So another semester has begun, and there are new faces all around. Of course, this means that the first two-and-a-half weeks are going to be chock full of (not so) anonymous hook-ups. So it seems the time has come for me to talk about safe sex. Probably the best book ever written on the topic, The Guide to Getting It On by Paul Joannides and Daerick Gross is a good place to start. It's basically known as "the universe's most coolest and informative book about sex," and I highly recommend it. The book not only describes the different aspects of sex, but also gives information on its consequences and aftermaths.

The place to find this book, other than your local bookstore, is a wonderful place called SSIS, or the Student Sexuality Information Service. This wonderful organization-located on the third floor of Shapiro Campus Center-not only has this guide in stock, but also a ton of other books about sex, sexuality and STDs. And of course, it sells the ever-important condom. Lots of them.

SSIS is one of the best resources this school offers, in my opinion. They have a very informed and intelligent staff willing to answer any questions visitors have. The staff also goes out into the community and holds discussions on dorm halls, throws events and is very willing to help anyone who asks.

Last week SSIS hosted a night of sex in The Stein as a part of Winter Week. Following a showing of a few Sex and the City episodes, they played this wonderful game called Sex Jeopardy. Not your usual game of Jeopardy, this one featured questions about STDs, statistics, deciphering fact from fiction, and of course, info about SSIS. Anyone who answered a question correctly was showered with free condoms. Yours truly got to put a condom on a wooden penis while explaining in detail everything she was doing. How's that for getting involved!

The important thing to mention is that if you do choose to get it on, be safe. Use protection. Look into birth control if you so desire. Prescriptions are available at the Health Center after a simple check up. In addition, know that the Health Center carries Plan B, or the morning-after pill, for $20 in case of any accidents or emergencies. The biggest thing I can say is make sure you are ready, don't rush, be in tune with your body and remember that it's OK to wait and even more OK to say no.