Sept 18, 2013 volume 20 issue 2 ote by Over The Edge Newspaper

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Volume 20, Issue 2 overtheedgenewspaper.ca

September 18, 2013 ote-newspaper@unbc.ca

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News Orientation or Exploitation: Sexual Misconduct at SMU by the cheer and gave an official apology. In a statement, Dodds acknowledged that he and the university administration had failed to “oversee and guide student leaders.” This cheer is only the latest in sensitive issues focused in the Atlantic provinces, after Rehtaeh Parsons committed suicide earlier in the year. This reportedly came about after the 17-year-old was sexually assaulted in 2011 at a party by several young men.

university-canada.net

Nicole Halseth News Editor

rosh Week’ at UNBC and across the country is coming to an end, some with more of a bang than others. Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is coming under fire this week following the release of a student chant posted on Instagram. The chant is as follows: “YOUNG – “Y is for your sister … U is for underage, N is for no consent … Saint Mary’s boys we

like them young.” The backlash surrounding this cheer, led by student orientation leaders during the University’s Frosh Week events, is largely centered on the fact that it seems to promote sexist values and rape culture. Darrell Dexter, the premier of Nova Scotia, has responded to the event by stating that he found the cheer “disturbing.” Colin Dodds, Saint Mary’s president, also responded that he was shocked

The provincial and local response to the sensitive situation has been rapid. An ad campaign geared towards educating young men about consensual sex was undertaken by the province as a result of Parson's suicide. Saint Mary’s has also requested that eighty students involved in the event be required to participate in a sensitivity seminar before next month. Further disciplinary action may be pursued. These efforts towards educating youth on matters of consensual sex are a positive first step. However, according to Nova Scotia’s minister on the status

of women, Marilyn More, it will take time to change attitudes concerning sexual behavior. In a statement, More explained that she, too, was dismayed by the cheer and believed “these are certainly young people that we would have thought had given more appropriate thought to the whole issue of sexual violence.” Premier Dexter also responded to this effect, by stating that he “felt bad for them as well, because I think if they had sat for a second and thought about it, they wouldn’t have engaged in that kind of behaviour, particularly in this province, it is a very, very sensitive thing.” It is time to think. Following the orginal events, Vice President of Student Life at SMU has resigned due to her lack of involvement in the orientation she was tasked with surpervising. Legal action has also has been filed against two students who were explicitly involved in the Frosh Week misconduct.

Smooth Justice: Prince George forces to Combat Crime Nicole Halseth News Editor

fter four months of preparation, the push against crime in Prince George is steadily developing . In January, Mayor Shari Green commissioned the creation of a task force aimed at addressing local crime, with a focus on improving crime reduction strategies and public safety. As part of this initiative, members of the task force committee will be meeting with community groups and members throughout the month of September. This is in an attempt to acquire and review feedback for their draft of recommendations, which is up for presentation to the city council. Since January, this committee has been reviewing the example set by the award-winning crime-reduction model used in Surrey, BC. This, coupled with an extensive study of existing local initiatives and services, has led to the formation of this current list of recommendations.

There are currently seven recommendations, broadly falling under four categories, which are up for review before the draft is finalized. These categories are: prevention and deterrence, apprehension and prosecution, rehabilitation and reintegration, and measuring perception and reality of crime. Under the category of prevention and deterrence, one plan is to create a program intended to pull together existing services to help youth classified as ‘high-risk,’ as well as implementing CUPE BC’s City Watch program. City Watch is a pre-existing union-led campaign which aims to encourage cooperation between employees in the community, police, and government, in regards to observing and reporting suspicious behavior. A strategy for apprehension and prosecution involving the RCMP mapping high crime areas within Prince

George using GIS technology. This is geared at improving distribution of police and emergency services. Under rehabilitation and reintegration, one proposal is to partner with community groups that offer services for offenders and create a graffiti reporting and removal program. One recommendation for the category of measurement and perception is to undertake a comprehensive survey of Prince George residents, in order to assess their perceptions and experiences regarding their personal safety. This would be the first survey of its kind undertaken in Prince George since 1999, when a UNBC survey was commissioned by the Institute for Social Research and Evaluation. While it is hoped that these ideas will improve the crime situation in Prince George within the next few decades, Mayor Green recognizes that crime reduction goes above and beyond their limited scope and time frame.

In a statement, Green stated that "you're never going to have 100 per cent crime-free community... I think it's always going to be something you have an ongoing challenge with." She is also cautioning against false expectations of the committee’s suggestions. However, the impacts of these steps against crime will be felt throughout the community. Anyone who lives within Prince George, including students at UNBC, will be subject to the evolving results of this initiative in the next few years. It remains to be seen just how these ideas will affect the community, but through the current process of revision and collaboration, it is hopeful that they will become as comprehensive and effective as possible. Following this process, the final set of recommendations will be put to the city council for consideration on October 28th, 2013.

News Nicole Halseth News Editor

Tensions of Syria: Considering Response

orld leaders remain divided over what actions to take regarding the situation in Syria. At the end of the first day of the official G20 summit at St. Petersburg, Russia, the debate is ongoing, and is spurring divisive conflicts within the group. The G20 is an international group comprised of 19 of the world’s leading economies and the European Union. It was formed in 1999, and now stands as the leading global economic forum. At the beginning of the summit, it was confirmed that Syria would be one of the topics to be addressed at the G20 working dinner by Russia’s president, Vladimir Putin. Though Syria was not put on the official agenda, member states had requested that the subject be up for discussion. Tensions were already running high before the summit even began, and key member states stood for completely opposing sides. The United States of America, through President

Barack Obama, have confirmed that they wish to proceed with military action, and are strongly pushing for backing to that effect. However, opposing powerhouses Russia and China stand in firm opposition, cautioning the U.S. to wait for United Nations approval before undertaking any action. In response to the stance taken by the United States, the Syrian parliamentary speaker, Mohammed Jihad al-Lahham, has written directly to the speaker for the US House of Representatives. In this letter, he too cautions the US Congress to wait and avoid any "irresponsible, reckless action." Syria has faced ongoing conflict for approximately 30 months. Tensions have risen internationally regarding the conflict after it was alleged that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad used chemical weapons against the civilian population. There have been numerous intelligence reports to this effect, from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

However, the Syrian government has continually denied these allegations, placing all the blame on the rebel faction. Currently, over 100, 000 people have died in the conflict, and over two million have been classified as refugees, according to the United Nations. Possibly the most significant barrier to international military response regarding the Syrian conflict has been the question as to whether or not the Assad government has, in fact, used chemical weapons against civilians. President Putin and the Russian government are not convinced that this has occurred, due to the instability of the evidence to date. This has led to hostilities between Russia and the US, and insults have been said by both parties. The US envoy to the UN, Samantha Power, has accused Russia of obstructing progress within the UN Security Council. Additionally, Power has said that Russia has ensured that there is “no viable path” for action through the

Security Council, as Russia has already blocked two resolutions pertaining to international response in the area. While opinions on the Syrian crisis are mixed, the US is pushing forward with action. The use of US military force in Syria for 60 days, with a possible additional 30 days, has been approved by the US Senate panel. Should this measure get full backing in the Senate vote next week, and in the US House of Representatives, it would mean immediate US military response. Should the US proceed with military action in the Syrian conflict, it would likely also bring involvement from countries such as France, who have already stated their support for the initiative. As neighbours to the US, and with close social, political, and economic ties to the countries likely to be involved, Canadians will doubtlessly feel the effects of any significant action. Like the rest of the world, we will be waiting for the results of the next few weeks.

No Rainbows in Russia: a Fight for Rights within Russian society, as well as within the political and institutional spheres. It follows the release of another recent bill aimed at banning materials Violence in St. Petersburg, June 2013 classified as homosexual AP/BBC World News ‘propaganda’ among

Nicole Halseth News Editor

he push against the LGBTQ community in Russia continues this month. A lawyer in Moscow published a draft bill on the government’s website on 5 September 2013 that, in essence, serves to deny gay parents the right to custody over their children. In the draft bill, it is proposed that the “fact of nontraditional sexual orientation” be used as a legitimate basis for denying custody. This basis would then join already existing factors towards denying custody, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, and other forms of abuse. This draft bill is only the latest development in the recent upswing of anti-homosexual measures and action

youths. The original creators of the ‘propaganda’ bill have stated that the primary focus of the bill is the protection of children and youth, rather than the suppression of LGBTQ persons. The draft bill, proposed Thursday, is a continuation of this law. Its author, Alexei Zhuravlev, builds on the principle that this ‘propaganda’ must not only be forbidden in the public arena, but within homes and families as well. Homosexuality was officially decriminalized in Russia over 20 years ago. However, there are still numerous factors that make Russia an unfriendly and unwelcoming place for members of the LGBTQ community. Homosexual civil partnerships and marriages are still not allowed, and there is currently

no law against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Additionally, in a recent Ilga-Europe survey of 49 European states aimed at assessing the state of international gay rights, Russia was ranked as the most difficult European state for gay individuals to live. This survey was released even before the propaganda bill was made, and included assessment factors such as hate crimes and recognition within the family. According to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin, in a press release from Amsterdam in April, “in Russia there are no infringements on sexual minorities' rights. They're people, just like everyone else, and they enjoy full rights and freedoms." Despite this outlook, however, according to Russia’s urban foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, homosexual individuals must not be permitted to "aggressively promote their values, which are different from those of the majority, and to impose them on children." This recent increase in anti-homosexual action has inspired international

response. This response has come from LGBTQ communities and organizations worldwide, as well as individuals and other institutions. One individual is Wentworth Miller, known for his work on the television show Prison Break. He was recently invited to a film festival in St. Petersburg, which he declined in order to protest against the anti-homosexual laws and the recent upswing in violence against homosexuals in Russia. In a letter to the director of the festival, Maria Averback, Wentworth expressed that he is “deeply troubled by the current attitude toward and treatment of gay men and women by the Russian government," and that he “cannot in good conscience participate in a celebratory occasion hosted by a country where people like myself are being systematically denied their basic right to live and love openly." It seems from the breadth of the response that this is a widespread sentiment, both in Canada and around the world. However, it remains to be seen how the situation will develop in the near future.

Culture

Robert Luggi Contributor or the most part, violence is seen as a terrible way to express oneself, and perhaps it is. Violence can be random and sporadic, or well-thought out and calculated. With that being said, can violence be used to achieve specific goals? It certainly can, but not without entering the questionable realm of morality. Being violent can discredit a person in the public eye; there is no love lost on a violent person. However, what if violence is used to achieve some sort of greater good for society? This argument comes full circle into Machiavellian ideals.

Violence is often viewed as being immoral, but at what point does performing violence for the greater good become moral? Machiavelli makes it clear in his famous book The Prince that the line begins to blur. On top of that, when one studies and observes humanity’s evolutionary history (or even the history of other species) one will discover that violence is a necessary way of life. The “fight-orflight” instinct that is innate in all beings has been proven (by psychologists such as Ben Martin) to be a prime motivator of our actions at the core of our existence. Although we currently live in a society which does not need to kill a saber-toothed tiger with a

On Violence: Questions of Morality sharpened stick, nor pick the right berries for consumption to survive, these prime motivators are still at work, as demonstrated in academic research in social anthropology and human psychology. In today’s world, violence is expressed through such high-profile actions as the calculated capture and elimination of a terrorist madman for the greater good of global society. Violence is also glorified through blood sports, such as Mixed Martial Arts and wrestling. Violence is not going away anytime soon. Should violence be necessary to achieve anyone’s goals? These ideas are mere components to a much bigger picture. One may ask, “How is this relevant to us as members of a university community? Why do we need to know about such a thing?” Well, there is no place for violence in any area of higher education, unless of course somebody is disobeying provincial or federal law or the rules and regulations of the facility in which they are associated. In that case, the proper authorities of law and order should get involved, using reasonable force (an official form of violence) when necessary. However, violence is unlikely to be involved in our everyday lives, unless there is a very serious threat to one’s physical wellbeing.

In the context of Prince George, there are provincial and federal laws that have to be abided, in order for society to run. However, human nature causes deviations from the norm, requiring police force to maintain law and order. Being thrown to the ground by a peace officer can happen to anyone in this city, depending on what one did, or did not do. Violence within Canada is a controversial topic, even as a country which is often thought of as peaceful on the international stage. Canada’s history blatantly shows the use of violence. One such instance is the wellknown 1970 FLQ Crisis, where ministers of the Quebec provincial government were threatened by Quebec separatists, eventually ending in the loss of life of an elected Minister. In response, the War Measures Act was enacted by then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau in order to stop the internal threat to Canada’s sovereignty, essentially by any means necessary even at the expense of freedom to a few “bleeding hearts.” On an international level, the conflict in Syria, where apparent violations of long-standing international law took place, is a perfect example of violence being used for the greater good. The civil war is taking place in a region where rebels are attempting

to overthrow the current government in power, and has been reported in multiple sources for months. In Syria, the government is accused of using chemical weapons against the rebels, which resulted in the death of over a thousand civilians. These violations to the Geneva Conventions have been enough for America to consider getting involved. The fact that children died is a factor in increasing American public support for going to war. However, things do not appear to be working in America’s favor, as the international community does not support foreign involvement in Syria. Even so, President Obama and his political advisors were more than ready to use violence to achieve the upholding of international law. The ideals of Machiavelli are at play here. Canada almost became involved in another war in the Middle East by following the lead of the United States, and maybe for all the wrong reasons. In the end, it appears that the right decision was made and perhaps the situation should be observed from afar in order for our government officials to determine what to do about the potential of declaring war on Syria. Whether violence should be used to achieve a goal towards the greater good really depends on who is asked, and what the situation is. Sometimes law and order has to be upheld, by any means necessary.

A City “To Do” List: What (Else) to do now that you’re here (or back) Sarah Jackson Culture Editor

rince George's reputation as an unexciting city in the middle of nowhere is somewhat of a selfperpetuating myth. Those of you who are willing to take the bus "down the hill” and explore the town will find that Prince George is full of interesting nooks and crannies that you would never expect. While there are many cultural and musical events that take place sparatically throughout the year, many alternative activities can be found all year round. Downtown Prince George features an eclectic collection of shopping and restaurants, such as boutiques on 3rd Ave that sell all sorts of neat goodies. For anyone looking to spend their Friday nights somewhere other than the city's clubs, many pubs, restaurants, and cafes offer excellent food and live music throughout the week. UNBC itself has excellent access

to many hiking trails, which lead to wilderness parks such as Forest for the World, while other parks throughout the city are great places to relax and explore. For example, Connaught Hill, which offers a great view of the downtown core, or Fort George Park, which is the site of many events and fundraisers throughout the year and is also home to Prince George's local museum, The Exploration Place. Prince George is also home to its very own symphony, which offers affordable shows throughout the year. It hosts many theatre productions, the last of which, Les Miserables, was an amazing local rendition of the classic play. If you are looking for something a little more casual, check out the Roll-ADome, or do some bowling at one of Prince George's many bowling alleys. The coliseum features ice skating in the winter, as do a number of outdoor

rinks. Students get a pass to the olympic sized swimming pool, so be sure to go try the highboard. Last, but not least, downtown Prince George is home to a Farmer's Market throughout the entire year. If you cannot make it to the University Farmer's Market on Tuesdays, head downtown every

Saturday to enjoy the wonderful, locally made, and produced foods and products. New stores and restaurants are opening all the time, all in an attempt to get students to go down the hill – so try it!

Downtown Prince George Sarah Jackson | OTE

Joshua Mann Contirbutor

Immersed in a World of Cultures: Learning from Experience

ine, food, global fashion, discos, beautiful landscapes, diverse cultural immersion, and simple adventures; all highlights for globaltravellers. These factors are particularly attractive to broke university students who are more used to drinking in their dorm rooms than dancing at clubs on Friday nights. Travel is an opportunity for students to apply the knowledge and theories they have gained in their education in a practical manner. Exploration allows for personal growth and dynamic experiences that can shape the way students see themselves in the world, as well as creating opportunities for life-changing stories. Although there are many areas to examine regarding student travel, this article will focus on the different cultural contexts students may encounter while traveling, and how to respond to them in order to get the most out of a globetrotter experience. This past summer I had the great opportunity to travel in the provinces of Calabria and Puglia in southern Italy. These two regions have breathtaking landscapes of rolling hills shielded by rows of vineyards, olive trees, fresh fruit, and more. These landscapes shield the outsider from being able to immerse him or herself into legitimate Italian culture. Only when one is able to break through to real Italy does he or she get to see the deeply entrenched beliefs which shape Italian culture. I was lucky enough to be able to, and exposed myself to a country of love, passion, secrets, and desire. This was the first time I truly got to push past the stereotypes, perceptions, and imagined external identity of Italy. It was humbling, since I was able to see the beauty of Italy while experiencing the living emotions of the people who live there. I spent most of my time in small villages, connected only by narrow roads which people sped through as though they were eight-lane freeways. As I grew more intimately connected to the southern part of the boot, a new concept emerged in my mind, that “the west" we refer to in university is not really all the same. By “the west,” I mean Europe and North America, the perceived developed and civilized countries of the world; the countries with supposed gender equality, basic human rights, and widespread wealth. This perception for me has disappeared, as one of

the deepest issues lingering beneath the surface of the Italian culture is that of gender roles and equality. I had to listen before I asked questions. I had to watch before I could respond. I had to analyze (internally and externally) before I realized that my beliefs in Canada regarding this contentious topic differ greatly from that of this other “western” nation. Whenever my sister and I were walking around the villages, people would speak to me first before engaging her in conversation. They would make me sit while supper was being made, but allowed her to help. It was interesting to see such specific gender roles in a country that is considered to be under the “western” umbrella. Joshua Mann | Contributor OTE

Culture

Critical thinking during social interactions is key to becoming knowledgeable about any place. Realizing that values and beliefs are NOT the same everywhere in the world is arguably the first rule in travelling. Even when travelling to places that are theoretically within a certain cultural bubble, like “the west,” one must understand that the differences can be shocking. One must be sure not to react negatively to a situation when faced with something which goes against specific identity or values. I had many instances where I heard negative and derogatory homophobic comments, but I took the opportunity to learn why these individuals felt this way. I learned because I was able to put aside my personal feelings, and diversify my understanding of place. I later took the time to reconcile with my emotions, and to understand the intricacies of the place I had already fallen in love with. Thinking critically is only part of responding to cultural differences while travelling; respect may be the only value that one is able to bring to another culture. Respect is also the thing most likely understood crossculturally. However, be conscious of is the different ways that respect will be

perceived, becuase respect can go beyong the individual norms people are use to. I The understanding of respect comes down to basic, daily functions and interactions which are learned and experienced when travelling. Now, to food. While I was with my family and new friends in Italy, I quickly realized that the stereotypical perception that Italians eat well (and a lot) is true. It was amazing how juicy and sweet the fruit was, and how fresh the vegetables were. The aroma of tomatoes, basil, parsley, oregano, pears, prickly pears, grapes, nectarines, and more filled my nostrils wherever I walked. I could not enjoy someone’s company in their house without being poured rich, bold, homemade red wines which never filled the glass, as is custom in southern Italy. They would fill my plate with antipasti (appetizers) of cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables before the pasta. Then these would follow with a serving or two of meats, followed again by vegetables, salads, and, finally, fruits, dolce (desserts), and espresso. During that time, I learned that it was completely disrespectful, and almost shameful, to not eat what they gave you. I had to understand that it was rude and impolite to not eat everything that the host places on your plate, even when you are full. Needless to say, my respect for Italian culture had me gaining a little bit of weight. To some people, situations like these would be offensive. They might feel like their free will is being taken away. These ideas, however, are meaningless in southern Italy at meal time. It is due to the strong Italian values of food and eating well that this divergence of values arises. Through all the eating, I realized that not all values or morals are vocalized, and some are simply expected. In Canada, it is

acceptable to say no to food, but in Italy, it is grossly disrespectful. This also explained why I feel offended when people do not eat what I offer them in my house. Furthermore, through my journey I learned that I have to surrender some of my values at the border if I am not to offend anyone. Although there are some values or morals that I will always keep close to me, no matter the place I go, there are others I believe to be more fluid. I have learned that as long as I am not being harmed, it is unnecessary to argue and cause conflict. Allowing oneself to be immersed in a culture is the very essence of travelling and experiencing new things. Every culture functions in a specific way because of historical influences that have shaped “traditional” ways of life.The contemporary culture will shift and change through natural evolution and absorption of the global culture. Cultures shift, change, and grow from forces that impact it and from the people who allow their lifestyle to evolve. In Italy, there is currently a big push for increased gender equality. An article in The Guardian reported that the Italian government passed new laws to protect women. At the same time, a friend of mine living in southern Italy told me how many of the women have emotionally and mentally started to go backwards since the financial crisis in 2008, and stopped fighting for better rights and equality. Media and education are only a small part of the story. It is our responsibility, as students of the world, to take the time to explore, ask questions, listen, and be respectful, in order to gather more worldwide respect. Travelling is an experience that all students benefit from. It allows them to see the world, explore different cultures, and look at their own beliefs from different angles, all the while establishing social skills and abilities they did not have before. University gives students tools to think, theories to consider, and the ability to critically question. Travelling and real life interactions allow students to apply what they learn in school and build on it through practical use. School is only the concrete foundation; there is still the rest of a structure which rises far above ground. As students, you must design the experiences and decide what you wish to learn.

Laura Mooney Arts Editor

ello everyone, and welcome to the very first edition of “Raters of the Lost Art!” In this column I will be discussing some of the great books, movies, and video games that will provide easy entertainment during those stressful school times. Since the semester has only just begun, and many of us still have some free time, why not use it to wind down and ease into the semester with one of the most peaceful video games ever created, Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Leaf? Released for the Nintendo 3DS in June, Animal Crossing: New Leaf is the much-awaited continuation in the series. The last game was released over five years ago. The 3DS edition sold over 5 million units world-wide and received excellent reviews from game magazines and gamers alike. The main goal of Animal Crossing: New

: Animal Crossing: New Leaf t r A t s o L e h of t

Leaf is to create a prosperous town, in which you have been made the mayor. Your tasks consist of choosing which public works projects to build, initiating town ordinances, and making sure the townsfolk are content. You can also spend your time leisurely fishing in either the river or ocean, or even digging up fossils to donate to your local museum. When your character need time to wind down in the Animal Crossing world, a nightclub is provided for your character to dance their cares away. Every task presented to you in the Animal Crossing universe is calm and tranquil; it is literally the perfect way to relax after a long day at school. If the draw of performing relaxing tasks is not to your liking, then the townsfolk themselves may be enough to get you to play. The citizens of your town are cute, cuddly animals, each with their own unique personalities and ways

Isabelle Legault | OTE

Arts Rater

of life. It becomes your task as mayor to get to know each of your fuzzy neighbors, often being asked to do them small favors, such as grabbing them a piece of fruit from a nearby tree, or making a delivery. These tasks increase your relationships and make it so even more people (ahem, animals) will want to move to your town. From the simplistically beautiful

landscape, to the hypnotic soundtrack, Animal Crossing: New Leaf is an ideal way to maintain a calm demeanor before the storm of schoolwork really sets in. Face it; once midterms come around, there will not be much time for video games, so why not play them now? Lose yourself in the Animal Crossing world, and I promise you will be a happier and calmer person all around.

Miyazaki’s Message: Addressing Social Issues through Animated Film his other famous films such as Howl’s Moving Castle, Ponyo, and the award winning Spirited Away, each film makes a political statement of some sort, all while appearing in family friendly animation.

cache.tokyotimes.com

Laura Mooney Arts Editor

in the film industry, as well as being one of the most controversial directors.

While on the surface Miyazaki’s films may appear to be whimsical accounts of Japanese folklore, hovering not far beneath the beautiful hand drawn images are comments on serious political issues. At the start of his career in the early 1980s, Miyazaki bluntly expressed his distaste for war and industrialism in one of his first films, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. The story was overtly making a statement that industrialism was nothing more than a direct war with nature, and that every being, even the lowliest bug, deserves to be respected. Similar to

t was a sad day for many dedicated lovers of anime when on September 6, 2013, beloved filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki announced his retirement from the film industry. He made his declaration on Friday at a press conference in Tokyo, stating, “I know I’ve said I would retire many times in the past…but this time, I am quite serious.” One of the original founders of the Japanese film company Studio Ghibli, Miyazaki’s career has spanned nearly 40 years, and he has come to be well known around the world as one of the most dedicated writers, creative artists

Has Miyazaki’s method of using animation to express his social concerns been a successful choice? Why not do as others have done, and make a documentary that would directly address the faults he saw in society’s choices? One can argue that by using the animation medium, he has drawn in an audience that is usually left untapped by those trying to raise awareness for social issues; children. Millions of children around the world have grown up watching Miyazaki’s films, and have all been dazzled by the beauty and magic of these unusual movies. Of course it is not until later in life that we realize the true messages of the films, but by viewing them at such a young age, children see the film with unclouded eyes, without passing judgment. By presenting films like these to an audience of children, it may be, in an almost subliminal way, opening up the next generation’s minds to social change and teaching them to think for

themselves. If Miyazaki had simply written a documentary for exclusively adult audiences, who already had dedicated ideas about the world and what they believe, it would have been much more difficult to get his message across. Although the children viewing the films may not feel the need to stand up for the same issues that Miyazaki fights for, through his films he is teaching a whole new generation of soon-to-be adults the importance standing up and fighting for something you believe in. Miyazaki worked at Studio Ghibli in a period that will never be forgotten in animation, but his sudden departure poses the question of what the future holds for Studio Ghibli’s films. While the company still has the remaining founders, it is up in the air whether they will continue to be quite as radical and outspoken as Miyazaki was with their future films. While this question remains unanswered, one thing that remains is Miyazaki’s plentiful body of work that will continue to use animation to reach out to children, teaching them to be socially conscious and aware of what is truly important in life.

The

Feature

Backyard Barbeque gets Wild and Ubiquitous!

Human Kebab (Right) and Ash- Boo Schultz (Left) Kelley Ware /OTE

Laura Mooney Arts Editor

NBC’s annual Backyard Barbeque was a rousing success, bringing out fresh faced students for a night filled with good music and good drinks as an effective distraction before the realization that school had begun yet again, really started to sink in. This year UNBC was fortunate enough to welcome Kelowna based band, The Wild, and Toronto’s own Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker, to melt our faces off with their own unique brands of music. Our very own editor in chief, Shelley Termuende, was able to sit down with each band for an in depth interview, to gain some insight into how these bands came to be, and what exactly makes them the great bands they are today. First up was the Goddamned Wild Boys. Selfdescribed as a “hard rock band with an undeniable twang,” Dylan Villain (vocals and guitar), Lucas “Boozus” (bass and vocals), and Rowdy Rick (drums), came onto the music scene about eight years ago when they were each playing with different bands. Last summer they finally collaborated, drawing influences from their favorite genres such as classic metal, punk rock, and even hip hop, to create the band now known as The Wild. With the release of their first single, “Roadhouse,” The Wild’s notoriety was boosted, opening them up to a new audience, and essentially launching their music career. What you see is what you get—for the most part— with the boys in The Wild. They are a group of down to earth guys out there having fun,

playing music that they love and sharing it with their fans. In regards to their fans, The Wild could not be more accommodating. The band stated that even if they grow in popularity they would never disregard their fans in any way, because, “your fans are what’s keeping you making your living, and if you lose sight of that, you are an asshole.” Since starting the band in the summer of 2012, the boys admit that the experience has only strengthened their friendship, and with each of them working together towards one collective goal, it created the respect and trust necessary for a band. Believing in that collective goal only enhanced this bond over time. To solidify their bond as a band even further, Dylan, Lucas, and Rick plan to all get The Wild’s logo tattooed on their hands, even though one member jumped the gun a bit…Rick. With the mushy love and trust stuff aside, the boys of The Wild do have a wicked sense of humor and are able to easily joke about some of the funnier moments that are inevitable when touring with a band. When asked about some of these embarrassing moments, the three guys agreed that playing poorly was always embarrassing, but especially when they were opening for a band whose album just reached number one on the charts, and the boys were so sick they could not even sing properly. From that horrific moment, to admitting that Dylan Villain has a tendency to mother the band members, The Wild takes what life hands them, and remain humble and true to their fans, with their mantra being, “we are The Wild, and we are fucking crazy!” Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker’s stage presence is something that can only be described as pure energy. The duo from Toronto, consisting of members Ash-Boo Schultz (vocals and guitar), and Human Kebab (DJ and hype man), are taking over the music scene with their unique brand of music, and their spiritual (and yet not spiritual) approach to life. When asked about USS’ intentions as a band, the chief vocalist Ash-Boo Schultz stated that they have four main intentions: to fill faces full

Dylan Villain (Right) and Lucas “Boozus” (Left) Shelley Termuende | OTE

of smiles; to fill hearts full of joy; to fill bank accounts full of money; and to fill passports full of stamps.

He also stated that one of his main intentions was to eventually buy his mother a house. One of the band’s other main goals is to create joy through their music, and help humans learn how to release. Schultz says it is a joy to play for a young crowd like university students because, “they are very light humans who haven’t closed in and shut their hearts off because they’ve been hurt too much. It’s a beautiful thing because they share that energy with us. We call it exponential uprising. We take the energy from every performance, absorb it, and then give it back to the next place we go.” In reference to those who have in fact closed off their hearts due to negative thoughts and energy, Schultz uses a metaphor involving two caterpillars. He states, “There are two caterpillars. One becomes a butterfly and one remains a caterpillar. The caterpillar asks, ‘why can you fly and I cannot?’ To which the butterfly replies ‘because you are too heavy, you will not fly until you let the heaviness go and become light.’” This belief system of learning to release the negative in a healthy and holistic way, and embrace the positive in order to be ‘light,’ influences all of USS’ musical choices, with their songs forming from the purest of intentions. Essentially USS is just a band trying to be silly and light-hearted, all while passing on their message of living life ‘lightly.’ Even the band name, Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker, is claimed to be “just a complicated way of saying something really silly.” Schultz says the name means, “a spiritual journey that always comes back to what was there the whole time.” He also says that his biggest inspiration is drawn from simply “sitting cross legged under a tree and closing my eyes in silence. It is only there that you cannot hide from anything.” So the main message this incredibly deep band is trying to spread is that suffering in life in unavoidable, but how you choose to deal with that suffering is completely up to you. Being equanimous, that is, to maintain calmness and stay in the moment during times of stress, is the key to living life lightly, and through their music Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker hopes to keep spreading this message to their listeners, and keep their hearts open and aid them in living lightly. We would also like to thank Cariboo Brewery for their sponsorship and for giving UNBC one of the most memorable Backyard Barbeques in recent years. If you would like to learn more about The Wild or Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker, check out their Facebook pages, or follow the bands on Twitter at @TheWild _ band, and @USSMUSIC.

Art

9 of how cool it would be to emulate your favorite television character all while getting paid! Just as long as you don’t become a meth cooker like he did…Seriously, DO NOT cook meth.

Breaking Sad: How to Handle the End Laura Mooney Arts Editor

t begins with a subtle sweat. Soon, a cold chill creeps over your entire body as though you just sank into an ice bath, and yet you simultaneously feel as though your head was submerged in lava. Then the labored breathing starts. It feels as though one hundred sumo wrestlers are practicing squats on your chest. You feel as though the universe is collapsing around you, as though you just found out all over again that Santa is not real. The room starts spinning and you grasp onto the television begging for this not to be happening to you. “Not this! Not now!” you will cry, “Anything but this!” But it is true. No matter how much you beg this is now your reality. Your favorite television series has just ended. Forever. This fate may seem frightening from a distance, but will unfortunately become an inevitable reality for many fans of AMC’s hit series Breaking Bad when it ends its five season run on September 29. One of AMC’s most popular and prosperous original shows, Breaking Bad tells the story of Walter White, a mild mannered high school science teacher who is diagnosed with lung cancer. Afraid of what will become of his family, consisting of his pregnant wife and teenage son with cerebral palsy, Walt turns to one of his former students, and now drug dealer, Jesse Pinkman, for assistance. Together the duo began to cook meth in order to set aside money for Walt’s family to live off of once he has succumbed to cancer. The storyline follows Walt as he begins to cook not only the best meth in all of New Mexico, but creates a drug empire and becomes one of the most notorious drug lords around, all while evading other territorial drug kingpins, and his obsessive DEA brother in law. In only a few short weeks, Walt’s tumultuous story will come to its final

climax and will end forever, leaving fans with a gaping hole in their TV watching chests, and dealing with the horrible fate mentioned above. So in order to avoid this awful sensation of loss caused by Breaking Bad’s exit from your lives, here is a simple plan one can follow to ease the pain of losing it. 1) Obviously, re-watch every single episode ever made from start to finish until you have them so well memorized you can recite any scene at a moment’s notice. This will not only temporarily curb your withdrawal symptoms, but will also prove once and for all that you know the show better than anyone else. (Hey remember that scene where Walt orders his whiskey on the rocks for the first time?) 2) Purchase and wear a Los Pollos Hermanos shirt, a pork pie hat, and start adding “yeah bitch!” to the end of all your sentences. By wearing the clothes and repeating well-known references to the show, you will feel closer to Gus, Walt, and Jesse. It will be as if a small part of them are right there with you! Heck, even start wearing Skylar’s haughty, uptight expression if you really start to feel lonely. 3) Give yourself a cool nickname like Heisenberg, Crazy Eight, or Badger. No, do not just steal one from the show. Use your brain and make one up. 4) Get interested in science! Even if you just pretend to know what you are doing when you mix chemicals, throwing stuff together into test tubes will make you feel like a real life Walter White, you know, before he turned all drug- lordy…Yeah science, bitch! 5) While you are messing around with chemicals and stuff, why not actually go become a science teacher? Get your degree and then you could have the exact same job that Walt had. Think

6) Initiate some (harmless) Heisenbergesque plots. Play a joke on your pal by bugging his phone, or placing GPS on the vehicles of random “suspicious” people. Maybe spike some “bad guy’s” coffee to disorient them. They will not be quite on the same level as Walter’s ploys, with his poison cigarettes and simultaneous prison killings, but they may make you feel the same sense of deviousness you once felt while watching the show. 7) On second thought, that last one still sounds dangerous…do not do that. 8) Get some blue rock candy, put it in a baggie, and voila! You are now the proud owner of a pack of Heisenberg’s infamous blue meth. Just make sure you don’t flash that around, because honestly if you are up to this point on the list, you may be more than

just a fan and I would be seriously considering getting some psychological help. Also, do not try to smoke it. 9) Hey! You know who went to see a shrink on the show? Marie! Although she is probably not your (or anyone’s) favorite character she was still a part of the show, and you want to live your life as close to the show as possible, right? So pick up that phone and call your closest available psychologist. Soon, just like Marie, you will be getting the help you need to get over this obsession! 10) You know what? It is totally okay that you may be going a bit crazy. Look at every character on Breaking Bad. It’s almost the end of the series and there is not see one single sane character left. Now you can join them in their insane universe, and maybe that will finally satisfy the gaping hole left in your heart (and I guess brain) when the show ended. Now you can finally be at peace my friend…Yeah bitch.

Art

On Their Way to Stardom:

Patrick Michaud (electric guitar and harmonies). The boys of Rockin’Chair have been playing music together for the past four years, and are beginning to polish their stage presence and sound in preparation for their album release at the end of this month. While they admit their tastes vary quite dramatically, the main influences they can agree on drawing from are acts like Johnny Cash, The Eagles, Rush, and Rascal Flatts, just to name a few. When asked what the best experience of their band career has been so far, it was collectively agreed that getting to be a part of the 2013 Canadian Country Music Awards in Edmonton and being able to meet some of the most influential people in the industry was a great experience. In regards to Rockin’Chair’s future, Trevor stated, “our goals are to continue to play as much as we can, and continue to improve our musical ability.” rockinchair.ca

Laura Mooney Arts Editor

eny it all you want, but everyone loves country music. The twang of the guitar, the heartfelt lyrics, and we can not forget to mention the cowboys. Okay, in order to be fair, the cowgirls as well. The only thing that makes this music genre even better is when a local country band gets the recognition they deserve. Rockin’Chair seems to be one of the up and

coming country bands to keep an eye on. With their new single “Things Ya Never Outgrow” now playing on radio stations across Canada, they may just be the next big thing in country music. Members Trevor Adelman (vocals and acoustic guitar), and Tyler Mithrush (electric guitar, keys, and harmonies), originally met in high school in Langley, BC, and were later joined by Prince George’s own

At the end of September, if you are searching for that new band to listen to, make sure you look for Rockin’Chair’s EP (which will be available on Ti unes), so you can not only show support for our local musicians, but also for a band who truly deserves their chance in the spotlight. If you would like to learn more about Rockin’Chair, check out the band on their Facebook page, and website (www.rockinchair.ca). You can also catch them in person at the Quesnel Senior’s Center on September 28th for their official CD release party.

Kelley’s “Korner:” No, I Am Not a Stripper!

Kelley Ware Finance Manager

or most university students, the second week of September is the time people begin to settle into their routine and start to seriously get into their readings and assignments. For me, however; the second week of September has a special meaning. After a long, summer hiatus, I get to take my hip scarves out of storage and begin shimmying again. I belly dance and it is something that has quickly gone from “passion” to “obsession.” I spend hundreds of dollars on costuming, I shimmy when I am bored, and I experience withdrawal-like symptoms over the summer months when dance classes are out of session and I do not get my weekly three-hour newchoreography fix. With this in mind, I want to dispel a couple common misconceptions about belly dance in Canada. The first misconception is that belly dance is stagnant. While the art form did originate in the Middle East it is now globalized and fluid. There are several different types and styles of belly dance that are important and, even in Prince George; they are all prevalent in their own shape and form. There is Egyptian belly dance, Turkish belly dance, Cabaret belly dance, American Tribal Style (ATS), and Tribal Fusion (to name a few). The style that we most often think about as “belly dance” usually falls into the cabaret style, with a single dancer in flashy costumes

dancing in a restaurant (or similar setting) with live music. The style that I typically dance – Tribal Fusion –is a hybrid of the aforementioned types. It primarily begins with ATS inspired moves and fuses with other types of folkloric and traditional dance. I have personally performed and watched Bhangra inspired belly dance, African-fusion, Eastern European-fusion as well as many others. It is truly a globalized art form. This leads into the second and most important mistake people make when thinking about belly dance: it is not stripping! There is no other way to offend a belly dancer more than implying she is a stripper. It is certainly a sensual and exotic art, but that does not mean it is “erotic dancing.” We may show our stomachs, but that does not mean we plan on “taking it off.” I personally have had people tell me that I dance “like I should have a pole.” Carolena Nericcio’s company FatChance BellyDance in San Francisco got its name because of frequent requests for “private shows.” For most of us, belly dance is more about body position, muscle control, technique, and joy more than it is about looking sexy. When watching Tribal Fusion leaders from the United States such as Rachel Brice and Zoe Jakes, the viewer is less concerned about how sexy they are and more overcome with the sheer awe of watching someone move their bodies in ways that do not look possible. If you have not heard of them, go check them out on Youtube; you will definitely be surprised.

Shelley Termuende | OTE

Sports

Rivalries: A Healthy Trend?

bbc.co.uk

Giridhar Krishnan Sports Editor

ne of the beautiful things in any sport is the desire to win - a healthy dose of competition. The desire amongst all athletes to end up winners or champions in the world series tournaments or even at their local leagues is to win against their competitors. At times there are rivalries so heated that people do not mind if they do not win the championship even but cannot bear losing against a particular team. There can be a lot of reasons like the cultural setup, political relations and so on. This in turn makes those matches in any sport highly heated and competitive. Popular rivalries act as advertising for various sports, such as the Bruins vs Canucks rivalry in the Canadian NHL. There is also always competition between individuals, even in Olympic level sports. As an athlete, how would one feel when facing a team that is projected as a larger than life archrival

blogs.vancouversun.com

by the media and the spectators. It may be exciting when they end up on the winning side - it would generate unprecedented energy levels and support for a team. If specific athletes play a major part in the victory, they can sometimes get treated as kings. The media also haunts those who lose - for example, the popular â&#x20AC;&#x153;Luongoâ&#x20AC;? chant at most Canucks games. Athletes getting berated by media and fans need to make their social life low key, as some crazy fanatics could look at them as a traitor. The trauma and stress to come out of being a member of the losing team is unimaginable. The only way to escape the stigma is by registering multiple victories against the rival.

athletes have ended up with bruised fists, black eyes, and lawsuits. Unpleasant incidents of athlete arrests have been splashed all over the media.

It is very healthy to create competition and even having rivals is a healthy part of sport, as rivalries encourage more fierce practice and determination. The problem arises when things are taken too personally; Due to the sport rivalries, there have been spats witnessed all over the world in various sports. After taking them too personally,l some

Sports rivalries could really be a healthy trend. Athletes should learn from the defeats as much as they enjoy the victories. This can be done if they respect their fellow sportsperson, admire their game and learn from them. Encourage sports rivalries on field and off-field, encourage each other for a positive world of sports.

No sport desires these intense rivalries, and sport was never invented for this intense off-field competition. Athletes around the globe should realize they are the pride of their countries or clubs and such actions by them dent the image of the whole nation. The media too should for their part understand that players may be superheroes on field, yet off-field they are human. The media, for their part, needs to respect celebrity privacy.

Giridhar Krishnan Sports Editor

UNBC Timberwolves Find their Footing

he UNBC timberwolves soccer men’s team started this year’s campaign in a totally one sided battle against the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, losing 7-0. The defense of the Timberwolves was looking totally out of place, and fouls leading to penalty kicks did not help. The Huskies star was third year midfielder Luigi Bekwayo, who got a hat trick. The other goal scorers for the Huskies were David Brown (38', 54'), Brett Levis (71') and Ryan Contenti (89'). From this disappointing performance the Timberwolves men came back strong in the next encounter against the Alberta Golden Bears holding the score at 1-1. There seemed to be a new sense of energy and the defensive lapses were fixed. Even though the Timberwolves could not create a lot of goal scoring opportunities, they were able to work as a team, and ensure that they held against Alberta until a deadly header from Mohamed Teliani rolled past the Timberwolves goalkeeper in the 40th minute. The Timberwolves did not lose hope though this time, and kept on track with their momentum to ensure that the Bears could not get past their defense once again in a similar fashion. When the match seemed to be ending

in an 1-0 defeat for the wolves, game rookie striker Tofa Fakunle (Calgary, AB) was fouled in the box on an attempted header. Fakunle was awarded a penalty in the 90th minute. Amidst pressure and great hopes from the crowds Fakunle did not lose his cool and netted a goal for a thrilling victory for the Timberwolves. Special mention should go to the whole team for their terrific display of defense, midfield and attack coming back from such a slump. Especially Timberwolves’ midfielder Brett Bobier’s immaculate passing to both the forward and defenses at the appropriate time set the tone for the entire match. The UNBC goalkeeper (and captain) Tyrone Venhola came back well from the first match saving four goals with good support from the defense. On catching up close for an interview with UNBC captain Tyrone Venhola alongside his teammate Connor Noftle, Tyrone seemed very pleased with the outcome of the golden bears match and said they were looking for a win next week after the weekend. When the captain was asked what really went wrong in the first match, he said that there were lot of defensive lapses, and the penalty kicks dented their confidence and the team gave

Alberta Bears vs. UNBC Timberwolves bears.ualberta.ca

Sports

up after a few goals. He also added that the coach’s motivational speech and tactical changes made them put a fighting display for a draw against the Golden Bears. Tyrone, and all his teammates, said they wish to see the Timberwolves fans keep coming out and cheer for them as it would really help boosting their confidence and morale. On the other side the Timberwolves women started their campaign against The University of the Fraser Valley Cascades with a 2-0 defeat. The first goal came in the 12th minute by Jade Palm, assisted by a corner kick from Paige Friesen. The Wolves managed to hold them back till the 75th minute when Danica Kump found the net assisted by a pass

from Carly Radomski. Jordan Hall the Goalkeeper of UNBC Timberwolves women was exceptional, saving 15 of the 17 shots on target. The second match against the University of Victoria Vikes women's soccer team made Sidney Roy of the wolves register the first goal for this season. Though the match ended in a loss, with the scoreline at 4-0, the TImberwolves played strongly. The vikes goal scorers were Jackie Harrison (4', 44'), Jaclyn Sawicki (33'), and Maryse Reichgeld (90'). The Timberwolves will be playing their home matches this weekend, hosting Alberta and Mount Royal on September 13th and 15th respectively. Hopefully the home crowd should give them the cheer and momentum they need to register a win that is overdue.

Raonic Loses Fourth Round: All Smiles after Defeat C

anadian tennis fans are coping with the US Open fourth round loss of Milos Raonic against Richard Gasquet. The mentality of lot of people is to just see the results of matches, and perhaps do not even know much about the sport. Regardless of their interest level, a lot of Canadians wish for victory for their countrymen. A loss would be very disheartening for them, and at times quite emotional. What these people are missing is empathy; when fans spend a few dollars to come and watch the match, or spend their precious time being entertained by their passion, they could not bear the loss. One should imagine, however, the plight of the player who lost, after years of practise, toiling on the tennis court forever in his life. The pain, emotion and suffering are surely more for the players than the spectator.The viewer may be losing one day in his

or her life, but the player is losing a way of life. When a player wins then there is no shortage of crowds or media or die hard supporters. While winning people will always be there.

by all Raonic’s fans. As a great player who is currently ranked 11th in the ATP singles, Raonic could very well get into the top five if his confidence is boosted by his supporters. On the other hand, if Raonic (Right) and Gasquet (Left) cbc.ca

Giridhar Krishnan Sports Editor

What really counts are the amazing supporters who are there with the player during the tough times of defeat. The fans are the best option for an athlete who needs a positive boost in morale. This should be kept in mind

all he hears from his fans is complaints and negative vibes, there could be a great chance that his rankings take a slump. Raonic was the first Canadian since 1969 to get into the finals of Rogers

Cup. In the US open, he did not lose to an unseeded player, but to Richard Gasquet (one amongst the top ten in ATP singles rankings). There has been a lot of criticism that Raonic does not have the stamina or fitness to play for long, and that his backhand needs to improve. These things are accurate, but as a 22 year old player, he requires encouragement from his supporters when he gets into action in the Davis Cup against Serbia. Milos Raonic will be leading the rally of the Canadian tennis racquets against Novak Djokovic. It will be an uphill battle for Canada to get into the tennis finals, and meet the winners of the other semi finals in a tie between Argentina and Czech Republic. So hope for the best and hopefully there will be an epic marathon encounter in Davis Cup semi-finals, similar to the five setter of Raonic-Gasquet in the US open.

Coffee Break In Partnership With...

Over The Edge Shinerama Club Night, at the LAMBDA Cabaret October 5th, 2013 Tickets will be sold in the Wintergarden Monday September 23rd! Tickets: $5

UNBC Life Shelley Termuende Editor-In-Chief/Publisher

niversity of Northern British Columbia student, Conan Winkelmeyer has spent seven years advocating for improved maintenance on roadways and pathways frequented by UNBC students in the dangerously icy winter. In Over the Edge’s 2013 March issue, Conan’s story of fighting for safer independent access around campus was published. Since that time, many students, community members and parents have been contacting UNBC to assist Conan in his campaign. On September 15th, 2013, Conan sat down for an interview to discuss the greatly improved walkway which has been installed in front of the Neyoh residence. The new and improved pathway features a small slope decline gradient, improved underground drainage grates which connect to the vast UNBC underground drainage pipe system and a rock catchment garden to collect water before it hits high

A New Path For Conan

traffic areas. This system is said to have cost approximately $60,000. It has yet to be seen if the new system will be effective in the dreaded Prince George winter months, but Conan is hopeful that the new walkway will prevent injuries to pedestrians. From this whole experience, Conan takes away the satisfaction that he followed the proper avenues for change and saw results. Regardless of how many years he has fought, how many methods he has tried to get his points across, and how much physical evidence he has gathered, Conan maintains a very positive and professional attitude towards the whole situation.

Conan’s goals in publishing this article are to encourage students to be vocal about their expectations from the university, and to have them hold the administration and staff of UNBC accountable for negligent practices and poor maintenance. He is begging students to supply documented

evidence and report injuries incurred due to poorly managed UNBC roads, walkways, and parking lots stating, “Together we can improve the maintenance of our home. We pay to live here, and go to school here…if we want to see change, we have to go about getting it in the proper way.” Conan hopes that students will use veritable facts to seek justice. People have said to Conan, “Look what you did! This is your pathway!” but he does not see it that way. He insists the students as a whole are to thank for the changes. “They read the story, they got it out into the community and our UNBC students, my friends and the wonderful surrounding community forced the officials to act.” When asked about how he felt regarding how long the process has been Conan stressed that it is important to remember that change may not happen right away, but reminds students to be patient and go through proper and official avenues.

Conan offered a truce to those with whom he has had a combative relationship over these many years. ”At the end of the day, I know they were just doing their job and following orders…some people just fall on swords and I am not here to rock the boat without due cause.” Conan would like to thank those who have helped him through this conflict (with special mention to Access Coordinator, Brenda Christensen), all those who worked behind the scenes to make changes happen, and to the UNBC maintenance crew for continuing to do the best they could throughout the situation. Conan concluded by saying “you can’t take a jab without having a solid platform to stand on.” Thanks to his hard work, and the hard work of dedicated individuals aiming to improve the snow and ice removal practices at the university, Conan now has the solid platform he has been fighting for all these years.

Shine Day Brightens City of Prince George

Morganne Williams VP External | NUGSS

ach year on September 14th, 2013, University of Northern British Columbia students take over Prince George to gather donations for Shinerama, the Cystic Fibrosis Research campaign that has been a Canadian University tradition since the 1960s. On Saturday, September 14th, 2013, over 300 UNBC students to pool all their energy and enthusiasm into raising money for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) research and care. Mayor Green opened the ceremony proclaiming September 14th, 2013, Shine Day and this was followed with words of inspiration to our volunteers from UNBC Professor, Dr. Summerville. A homemade video from Keegan, a 13 year-old Prince George boy who lives with CF was a surprise to all who gathered and spurred them on. Keegan has attended Shine Day at UNBC for six years running! UNBC shiners went all out for donations on Saturday. The International Studies Student Association held a barbeque infront of The Brick, while the World University Services of Canada club hosted an outdoor concert infront of the downtown Wendy’s restaurant. The debate club hosted a by-donation

car wash where many students were soaked from other students making use of their buckets of soapy water. Thank you to the many residents, visitors, business and community groups who, once again, supported this fundraiser. From the Kinsmen’s breakfast, Over the Edge newspapers assistance with the participant T-Shirts, to the many businesses providing us key real-estate outside their establishments so we were visible to the community; we are so thankful. To the community

members who continue to show their support every year, a huge thank you. Planning the 2013 UNBC Shinerama campaign has been an enlightening and indescribable experience. UNBC students never cease to amaze me with their continuous involvement and support for the fight against cystic fibrosis. This year’s Shine Day was no different than any other year, in that hundreds of students selflessly gave up their Saturday to band together and raise money for CF research and care.

This is a huge fundraiser at UNBC that students should be proud to be a part of, I know I am! This year’s Shine Day raised a staggering total of $10,500 for Cystic Fibrosis research. The ultimate goal for this year’s campaign is $22,000. Events such as the Over the Edge Shinerama Club night on October 5th, The Penny Drive being hosted throughout UNBC and the Alumni Basketball game on September 28th should help UNBC to reach their ultimate goal.

NUGSS | UNBC

UNBC Life

Club Spotlight:

WUSC: World University Services Canada Nicole Halseth News Editor

students with an annual levy of five dollars.

WUSC UNBC welcomed its new student through the SRP this August; the fifth since WUSC UNBC began participating in this pan-Canadian initiative in 2005. These sponsor students typically come from countries and situations in which it is difficult, if not impossible, to gain access to post-secondary education. Many students in the past have come from refugee camps such as Dadaab in Kenya (for more information check out: dadaabstories.org). Students at UNBC support

WUSC is a place of intercultural exchange and learning. Whether you are interested in engaging with global issues, gaining unique and valuable experience, or networking within UNBC and across Canada, WUSC provides a fun and interesting environment for any individual. More information about WUSC can be found at www.wusc.ca, or by emailing unbcwusc@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!

Other WUSC initiatives pursued at UNBC include fair trade chocolate sales, as well as annual humanitarian awareness initiatives, and many others, so be sure to watch for the next exciting WUSC event. WUSC UNBC is a tight-knit, friendly community engaged in numerous social activities throughout the year. These include the traditional pub nights and club dinners, as well as trips to regional sites of interest such as the Ancient Forest.

Sarah Jackson | OTE

USC UNBC is the local branch of World University Services Canada, an Ottawa-based Non-Governmental Organization. The WUSC official mandate, as stated on their webpage, is to work “towards a world in which all young people can grow up in safe, secure and supportive environments; have access to high quality education opportunities from early childhood to adulthood; are able to secure fair, decent and fulfilling employment; and can actively participate in all aspects of their society’s development.” One way UNBC fulfills this is by sponsoring international students each year to come to Canada and study through the “Student Refugee Program” (SRP).

About Food Sarah Jackson Culture Editor

A farmers make to our lives. Many of the events at this year's UFM were directed towards appreciation of the same cause.

s a province founded by gold miners and railroad workers interacting with First Nations culture, British Columbia is now home to an incredibly diverse range of cultural groups. These groups are made up of many individuals who practise many wonderful traditions, one of which is particularly close to everybody’s heart regardless of their cultural origin; food!

There is no need to worry if you missed last week's UFM kickoff. The student-led UFM will be held in the Northern Undergraduate Student Centre, beside the Thirsty Moose Pub, from 11am to 3pm on Tuesdays throughout the year. It is a great place to take a break from your studies, meet friends, and do your weekly grocery shopping. Who can forget the smell of butter chicken in the NUGGS building… it is to die for! For those students or faculty interested in the environment, and/or ethics in regards to food production, the UFM is a great way to put those beliefs and ideas into action without leaving campus.

BC is not home to only the descendants of European immigrants; it is a region full to bursting with cultural diversity. This diversity includes people who can trace their roots back to every continent on earth, as well as the original inhabitants of the region; more than 40 major First Nations groups call BC home, each with their own specific customs, cultural practices, and unique cuisine. According to the hellobc website, Chinese and Punjabi are the most spoken languages in this province after English. The website adds that BC also contains sizable German, Italian, Japanese, and Russian communities; these each bring unique cuisines and customs to our

University Farmer's Market Kickoff Sarah Jackson Culture Editor

n Tuesday September 10th, the University Farmer's Market (UFM) kicked off another great year of providing a diverse range of local products to students right on campus. Vendors spilled out onto the lawn of the NUSC event space on Tuesday, offering students the chance to purchase locally grown and homemade produce, baking, preserves, and handmade goods. The UFM included entertainment in the form of live music, barbecue, potato sack races, and prizes. The UFM coincided with the Fourth Annual Farmer's Appreciation Week; a week designated to raise awareness around the important contributions local food and local

multi-ethnic province.

What does this mean for students at UNBC? Prince George has a reputation as an isolated, resourcebased city, nine hours from anywhere. However, it is also home to a variety of culturally diverse restaurants which demonstrate the extent of the city's diverse population. Newcomers to the city might not realize that there are nine independent sushi restaurants in Prince George. Or that Spicy Greens, which provides butter chicken at the University Farmers Market, has two locations, one in the Hart and the other in College Heights. In fact, there are Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Mexican, Persian, Greek, African, and Canadian restaurants in Prince George. In addition to the usual selection of greasy fast food, and fast pizza places, downtown Prince George is also rife with cosy cafes, bookshops, and boutiques. If you are looking to spend whatever is leftover in your bank account after books and tuition, take the bus downtown and explore. You might just find yourself learning something about another culture at the same time.