2 The Editors January 23rd 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 Shelley Termuende A&E Editor Randy Roy Sports Editor Copy Editor Ben Filipkowski Student Life Editor Jordan Tucker Features Editor 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. Geoff Sargent Leila Maheiddinibonab News Editor Hanna Petersen Office Location: NUSC 6-350 MAILING ADDRESS 3333 University Way Prince George, BC V2N 479 PHONE (250) 960-5633 NEXT SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JANUARY 30TH, 2013 OFFENDED? LEILA MAHEIDDINIBONAB STUDENT LIFE EDITOR Two weeks ago the “Put On Something Sexy” flipbook was everywhere; the Health Services Center, the Counseling Center, even in the library had it (no doubt from a student who thought it should be put there) but last week it was nowhere to be seen. You have to go looking for it, and even then the odds of finding one are slim. When asked, Counselling Services said it was removed because it was found to be offensive to some people. At first glance this could be seen as a valid reason, but I have a simple question to ask: So what? Many people may not know this, but we live in a region where HIV/AIDS is prevalent. The STOP HIV/AIDS Pilot Project has identified Prince George along with Vancouver’s inner city as priority regions that represent a majority of B.C.’s HIV cases as well as increasing rates of HIV/ AIDS. We are constantly seeing posters, banners, and advertisements at the UNBC campus as well as bus stops, TV and clinics about the importance of being tested and using protection and prevention methods. This may seem like an oversaturation of the message if the situation was different, but it is what it is; 25 percent of the people who are HIV-positive are unaware of their diagnosis. So with all this information I go back to my first assertion, so what if you find the “Put On Something Sexy” flipbook offensive. In the paraphrased words of Stephan Fry as circulated on Facebook - “I find that offensive has no meaning, has no purpose and has no reason to be respected, it is nothing more than a whine.” The flipbook is a sexual health handout for people who WANT to take it and should be available to them. It has a valid message and many Hand model: Geoff Sargent of the students at the university campus do not find it offensive. They instead pass it around to other students because it is worth seeing and most importantly, an interactive remember-able form of media they haven’t seen in a very long time. Now some may say that the offense wasn’t about the message of the flipbook but instead about its pornographic nature. In this case it is a judgment of opinion and everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I would just like to remind people that no one is forcing you to pick up this flipbook. The cover clearly shows two naked people in the midst of a sexual interaction, a fair representation of what is inside. At this point the onus is on you, the person picking up the flipbook, to decide whether you want to keep looking or put it back. If being offended is all that’s needed to make things in the university change, I’m sure more students are offended at the high tuition rates, and even more at the fact that those high tuition rates don’t seem to transfer to the UNBC campus where certain washrooms have had broken toilets for the past year and every winter there is a dripping leak right beside the cashiers office, complete with its own bucket. Why aren’t those things at the university being changed to appease the students but when it comes to our sexual health and wellbeing everything can be thrown out the window to get no complaints. So here is where I voice my opinion. I am offended that my sexual health education is considered second to someone else’s modesty. Most importantly I’m offended that information that could potentially save me from a lifelong treatment regimen is being held from me. BEERS WITH BEN: YES! I'M STILL HERE! BEN FILIPKOWSKI COPY EDITOR Did you miss me? I’m back. I missed one issue, but we’re back to the regular flow now. Where did I go? Ontario for the holidays, and the annual Canadian University Press NASH conference. I learned a lot over the break, and I recharged and re-energized myself. I met a few people. I got to see my family again. Mostly, I just enjoyed a full month away from responsibility. Oh yeah, right, I am done my degree. I have letters - or will soon have letters - behind my name. I am officially qualified to do stuff, and man, it feels good. I have so many projects on the go, so much that I’m trying to get off the ground, and so much to plan for my future that I feel a little overwhelmed. Granted, this is a better feeling than being overwhelmed by school and the closing of this chapter in my life (well, it’s still closing, but we’ll get to that bridge and cross in in due time), so all in all, it’s a great change. I may be bragging a bit here. Anyways, I’m really glad to still be with OTE, especially after our trip to Toronto for NASH 75. We learned a lot, and we’re hoping to implement as much of it as possible in the coming months. I’m very excited to still be writing, and indeed to have time and inspiration for my writing, something that I’ve been missing this past year. 2013 is full of possibility and excitement - it’s so new, and it needs filling up with experience and memory! So while this particular column is not my usual fare, I hope that you’re all as keen on the new year as I am. Even though we’re nearly in February, the drive you felt at the start of the year is worth holding on to. It’ll keep you going through the hard times, and it’ll make the good times that much better. Here are three new things I’m trying out this year: a new radio show, a new bunch of folks to play music with, and a new love of hiking and long walks around PG. Challenge delivered - accept it!