LETTIVOR

 

 

 

 

 

People hate to be classified. You know, like when
someone says, “There are two types of people in
this world, those who love Hip hop and those who
don’t.” Or, “There are those who dress well and
those who don’t.” Or even, “There are people who
read the Other Press and those who don’t.” But
the thing about these categorizations is that they
imply a binary world of ones and zeros, on and
off, right and wrong. However, it seems to me that
in addition to the occasional black and white, the
world contains a lot of grey.

Take morality for instance. Is it wrong to
smoke pot? I don’t think so, but the law says it
is. What about speeding? I think a capable, aware
person who doesn’t talk on a cell phone and pays
attention to their surroundings can often safely
operate a motor vehicle above the posted limit.
I let my gut decide the tough questions. Almost
always, I know in my heart if I’m doing the right
thing or if I’m trying to take the easy way out.

Truth may be the biggest grey area of all. I
sincerely believe the old adage that, if sufficiently
beaten, you can make the facts say anything. For
example, look at the current US war on science.

The US federal government is pushing to re-
institute creationism into public-school curriculums.
A recent study reported that a whopping 51
percent of Americans believe that God created
the world in six days. How did that belief become
socially acceptable? It’s freaking lunacy, yet stupidity
is always allowed to masquerade as “personal
beliefs.” Creationism makes about as much sense
as astrology, and yet I meet otherwise intelligent
people who support each of those asinine concepts.
For every viewpoint, there are facts to support.

I guess people are just gullible, especially when
they’re bored, scared, or some combination of the
two. To that end, it’s time to cast off the shackles

of oppression and boredom, and broaden your
horizons with another edition of the Other Press.

News will open your eyes to poverty levels in
Canada, the plight of hospital workers at York
University, and how some Toronto politician is
blaming 50 Cent for gun violence.

Opinions is stripped down to its fab-four
essentials this week in the form Right Hook, Left
Overs, B-Sides, and Science Matters. Ill educate,
enthrall, entertain, and enrage, not necessarily in
that order.

A & E reminds me of an NFL defensive tackle
this week; it’s a hulking behemoth that moves
with the speed and grace of a leopard. Some of
the highlights include: the new Harry Potter flick,
free DVDs at the library, and two, count ’em two,
indie music primers. If you’re ready to evolve
into someone that hates Vancouver’s major radio
stations, this is the section for you. PS—Z 95 and
The Fox both suck ass.

Features has got two smashing articles that are
great for totally different reasons. The “Tuque”
article will educate you while you laugh, whereas the
HIV interview will educate you while you sniffle
back a couple of tears. Read these articles. Please.
They’re both freaking wicked.

Sports has got all the local coverage you’ve come
to expect from the Other Press, with stories on the
great start by the Men’s Basketball team and a piece
about the new scheduling system at work in the
BCCAA.

Amanda Aikman answers her own query in a
hilarious Last Call, the Coquitlam election results are
in from Brady Ehler, and, of course, there’s a new
Perry Bible Fellowship comic to keep you laughing.

So lick that thumb and start flipping, there’s a
whole new horizon waiting for you on every page.

—Colin Miley, Managing Editor

 

 

 

Features 1

orts 16