So it’s late Friday night, the moon is full, and stars fill the sky. It’s a beautiful night and I’m in a pretty good mood. I climb into my car and crank the music, as I am drive home to Trail from a friend’s house in Fruitvale. I’m rockin’ out around “blue bird corner,” when out of nowhere, flashing lights fill my car. I slow down and think to myself, “damn they’re good, I didn’t even see a cop car hiding out anywhere!”

I know I must be clearly caught because there are no other cars on the road, so I slowly pull over and look around to see where the cop had stopped. After turning down my music I realize that light has flooded my entire car and I look around confused. “Is it really necessary to go all out and shine the spotlight on me?” I think to myself.

Then suddenly it hits me and I start laughing hysterically. Tears are pouring down my face as I realize that I wasn’t being pulled over at all. The flashing lights were just the full moon cascading light through the trees! I had just been pulled over by the moon…

It was probably the single most embarrassing moment of my life. Thank god no one else was in the car to see it, although the first thing I did was call my friend to report what had just happened. After we both laughed at my stupidity, I proceeded home doing just under the speed limit for fear of another “phantom cop.”

Relay for Life is a fun-filled fundraiser where teams of friends and family take turns walking, running, or jogging around a track for twelve hours. The events are different in each area but there is always lots of entertainment, friendly faces and a great atmosphere. Here are just a few of the local places hosting this event:

May 23, 2009

10 am-10 pm
Haley Park Track, Trail

May 30th, 2009

11 am-11 pm
Rotary Lakeside Park, Nelson

June 13-14, 2009

8 pm-8 am
Kinnaird Park, Castlegar

To register online visit:
http://www.cancer.ca/British%20Columbia-Yukon/How%20you%20can%20help/BC-Relay%20For%20Life.aspx?sc_lang=en

Join a team, volunteer, get involved, make a difference, and have fun doing it!

On Friday, January 30 music could be heard filling the streets around the Legion in Nelson. Who and what was “disturbing the peace?” The first annual Selkirk College Student’s Union Battle of the Arts, that’s what. The night was a mix of some amazing art and really wicked sounds.

The turn out was so good that the venue reached capacity and people had to be turned away. However those who made it in got to hear six sick bands (Lumpy and the Sweetness, Jimi`s Hendrix Experience, Dr. Dj and the Business, Deku Tree, Party on High Street and Mothman) and one really talented solo guitarist (Justin McWilliams), battle it out for the title of best band.

The style of music ranged from assorted rock, to hip hop, and even a little bit of funk. All of the performers and their unique styles were well received by the crowd and most of the seats went unused. In the end, it was folk rock group, Lumpy and the Sweetness who left with bragging rights and the top prize of $500.

What made this event really awesome though was the assortment of art made by Kootenay School of the Arts students, displayed for everyone to view. Some of the pieces seen at the show were even available to purchase. There was everything from intricately sculpted metal, to uniquely fashioned clothing, not to mention many paintings by local artists. All in all the night was a huge success and something everyone will want to check out next year!

Well someone has come up with a brilliant solution in the form of a Selkirk College Book Exchange Facebook group!

A combination of two great things: saving money and spending countless hours on Facebook. So far the group only totals 28 members, but we all know there are many more frustrated book buyers out there. All you have to do is join the group and then post what you have to offer, or are looking for, on the wall.

We all know the price we are paying for these books does not match their actual worth. So here is a way to find books in a reasonable price range and make some money on the ones you won’t use again.

If you’re looking to save money on your next textbook purchase you might want to check out the Selkirk College Book Exchange group and see if you can find what you’re looking for.

After a struggle to pry open the frozen doors just to get the scraper out, your hands are icicles and pretty much useless now. Still, you spend the next fifteen minutes brushing the snow off the car and onto yourself. By the time you get it started and make your way along the horrible roads (of course they haven’t been plowed yet, give it another week) you know you’re going to be late. Oh well, you think, better late than never, you’ll just take it slow. Clearly however, the other drivers on the road don’t have the same idea and “never” looks like a better option to them.

You watch in horror as cars attempt to pass you in passing lanes they apparently made up because there is too much snow to see any lines on the road. But even worse than that, are the tail-gaters. It’s one thing to put your own life in danger, but following so close it looks like my car is towing yours, is beyond ridiculous.

Do you really think I want to be doing 60 in an 80 zone? NO! I know 80 is the speed limit, but there is something called “too fast for conditions.” And when the conditions are so bad you can’t see two cars’ ahead of you, I think that calls for a reduction in speed. There is a reason I am going this slow and most of us, un-suicidal drivers, would appreciate if you kept your distance.

In other words: BACK OFF!

by: Allysha Fryer- Thomas

The smell of pumpkin wafted through the school as 17 teams participated in an intense pumpkin carving contest. Teams consisted of two to three people, with each group assigned a number and a team name. The contest went on throughout the afternoon so teams were given lots of time to come up with some pretty unique pumpkins. Competitors were allowed to use almost anything as props, including the ears of corn as decorations for their pumpkins. There were many creative ideas, as well as some classic pumpkin faces produced.

       After the competition ended, the pumpkins were moved to the entrance of the College, to be admired and voted on by students. The top three teams received prizes, which included: credit for the cafeteria, Subway Restaurant gift certificates, and some sweet t-shirts.     

 It was a tough decision for everyone who voted, but in the end everyone loved gore, and Team Casper’s “vomit-spewing” pumpkin won first place.

       Second place went to The Misfits with their “pipe-smoking vegetable,” and third place went to team Keisuke Inc. However, when it came down to it, all the pumpkins came out pretty awesome and every participant walked away with a free pass to the Castlegar & District Recreation Centre. The event captured the spirit of Halloween and was a good time for everyone involved!