Pierre Trudeau’s entry into the Liberal leadership race and subsequent federal election.

While the phrase Trudeaumania was not thrown around on January 23rd when Justin Trudeau addressed the campus, the jam-packed NUSC event space filled with people of all ages, eager to see and hear Mr. Trudeau speak, indicates there is a certain excitement surrounding Trudeau’s bid for the Liberal leadership that has been fairly absent in contemporary Canadian politics. However, a debate does exist in the political discussion regarding Trudeau’s qualifications to run the party versus his celebrity. And if there ever was a Canadian political celebrity, it would undoubtably be Justin Trudeau. A quick Google search for his name on the 23rd revealed many articles regarding the first Liberal leadership debate that had taken place on the 20th; all of them addressed the same thing - that Trudeau had trimmed his hair. Trudeau’s longer curly brown hair does stand out from the crowd, but the fact that it is a serious topic of media attention also indicates that Trudeau is not your average political candidate.

When a focus on appearance either triumphs over or accompanies political discussion, the politician under scrutiny is usually a woman. However, the focus on Trudeau’s appearance may be because Trudeau is simply not known first and foremost for his political stance but instead for his name and relative celebrity. The liberal leadership race

may change the nature of Trudeau’s celebrity, however, as he travels the country addressing communities and discussing political issues concerning Canadians.

His address at UNBC was focused mainly on the engagement of young people in both politics, community leadership, and the future of the Liberal Party. “The fact that this generation doesn’t pay much attention to politics, doesn’t vote any greater than 30-35% when our seniors turn out to about 80%, for me is never a reflection of this generation but a condemnation of the way politics is done,” said Trudeau. “Members of Parliament have now become spokespeople for the Prime Minister’s office in their ridings, rather than being representatives for their ridings in government and we have to turn that around.”

Trudeau continued to address the wider issues of the nature of politics, again noting that youth disengagement may not be rooted in apathy but instead in the embittered nature of politics. “We have to make politics about something that is positive again. It is no more or no less then how we choose to organize ourselves as a society,” continued Trudeau. “It is not inherently evil or inherently dysfunctional. It is what we make it and right now we have to choose to make it better. That is why over the past year and coming months I’ve been getting out across the country to start conversations like this where I talk about how important it is that you have your say.”

When he finished his formal address, Trudeau took questions from the crowd. The first was a rather lengthy question about Old Age Security but the discussion eventually moved on and Trudeau addressed the nature of the Liberal Party. With the Conservatives in power and the NDP as the official opposition, the Liberal Party has seen better days. Thus when asked why we need a Liberal Party right now and why he had chosen to run as a Liberal, Trudeau took the opportunity to redefine the essence of his party in Canadian politics.

“The Liberal Party isn’t a party of the left. It’s not a party of the right. I don’t even like using the phrase ‘party of the middle’ either,”

said Trudeau. “We have two parties, one in government and one in opposition, that are ideologically based. They have a framework to see society and the solutions they offer.”

Trudeau continued to note how the Liberals differ from the other two. “We are a party of pragmatically based values. The kind of values that are Canadian values. The way we articulate those values into policies is about what works.

Ideas from the left, ideas from the right. Sure, where does it work and what does the science say - we are not bound to rigid framework.”

When asked about addressing differing conceptions of land ownership in treaty negotiations in British Columbia, Trudeau noted that the question is rooted in a larger question about how we build partnerships with First Nations peoples. “It’s about how we move forward right now with an accumulation of decades and centuries of broken relationships, in a positive way,” said Trudeau. “When we look at issues like Idle No More, we see a tremendous energy at a grass roots level by many young people and others in First Nations communities. The challenge of leadership that is not being fulfilled right now is to take that energy and direct it in a positive way to create change and growth.” In the same discussion Trudeau also commented on a growing awareness of a need to change the way we interact with land and resources. “ We are reaching a moment in our civilization where we can no longer base our habits and our functioning on the things that got us to this place. The short term maximization of resources and a detachment of consequences. We have to shift our thinking towards being much more sustainable in the long term. Understanding we do not inherit the world from our parents but we borrow it from our grandchildren”

Trudeau ended the question period and his visit to UNBC with a question regarding Canada’s military. After summarizing our role in the First and Second world wars and our changing identity as peacekeepers, Trudeau made a case for the importance of making Canadian military a priority. “A Canadian soldier is received differently on the ground then anyone else. Because of the imperialistic and economic might of the United States and

the Colonial back ground of many European countries means they are greeted with a suspicion. People know you are not there to conquer. You are not there to exploit. You are there to help and that is extremely powerful,” said Trudeau. “Having an agile and effective Canadian military need to continue to be a priority. A Canadian by dint of the diversity with which we grow up surrounded engages differently than any other soldier from any other country and that is precious and something we need to continue to invest in.”

Trudeau’s visit to university ended with groups of people sticking around for handshakes and pictures. The result of the Liberal leadership race will not be up to the media outlets who find an easy angle in the length of Trudeau’s hair it will come down to the supporters of the Liberal Party who will decide the winner and there are eight other candidates . But as voting for this race is open to anyone who is not a registered member of another political party, supporters of the Liberal Party can and may be exclusively supporters of Trudeau. Because, as anyone who saw or met him on the 23rd knows, politics aside, he has a way with people.

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February 6th 2013 • Over the Edge

Music in the Air

The UNBC campus is filled with music like never before. This isn’t the music that’s blasting from tables trying to sell tickets for a party or lunch, this music is the kind that makes people stop and look around for the source. No doubt that some of you have heard the fiddle and violin players in the Grotto (or Cave) across from the bookstore, or even walked by the piano players who frequent the Clubs Room (6-392), but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. The university campus is infused with clubs, groups and just people who love music and find ways of getting their practice in while studying. This week’s Student Life spotlight is on the Music on Campus, the individuals and ensembles. For exclusive footage featuring Indra, The Cariboo Blues and the Acappella Club go to ote.unbc.ca.

The Cariboo Blues

Indra in the cave

96 Likes and 1 person talking about this

The Cariboo Blues LEILA MAHEIDDINIBONAB STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

LEILA MAHEIDDINIBONAB STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

Have you heard the fiddle played on campus? Or the violin? Chances are you’ve heard Indra.

The Cave is an amazing location on campus that boasts pristine acoustics.

Even though it’s in between two of the busiest areas at UNBC (the cafeteria and the bus loop), it’s still out of the way and surprisingly private. Better yet, there’s no cell service and Internet is only available in one sweet spot, making this a prime location for musical endeavours.

When you hear the violin you’re listening

says about her studies though she isn’t sure which school she may apply to.

Having that plan in mind, Indra spends hours a day practicing before, after, and between classes which she takes at UNBC and teaches at Classic Touch Piano Studio. With the ARCT Practical in piano and her grade 10 in violin, Indra teaches 11 students at Classic Touch (piano, violin, and music theory), all while taking courses in English, French, Spanish, Philosophy and Political Science here on campus. Having such a busy schedule, it’s a wonder she has the time to practice! “I love playing in the cave because I love it when my friends - and sometimes even

Music is a central part of me, so why shouldn’t it be a central part of my life? to Indra Egan, a first year English student.

Starting piano when she was 5, Indra has moved into a thoroughly musical lifestyle since then, learning violin, guitar, musical theatre, and dance (modern, jazz and ballet). Even though she’s only in her first year at UNBC and Prince George she has put her talents to good use as a community player with the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, not to mention teaching music.

Indra came to UNBC in Fall 2012 to do a double major in English and Political Science but since then there has been a major change in the plan. She’s taking a big step towards her goals - “Music is a central part of me, so why shouldn’t it be a central part of my life?” So what is this big step? Moving away from our UNBC community in Fall 2014 to study for a BA in music, possibly at UBC. “I haven’t even decided whether I’m going to specialize in piano, violin, or opera, or do a double major in two of those,” she

people I’ve never met - stop in and say hi. I love playing in the Rotunda Gallery because the artwork surrounding me is so incredibly inspiring. My favourite place to play is probably the admin building, although I don’t go there until late in the evening so I don’t disturb the professors who work in there,” she says.

With all her musical work, it’s remarkable Indra has time for friends and studies.

“First semester is tough, and I faced some particularly difficult challenges in mine, but in the end it was theatre and music that got me through it,” she said about her experience. No doubt the future will bring more difficulties and challenges, but for the time being she is playing in the Cave whenever she can and invites you to stop in and say hi.

What are they? The Cariboo Blues.

Who are they? A local band made up of UNBC students Mike Watson (tambourine), Justin Gendreau (drums), Ewan Jones (keyboard) and Brock Paciejewski (guitar, bass, vocals).

When were they created? As a whole the group started last summer, but 2 of the members have been playing together for longer.

Where can I see them? Known as the “Club Whores,” they’re most often playing at Riley’s for a club event or at the UNBC campus.

Why? For the fun of it, and really, what other reason should there be?

Definitively formed in June of 2012 after playing an almost lethal backyard show, The Cariboo Blues is one of many student bands that prowl the UNBC campus. Drawn together by their love of music and lack of weekend activities, the band started with Mike, Justin and others playing in Mike’s basement. “I met Mike about 2 or 2 and a half years ago, and as soon as I saw his drum set decided that he was my new best friend,” says Justin of their meeting. Later on, Ewan and Bock joined the practice group in Mike’s basement.

“We asked who was interested in getting more serious over the summer and practicing to play shows and it went from there” says Mike about the bands formation.

Playing their first show this past summer, the Cariboo Blues made quite the impression on the UNBC campus opening the first University Farmer’s Market in September. From then they have had a string of shows at Shooters, Riley’s, and Nancy O’s as well as performances at the Prince George Aids Walk Fundraiser. “We took

The Cariboo Blues

Ewan and Brock’s live play cherry, before that they’d never played for an audience other than in recitals, and that’s not the same.”

Playing rock and roll music inspired by a handful of other genres, the Cariboo Blues have been influenced by “every single song of every single genre that we have ever listened to.” The band’s sound has also been influenced by their funloving personalities. One of the main attractions for the band collectively is the idea of writing their own material instead of just doing cover

The Cariboo Blues songs, “[song writing] is like an extension of our own brains,” stressed Justin, a statement the band wholly agreed with.

What comes across both in their music and their interactions with each other is that these gentlemen enjoy what they are doing. “I didn’t have anything to do on the weekends…. But I go just love it,” said Ewan when asked why he joined The Cariboo Blues. “For me it was the stress relief, going and pounding on the drums for a couple of hours after a long week of school really helps,” Justin elaborated.

So what’s next on the docket for these guys?

Finishing their degrees. Like most bands at the university level they’re more in it for the fun aspect rather than the fame and fortune.

Viewing playing as something they get to do instead of something they have to do makes The Cariboo Blues. So next time you’re looking for entertainment for an event support your fellow UNBC students!

For more information look for them on Facebook or email thecaribooblues@gmail.com.

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Over the Edge • February 6th 2013

Residence Winter formal

Trauma at the Semi-formal: how barf and gyration helped this reporter realize she will never fit in, and why that's okay

A cappella Club LEILA MAHEIDDINIBONAB STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

A cappella - when I say that word, what comes to mind? For me, it’s the classic scene in Cry Baby where Amy Locane and her girls are in a talent show singing “Mr. Sandman,” and surprisingly this is more accurate than not.

The A cappella Choir here on campus is exactly that, a group of guys and girls who meet weekly to practice singing in order to put on a show. Started by Shawn, who missed choir when he came to UNBC, four years ago, the Choir has

song types the next few weeks they will devote their time to the love songs in preparation for the big Valentine’s Day rush. “We’re booking a table for the 2 weeks prior to Valentines and taking requests and class schedules. We usually do more pop songs or glee club songs” says Vice President Josh McLeod. “The hardest part is trying to incorporate the female vocals into the pieces, because even the high notes can be quite low.”

With a core group of around 10 people, the A cappella Choir is welcoming any interested people to join them in their

We’ve found if you put a bunch of people who sound okay together, they end up sounding sort of good.

JORDAN TUCKER ART AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

To start things off, let’s recap my only other experience at the annual Residence SemiFormal: it was first year, and my best friend and I had consumed a giant bottle of tequila before heading out to the thing with a flask of some witch’s brew tucked into my bra.

We arrived at the Ramada early, and took several drunken pictures. We then found the chocolate fountain, and proceeded to dunk shrimp and broccoli in the chocolate, which was surprisingly fairly delicious. The night took a turn for the worse as we pounded drink after drink and danced like fools. I am pretty sure my total count of makeouts with random people from that evening wound up totalling at least seven, including one of the waiters. Come to think of it, they should have fired that guy. It’s totally inappropriate to make out with random drunk girls smeared in chocolate and shrimp at your job. Actually, I think I just described my own dream job [note from Editor in Chief: we know what you’re planning, do not ask for this at the next budget meeting]. Anyways, it was like a giant bacchanalia of fancy dresses. My friend was motorboated on the dance floor. SOME GUY KISSED HER BOOBIES ON THE DANCE FLOOR. So it was with a strange sort of anticipation and dread that I went to this year’s Residence Formal, accompanied by two intrepid fellow editors (Managing and Features), my delightful boyfriend of two years (who will now know about that first formal after reading this, hi honey, I love you, please don’t leave me) and a couple of my best buddies from elementary school. The deejay was playing nothing but rap music for most of the night.

This really threw off mine and Gala’s vibe, as we are pretty much Liz Lemon and know nothing about this thing you kids are calling “crimping.” It’s incredible how much liquor can colour your perception of things: the first year I went to semi-formal, I was this primal, writhing beast, swaying my hips to jungle music and participating in what I only imagined was similar to the cave rave where Neo and Trinity have hot sex in the second Matrix movie [Editor’s note: you liked that scene? Really?]. In first year, making out with some unknown person on the dance floor, I

thought I was the coolest adult ever, and that we were all glamourous rock star people.

This year, I felt like a prudish grandmother unaware of how the children could conduct themselves in such an unseemly manner. As soon as I walked into the venue, a beautiful blonde waiting for the line to pass so she could go to the bathroom lost it. And by lost it, I mean she completely lost control of her stomach, and barfed into her hand. She looked so surprised; it was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Plato’s enlightened folks escaping from the cave and seeing the light for the first time have nothing on the exaltation I felt when this woman delicately put her manicured hand up to her mouth and erupted volcanic vomit through her fingers.

Everyone has a picture of themselves as a young child wearing their parent’s clothes: Residence semi-formal is the ultimate celebration of that. This gorgeous girl was hurling her cookies all over the floor in formal wear, and the bouncers in their suits and ties had to be polite and maintain the farce that this was an event for grown-ups. But hey, I’m not one to judge: I was once drunkenly sitting in my bed and felt the need to vomit. I did not want to destroy my duvet, so I barfed into my hand and swallowed it back down. I have literally eaten my own barf. So, anonymous girl who barfed in her hand, you looked great, and everyone has been there. I’ve just been there in a much grosser way (I win!).

The whole thing was delightfully over the top. Every dude was humping (or trying to hump) a pretty girl’s leg like they had bombs strapped to their chests and this was the only way to diffuse them. I think that’s maybe what struck me the most about it: it was so sincere. Everyone was dressed up like they were going to the Oscars, and not just chugging drinks at the expense of the really depressed bartender. The bartender confided to my colleagues and I that the semi-formal is one of the only events that many of the servers don’t look forward to: weddings are fine, but the semi-formal involves broken glass, crying kids, and way too many douchebags who think they’re on Entourage.

My first year, I spent so much time trying to awkwardly fit in, and my friends and I had a great time. Two years later, I can look at

had slowly built up its members into a steady 15-20 people, peaking at 30-35 members two years ago which resulted in separate male and female choirs. The Choir performs in a variety of events throughout the fall and winter semesters.

These events include a variety show, the Civic Centre Plaza Light Up, and most memorable to us UNBC students, the singing telegrams on Valentine’s Day!

rehearsals on Monday. “[We’ve] found if you put a bunch of people who sound okay together, they end up sounding sort of good,” continued Josh, “so we accept people at every skill level.”

So whether you are a student with years of singing under your belt or someone who just wants to learn new songs, the A cappella Choir is the on campus club to be in for vocalists.

Meeting every Monday at 5:30pm in the Clubs Room, the Choir starts their meetings with tongue twisters and vocal warm-ups before diving into their practice. Usually practicing a variety of

The A Cappella Choir meets every Monday at 5:30 pm in the Clubs room in building 6. For more information email unbcacappellaclub@gmail .com.

the residence semi-formal and no longer feel the need to make myself mesh. I think that’s part of growing up, maybe. You realize what works for you, and stick there. Some people do really well dry-humping each other, some of us just want to awkwardly swing dance to Biggie Smalls with our 3rd grade best friend.

And both are okay. That’s the nice thing about leaving high school and residence: you learn that everyone will find people they can get along with, and be friends with. For me, Residence Semi-formal was one of the most awkward nights I’ve had in a while. The

music wasn’t what I’m used to, I only knew about ten people in the whole room, and my dress kept slipping down. I still had fun, but it wasn’t my scene anymore. But to those of you who haven’t gone to a residence semi-formal yet, I strongly advise you to go next year.

It’s an experience akin to death and taxes: inevitable, and strangely educational. And to the girl who barfed in her hand: we at Over the Edge salute you, brave party lioness. You are the greatest hope for the next generation.

8

Coldsnap

February 6th 2013 • Over the Edge

Coldsnap: the Annual Prince George Music festival SARAH JACKSON

CONTRIBUTOR On January 24th two very talented musicians with two very different styles of music headlined at Prince George’s own Coldsnap music festival. Jake Morley, a UK musician who released his debut album Many Fish to Fry in 2011, opened up the

music is a more traditional mix of folk and blues than Morley’s percussive guitar, yet it resonated just as much for me.

In between songs Epp treated us to snippets of his ideas and stories of the origins of his work. “It was either murder or write a song” he explained for one, implying the incredible ability of art to transform pain and anger into something beautiful. “When

When you play songs, you occupy them. It’s almost like you’re there. event to a full crowd at Art Space above Books and Company. He combined his unique style of lap tapping, slap harmonics and vocals with wry British humour to keep the audience entertained. His fast-paced performance mixed impressive vocals with rapid wordplay, slipping easily from genre to genre.

Morley`s lyrics described a wide range of human experience, from breakups and loneliness to the emotions attached to inanimate objects, old belongings and childhood bullies. After a particularly emotional performance he told the audience, “When you play songs, you occupy them.

It’s almost like you’re there.” The passion and empathic nature of his performance ensures that this up-and-coming artist will be able to bring his audience “there” with him, wherever he goes.

The Winnipeg-born Matt Epp, who has released several albums over the course of his world travels, followed with a set of soulful music that inspired both laughter and inner journeys in his captivated audience.

His beautifully crafted lyrics wandered from past to present, guided by rhythmic guitar and interspersed with harmonica. His

something profound happens you just know inside,” he told us before singing the song he wrote when he met his wife for the first time.

One thought struck me as I listened to Matt Epp playing on that stage above Books and Company. “Everything leads to the truth,” he sang from somewhere deep inside, eyes closed and brow furrowed, and I thought to myself that, even though we all walk different paths in life, we are all ultimately walking towards the same things. There is something so cathartic about music, about hearing the sounds and the feelings of someone else’s journey echo through your ears and into your heart.

In the middle of a busy semester I find that it’s just too easy to allow passion and art to slip through my fingers, buried under mountains of essays and readings.

It’s too easy to forget to bask in the beauty of a moment, a song, and a smile when I’m running from one thing to the next, critiquing issues, and dissecting theories. Coldsnap helped me to remember to be, because after all the biggest part of understanding something isn’t pulling it apart, it’s being able to accept it just as it is.

Coldsnap

Over the Edge • February 6th 2013

9

FiddleFest ends ColdSnap Lineup HANNA PETERSEN NEWS EDITOR

The last Friday of the annual Coldsnap festival was a glimpse into a little-known subculture in Prince George. There are a group of fiddlers in Prince George that have been passing on this unique form of music for generations.

The show on Friday night was opened by the very organization that keeps this subculture going: the Prince George Old Time Fiddlers.

Beginning the show with three groups of fiddlers who have learned to fiddle right here in Prince George, the Old Timers showed the crowd just how they keep the love for fiddle alive in an era dominated by genres of music that have no need for the instrument. The answer is, of course, youth indoctrination.

The beginner’s group of fiddlers hit the stage and awed the crowd with their skills on the fiddle (and their exceptional cuteness as most of them, with a few exceptions, were six and seven years old). As the Old Time Fiddlers continued their performance, the most ardent opponent to fiddle music would soften as the intermediate group wowed the audience with a beautiful performance in memory of their late teacher who passed this past year and had been working with the teens for more than ten years.

When the Old time Fiddlers concluded their introduction of Fiddle music the audience was in store for something a little different. The Rameros, a marred duo from Horsefly B.C., abandoned the fiddle in place of a banjo and guitar. Taking most of their songs from old radio recordings from the 1920’s to the 1940’s listening to the Ramero’s was like being transported into another time period where things were simpler. What was also

Bob Steventon

enjoyable about the Ramero’s performance was, akin to old Radio shows, they told amusing little stories and anecdotes in between the soothing harmonies of the duo’s old-timey songs. Not all of the Ramero’s songs were covers, however, but even the songs written by the couple themselves reflected the qualities of a bygone era.

The Final act of the night was a real show case of Prince George culture and talent. The Daniel Lapp Trio, featuring Prince George’s own Daniel Lapp, who was a former old time Fiddler himself, introduced to the audience the future of the fiddle in music.

Blending traditional fiddle tunes with celtic nuances and electronica the audience was exposed to an auditory sensation that is hard to find on the radio waves of the 21st century.

What was also a treat for long time residence of Prince George, was Lapp’s stories of playing different venues in his youth with his own heros of fiddle music. He even told an amusing tale of standing on the very same Prince George Playhouse stage playing the lead in Oliver! at an awkward time in his life when his voice was prone to crack at any moment. While Daniel Lapp is a veteran of the fiddle, the trio is in its infancy as the Coldsnap show was only their second show performing together. The other two members of the trio hail from Halifax Nova Scotia and have being playing music with Daniel Lapp since they were young kids.

The trio will soon have an album out and if the Friday night Coldsnap concert is an indicator of anything, the Daniel Lapp Trio is on their way to making fiddle music cool again. Or at least cooler than most people give it credit for.

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Features

February 6th 2013 • Over the Edge

Shiraz; A Restaurant Review GALA MUNOZ FEATURES EDITOR

If you haven’t yet heard, Shiraz Café and Restaurant, located in the old Tastebud’s location near the movie theatre, is Prince George’s (and Northern B.C.’s) first Persian restaurant. With a title like that expectations might be high, but it is safe to say that general manager Reza Akbari and other dedicated staff exceed all expectations. With homemade and

upon been seated and settled the menu was explained to us by the manager himself, allowing us to salivate over detailed descriptions of each dish. The service continued throughout the night in a similar manner with friendly inquiry and courtesy. The décor was fairly minimal, but that is to be expected as the restaurant is still in the early stages of existence. The atmosphere and mood of

Unlike most restaurants, upon been seated and settled the menu was explained to us by the manager himself, allowing us to salivate over detailed descriptions of each dish. authentic Middle Eastern cuisine visitors can expect such delicious dishes as the “Taste of Life” characterized by chicken covered in a sweet-tangy pomegranate sauce, and the “Khoresht Bademjam” which is an eggplant dish (that can be made to be vegetarian with potatoes or carnivore-friendly with chicken) that has a delicious mild flavour sure to please any picky eater. Unlike most restaurants,

Shiraz was more than enough to make up for the infancy of its decoration. Our table, being eager and hungry to try most of what Shiraz had to offer, ordered appetizers as well as main dishes and we were equally satisfied with both decisions. With a varied selection of wines, fancy beverages and hot teas the drink side of Shiraz’ menu was also a section worth exploring. My only regret

with our joyous visit to Shiraz was being too full of delicious main courses and appetizers to order dessert – I’ve heard great things about the Baklava! If it wasn’t before Shiraz should now be high

on your places-to-eat list… be sure to consider it for your next night out.

Chicken Salad

food.com GALA MUNOZ FEATURES EDITOR

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1-1/3 cups sliced, cooked chicken meat 1/3 cup mayonnaise ¼ teaspoon paprika ½ dried cranberries 1/3 cup chopped celery 5/8 green onions, chopped 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons minced green bell pepper 1/3 cup chopped pecans ¼ teaspoon salt Ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise with paprika and salt. Blend in dried cranberries, celery, bell pepper, onion and nuts.

2. Add sliced chicken and mix well then season with black pepper to taste. Chill one hour then enjoy!

Variations: veggie/vegans – replace the chicken with chickpeas.

Features

Over the Edge • February 6th 2013

Amoroscopes

CLEO STARSKY ASTROLOGER

Aries: Your secret admirer might make

him/herself less secret at this time. While the attention might be nice, remember that bestiality is still illegal (in Canada) – instead take out your best friend for an awkward dinner and a movie if you’re feeling lonely.

Your song: “You give me fever, when you kiss me, fever when you hold me tight, fever in the mornin’, a fever all through the night” (Fever – Peggy Lee)

Taurus: Remember that love can be found

in the least expected places – nooks and crannies included. Prepare for the unexpected by carrying an engagement ring with you at all times... if he/she runs away screaming, it just wasn’t meant to be.

Your song: “Don’t tell me it’s not worth tryin’ for, you can’t tell me it’s not worth dyin’ for, you know it’s true, everything I do, I do it for you” (Everything I do – Bryan Adams)

Gemini: No occasion is too insignificant for

all of your romantic efforts. If you’re looking for the big bang, you’re going to have to be patient waiting for the phase of exponential expansion to pass, but trust me the payoff will certainly be worth it.

Your song: “I’ll make love to you, like you want me to, and I’ll hold you tight, baby all through the night” (I’ll make love to you – Boyz 2 Men)

Cancer: Now is the time to flaunt your

romantic side – tis the season after all.

Whomever it is that you admire will have little choice to accept this “new” side of you and how they respond will be very telling of the possibility of any future. Reach for the stars, as they say.

Your song: “Caught up in the touch, the slow and steady rush, baby, isn’t that the way that love’s supposed to be, I can feel you breathe” (Breathe – Faith Hill)

if the furthest you’ve reached is date number three. Your commitment is admirable, but it’s a good idea for both parties involved to move slowly and surely. Appreciate the new and unfamiliar.

Your song: “And sometimes when we touch, the honesty’s too much, and I have to close my eyes and hide, I wanna hold you till I die” (Sometimes when we touch – Dan Hill)

Leo: You might find yourself surrounded

unlikely romantic candidate you’ve been in recent contact with. Love comes in all sorts of strange packages. Allow yourself to open up to this person, if only in increments – if you don’t give them any signs how are they supposed to know how you feel?

Your song: “Because maybe, you’re gonna be the one that saves me, and after all, you’re my wonderwall” (Wonderwall - Oasis)`

by many potential love interests – remember to look beyond the pretty faces and choose someone who will ultimately make you the happiest (your reflection is included). Don’t shy away from what you want – the rewards will be plenty).

Your song: “I don’t wanna close my eyes, I don’t wanna fall asleep, ‘cause I’d miss you baby, and I don’t wanna miss a thing” (I don’t want to miss a thing – Aerosmith)

Virgo:

Ultimately the person whose approval and affection you should seek out is your own. That being said a hot date is a hard thing to turn down so be open to unexpected proposals – you never know where you might find your next sugar daddy/momma.

Your song: “Sleight of hand and twist of fate, on a bed of nails (s)he makes me wait, and I wait without you, with or without you” (With or Without you – U2)

Libra: Flirtation is cute, obsession is not –

keep your declarations of love to a minimum

Scorpio: Don’t overlook the seemingly

Sagittarius: Share the love and positivity

you are so famous for with those closest to you – be it your pet fish, confidant, or significant other. Take this time to shower yourself in treats and praise – there’s never a bad time for such things.

Your song: “And baby, you’re all that I want, when you’re lyin’ here in my arms, I’m findin’ it hard to believe, we’re in heaven” (Heaven – Bryan Adams)

Capricorn: Whether single or coupled up

self-reflection is always a smart assessment to make. If you find yourself wishing for something/someone other than who you have

11

consider the other aspects of your lives that might be having a negative impact on the relationship. Try out new things to keep life spontaneous.

Your song: “Have I told you lately that I love you, have I told you there’s no one else above you, fill my heart with gladness, take away all my sadness, ease my troubles that’s what you do” (Have I told you lately – Rod Stewart)

Aquarius: Don’t be scared to give someone

who you’d normally overlook a chance – you might be surprised at the connection you develop. Indulge in your emotional impulses (and don’t act like you don’t have them like the rest of us). Focus on quality rather than quantity.

Your song: “Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down, never gonna run around and desert you, never gonna make you cry, never gonna say goodbye, never gonna tell a lie and hurt you” (Never Gonna Give You Up – Rick Astley)

Pisces: Chocolate is the currency of love

for a reason… don’t skip out on the plethora of sweet treats available at this time of year (or you’ll regret it). Focus on self-love and positive changes to your life – if someone special appears in your path be sure to assess them for sincerity.

Your song: “I’ll be your hope, I’ll be your love be everything that you need, I love you more with every breath truly madly deeply do” (Truly Madly Deeply - Savage Garden)

Heart-Shaped Ideas for Valentine’s Day GALA MUNOZ FEATURES EDITOR

As the holiday of (consumerist) love approaches, all things red and heart-shaped can be found at a grocer near you. Whether you love it, hate it or couldn’t care less here are some handmade gift ideas to suit that special someone (be it boyfriend, girlfriend or catfriend).

For the self-love proclaimers: customize your very own bath bombs for a aromatically decadent soak in the tub (directions can be found at http://www.marthastewart.com/269069/bathfizzies)

For those who have found their lifelong kindred spirits (bffs): bake a batch of sugar

cookies, use food colouring to create pastel icing colours and replicate the mini conversation hearts that are so quintessentially valentine For those looking to impress their newly developed love interest: let your food do the communicating – customize a pizza with heartshaped pepperoni pieces, or make eggs with heart-shaped toast

For the old and (happily) married: make

a photo montage of the silliest, memorable and otherwise prominent moments in your relationship – add to the valentine’s theme by arranging in a heart shape (displaying as wall art is optional)

For the kitty lovers: knit a catnip-stuffed heart

as the sweetest toy to say thanks to your furry

feline friend who’s stuck by you through it all Now, with Valentine’s Day being on a weekday (Thursday) one of the best ways to celebrate it in all its love-filled glory is to show your devotion to learning by still showing up to class… unless your professor specifically cites a permission to skip class in lieu of romantic endeavours (St. Valentine’s himself?) it’s a good idea to sit through the lecture regardless of the date on the calendar. That being said, come evening time the ways one can celebrate the holiday of love are plenty – the following are a few ideas for how to spend the anticipated holiday (be it alone, with friends or with a significant other).

For a night in with friends: host a potluck for

friends (with or without the red-and-pink theme) and vote for the TV show or movies on which to host a marathon

For a long-distance date: have simultaneous

candlelight dinners over Skype or FaceTime (bonus – no need to compromise on the cuisine of choice!)

For the romantic at heart: design a scavenger

hunt creating clues that lead to special places you’ve been together and major moments in the relationship or bring the clichéd picnic inside and cozy up on the couch for a sweet night in

For the happily single: treat yourself to doing

whatever it is that makes you happy (suggestions: at-home spa night, ordering takeout or watching

blogspot.com-eTQjsZxV5XQ every movie your celeb crush has been in) So with those gift and date ideas in mind, there are other things to take into consideration (especially if you don’t subscribe to the holiday at all). A lesson to take away from the commercialization of the feel-good emotion of love and/or happiness that happens every February 14th is to strive towards incorporating declarations of love into more than just this solitary day.

•Leave little notes of love for your roommates, dearest, or self to discover •Treat yourself/others whenever accomplishments

are made (regardless of how small) •Give yourself credit where credit is due •Random acts of kindness go a long way to making stranger’s days (not to mention your own) •Seek out more opportunities for humour and laughter in your life •Do something completely unexpected and spontaneous •Remind people in your life how much they mean to you in your own special way

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Arts & Entertainment

Spoon Thieves: Attack of Lady Catherine

JORDAN TUCKER ART AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

John Iguondula, the lead singer of altclassical trio Spoon Thieves, explained to Exclaim last month, “Our sound is and always be about cacaphony.”

Much in the vein of Leonard Cohen( who famously sang “there is a crack in everything / that’s how the light gets in”), Spoon Thieves have gained much of their fan base not for their music (which is mediocre at best) but for their on- and off-stage antics.

The Spoon Thieves have unwittingly

by their private jet when a stray bird flew into the propeller. With sheepish smiles, they dedicated the rest of their tour to the memory of “Ralph the pigeon” and announced that they would donate 5% of their merchandise sales to the Pigeon Welfare Fund. (pigeonwelfarefund. blogspot.com). As a result, merchandise sales soared, and the members of Spoon Thieves became very wealthy men indeed.

This is all just lore surrounding the mercurial band, though. Their latest offering, Attack of Lady Catherine, is actually not as horrible as previous albums; on the contrary, it’s almost decent. Perhaps due to Iguondula’s divorce from his much older husband, perhaps due to the restraining order the band had to place against former bassist Mickey McCallagh, these lyrics belie a maturity not previously seen on a Spoon Thieves album. The title track, Attack of Lady Catherine, is catchy, with lyrics expressing a rage at the British Monarchy more typical of famed curmudgeon Morrisey. The drummer, Amanda Williker, seems to have actually learned how count to four, and Lee Emerett is less likely to destroy

A strain of peppy hopefulness pulls this album together, and for the first time since their debut, Spoon Thieves have put together a real album. blundered their way to notoriety.

As any indie fan can tell you, Spoon Thieves have a history of reinvention completely accidental reinvention. For their first album, guitarist Lee Emerett thoughtlessly smashed his guitar over the head of a bartender the day before recording started and was too strapped for cash to purchase a new one. As a result, much of that album (Piggy Bank Express) owes its originality to having been played on a cardboard box banjo. For their second album, Love at Grandmother’s Funeral, controversy arose when the entire band entered their first venue caked in pigeon blood and feathers, a move which offended animal rights activists until it was realized that the band had been innocently standing

his instruments these days, perhaps due to his four-year marriage to supermodel Melanie Ariskatay. A strain of peppy hopefulness pulls this album together, and for the first time since their debut, Spoon Thieves have put together a real album. This is an album with real substance and actual concern as opposed to the endless stream of lyrics about whiskey found in prior works. The Spoon Thieves, a band whose trajectory towards fame seems to have been built entirely on good luck and bemused record executives, will never be a good band. But, as this new album has shown us, Spoon Thieves can grow up, and I`m really liking the sound of that.

February 6th 2013 • Over the Edge

Taylor Swift: Red

JORDAN TUCKER ART AND ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

All my indie cred is probably going to fly out the window for saying this, but whatever, I’ll stock up on striped scarves and organic peanut butter and manage to retain my sense of superiority somehow.

What I’m saying is this: I like Taylor Swift. Sure, she’s kind of annoying. She does the wide-mouthed fake acceptance speech better than anyone, she’s twee, blonde, and unabashedly tweets pictures of carousels before making passive-aggressive music about her exboyfriends with the sort of glee generally reserved for a comic book supervillain.

If it weren’t for the fact she’s actually good at what she does, I’d smack her into next Thursday. She moved to Nashville at age 14 after convincing her reluctant parents (likely with the same sort of rottweiller-on-a-kitten conviction she chases boys with) that she was going to become a country music star whether they liked it or not. In junior high, every other girl sang “Our Song” at the talent show in my home town. She has consistently put out good albums (like them or not) in an entirely strategic way for a decade. That’s impressive for anyone, especially someone who sings exclusively about her boyfriends. Swift manages to completely commit to a genre while somehow exploring others.

She has teeny bopper country music down to a tee, earning a devoted (and insane) fan base as a result. This latest album, Red, aside from a few banjos, is not country. It’s straight pop, yet Taylor Swift still sweeps country awards, most

unbc.ca

likely because those in charge of the CMAs knows that Taylor Swift keeps a younger generation interested in a genre and industry that is informally known as “Planet Garth Brooks”.

Red, of course, while straying entirely from her former genre with the dubstep drop of “I Knew You Were Trouble” and pop chimes of “We Are Never, Ever, Ever Getting Back Together”, stays true to the typical Taylor Swift formula of singing about nothing but her infinite supply of 2 week relationships. She somehow manages to do what every thirteen-yearold girl wants to do when she gets dumped: exact her vengeance very publicly, get very famous for it, and count the money as her ex gets continually reminded of his scandalous ways all over the radio. In fact, T-Swift herself has said that “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” was about an ex who listened to all sorts of cool indie bands and never respected her music. So she wrote a song guaranteed to get lots of play and drive him crazy. That is pure bunny-boiling crazy, and for that I love her all the more. It’s calculating, nuts, and I love her for it. For her next album, I hope her lead single starts “I am never ever ever telling you where his body is buried.” That would be awesome. Or, “Stabbing him made me see red.” So many possibilities for little T-Swift! The thing about Swift is that she knows exactly how to create her image. Little girls love her because she is exactly what they want to be when they grow up. She’s pretty, she’s successful, and she’s completely scandal free. So while media savvy journalists or critics might dismiss her as contrived and overly cutesy, not to mention guilty of completely infantilizing herself, little girls only see their favourite pop singer.

And you’ve got to be grateful for someone who can take their role as a role model seriously; I’d much rather see my little sisters grooving to Taylor Swift and her inane relationships than watching Rihanna writhe around in bondage gear. They can figure that out when they’re older. Red’s a good album. It’ll make you want to dance around your house. You should listen to it, I won’t tell the indie police, and we can write “I <3 T Swift” on our chucks together.

Sports

Over the Edge • February 6th 2013

13

T’Wolves close season at home GEOFF SARGENT SPORTS EDITOR

The UNBC Timberwolves close out their inaugural CIS season of basketball with home games against top-flight UBC and fellow Canada West newcomers Mount Royal University over the next two weekends. Playoffs no longer look to be in the cards for either the mens or women’s teams - the veteran-laden men’s team never got off the ground in 2013 and fell out of contention, now needing to sweep the nationally-ranked #2 Thunderbirds and get help to qualify, while the relatively younger women’s team is mathematically eliminated and is looking to close the season on a high note.

The final homestand will be the final games for a handful of Timberwolves reaching the end of their fifth and final year of eligibility - Kady Dandenault plays her last game for the women, and the men say goodbye to four of their top six minute hogs in Sam Raphael, Francis Rowe, Joel Rybachuk, and Jose Araujo. This Friday’s game against UBC is Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night, a follow-up to the Student Appreciation Night the Timberwolves

hosted in January. Tickets to Friday’s game are free to current UNBC faculty and staff as the team takes on one of the better sporting schools in Canada. Note the jackpot in the KGM Shot For Fees tuition free throw contest has hit $1,250 and that money will be up for grabs after the third quarter of the women’s game.

Expect the Timberwolves to play hard on the home court - players and coaches alike have highlighted the importance at all times this season of playing well in front of the support they receive from Prince George and the UNBC community. “Our home court advantage is huge,” said UNBC men’s coach Todd Jordan. “It is as tough as a home court as there is in the conference and it definitely gives us a boost.” UBC flies into town on an incredible run - the #2 men have won ten consecutive games dating back into November, while the #6 women have won ten of their last eleven games. To find any results against the Thunderbirds, UNBC’s teams will need an effort perhaps even surpassing that of the close fight the men put out against Alberta in November, where the T’Wolves led 55-46 after

three quarters before the Golden Bears roared back in the fourth quarter to win. Tipoff against UBC is 6pm/8pm on both Friday and Saturday nights.

The games against the Mount Royal Cougars, highlighted by most in the UNBC Athletics department as potential future rivals in Canada West play, appear to be easier contests. MRU’s men’s team has been largely unsuccessful all season, managing only splits against Thompson Rivers and UBC-Okanagan and a win in Brandon for a 3-15 record. The women sit at 5-13, with a nearly-identical passport as the UNBC women - winning games against Brandon, Manitoba, Winnipeg, Lethbridge, and UBC-O. With the Cougars’ teams a combined 5-15 on the road, the Timberwolves hope to close the season with four wins against the school from Calgary. The games are played next weekend, February 15-16th, at 6pm/8pm each night. Expect the Saturday game against MRU to be particularly emotional and loud as so many of the players say goodbye to UNBC basketball in front of a crowd likely to exceed 1000 on Alumni Night.

BLUES LEAD NHL POWER RANKINGS

GEOFF SARGENT SPORTS EDITOR

1. St. Louis Blues - The merely above-average

record is not complimentary to the Blues, who are playing the type of defensive, possession hockey that wins championships.

2. Chicago Blackhawks - Corey Crawford is exceeding all expectations in goal, leading Chicago to the top of the league.

3. Boston Bruins - The Phil Kessel trade is the gift that keeps on giving, as Dougie Hamilton steps into the NHL for a trial and makes an immediate impact for the powerful Bruins.

4. San Jose Sharks - The Sharks were the last team to lose a game, but their schedule was incredibly soft. Depth scoring needs to step up as Thornton/Marleau/Pavelski can't do it all forever.

5. Anaheim Ducks - Came out flying against the Canucks and haven't really slowed down, aside from losing the rematch. A tough schedule in early February will settle the debate on whether or not they can hang with the best.

6. Tampa Bay Lightning - question marks in goal, as Lindback and Garon don't inspire playoff confidence...but if Stamkos keeps scoring in ridiculous numbers, their importance is lessened.

7. Montreal Canadiens - With the Subban drama over, the team now has a third offensivelygifted defenseman in the lineup alongside Markov and Diaz. Certainly Canada's best hope from the Eastern Conference.

8. Pittsburgh Penguins - Fleury has responded decently against the pressure from last season's playoff collapse, as Crosby shows flashes of his pre-concussion brilliance.

Definitely a team to keep an eye on.

9. Ottawa Senators [Copy Editor's favourite team] - Craig Anderson has a history of fast starts and has kept the Senators a lot closer than expected to the top of the division, as Ottawa has started the season best in the league at even strength hockey.

10. Vancouver Canucks - Kassian is the latest iteration of Jason King on the Sedin line, as the Canucks struggle through injuries to

Booth and Kesler early in the season. And of course: Luongo, Schneider, Luongo, Schneider, Schneider, Luongo.

11. New Jersey Devils - Losing the Stanley Cup Finals usually cripples a team, but the Devils have started very well, as the ageless wonder Martin Brodeur continues to play at a very high level.

12. New York Rangers - Slow start for the team, but the top line now featuring Rick Nash has shows stretches of being a Top 3 line leaguewide. When Lundqvist settles down (and he will), the wins will follow.

13. Minnesota Wild - The Wild are rolling with scoring goals, but Suter seems lost without a fellow Olympian as a defensive partner.

14. Edmonton Oilers - Dubnyk appears servicable enough in goal, as Khabibulin is now an afterthought. While a few years away from contending, the Oilers at least look competent (aside from giving up six goals in the first period to San Jose).

15. New York Islanders - The Isles modernday tradition of playing countless earlyafternoon games may be paying dividends early in the season, as the team is undoubtedly winning more games than they should be.

16. Phoenix Coyotes - Have played better than their losing record indicates, but the office ownership drama has to be doing harm to the team. Having just 6000 fans at home games negates that advantage as well.

17. Detroit Red Wings - Early struggles which can only be blamed on losing both Stuart and Lidstrom from the blueline. The window may have closed on the Red Wings.

18. Colorado Avalanche - Exposed by talented teams this season and now without their young captain Landeskog, Colorado looks to be miles behind Minnesota and Vancouver in the Northwest Division.

19. Toronto Maple Leafs [Copy Editor's rival team] - The Leafs sticking close to .500 is somewhat unexpected, but the team has been able to win on the road, well away from the fishbowl atmosphere in Toronto. Home struggles are another story.

20. Los Angeles Kings - Brutal start

offensively for the team with the Stanley Cup hangover. The Kings, however, are too good on paper to not turn it around eventually.

21. Buffalo Sabres - The Sabres need to find some production from someone not named Thomas Vanek, who while having a great season, cannot be the only source of offense.

22. Carolina Hurricanes - Should make the playoffs due to a weak division, but are far from championship contenders, even after aligning two of the Staal brothers.

23. Nashville Predators - Nashville has yet to show anything other than a propensity for taking games to shootouts. While playing in constant three-point games is a great recipe to make the playoffs, being unable to finish games in regulation means they will be quickly finished.

24. Dallas Stars - Giving up the most shots per game has put a lot of strain on the frequentlyinjured Kari Lehtonen, who to this point has responded. The rest of the team needs to do the same.

25. Columbus Blue Jackets - After a terrible start, the team has somewhat settled and has been able to win a few games, but the playoffs are a lost cause.

26. Philadelphia Flyers - Bryzgalov has responded to the calls for his head, but losing Hartnell for more than a month has set the team down a skid they need to get out of immediately.

27. Winnipeg Jets - Pavelec is unquestionably the star of the team in goal, as the Jets are completely outmatched in every game situation except the power play.

28. Florida Panthers - The Cats are currently suffering through an incredible amount of injuries that could seriously jeopardize their hopes of repeating the limited playoff success they had last season.

29. Washington Capitals - Can we shelve the Washington/Pittsburgh "rivalry" already?

One of these teams is not like the other...

30. Calgary Flames - The Flames may have been the worst-run franchise over the last few years, and it's going to show this season.

standings Men’s Basketball Pacific Division

16-2 #2 UBC 13-5 Victoria 10-8 #9 Fraser Valley 9-9 Trinity Western 6-13 Thompson Rivers 5-13 UNBC 3-15 Mount Royal 3-16 UBC-Okanagan

Prairie Division

14-4 #6 Alberta 13-5 Saskatchewan 13-6 Manitoba 11-7 Calgary 11-8 Winnipeg 9-9 Lethbridge 6-12 Regina 4-14 Brandon

Women’s Basketball Pacific Division

15-3 14-4 14-5 13-5 6-12 5-13 5-13 5-14

#4 Fraser Valley #6 UBC Thompson Rivers #9 Victoria UNBC Trinity Western Mount Royal UBC-O

Prairie Division

15-3 #3 Regina 15-3 #8 Calgary 11-7 Saskatchewan 10-8 Alberta 10-8 Lethbridge 6-13 Winnipeg 2-17 Manitoba 0-18 Brandon

Next Home Games February 8th vs UBC February 9th vs UBC February 15th vs MRU February 16th vs MRU

6pm / 8pm 6pm / 8pm 6pm / 8pm 6pm / 8pm

14

Events

Wednesday February 6

Flamenco for Beginners $50 for members, $55 for non-members 5:45-6:45pm @ St Michael’s Anglican Church (1505 5th Ave) Brought to you by the Latino-Canadian Association of Northern BC.

Thursday February 7

“Privilege” Opening Night $26 for adults, $24 for students/seniors ($28 and $26 respectively on weekends) 8pm @ Theatre North West (556 North Nechako Rd.) This heartfelt comedy takes a charming and pointed look at the impact of greed on the modern family and the ties that bind two brothers facing a harsh reality with love and laughter. Runs until the 27th.

Friday February 8

Mr. Prince George Pagent $50 for dinner and show tickets, $30 for show only tickets (contact 250-564-3737) 5:30-11:50pm @ the Coast Inn (770 Brunswick St.) Featuring a “Bringing Back The 80’s” theme, this show is sure to be highly entertaining.

Post North 5 Free!

7pm @ The Twisted Cork A night full of poetry and prose readings by both local budding and veteran writers – make sure to get there early to snag seats!

Salsa for Beginners $50 for members, $55 for non-members 7-8pm @ John McInnis School gym (3400 Westwood Dr.) Brought to you by the Latino-Canadian Association of Northern BC.

Saturday February 9

Gail Vaz-Oxlade at Vanier Hall $30 for Citizen subscribers and $40 for nonsubscribers (available through the Citizen office or online at ticketweb.ca) 2pm @ Vanier Hall The host of the popular TV show “’Til Debt Do Us Part,” Gail Vaz-Oxlade will be in Prince George for an informative afternoon of advice on how to tackle personal debt and save money.

Steak & Lobster Dinner $40 tickets (call Rosemarie at 250-963-9397) 5:30-10pm @ Shooters Bar & Grill (Brunswick St. location) Your dinner ticket includes an 8oz steak, 1.5lb fresh Atlantic lobseter, baked potato, salads, desserts and a chance to win at the door prizes and to bid at the silent auction. This event is a fundraiser for the 2618 Army Cadets – The Rocky Mountain Rangers.

Texas Hold’em Tournament $60 tickets (available at the Days Inn Hotel front desk) 6-10pm @ Days Inn (600 Quebec St.) Start with $2500 in chips and have your chance at winning the first prize - $1000 cash.

Chinese New Year Gala $65 per person and $500 for a table of 8 (call

February 6th 2013 • Over the Edge Peggy at 250-562-1612 ext. 242) 6-11:30pm @ The Exploration Place Celebrate the Chinese New Year with good food and company with this fundraiser for children’s programming for the museum.

19+ Valentine Country Dance $10 ticket 8-11:50pm @ Hart Pioneer Centre (6986 Hart Hwy.) Live Music $30 tickets (available at Books & Co.) 8:30-10:30pm @ Kinsmen Community Complex (777 Kinsmen Pl.) Fundraise for the CFIS FM station by a musical evening with Fats Domino, Justin Frey on sax and Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne and his band.

Sicker Than Your Average Saturday $5 cover 9pm @ Nancy O’s DJ Ricky Business and other guest DJ’s scratch on the turntables for your auditory pleasure.

Sunday February 10 Prince George Iceman 10am-6pm @ Otway Nordic Ski Centre (8141 Otway Rd.) Individuals or teams are invited to take part in the 26th annual Iceman with its 8km ski, 10km run, 5km skate, 5km run and 800m swim. For more details email racedirector@pgiceman.ca Sweetheart Auction $5 at the door 1:30-4pm @ Masonic Lodge (450 Vancouver St.) The Order of the Eastern Star is hosting a Valentine Sweetheart Auction with great auction items and fancy dessert, tea and coffee for your tummy’s delight.

Monday February 11

BC Family Day Free!

10-4pm @ The Exploration Place (333 Becott Pl.) Celebrate B.C.’s very first BC Family Day with fun, culture, discovery and entertainment at The Exploration Place.

Wednesday February 13 Flamenco for Beginners $50 for members, $55 for non-members 5:45-6:45 @ St. Michael’s Anglican Church (1505 5th Ave.) Brought to you by the Latino-Canadian Association of Northern BC. Live Music $10 at the door 7pm @ the Knox (1448 5th Ave.) An all-ages show with Calgary-based alternative rock/pop band Kingsland, the electronic group Once In A Lifetime and Prince George locals Horses and Bayonets.

Poetry Tour $15 tickets (available at Books & Co.) 8pm @ ArtSpace This travelling poetry tour is a truly unique experience – the audience partakes in the event as judge in the competition between three poets as they slam against one another in an effort to take the grand title.

Thursday February 14

Valentine’s Persian and Jazz Fusion $5 cover

6:30-8:30pm @ Shiraz Café and Restaurant Spend a romantic evening with your Valentine sweetheart listening to some jazz and Persian music throughout a delicious meal and decadent dessert. To reserve a table, call 250596-7397 or 250-552-6668.

Water, My Love By donation 8pm @ ArtSpace Celebrate Valentine’s Day via a celebration of love and gratitude for water with performances of water stories, poetry, a slideshow, photo exhibit and live sound art called “soundweaving.”

Friday February 15

Winter Games Celebration Free!

5-7pm @ Canada Games House (545 Quebec St.) Come out and celebrate as preparation starts for the 2015 Canada Winter Games. The outdoor block party will feature live entertainment with a DJ, snowboard activities, giveaways, sport culture booths, kids’ activities, food and fireworks.

V-Day Dinner and Dance $60 for singles and $100 for a couple (available at Vanilla Clothing, The Rockford or Hizher Club) 5pm-1am @ Rockford Bar & Grill Included in ticket price is a four-course dinner, dancing in the newly opened banquet hall and a chance to win thousands of dollars in prizes.

Saturday February 16

Writer’s Workshop $15 TBA @ ArtSpace Strengthen your writing skills with award winning author Ed Zaruk who will teach on non-fiction research composition methods, including creative non-fiction.

Taste of India $90 tickets (available at RK Furniture Gallery on 1050 Victoria St.) 6:30-11:30pm @ the Civic Centre Vancouver-based “Delhi to Dublin” will provide the musical entertainment while guests can expect the evening to begin with a cocktail reception followed by a full Indian buffet dinner. There will be a silent and live auction.

Ricco @ the Generator $TBA (available at Ruins & District Clothing) 9pm @ the Generator Hailing from Vancouver’s electronic scene Ricco is sure to have you dancing till the wee hours of the morning.

Sunday February 17

Free Swim 4-6pm @ the Four Season Pool

Tuesday February 19

Live Music $10 cover 8pm @ Nancy O’s High Society, a “young rock and roll outfit that is bound for glory,” hail from Vancouver and have made their rounds at the Robson Valley Music Festival, Artwells, and cafes, bars and theatres across Western Canada.

Thursday February 7

CA/CMA/CPA Information session As of September 2013 a new CPA Certification Program will be launched in BC. Come to the information session to find out what this means to you!

10:00-11:15 am @ Room: 7-152 Psychology Colloquium: Dr. Fred Grouzet It’s about time… to value your humanity: towards a Dual Valuing Process Model. A talk presenting a model that strives to describe and explain the social processes of valuing.

4:00pm @ the Senate Chambers, Room: 1079

Friday February 8

Dr. Kathreem Rickstuhl: Applying social network theory to wildlife A talk about the nature and benefits of social networks in the European red deer and the Rock mountain bighorn sheep, sponsored by the UNBC TWS Fish & Wildlife Student Chapter.

3:30-4:30 pm @ Room: 7-158

Beer and Boardgames Pub Night The Nerdy Gaming Club of UNBC invites you to come have some drinks and play boardgames with friends and strangers alike!

Cost: $5 at tables/ $7 at the door 8:00pm @ the Thirsty Moose Pub

Tuesday February 12

Get Involved! Student Assistant and Volunteer Recruiting Fair Interested in becoming a peer-leader, tutor or volunteer? Come to any of the information sessions to find out how you would benefit from these opportunities, talk to recruiters and pick up applications.

4:00-5:00 pm @ the Bentley Center, Room: 7-170

Crating Club Handmade Valentines and Candy Grams The crating club will be selling handmade valentines and candy grams,a great way to offer a pick-me-up to students from friends or secret admirers! @ the Wintergarden

Thursday February 14

Get Involved! Student Assistant and Volunteer Recruiting Fair 3:00-4:00 pm @ the Gathering Place, Room: 5-123 UNBC Dance Club Learn the basics of Argentine Tango, Swing, Highland, Hip-Hop Waltz and more! Every Monday and Thursday!

6:00-7:00pm @ the Admin Atrium

Friday February 15

Saving Nemo Pub Night The Biology Club is hosting their annual pub night fundraiser or the reef tank on the third floor of building 8 there will be Open Mic, themed drink specials, ocean trivia and prizes!

Cost: $5 7:00pm @ the Thirsty Moose Pub

Coffee Break

Over the Edge • February 6th 2013 (CUP) — Puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com. Used with permission.

Across

1- Snares 6- Extreme reverence 10- Air bubble 14- Actress Anouk; 15-majeste; 16- Top-notch; 17- Dens; 18- Ancient Athens’s Temple of 19- Ripped 20- Mil. officers 21- An organization 24- Veil worn by Muslim women 26- Exclusively 27-Lingus 28-nous 30- Reason to cancel school; 33- Painter, e.g.

35- DDE opponent; 38- Sri; 40- Bran source; 41- Sufficient; 43- Verily; 44- Exam taker; 47- “East of Eden” brother; 48- Follows orders; 49- Common ID; 51- Asian deer; 54- Artist; 58- Esteemed; 61- Dawn Chong; 62- Nerve network; 63- “The Time Machine” race; 64- Jewelled crown worn by women; 66- Breezes through; 67- Juniors, perhaps; 68- Senior; 69- Sailors; 70- Affectedly dainty; 71- Orchestra section;

Down

1- Reckoning; 2- Gaucho’s rope; 3- Not quite right; 4- For each; 5- Opening word; 6- Bottle; 7- Architect Saarinen;

Said the Squid

8- Just !; 9- Withstands; 10- Conflict; 11- Sarge’s superior; 12- Sign up; 13- Amphetamine tablet; 22- Franklin D.’s mother; 23- Large artery; 25- Bird of prey; 28- Les -Unis; 29- Evening, informally; 30- Wily; 31- Not for a Scot; 32- Troll; 34- Optimistic; 35- Spring mo.; 36- “Hold On Tight” band; 37- D.C. VIP; 39- Ready to hit; 42- Jazz flutist Herbie;

45- Most strange; 46- Biblical birthright seller; 48- Haunt; 50- Female sibling; 51- Herring type; 52- Betel palm; 53- Unit just above a yard; 54- Composure; 55- Commerce; 56- Having auricular protuberances; 57- Brings up; 59- Incandescence; 60- Actress Skye; 65- Land in la mer; 60- Caspian Sea feeder; 61- Dedicated to the Love; 62- Tide type; 63- Palm Pilot, e.g.; 66- It’s past due;

15

Cornered on Campus Did you know there are 3 pianos on campus, located in the Clubs room, the Bentley Centre, and the first floor of the Lab building? Students, taking the intiative, have started playing instruments in the halls. As we walk to and from classes in the midst of melodies, Over the Edge Asks:.

What do you think about the music on campus?

Matt

Marshall

Waaz

3rd Year Anthropology

2nd Year English Language Studies

Liam

Bill

3rd Year Marketing and Human Resources

It’s inspiring that people can find the time in their schedules to practice doing what they enjoy, especially during midterms.

I think it’s good, they’re practicing before they go out and play.

4th Year Forestry

It’s cool, good to get creativity like that out in the open. If you have time I say give ‘er.

As a musician myself I enjoy it. If I could play my music portably I would.

3rd Year Computer Science/ Mathematics

It’s super awesome!

When I hear it in the Cave I want to go in and listen but I feel like a super creeper cause there’s no other reason I would be there but to listen to them. It’s such an enclosed space and it would just be really awkward.

Melissa

4th Year Geography

Cassaundra

4th Year Commerce

Abdullah

1st Year Business

Kallie

4th Year Psychology

I think it’s fantastic.

It’s an opportunity for expressing their artistic side.

It’s really good. I don’t hear it much because they’re all on one side of the campus and my classes are on the other, but when I do hear it it’s nice.

It’s good. They’re doing what they want and they’re good at it. When they have a break it’s a good stress reliever.

I think it’s cool; it makes it more exciting especially when bands play on campus or at Riley’s.

It feels like a UNBC get-together and it’s a great break from classes and school. I’m envious when they play cause all I know is how to play the spoons.

Kendall

4th Year Psychology

I’ve heard them. If people are willing to play then that’s awesome.