thegazette Western’s Daily Student Newspaper • Est.1906 www.gazette.uwo.ca VOLUME 101, ISSUE 41 • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007 SPORTS A&E OPINIONS MEN’S HOCKEY LINGERIE BLOOD SERVICES ‘Stangs trample Badgers... p.7 A guy’s guide to shopping... p.5 SAQD petition misguided... p.4 Jonas Hrebeniuk/Gazette STUDENTS STAGE A DIE-IN. Members of Standing Against Queer Discrimination protested outside a Canadian Blood Services’ blood donor clinic against CBS’ men who have sex with men policy yesterday. ‘Admin must stand up to discrimination’ | Students protest Canadian Blood Services’ MSM policy, ask students to sign petition | By Jaela Bernstien Gazette Staff Donating blood on campus yesterday was more difficult than usual, as it meant passing through a mock graveyard of student bodies. Students protesting against Canadian Blood Services’ men who have had sex with men (MSM) policy stood in front of the blood donor clinic in the University Community Centre. “We come on campus everyday and we’re uncomfortable,” Joshua Ferguson, co-activist director of Standing Against Queer Discrimination, yelled at the protest yesterday. “We’re here today because of the infosession they had on Friday where they banned the media,” Ferguson explained. “The University administration has to stand up to explicit discrimination on campus.” Ferguson and other members of SAQD held signs while others lay on the ground with fake tombstones at their feet. Craig Ashbourne, a member of SAQD, explained these people represented those who have died because of discrimination. “That’s probably not the most effective way to move the issue forward,” countered Cindy Graham, regional communication manager for CBS Southern Ontario. SAQD asked passersby to sign a petition asking Western’s administration to “acknowledge Canadian Blood Services’ MSM policy as discriminatory ... by requiring that Canadian Blood Services cease operations on campus until they alter their policy based on risky behaviour, rather than sexual orientation.” Stephen Nelles, a sixth-year philosophy student, stopped to listen. “I agree that there is homophobia in our society ... however, I think the CBS policy is practical and useful. I’m here to gain information,” he said. Amy Bi, communications officer for the University Students’ Council and James Arthurs, VP-campus issues for the USC, were both present. Bi responded to Ferguson’s comments, “We’re hear to listen to all students’ voices ... our doors are always open to listen to students.” But Ferguson wasn’t satisfied. “Stop the robotic reiteration of stuff you prepared earlier.” He said this was the first time the USC responded to their complaints. David Simmonds, VP-university affairs for the USC, had spoken with Western administration in regards to student complaints and Bi said conversations were likely to continue, since it was evidently an important issue on campus. “We’re more than willing to voice these concerns to administration,” Bi insisted. Ambassador talks nude negotiating Israel’s Canadian Ambassador Alan Baker speaks at Western By Mike Hayes Gazette Staff Photo courtesy of Noah Slepkov Western was treated to a unique perspective on international issues this Monday when Israel’s Canadian Ambassador Alan Baker came to campus. Baker has held the position of legal advisor and deputy directorgeneral of Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. His career has taken him to the United Nations, where he served as Israel’s representative to the Legal Committee of the General Assembly. Baker delivered a speech entitled “The Legal Challenges to Fighting Terror,” but after the speech he gave a lecture to an International Law class at the Faculty of Law building. The second speech was much more informal as Baker discussed the “sexy things that crop up during negotiations.” “There was this one time,” Baker recalled before a rapt audience, “where I found myself in a jacuzzi negotiating in the starkers with the Palestinian negotiator.” Baker talked anecdotally about many of his negotiating experiences, some of which include hammering out Israel-Egypt Peace Treaty in 1979 and the Israel-Jordan PLEASE SEE BAKER P3 P2 ➤ news theGazette • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007 NEWSBRIEFS Mars Ahoy! Nov. 14 • Festival of the Arts When: Tuesday-Thursday Where: University Community Centre Atrium (all day) and various venues. Witness music, dance, and art this week in the UCC atrium. For specific events, visit www.usc.uwo.ca. • Week of Wishes at Western When: Tuesday-Thursday When: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Where: Concrete Beach and UCC Atrium. Faculty of Health Science’s Dream Team is “bringing recess back” with various events to raise money for the Make-A-Wish foundation. • McIntosh Gallery — Child’s Play When: Ongoing Display, Nov. 1-Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. Where: McIntosh Gallery. Two artists provide commentary on the easy appropriation of war and weaponry into contemporary experience. • UCC Renovation World Café When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Where: London Hall. World café to discuss UCC renovations. Open only to University Students’ Council members (commissioners, councillors, etc). • Western Idol — Off-Campus Audition When: Wednesday, 9 p.m. Where: Spoke Lounge. Part one of Western Idol’s singing auditions for off-campus students. ROUND ONE’S Nov. 15 • Final Info Session for the Waterloo Conference on Social Entrepreneurship When: Thursday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Where: UCC, Council Chambers, Room 315 For more information email jgrossi@uwo.ca • Third Annual Sociology Wine and Cheese When: Thursday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Where: The Wave. Tickets are $5 or free for members of the Sociology Students’ Association. Event is Wet/Dry. • Backpack 2 Briefcase — What Not to Wear When: Thursday, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Where: Spoke Lounge. Guest speaker Linda Jenken, BA ’87 talks about how to go from cheap to chic with a few minor changes to your wardrobe. For more information: www.alumni.uwo.ca/b2b/whatnottowear08.htm. • Western Idol — OC Audition When: Thursday, 9 p.m. Where: Spoke Lounge. Part two of Western Idol’s singing auditions for off-campus students. • HBA Leaders Forum 2007 When: Nov. 15-16. Where: Richard Ivey School of Business This two-day professional development conference will feature speeches by prominent alumni. For more information please visit www.hbaleadersforum.ca. Whether your goals are to become a professional fighter, or simply to lose weight and get in great shape, Round One can take you there. We welcome you to experience our friendly customer service, world class trainers and motivating environment for yourself. $ $ Student Special STUDENTS ONLY ................ ROUND ONE BOXING & KICKBOXING 1010 Dundas St. 519-451-1269 www.roundoneboxing.ca 101.40.C.02 It’s safe, builds self-esteem, and it’s fun! 38 Monthly In an attempt to understand a planet 35 million miles away, a Western researcher studies craters a little closer to home. Dr. Gordon Osinski, assistant professor of earth sciences and physics and astronomy at Western, has spent the last nine summers working with the Houghton-Mars Project. The project is based near the Houghton Crater on Devon Island in Nunavut. It studies similarities between the crater and Mars. “We study the Houghton crater because it has the unique combination of a dry environment as well as the presence of an impact crater.” The research in the Arctic allows Dr. Osinski to field test equipment that may one day be used in a manned mission to Mars. “If the mission to the moon in 2020 goes well, we could have a manned mission to Mars as early as 2030.” While Dr. Osinski studied the crater in hopes of gaining insight about the Red Planet, he also learned a great deal about Earth. “Not only do we learn about Mars, but we also have learned about the effect of impact craters on Earth,” he said. The number two liberation movement With the state of satirical toilet humour in jeopardy, Beijing restaurant patrons will now have to find a new theme restaurant to fulfill their daily need for “liberation.” A new restaurant in Beijing, China has caused a stir with its People’s Liberation Army theme and Beijing officials are hurrying to clean up the image. The restaurant, called Times Gone Past, uses PLA uniforms for its staff and decorates its walls with heroic photos and maps of military campaigns. In keeping with the communist theme, the restaurant labelled the washrooms “Liberation Zones,” a title used during the revolution to refer to enemy zones taken by revolutionary forces. The local commerce bureau has forced Times Gone Past to cover up the “Liberation Zone” signs. It believed the signs were counter-productive to the revolutionary culture. Professor of political science Marta Dyczok commented, “What kind of capitalist business could operate when the government is able to censor their operation? It all sounds a little ridiculous.” —Michael Wojtowicz Atari is in the Hall of Fame To the delight of many adults — and some children — three new toys have been added to the Toy Hall of Fame. Last week, the kite, Atari 2600 and Raggedy Andy were given the highest honour when they were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame at the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York. The museum currently has 38 members in the Hall of Fame, including Barbie. Toys are chosen based on four principles: icon-status, longevity, discovery and innovation. The kite, a toy present in childhoods across the globe, is a long awaited addition to the Hall. The youngest of the new inductees is Atari, a primitive video game system used by our ancestors in the ‘80s. “I played it,” the museum’s curator, Patricia Hogan conceded. “I’m better at it than I am bowling.” —Dale Williams 3-day forecast Wednesday Thursday Friday Cloudy periods High 14C Low 7C Scattered showers High 7C Low 1C Rain or snow High 3C Low -1C Weather news ➤ P3 theGazette • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007 Baker reminisces about Iran/Iraq fray the UN. During the first Gulf War, the Iranian and Iraqi delegates had actually come to blows, which lead Treaty of Peace in 1994. Baker spoke about some of the to the Israeli desk being placed difficulties in negotiating with other between them to act as a buffer. “It was very odd,” Baker recalled: countries; for instance, he explained Egyptians had a very “Neither of them would talk to us.” In one instance the Iranian delhealthy sense of humour when egate was giving negotiating, but a speech attacktended to “foring Iraq, but get” what they had agreed upon It’s not like business unfor tunately the Iraqi delegate the day before. negotiation in America. was asleep at the He also attempted to You develop a relationship time and was not defending his clear up some of country. the misconcepand a rapport. “I asked tions about — Alan Baker, myself, what negotiating. Israel’s Canadian Ambassador could I do?” “It’s not like in a talk to students at the Faculty of Law. Baker remembusiness negotibered. “I wanted ation in America,” Baker explained. “You develop the Iraqi to defend himself, so I a relationship and a rapport.” In leaned over and nudged him and most cases, Baker said, the negotia- said, ‘You’re being attacked!’” It is evident Baker had a strong tors would spend at least a couple of weeks getting to know each other desire to return to the “old ways” of negotiating, giving the example of before anything was done. “For a three week conference it solving problems with the Russians was not uncommon for all work to over a beer in a smoky bar. “I lost my head [negotiating] ... It be done in the last two days ... You have to trust the people you’re was thrilling, interesting, sitting, arguing, philosophizing ... You feel negotiating with.” Baker also had some amusing as if you’re on an historical mission tales of his days when he was with contributing to humanity.” CONTINUED FROM P1 “ ” Photo courtesy Anthony LaTorre YOU WON’T FIND ANY BLOOMIN’ ONION OUT HERE, MATE. Reservations after Western’s Sunstang team put forth a great effort in the Australian Outback: zero. Lame Outback Steakhouse references in this caption: one. Strong showing for Sunstang Team’s spirits high despite a tropical storm and dead ‘roo By Eva Markowski Gazette Staff Neither dead kangaroos nor football-sized rocks could crush the spirit of Western’s Sunstang Solar Car team. After a grueling seven-day solar car race, the Sunstang team has returned from Australia tanned and in high spirits. Twelve members of the Sunstang team participated in their fourth Panasonic World Solar Challenge, a 3,000 km race in the Australian Outback stretching from Darwin to Adelaide. Thirty-nine teams endured 10 days of sweat-inducing competition during the PWSC. Western’s team placed 15 out of 20 in the Challenge class, finishing 1,680 km of the race. A tropical storm in Port Augusta, located 300 km from the finish line, prevented Sunstang from completing the race. Nuon Solar Team, an entry from the Netherlands, finished first in the Challenge class. Difficulties plagued the Sunstang team from the start. Only an hour into the race, the rear wheel of the solar car was damaged after hitting a football-sized rock. After five hours of improvised repairs, the solar car was back in the race, albeit traveling at a slower speed. Not to be outdone by the rock, a deceased kangaroo was next to lodge itself under the solar car. The deceased kangaroo was lying on the road before it was hit under the cover of night. Despite the difficulties, Sunstang’s showing received the praise of Franco Berruti, dean of engineering. “More than the final result, it is the work that led to a well-designed and well-performing car and the actual participation in the race that really matter,” Berruti said. “These students worked really hard towards an ambitious dream: they used their creativity and ingenuity and, with relatively limited resources and sub-standard space facilities, they designed and built a very impressive project.” The culmination of 15 months work, the solar car cost over $280,000 to design and construct. “Initially, we knew little or nothing at all about the business of solar racing, so the project has been an immense learning experience for all of us,” Pranay Krishen, co-manager of Sunstang, said of the experience. “Everything we’ve went through LSAT MCAT GMAT GRE Preparation Seminars Complete 30-Hour Seminars Proven Test-Taking Strategies puzzle solution from page 7 Personalized Professional Instruction Comprehensive Study Materials Simulated Practice Exams Free Repeat Policy Personal Tutoring Available Thousands of Satisfied Students Oxford Seminars 1-800-779-1779 / 416-924-3240 www.oxfordseminars.com will contribute to a more competitive car in the future, but to be able to take what you’ve learned and apply it to other aspects of life makes the project worthwhile in the long-run,” Krishan continued. Anthony LaTorre, director of public relations for the Sunstang, noted the team plans to participate in the PWSC in two years when it runs again. Right now, Sunstang is focused on fixing the solar car in preparation for next summer’s American Solar Challenge. Students wishing to join the Sunstang team can email Anthony LaTorre at alatorre@sunstang.ca for more information. teamshan@gmail.com www.teamshan.ca Shanna Larsen 1981-2005 panago.com panago.com BIG BITES little prices. PIZZAS, SALADS + WINGS DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR DORM! P4 ➤ opinions theGazette • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007 thegazette Volume 101, Issue 41 “The world is moving so fast these days that the man who says it can’t be done is generally interrupted by someone doing it.” —ELBERT HUBBARD Allison Buchan-Terrell Brice Hall James Hayes Editor-In-Chief Deputy Editor Managing Editor Editor - gazette.editor@uwo.ca Deputy - gazette.deputy.editor@uwo.ca Managing - gazette.managing.editor@uwo.ca website at www.gazette.uwo.ca University Community Centre Rm. 263 The University of Western Ontario London, Ontario, CANADA. N6A 3K7 Advertising Dept.: (519) 661-3579, Fax: (519) 661-3960 Editorial Offices: (519) 661-3580, Fax: (519) 661-3825 The Gazette is owned and published by the University Students’ Council. SAQD going over the top The debate surrounding Canadian Blood Services’ men who have had sex with men (MSM) policy has taken on a life of its own at Western. Yesterday, members of Standing Against Queer Discrimination (SAQD) staged a spirited protest in the University Community Centre. The SAQD was formed in response to the CBS policy that edicts the service will not accept blood donations from any male who has had sex with another male since 1977. SAQD members have mentioned the organization is fighting a policy they believe is steeped in homophobia and expressed they do not feel welcome on the Western campus due to the policy. As such, the SAQD would like CBS removed from Western’s campus until the MSM policy is revoked. The SAQD were left unsatisfied after a recent presentation by CBS representatives at Western. Hence, the SAQD will steadily lobby to Western administration to facilitate change in the MSM policy. While most agree the policy is discriminatory, the justification for its existence generates heated debate. This makes the topic difficult to discuss and synthesize from a distance. Rather than continuing to debate the validity of the policy itself — which has been done exhaustively — it is important to examine the merits and flaws in the SAQD’s response to the CBS policy and subsequent meetings between the two groups. Obviously, garnering attention is crucial to SAQD’s success. Melodramatic protests and demands will at the very least familiarize the average Western student with SAQD’s agenda. The media also validates SAQD’s strategy because media outlets are more interested in covering dramatic protests than calm petitioners. The LGBTQ community have been frustrated with the CBS policy for 10 years now, and no constructive solutions have been found to appease them. Thus, perhaps it is reasonable for SAQD to be confrontational with CBS and university administration. However, there are flaws in the group’s response. Proposing a CBS ban from campus when part of SAQD’s initial concerns about the MSM policy were about blood supply in Canada is hypocritical. While there are SAQD members that truly want to donate blood, it is evident the group’s primary focus is what it perceives as homophobia in the policy. Also, by demanding CBS be completely removed from Western, it alienates those on campus who would otherwise have sympathized with SAQD’s concerns. People know how short Canada’s blood supply is; removing a donor clinic is not a solution. Ultimately, SAQD would be better served by continuing to do thorough research and gathering current, accurate statistics. Then it could go back to the table with CBS and reason constructively in order to effect change. Letters to the Editor “Prick” bouncer probably just doing his job staff in a student newspaper, where your name is printed at the end of the letter. Real smart move — pissing off and making fun of the jobs of the guys who ultimately allow you into the bar. Re: “Since when has the Ceeps said no to NFL jerseys?” Nov. 8, 2007 MSM activists “Pusher man” Ryan must stop aren’t being peddling drugs silenced To the editor: Congratulations, Mr. Horvatin, on having the same attitude as 90 per cent of the student body when it comes to getting into bars: it’s a right, not a privilege. However, the fact of the matter is any bar has the legal right to deny those who it deems undesirable. Many of the bars in London have implemented the no-jersey policy; it is their legal right to do so. Do bar owners and operators sometimes relax these policies for special events? Absolutely – Monday Night Football and Halloween are two prime examples of when a bar may not enforce its dress code policy. Generally, however, you don’t see Western football players wearing their jersey to the bar. Secondly, to publicly call the guy at the door a “prick” is arrogant and extremely shortsighted. As a door staff member at one of London’s downtown bars, when a dress code is to be enforced, the owner or the manager of the establishment is responsible for it. Granted, there are door staff guys around London who abuse their power, but more often than not these guys are just doing their jobs, and just doing what they have been told to do by a supervisor or manager. To say this guy was on a power trip is ridiculous, and shows you have no idea how things work in the real world. Perhaps in the future, you should think before blasting a member of a door Re: “Pot can be a poison-prison or creative catalyst” Nov. 6, 2007 To the editor: First of all, what kind of advice are you giving people that haven’t tried this monster of a drug? You suggest that they “take a hit to see if it’s for you.” This sounds like the smooth-talk of a pusher. I wouldn’t be surprised if you also sold the devil-herb and these are the lines you call out to innocent children as you lurk on the edges of high schools. If this kind of under-the-radar suggestion was used with other narcotics, we would all be addicted to heroin and PCP. Secondly, why don’t you use your full name, or is “Ryan” your dope-inspired full name, you McLovin-wannabe? Your program is also left very vague, so that people couldn’t identify you. If you truly believe that smoking weed occasionally doesn’t lead to bad consequences, why would you obscure yourself instead of using your full name, program, and favourite location to indulge in your sick drugs? You sicken me, Ryan, and shame on you for suggesting to pot-free, impressionable students at this straight-edge university to “take a hit.” I hope your mind rots away as you suck on your bong and you forget everyone close to Editor’s Note: Aleks requested that his letter be printed “as is.” As such, Gazette Opinions apologizes for his many verb tense errors. To the editor: Last Friday, Canadian Blood Services held a forum where its MSM policy was to be discussed for its merits and shortcomings. In attendance, as was expected, were student activists seeking to change (or perhaps just vent at) Health Canada’s policy for reasons anyone not living in a cave has heard at least a dozen times by now. What has not been pointed out enough is how these students are equating a health issue with one of political correctness. Members of a newly-formed campus group, Standing Against Queer Discrimination, stood up and declared they would not be “silenced.” I can put this in no simpler words: get over yourselves. This issue has been front cover news on campus along with the everlasting abortion debate for almost a month. CBS held a forum to listen to your side of the story. How exactly are you being silenced? Or was this ridiculous charge raised for little more than shock value? Getting anything less than what you want is not tantamount to being oppressed by the government. Don’t confuse the two. —Matthew Prime BMOS IV Send us a letter at gazette.opinions@uwo.ca Maximum 300 words. All letters must include the author’s (real) name, year and program. Section Editors 2007-2008 News Lauren Pelley Mike Hayes Sarah Berman Jaela Bernstien Arts & Entertainment Desiree Gamotin Kaitlin Martin Michael Gregoris Letters: Must include the contributor’s name, identification (ie. Economics II, Dean of Arts) and a telephone number, and be typed double-spaced, submitted on disk in Macintosh or IBM word-processing format, or be emailed to gazette.editor@uwo.ca. Letters more than 300 words or judged by the Editor-In-Chief to be libellous, sexist or racist will not be published. The Gazette reserves the right to edit letters and submissions and makes no guarantees that a letter will be published. Associate Editor Dave Ward Opinions Malcolm Aboud Sports Ravi Amarnath Stephanie Ramsay Katie Graves Photography Jon Purdy Jonas Hrebeniuk Justin Wu • Please recycle this newspaper • Catholic Studies IV —Aleks Gertzman Medical Sciences 2007 Fed up of hearing about this debate yet? Editorials appearing under the ‘opinions’ heading are decided upon by a majority of the editorial board and are written by a member of the editorial board but are not necessarily the expressed opinion of each editorial board member. All other opinions are strictly those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the USC, The Gazette, its editors or staff. Graphics Tony Smerek Elena Iosef —Patrick Ronzio you. That is all. Web Shawn Foster Gazette Staff 2007-2008 News - gazette.news@uwo.ca Erik Adler, Erin Baker, Mary Ann Boateng, Dino Bratic, Steve Browne, Sports - gazette.sports@uwo.ca Krystale Campbell, Len Caballes, David Chen, Andrew Cionga, Dylan Clark, A&E - gazette.entertainment@uwo.ca Opinions - gazette.opinions@uwo.ca Carly Conway, Russ Courtney, Anna Coutts, Amie Marie Curiale, Alana Daley, Mallory Daley, Clay Dasilva, Kate Davis, Adam Feldman, Brian Gasparek, Ryan Gauss, Jack Hansen, Will Harris, Lindsey Janzen, Kelly Jeffs, Sakhti Gazette Composing Kalaichandran, Ragini Kashyap, Shawn Katuwapitiya, Melissa Kim, Tyler Ian Greaves, Manager Cheryl Forster, Maja Anjoli-Bilic Kula, Matt Larkin, Jay LaRochelle, Mike Last, Amy Leitner, Eva Markowski, Gazette Advertising Kevin Melhuish, Danielle Neziol, Carl Onofrio, Maciej Pawlak, Josh Safer, Alex McKay, Manager Doug Warrick, Mark Ritchie Chris Scott, Paul Sham, Shaun Sinclair, Alexis Stoymenoff, Cali Travis, Ian Van Den Hurk, Matt Vens, Sheila Weekes, Matt Zerker P5 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007 ArtsEntertainment Fred Claus kicks off year’s holiday flicks | Vaughn’s awkward wit still fares well with Old School crowd | By Dylan Clark Gazette Staff Fred Claus Directed by: David Dobkin Starring: Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, Kathy Bates, Kevin Spacey With Christmas looming, Fred Claus arrives as an early gift before the true start of the holiday movie season. Vince Vaughn plays Fred Claus, Santa’s (Giamatti) older brother who feels bitterly overshadowed by his sibling’s popularity. The movie explores and reinvents the Christmas story from a less-than-jolly perspective. Beginning with Santa’s birth, the story requires a sizable suspension of disbelief. For instance, who knew that when a person becomes a Saint, he, his family and spouse all become immortal? Even though the reinvention of the Santa Claus mythology creates a number of plot holes, the senselessness is quickly forgotten as Vaughn steals the show. As the jaded big brother, Vaughn plays the same sarcastic, goldenhearted and oh-so-vulnerable character he has been perfecting since Swingers. Despite the similarities with previous performances, his awkward wit is one of the film’s highlights. In spite of the supporting cast’s big names, they simply play their parts as stock characters for Vaughn to play off of. Fred Claus can neither be defined as a family or adult movie. Most of the snappy dialogue and situational jokes are geared toward a grown-up audience, but it also incorporates a lot of slapstick com- SADLY, THE ELF’S BACHELOR PARTY WAS A BUST WHEN THE STRIPPER DIDN’T SHOW. Vince Vaughn does a poor imitation of the Lord of the Dance to a delighted crowd of vertically-challenged onlookers. edy, complete with cartoon sound effects for the kids. While the film holds appeal for both older and younger audiences, it is hardly ever simulaneously pleasing to both. It is especially difficult to call the movie a “family flick” because of its complexity. On top of the main sibling rivalry, the audience has to follow constant digressions, including two — yes, two — romantic subplots, both of which conclude predictably. At the heart of the movie is a strong message about non-commercialism. No, wait — it’s about the gift of giving, or maybe it’s about family and loyalty. Then again, it’s about love and looking past differences and the persevering innocence of children. In packing so much morality into one movie, the product suffers — the last 15 minutes containing enough sap to make Aunt Jemima cringe. Overall, Fred Claus is a cute and entertaining way to start the holiday season. While it will likely never be a part of anyone’s Christmas tradition, it’s original and funny enough to see it once. Divine secrets of buying lingerie for your lady less does not qualify as lingerie. Moreover, lingerie is not limited to thongs and push-up bras. More exotic items such as satin negligees or George Costanza’s favourite — the brazier — will make even the most self-conscious girl feel like a goddess. By Michael Gregoris Gazette Staff As the holidays creep up, it is time to start brainstorming gifts for your significant other. Many view lingerie shopping for your lady and jaywalking across the 401 blindfolded as being equally dangerous and a majority will opt to become roadkill. However, with proper knowledge and a little courage, you can not only overcome the fear of shopping for women’s underwear, you won’t ever have to feel like that “weird guy alone in the lingerie store” again. I’LL TAKE YOU TO THE CANDY SHOP ... OR LINGERIE STORE. When in doubt, just remember to be tasteful and ask for help if you need it. • Brush up on your knowledge of lingerie. Anything edible or crotch- • Be prepared to spend money. Face it — this is essential as women have an uncanny eye for quality and detail. There’s a good chance they already have cheap underwear, so it is your responsibility is to buy her something she’s not going to buy herself. Looking shrewd doesn’t help either as it shows you cut corners by rushing in and grabbing the first thing without actually picking anything out. The bottom line: put in the work. • Only go to specialty stores. These outlets harbour a great deal of expertise. Don’t be afraid to consult with staff — just remember to take their advice as they undoubtedly know much more than you. Just because it makes you horny doesn’t necessarily mean it will have the same effect on her. • Go online. Stores like LaSenza (www.lasenza.ca) and Victoria’s Secret (www.victoriassecret.com) offer an extensive catalogue of sexy lingerie, complete with the latest styles and trends. It’s quick, convenient and flashy, so if you happen to be more shy than most people, going online is a safe alternative. • When in doubt, bring her out. If you have some extra time at the mall, pop in with your significant other and get her opinion. She can even try it on right there. Warning: if you choose this option, keep in mind you will be paying at the end. • Keep it simple. Just because it looks good on the model perched in the front window doesn’t mean it will translate well to your partner. Over-the-top frills and superfluous tassels are cheesy and uninteresting. P6 ➤ arts&entertainment theGazette • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007 Alicia Keys, Zeppelin vie for chart’s top spot Internet. By Kaitlin Martin Gazette Staff This week’s new releases boast several highly anticipated albums by superstars both young and old, as well as a few random discs (Creed, anyone?) that throw the proverbial monkey wrench into an otherwise solid lineup. • Alicia Keys — As I Am Britney Spears’ Blackout was originally slated for a Nov. 13 release before it got bumped up to Oct. 30. Spears’ camp was rumoured to be afraid of how the pop diva would chart if she went head-to-head with Alicia Keys. With Keys’ first single “No One” at the top of Billboard’s R&B and Hip Hop chart and at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, it’s no wonder Spears’ label was nervous. As I Am is also gaining hype for its song “Lesson Learned,” a duet with John Mayer that has leaked on the • The Hives — The Black and White Album For its latest disc, the Hives recorded with hip-hop legends/producers Pharrell Williams and Timbaland. Although the Timbaland tracks were produced too late to make the final cut for The Black and White Album, the band is obviously testing a different sound. While this could have backfired, early reviews suggest the Hives’ experiments have created an exciting new record, with near-perfect ratings across the board. • The Killers — Sawdust This disc is one for the Killers’ hardcore fans. The album offers a few new songs (including a duet with glam rock legend Lou Reed), but most tracks were previously released as B-sides on the band’s singles. Still, Sawdust is not a money grab. The album is filled to the brim with 17 songs, including covers of classic rock songs and reinterpretations of the Killers’ hits. • Duran Duran — Red Carpet Massacre With Timbaland and Justin Timberlake producing the album, Duran Duran’s latest effort is generating a lot of buzz. Lead single “Falling Down” — with a music video about a rehab-bound Britney Spears look alike and backing vocals and production by Spears’ ex, Timberlake — is catching steam online, and not just for its celebrity gossip tie-in. and melodramatic lyrics may not be for everyone, but if you are a fan of Creed this reissue has plenty to offer. The two-disc set contains several neverbefore-heard live and acoustic tracks. • Led Zeppelin — Mothership Clocking in at over two hours, this two-disc compilation is a valiant attempt to satisfy diehard Led Zeppelin fans. Composed of songs hand-picked by the surviving members of the band, each disc is filled with their most famous and best-loved songs. If “Best Of” albums are often denounced as proof of a band’s greed, consider this an exception — Led Zeppelin is probably one band that deserves to have its best songs reissued. • Creed — My Own Prison Re-Release) As (arguably) one of the most hated — or, at least, spoofed — fauxgrunge bands of the ‘90s, it is surprising that Creed’s debut album is receiving a 10th-anniversary re-release. Lead singer Scott Stapp’s throaty growl Alicia Keys Sad movies that make men cry LIVE MUSIC By TIM TYLER Easy Rider, Deer Hunter and a Western make the list London’s only true martini lounge Hayes’d & Confused Mike Hayes News Editor wednesdays $ 99 9 jugs $ 99 9 jugs of house shots 101.41.C.02 645 Richmond St. 519-645-6400 When The Gazette’s Arts and Entertainment editors told me they wanted a column about movies that make men cry, I was apprehensive. After all, there are many “top” lists out there, and they all tend to list the same movies. So I propose a list without Titanic — the ship sinks and Leo turns into a popsicle: get over it. Nor will The Notebook make the list, since no guy watches that without being 7 Good Reasons To Visit The UCC MON Rick McGhie Spoke TUE WED THU FRI SAT Karaoke at The Spoke Rick McGhie Live Music at The Spoke Fridays are back @ Book The Wave for your special events out our special pricing Old School Pricing www.usc.uwo.ca/spoke USC BARS SUN The Spoke is open all weekend www.usc.uwo.ca/wave coerced by a girlfriend. Instead, here are three lesser-known movies that make guys cry. Easy Rider: It still mystifies me that this narcotic-loving movie hasn’t attained more popularity, especially at universities. Chronicling the tale of two drug-fueled bikers, Captain America (Peter Fonda) and Billy (Dennis Hopper), the movie features hippies, free love, drugs, and a snapshot of the ‘60s counter-culture. So how does a movie featuring a cast stoned out of his gourd make the list? The ending. Like Old Yeller, this movie ends tragically. When Bob Dylan refuses to write music for a film because he thinks the ending is too sad, you know you’ve got a tearjerker. The Deer Hunter: A Vietnam War movie of a slightly different note, this subdued flick features a strong cast, including Robert de Niro, John Cazale (Fredo in The Godfather) and Christopher Walken. This film portrays life in a small Pennsylvania town bleakly and provides a similarly bleak portrayal of the war. The majority of this film doesn’t take place on the battlefield, but instead addresses the psychological effects of war on a man. Walken in a serious role and another emotional ending puts this film on the list. Once Upon a Time in the West: A Western? Yes. This film, in addition to its incredible performances (Henry Fonda in one of his few “evil” roles) also features epic music. The soundtrack pulls at the heartstrings in ways a whale jumping over a kid never could. To everyone who hates Westerns because of John Wayne, I urge you to see this flick. It’s serious, epic and morally ambiguous. After all, who wants to watch movies where the good guys always win? sports ➤ P7 theGazette • WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007 OUA Women’s Hockey Slow start leads to third loss of season By Derek Tangredi Gazette Writer Western women’s hockey forward Sara Lynch summed up her squad’s recent game versus the Toronto Varsity Blues well. “We played a great game, the only problem was that we forgot to show up for the first minute, and it really cost us.” Western came out of the gate flat and paid for it immensely. The Mustangs trailed 2-0 before they even knew what hit them and ended up losing 3-1. After the initial onslaught, the ’Stangs cut down on their turnovers and did a great job getting pucks in behind the Blues’ defence. Western head coach Paul Cook was impressed with his team’s ability to rebound from a dreadful start. “The girls could have given up and shut it down for the rest of the game but they battled back and I am proud of them.” Although the team trailed 2-0 after the first period, the shots were dead even. Had it not been for the stellar play of Toronto goaltender Stephanie Lockert, the scoreboard may have told a different story. Toronto head coach Karen Hughes acknowledged her goaltender’s strong play. “I felt that Western really pressured us and that their puck possession caused numerous problems for us. It’s a luxury to have a goalie like [Lockert] because even when you have defensive breakdowns, she is there to bail you out.” The Mustangs took a page out of Toronto’s playbook by coming out flying to start the second period, creating an abundance of scoring chances. Western forward Amy Groen came within inches of scoring on a delayed penalty. Western continued to fire shot after shot, but could not capitalize on any of its chances. “All we needed was one bounce. Had any of those chances gone our way I know our team would have responded well and tied the game,” Cook said. Even though Western controlled the play for the majority of the period, Toronto pushed its lead to 3-0 with only 3:49 remaining in the second period. Western was determined to duplicate its effort in the third period as the squad continued to generate scoring chances. Western defenceman Veronica Johnston finally broke the shutout, firing a shot over Lockert’s blocker side. The team continued to fight to the bitter end, although its efforts came up short. With the loss, Western falls to 44-3 on the season. Toronto currently has only one regulation loss on the season, and if the ’Stangs can mimic their performance from Saturday, these two teams will be meeting up again in the near future. “If we can take what we learned from the game today and carry it over to our upcoming games, we are going to be a difficult team to play,” Cook said. The Mustangs hope to rebound from the loss when they take on the Guelph Gryphons next Saturday. Jonas Hrebeniuk/Gazette The Gazette Marketplace Employment Services Services Personals BANQUET SERVERS. Work for London’s Premier Banquet Staffing Agency. Elect to work around your schedule. HES Banquet Staffing provides training and certifications. $9.25-9.00 /hr. Contact Vanessa Stephens: 519-685-4331(ext.22) vanessa@londontraining.on.ca CHRISTMAS GIFT WRAPPERS - Creative individuals, locations: downtown Toronto, North York, Brampton. Managers to $11.00/hour +bonuses. Wrappers to $8.65/hour. Full & part time available. 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London. bartending@bellnet.ca Call 519-438-6792 This is a new daily feature highlighting your choices for best sites on the web. Share your favourites with other UWO students. Tell us what makes your choice unique. If you want, we’ll even print your name. Send it to: adoffice@uwo.ca Subject: ON THE WEB Fresh Food Stir Frys We Cook It, You Enjoy It! 645 Richmond St. adoffice@uwo.ca 30 Words for $8, or 4 issues for $30 site of the day WWW.ALTLONDON.ORG If you are interested in London, this site should be on your favourites list. Butch McClarty’s independent content offers readers plenty of perspective. • category: local news & views • since 2001 • creators: local • Rating: family Gift Certificates make Great Stocking Stuffers. Who doesn’t like GOOD FOOD! HOW TO PLAY Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 through 9. Solving time is typically from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your skill and experience. The Gazette publishes Sudoku puzzles with varying degrees of difficulty. What is your favourite? Today’s Difficulty level SOPH For solution, turn to page 3 Send us your name, the URL, and why you would recommend it to UWO students. If chosen your choice will appear in the new feature: WebSite of the day. Send your submission to adoffice@uwo.ca subject: ON THE WEB Call 519-661-3274 Frosh, Soph Senior, Grad Student For Solution, tips and computer program at: www.sudoku.com City Golf/Jetta $14,900* $16,700* *prices plus freight, PDI, registration & all taxes Wednesday 39¢ WING NIGHT EAT DRINK PLAY 777 Adelaide St. 519.645.7164 www.leavens.ca Tuesday Cornona Night! Book your Club Night with US! P8 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2007 Sports ON DECK: Volleyball results... Thursday OUA Men’s Basketball Offence comes to life in opening win Lions with no reply to posts By Ravi Amarnath Gazette Staff Brad Smith’s 26 points highlighted a big opening night for Western’s men’s basketball team, where it owned the paint en route to a 10283 thumping of the York Lions. “I think almost every game we play, we have a tremendous advantage inside and we’ve got depth inside,” Western head coach Brad Campbell said. “It’s something we try not only to attack at the start of the game but the entire game.” The ’Stangs quickly took advantage of York’s inexperience inside, with Smith scoring the team’s first 12 points of the game to give it an early advantage. Following a three-point play by York forward Matthew Terejko, the Lions evened the score at 12 with 6:59 left in the first quarter. Terejko finished the night with 25 points. Despite facing a zone defence and having their forwards fronted for much of the second quarter, the Mustangs continued to pour points in the paint, going into the second half up 49-34. “We have a lot of things to combat different defensive looks,” Western point guard and team captain Matt Curtis said. “A lot of our plays and action work well against any defence.” Facing a large deficit at halftime, the Lions put on a full-court press to start the second half. Combined with hot shooting from the perimeter, York cut Western’s lead to five points midway through the third quarter, trailing the ’Stangs 60-55. “We tried to change things up and come with a new defence in the second half,” York head coach Bob Bain said. With Smith in foul trouble and the Purple and Silver struggling inside, guard Jason Milliquet provided Western with the offensive spark needed to regain control of the game. Milliquet poured in five threepointers, including a crucial basket before the end of the third quarter to put the ’Stangs up 73-61 heading into the fourth. The ’Stangs continued to ride hot shooting in the final frame to preserve the victory. “Western shot very well at times [from the perimeter] and it had a good inside-outside game,” Bain said. With Colin LaForme and Keenan Jeppesen ineligible to play and forward Andrew Wedemire out with injuries, rookie guard Ryan Barbeau and forward Garrett Olexiuk received a lot of minutes. The youngsters responded well, according to Curtis. “Garrett and Ryan are great players and responded great, not only today but also during our preseason as well. I know the feeling of being thrust into such a demanding role and it’s definitely not easy.” Despite having another big offensive night, Western fell on Saturday to the Laurentian Voyageurs by a score of 100-93. Smith once again led the way with 24 points. Western will be back next week, hosting the number nine nationally-ranked Queen’s Golden Gaels at Alumni Hall. Tip-off is at 8 p.m. Jon Purdy/Gazette SPORTING A SWEETER ’STACHE THAN KURT RAMBIS. Mustangs captain Matt Curtis had 20 points and 16 helpers in Western’s victory over the York Lions last Friday. Jonas Hrebeniuk/Gazette RIDING THE BULL LONGER THAN A DRUNKEN NIGHT AT COWBOYS. After suffering two tough losses versus Lakehead, the Mustangs dominated Brock by a score of 6-0 last Saturday. OUA Men’s Hockey Topping leads ’Stangs win Western rides goaltending to crucial victory By Lauren Pelley Gazette Staff The Brock Badgers left campus with their tails between their legs on Saturday after failing to score against the Mustangs men’s hockey team. The Mustangs crushed the Badgers in a 6-0 victory at Thompson Arena, with goalie Brad Topping putting up a 24-save shutout. “Topping was a big reason for [our loss] ... but I thought when [Western] had offensive opportunities, [it] did a good job of burying the puck,” Brock head coach Murray Nystrom said. Kevin Richardson began Western’s scoring with an early power play goal. The Mustangs maintained momentum throughout the first period and kept the play in Brock’s end of the rink. But the ’Stangs string of solid scoring opportunities were interrupted when Brock had a two-man power play. Western’s defence held its own against a swarm of Badgers around the net. Despite their two-man advantage, the Badgers couldn’t score on Topping. “Being our third game this week, we needed a goal or two early to give us a bit more juice, but we didn’t get that,” Nystrom said. Richardson scored again for the Mustangs early in the second period. The rest of the period was dominated by power plays, with both Western and Brock heading repeatedly to the penalty box. By the third, the Mustangs were back in full force. They ensured a Western victory with four additional goals in the period, including a 3on-1 Peter Franchin tally with 6:30 left in the game. With four of Western’s six goals scored while Badgers were in the box, the Mustangs used their power play opportunities well. “I think the tendency on the power plays is to want to get the pretty goal, the back-door goal, or the open net goal, but I thought we did a nice job tonight of just shooting the puck and finding some spots,” Western head coach Clarke Singer said. Singer said Topping made some huge saves. “He did a great job and he’s got to keep playing well like that for us.” Topping attributed the win to a team effort, with contributions from all four lines. “Most of the other teams in our division have been winning their games this week, so we wanted to keep pace with them,” he added. Mustangs defenceman Marcus Smith was impressed with Topping’s play. “Topping definitely kept us in there,” Smith said. “Our team was coming off a couple tough losses in Lakehead so we really wanted to emphasize having a good start.” So far, the Mustangs’ season has been up and down. On Sept. 30, Western pummeled the Ryerson Rams to secure the York Invitational Championship. Most recently, the Mustangs suffered two shootout losses on Nov. 2 and 3 against the Lakehead Thunderwolves. “You don’t win the season in your first 10 games,” Topping said “We’re just trying to gel together as a team. “The big thing is we’re building on our work ethic and our consistency, and hopefully that carries into the playoffs.” With another game against the Badgers on Nov. 17, the Mustangs hope to repeat Saturday’s performance despite Brock’s hometown advantage. “I’m sure they’re going to have a heck of a lot of motivation to play us on their rink after losing to us here,” Singer said. Singer added the Mustangs have three games in four days this week, including a home game against Guelph on Nov. 15. “We’ll probably shorten practice a little bit this week,” Singer said. Smith expects Brock to be a little fresher at the next game. “This was [Brock’s] third game in four nights. Next game, we’ll probably expect a more energized spot on their side,” Smith said. Nystrom expects a good rematch between the two teams. “We’re all battling for the same playoff spots,” he added.