Aaron's writing blog

2007-08-23T07:11:00.001-07:00

Daylia Belle Hall. What a sweetheart.

2007-01-06T07:02:00.000-08:00

Exclusive interview with Emm Gryner

2006-12-08T09:29:00.000-08:00

Gryner “ready to rumble” with Jewel

Aaron Hall
Interrobang
email: ahall@fanshawec.ca

Published: Monday, December 04, 2006

If ‘The Bono’ is giving you praise, you must be doing something right.

Emm Gryner, a singer-songwriter from Forest Ontario and 1995 Music Industry Arts (MIA) Fanshawe graduate, came back to her alma mater on Friday, November 24 to speak with current MIA students.

Gryner recently received praise from Paul Hewson, better known as Bono, the front man for world-renowned rock group U2, when he was quoted in Q Magazine as saying Gryner’s song ‘Almighty Love’ was one of the few he wished he had written in the last 20 years.

Gryner said that she was surprised by Bono’s compliment.

“I was really surprised to hear about it,” Gryner said before her lecture with the MIA students. “As an independent artist you don’t really know where your music is going and who it is reaching all the time, so it’s a good indicator that you can make independent music and it can reach far distances even if you don’t have a lot of money behind you or marketing,” she added.

“I just hope he records it, so I can buy a house. So, get back to me Bono.”

Gryner has toured with many other reputable artists, including fellow Canadian artist Sarah McLachlan and British musician David Bowie.

Gryner participated in the Lilith Fair tour in 1997, which was organized by McLachlan, and also she also toured extensively with Bowie from 2000 to 2001 as a backup singer.

“I learned a little something from every experience like that,” Gryner said. “Sarah McLachlan, that was an amazing festival that she put together and it was interesting to see it grow every year.

Gryner said she recalls an incident at Lilith Fair where American musician Jewel did not give her any respect.

“Jewel snubbed me at Lilith Fair,” Gryner said. “So Jewel, if you are reading this, lets take it outside. I’m ready to rumble outside D-block.”

Gryner spoke to the current MIA students about her experiences in her music career including starting her own record label, Dead Daisy Records. Gryner also offered advice to the students.

“I feel it has been an interesting ten years since I’ve been here,” Gryner said. “Everyone has their own path and how they want to approach it, I think a lot of these kids know already what they want to do. I think the best advice is just experience and getting out there and doing it.”

Gryner said her experience in the MIA program was essential in the early years of her career.

“I think the biggest thing that it gave me was the community of friends and people to work with when I got out of College,” Gryner said.

“I’m not sure if I would have known exactly where to start if I would have just moved to Toronto immediately and started doing music. It gave me a glimpse of the Canadian music industry, complete with personalities and problems, ” she added. “Lots of Tim Horton’s coffee in the middle of the night.”

Having recorded several albums, and having made a living off of music, Gryner said she is content with where she is in her career.

“I kind of take things as they come and as long as I can do this and not have to go get a real job, than I’m happy, so off to the races,” Gryner said.
Gryner plays bass in political-rock band called Hot One and will be touring with them on the West coast of Canada in the near future. She also said she will be getting back into her own material in the New Year and will begin working on a new album.

2006-12-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

Sports in Seconds: All I want for Christmas...

Aaron Hall
Interrobang
email: ahall@fanshawec.ca

Published: Monday, December 04, 2006

The holiday season is a time to spend quality time with your friends and loved ones, make last minute trips to the shopping centre for Christmas gifts, and indulge in turkey feasts and holiday cocktails.

It is also a time to hear my holiday wish list for professional sports.

I wish my former high school football teammate Shaun Suisham can rise-up the depth charts as the starting kicker with the Washington Redskins, who recently signed him to their practice roster.

I wish that I can finally stop finding excuses for the Indianapolis Colts, and watch them march towards a Super Bowl victory.

I wish the Detroit Tigers could land another big name this MLB off-season, after already revamping their lineup with the addition of Gary Sheffield.

I wish, as I did last year, that the New York Yankees do not add any significant players this MLB off-season.

I wish that if the New York Yankees do add anyone this off-season, that they follow their current trend and grotesquely over pay for mediocre talent.

I wish players like Mike Vick, of the Atlanta Falcons, can start acting like responsible adults and stop flipping off the fans, who ultimately provide him with his pay cheque.

I wish superstar players in the National Basketball Association could start providing me with some type of reason to begin watching NBA games once again, something I can honestly say I haven’t done consistently for a few years.

I wish the young talent on the Pittsburgh Penguins continue to display their brilliance on the ice and prove to me why I jumped ship, left the Toronto Maple Leafs behind, and became a Pen’s fan.

The biggest thing that I will be wishing for this holiday season involves three former MLB players who have recently become eligible to be inducted into MLB’s Hall of Fame this upcoming January when voting takes place.

I wish that baseball writers across North America ignore the easy headline-catching steroid angle of Mark McGwire and take some time to focus on Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn.

Ripken and Gwynn were not only completely stand-up guys and well-liked individuals when they played the game, they both put up ‘Hall-worthy’ numbers and accomplished incredible things on the baseball field.

Ripken’s streak of 2632 consecutive games played is not only one of the greatest feats in MLB history, it rivals any record in all of professional sports in terms of displaying endurance, longevity, and strength.

Gwynn retired in 2001 with a total of 3,141 hits and a lifetime batting average of .338, giving him the highest career batting average among players whose careers began after World War II.

So once again, I wish writers don’t pump the headlines with McGwire-steroid-gibberish, and instead focus on the genuine accomplishments of two genuine individuals, in Ripken and Gwynn.

2006-12-08T09:26:00.000-08:00

Sports in Seconds: Sporting the connection between the college and athletics

Aaron Hall
Interrobang
email: ahall@fanshawec.ca

Published: Monday, November 27, 2006

Straying away from my usual professional-sports-based weekly column, I decided to provide a local spin.

Having sat down recently with Mike Lindsay, manager of athletics for Fanshawe College, I discussed the co-relation the athletic program has with the overall objectives, and mission of the entire College.

As I viewed the colleges mission statement, it could be summarized as; the College is committed to success, in the personal, economic, and social sense of students through quality education and continuous learning. They try to enrich the lives of individuals by being innovative and responsive, and while continuously promoting opportunity.

When asked how athletics coincides with this statement, Lindsay said that athletics advocates the mission and displays it on a daily basis.

“That is why we put it (Fanshawe’s mission statement) on all of our business cards,” Lindsay said. “We get our mission statement in front of everyone we come in contact with. We proudly display the statement on our walls, and that helps show our commitment to it.”

In terms of enriching the lives of the students, Lindsay said that they do this in three ways, their campus recreation and intramural program, inter-collegiate athletic programs, and student jobs.

Having taken part in intramurals throughout my entire post-secondary career, I definitely agree with Lindsay, who said the campus recreation program is meant to promote sociability, fun, and an active lifestyle.

Let me tell you, it was definitely fun last week when the intramural football team, that many of my co-workers and myself were a part of, won the championship trophy, and more importantly the much prized championship t-shirt.

Regarding student jobs, preparation for the workforce through training and supervision is a primary reason for the student leadership in training program through athletics, according to Lindsay.

“We try to match up the jobs here in athletics with the areas of interest, and programs that they are in at the school,” Lindsay said.

Inter-collegiate athletics is something I wish I had experienced in my university and college career, as I feel the positive attributes gained by participating athletes would be very valuable towards an individuals career, regardless of the field.

Lindsay agreed when he said the skills earned through participation in an elite-level of sport is something employers value.

He added that teamwork, commitment, dedication, fitness, social skills, professional etiquette, increased self-esteem, and the ability to take direction having been coached for years, are essential aspects that athletes can take away from their athletic experience.

“It all adds to their career and their resume. It makes them more of a prime candidate for employers,” Lindsay said.

The College’s Board of Governors have three policies that have particular importance towards students and applicants; The Commitment to Quality Policy, The Student Success Policy, and The Interaction with Students Policy.

Lindsay said that athletics primary focus is producing a quality product and lists having state-of-the-art facilities, having good equipment, and even the best available uniforms all coincides with the Quality Policy.

“Everything here is first class,” Lindsay said. “For example we put a lot of money in our coaching staff, and I feel we have one of the best staffs in Canada.”

In terms of promoting success, Lindsay said athletics provides academic advisors for each individual inter-collegiate team.

“We pride ourselves in the support we give to our athletes,” Lindsay said. “It is always one of our goals to increase graduation rates for our programs, and the programs college-wide.”

Lindsay also mentioned that athletics meets the standards of the Interaction Policy by providing equity with funding for both the men and women’s programs, as well as support to individuals with disabilities.

Being an advocate for athletics, and a firm believer that sport, and competition is a vital aspect of living a high quality healthy life, I could have easily wrote my entire column on what my thoughts were only on this issue. However, I felt that it was important to get the views of Lindsay, the person in charge of athletics, to truly exemplify how this athletic department truly coincides with the objectives of Fanshawe, ultimately proving how positive an athletic department can be to the overall well-being and image of the institution.

Published on the Canadian University Press newswire

2006-12-08T09:25:00.000-08:00

Living With Death

Aaron Hall
Interrobang
email: ahall@fanshawec.ca

Published: Monday, November 27, 2006

Continuous anticipation of death, and the regret of past promiscuity leaves Jay Tupholme with a constant agonizing struggle due to AIDS.

Tupholme, 39 of London, has been diagnosed with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and suffers through the daily emotional and physical stress that accompanies a person living with the disease.

Living in Vancouver during his early twenties, Tupholme said he believes he contracted the virus while he was living a typical resort life, having fun and being promiscuous.

“I was young, dumb, and full of cum,” Tupholme said. “My lifestyle included partying, working, and traveling. During that time, I was probably in the same boat as a lot of people, thinking that it wouldn’t happen to me.”

Tupholme said the moment of realization, when he was first diagnosed with HIV, was very grounding and that it really leveled him. Living with AIDS is something that is constantly on his mind.

“It’s my first and last thought every day,” Tupholme said. “I don’t think as much, will I die from it? All the medical breakthroughs really help, but it is a rollercoaster ride.”

When Tupholme was originally diagnosed with HIV, doctors informed him that he probably only had five years to live.

“I went through five years of shit, and didn’t die,” said Tupholme. “I have to accept it, but I do have a lot of anger towards myself. It is really scary.”

Living with AIDS has completely changed himself as a person Tupholme said.

“I’m not the same Jay,” Tupholme said. “I’ve definitely been changed. I feel it right down to my soul.”

According to Tupholme, having a steady and significant relationship is nearly impossible, which has subsequently made him very lonely.

“I don’t have the same confidence or spontaneity that I used to, it’s not like I can do the regular thing and meet women at the grocery store,” Tupholme said. “I’ve experienced some pretty nasty things with people. Lots of girls, when I tell them, say ‘how dare you even talk to me.’ I’ve been called a God damn-fucking-faggot, and especially from chicks you basically just get a bitch slap.”

Medication and treatments for those living with AIDS costs approximately $1400 a month, according to Tupholme, who manages to meet the costs with social assistance pending disability.

“It isn’t even worth me having a job, I just cannot afford the treatments,” Tupholme said.

Tupholme said he is optimistic about all the medical breakthroughs regarding AIDS and the medication that is available in the present day is helping people with the disease.

“The retro-virus drugs are causing less complications and they are prolonging lives,” Tupholme said.

In terms of education and awareness of AIDS, Tupholme said more work could still be done.

“Canada is not doing enough,” Tupholme said. “High school and college students are the age group that are getting infected the most. People are just not clueing in.”

Tupholme said the biggest advice he could give to students at Fanshawe College is to not be ignorant to the facts and protect yourself no matter what.

“You need to protect yourself every time, until you’ve completely settled down, and have been tested, have been educated, and have been tested a second time,” Tupholme said.

“People have to be careful with booze, drugs, and partying. Don’t be stupid. A lot of people hear that there are many medical breakthroughs so they don’t protect themselves, but the fact remains that there is no cure.”

The Radio Broadcasting Program at the Fanshawe will host the Black, White, Red AIDS Awareness Benefit to wrap up their Canadian AIDS Week activities. The event will be held at The Music Hall in London on December 2, starting at 5 p.m.

“The Broadcasting team believes that AIDS is an issue that is affecting youth today and we want to do everything in our power to raise awareness and encourage prevention,” organizer of the event Erica Carr said.

RHCP concert review

2006-11-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

Peppers perform to perfection in Detroit

Aaron Hall
Interrobang
email: ahall@fanshawec.ca

Published: Monday, November 13, 2006

“C’mon girl, lets get it right.”

This line from The Red Hot Chili Pepper’s Stadium Arcadium “C’mon Girl,” definitely summed it up.

Hailing from Los Angeles California, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, who are currently on tour supporting their 2006 full-length release Stadium Arcadium, played a sold-out show at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills. Michigan on Friday, November 3.

RHCP had the entire 16,000 plus crowd on their feet for the entirety of their set, which included a great combination of their classic hits, and newer tracks appearing on Stadium Arcadium.

Amidst a constant neon-light-filled video montage, the slap-bass style beats of Michael Balzary, better known as Flea, and the powerful drumming of Chad Smith would have been the highlight of the show for me, if not for the awe-inspiring lead guitar performances by John Frusciante.

Reminiscent of the lead guitar in Led Zeppelin, Frusciante displayed Jimmy Paige-like solos throughout many of the songs, extending them expertly into live masterpieces.

RHCP’s musical diversity and ability to perfect different sounds was evident in the funk-inspired “Charlie” and to the almost heavy-metal rendition of “Ready made.” Both songs, which appear on Stadium Arcadium, created a buzz in the arena more so than the performances of popular singles “Dani California” and “Tell me baby”.

While performing former number one hits, “By the way”, “Californication”, and “Scar Tissue”, lead singer Anthony Kiedis’ vocals, which were very solid throughout the show, were nearly drowned out by the crowd, who were all singing along to the well-known tracks.

RHCP’s encore sits at the top in terms of concert encores that I have witnessed. Surpassing concerts by Green Day, Foo Fighters, the Counting Crows, Neil Young, System of a Down, and The Tragically Hip, the Chili Peppers capped their energetic performance off beautifully.

After entertaining the crowd with a unique spot light display, RHCP came back on stage. Starting with an impressive drum-solo by Smith, they followed with performances of “Under The Bridge” and “Give It Away”, extending the latter with ingenious solo displays by Flea and Frusciante.

With the back of my seat literally against the back wall of the Palace, my nosebleed seats were surprisingly very pleasant. I was not crowded at all, and could enjoy the great acoustics and sound of the band from a very enjoyable view.

The band has overcome much turmoil over its existence including; drug addictions, alcohol abuse, changing band members, and even the death of former lead guitarist Hillel Slovak in 1988.

Despite the bands roller coaster past they continued to produce high-quality albums throughout their career, and have in 2006 produced arguably their greatest accomplishment to date with Stadium Arcadium.

If ever given the chance to see RHCP live, I highly, highly, recommend that you take advantage of it. You will not be disappointed.

2006-10-30T13:46:00.000-08:00

Sports in Seconds: Major life decision made by sports fan

Aaron Hall
Interrobang
email: ahall@fanshawec.ca

Published: Monday, October 30, 2006

Sometimes in life it is better to move on and leave certain things behind.

As I struggled off and on for approximately three or four weeks with my commitment of fandom to my favourite National Hockey League (NHL) franchise, the Toronto Maple Leafs, I began having doubts.

According to the Labor Law Talk online dictionary, the term fan refers to someone who has an intense, occasionally overwhelming liking of a person, group of persons, work of art, idea, or trend. The word is an Americanism of around 1889, a shortened version of the word fanatic in reference to an enthusiastic follower of a baseball team.

Two aspects of this definition stood out for myself; intense liking, and enthusiastic follower.

Let’s say for instance, if I were near Peyton Manning of the National Football League’s Indianapolis Colts for some reason, and he needed a bottle of water or his even shoes shined, I’d be all over it.

Or if Kenny Rogers needed some fresh pine tar fetched from the Detroit Tigers clubhouse, I would not hesitate.

With these unrealistic examples aside, the point is that I am a dedicated and committed fan to both the Colts and the Tigers. No matter what happens with these franchises and how successful or futile they have ever been, I have always proudly displayed my affection and desire for those teams.

This brings me back to the Leafs.

When speaking of intense liking. I can’t say I agree with many of the moves made by the club, including the Andrew Raycroft gamble, the continuous signing of aging stars at the tail end of their careers, and the basic fact that the ownership doesn’t really care if the team succeeds as long as the “suits” of Toronto keep filling the seats on a nightly basis.

In terms of being an enthusiastic follower, nothing about the Leafs excited me this season and when I think about it, nothing has for years.

It is one thing to be upset that a team has not won any significant game in years, yet when a team doesn’t seem to be very enthusiastic themselves in the moves they make as a franchise, one has to question their motivation.

For these reasons, I have decided to turn my back on the Toronto Maple Leafs, and shift my attention and dedication to a new club. I am officially ending the relationship I have had with the Leafs, and starting a new one with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

You heard it here first; I’m pitching my old blue and white sweater of the Leafs, and embracing the black and gold of the Pens.

Pittsburgh is a young, up-and-coming franchise with potential, talent, and promise. More importantly the team has a sense of excitement flying around it.

Led by a the young group of first overall, and second overall picks of the past few years, including; forward Sidney Crosby (19 years-of-age), forward Evgeni Malkin (20 years-of-age), goal-tender Marc-Andre Fleury (21 years-of-age), and forward Jordan Staal (18 years-of-age), the Pens have an extraordinarily bright future.

Everything that embodies the definition of a fan, that I mentioned previously, is something I am going to dedicate myself to as I delve into my new role as a Pittsburg Penguins follower.

So Sidney, if you ever need your skates sharpened or stick taped, don’t hesitate to call.

Opinion article

2006-10-30T13:41:00.001-08:00

Bathroom etiquette blunder

Aaron Hall
Interrobang
email: ahall@fanshawec.ca

Published: Monday, October 30, 2006

Has this ever happened to you?

Everyone has been in a similar situation, yet not everyone is comfortable talking about this topic.

Being in the position to have my views published in the paper, and personally being comfortable discussing pretty much anything, I am going to go ahead and write about this common, and somewhat humourous issue.

The topic is bathroom etiquette, specifically in public washrooms.

An unspoken rule related specifically to bathroom etiquette, if possible and if the situation allows this to happen, is to leave a space between urinals or bathroom stalls if someone else is currently occupying either of these when you need to use the facility.

This is simply common courtesy and it will help circumvent any potentially “weird” and uncomfortable situations.

However, sometimes this is un-avoidable. If you have to go, you have to go, regardless of the potential occupant being merely two-feet beside you.

In order to follow the globally accepted rules of bathroom etiquette, one mustn’t handle it the same way this writer did a couple of years ago.

After receiving tattoos from a shop in Sarnia Ontario, myself and a childhood friend headed across the street into a mini-plaza in search of a post-tattoo celebratory bite to eat. Before we found our chosen meal, we ironically both decided that we had to perform the deed, which is commonly referred to as “number two”.

Assuming that my buddy, who followed me into the washroom, had chosen the stall directly beside mine, I proceeded to quote a movie I had recently seen, 2004 Harold and Kumar go to White Castle, and said “Hey, you just sunk my battle – explicative.”

Shortly after the flush and departure beside me took place, a rolled-up paper-towel came streaming in my stall hitting me in the head. I snickered, and told my friend what I thought about his dear mother.

After eating and waiting for my other friend to get his tattoo, I proudly mentioned to my friend about my earlier comment, “That was pretty funny what I said in the bathroom, eh?” Puzzled, he looked at me and asked, “What the hell are you talking about?”

Clueing in now, I realized that the person beside me in the stall was not my buddy after all, but actually a random person who happened to enter the bathroom before my friend.

If by chance that the individual that day is reading this newspaper, my dearest apologies go out to you.

This is definitely an extreme case of public washroom experiences gone badly, but also without a doubt a hilarious one.

The other important question that arises when placed in the situation of being directly beside a fellow washroom occupant, “Be patient, and hold it back somewhat – or just let it go?”

That could be a tough debate, and potentially grounds for another entire article. I’d say bathroom etiquette would suggest hold-off for washroom solitude if possible, but technicalities could come into affect on a situational basis recommending otherwise.

So in order to follow the simple rules of bathroom etiquette; hold-off for isolation if possible, for goodness-sakes don’t strike up a conversation with the person beside you, and make sure you’re one-hundred-per cent sure that the individual beside you is indeed the person you think it is if you decide to be a wise-guy.

2006-10-30T13:41:00.000-08:00

Sports in Seconds: Ridiculing Yanks is always fun

Aaron Hall
Interrobang
email: ahall@fanshawec.ca

Published: Monday, October 23, 2006

Oh, how sweet it is.

I’m going to take this opportunity to take a shot at the New York (NY) Yankees, who had their $200 million ego deflated once again this October in the Major League Baseball (MLB) post-season.

Losing the American League divisional series to the Detroit Tigers in four games, the Yankees fell victim once again this year falling considerably short of the inevitable expectations placed on them and their bloated payroll.

What is even greater then watching $25 million a-year-man Alex Rodriguez and $19 million a-year-man Jason Giambi hang their money-grubbing-heads in shame after another disappointing loss, is the fact that many ex-Yankee players are still thriving in the playoffs.

Kenny Rogers arguably had his best performance of his career, besides his perfect game with the Texas Rangers in 1994, against the Yankees in game three of the divisional series. Rogers led the Tigers to a 6-0 victory, scattering five hits over seven 2/3 innings.

Rogers played for the Yankees from 1996 to 1997, but never quite thrived in the Bronx, despite winning a championship ring in 1996.

Another former Yankee flop, Jeff Weaver is currently doing an admirable job starting for the National League (NL) Central champion St. Louis Cardinals.

With a 2-1 post-season record thus far, Weaver’s latest victory came in game five of the NL Championship Series where he out-dueled former Cy Young award winner Tom Glavine of the NY Mets.

Weaver was traded to the Yankees in 1996, and never seemed comfortable with the pressure and scrutiny placed on him in NY.

I’ll bet the Yanks would have loved throwing Rogers or Weaver out there this year, considering they had to throw an injured, and aging Randy Johnson, who had discs bulging from his back, and chronically-injured Jaret Wright whose only decent seasons came in 1997 and 2004 with the Cleveland Indians and Atlanta Braves.

To add icing to the cake, last season’s World Series championship team, the Chicago White Sox, was led by two other former Yankee pitchers, Jose Contreras and Orlando Hernandez.

Although it is easy poking fun at the Yankees when they do not succeed, I couldn’t help but point out the success many of the former Yankee players are having after they have moved on in their careers.

Maybe the Yankee’s will eventually realize that no matter how much money you shell out to lure free agents - quality scouting, intelligent general managing, and player development are more integral to building championship teams.

So who knows, the Yankees could very well win the World Series next year, and stop all this bashing by the media, but one thing is almost certain if that does happen – A-Rod will likely still only bat a meager .125 with maybe one R.B.I. in that potential Fall Classic.

Don’t feel sorry for the Yankees as you watch the World Series this year, just keep rooting for the team that knocked them out.

Go Tigers.

New article published on www.bleacherreport.com

2006-10-19T19:40:00.000-07:00

http://www.bleacherreport.com/nhl/nhl-editorspicks/visit_to_nhl_locker_room_a_humbling_experience_20061018616/

Movie review for "The Departed"

2006-10-16T16:28:00.000-07:00

Big stars shine in The Departed

Aaron Hall
Interrobang
email: ahall@fanshawec.ca

Published: Monday, October 16, 2006

Sex, drugs, guns, and Jack Nicholson’s devilish-grin, what more does a film need?

With the combination of entertaining comedic-dialogue and ingenious directing from Martin Scorsese, the star-studded cast from the 2006 film The Departed help produce one of the most riveting and memorable movies of the decade.
Starring Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Mark Walberg, Martin Sheen, and Alec Baldwin, The Departed constantly leaves viewers on the edge of their seats and, at times, left with their mouths gaped open in awe.

Set in Boston Massachusetts, the film is a gangster-tale that features under-cover police officers (DiCaprio), corrupted detectives (Damon), and crime-bosses (Nicholson) all intertwined together in a story that keeps viewers guessing as to what will happen from scene-to-scene.

Adapting a 2002 Chinese film Internal Affairs, Scorsese’s directing of The Departed instantly puts in the same echelon as his previous films, Taxi Driver (1976), Raging Bull (1980), and Goodfellas (1990).

The all-star cast work extremely well together and, without losing their own individual appeal and creativity, combine together to feed off each other’s work.

DiCaprio stands out in the film, and his evolution as a “class-A” Hollywood actor becomes apparent with the way he tackles the role. Known for his “not-so-manly” roles in Titanic and Romeo and Juliet, DiCaprio becomes separated from his teen-heart-throb persona and completely embodies his role as a vulnerable, yet completely tough and resilient under-cover police officer.

DiCaprio, who appears in his third Scorsese film (Gangs of New York [2002] and Aviator [2004]), captivates the audience and with his passion and talent. He creates a connection with the audience and his character, and arguably delivers his best performance of his acting career.

Damon seems perfectly suited and comfortable in his roll. The swagger and arrogance of his character is pulled off brilliantly, and Damon leaves the audience resenting and disliking his corrupted character through his quality acting.

Nicholson delivers some of his trademark moments throughout the film including his evil -grinning personality, reminiscent of his 1980 performance in The Shining, and an array of slick and masterful monologues that have become accustomed to Nicholson in much of his work.

The Departed is a fast paced film that contains large amounts of profanity, and blood-spilling-action, yet remains an intelligent and completely appealing film that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the top movies in the short history of the 21st century.

2006-10-16T16:27:00.000-07:00

Sports in Seconds: Best birthday memory in history

Aaron Hall
Interrobang
email: ahall@fanshawec.ca

Published: Monday, October 16, 2006

The recent success of the Detroit Tigers in the Major League Baseball (MLB) playoffs has brought back numerous memories for myself regarding the ball club from Mo-town.

After reminiscing, I realized that I basically had it all growing up.

The winter Starter jacket, the authentic MLB ball cap, a baseball helmet, t-shirts, sweatshirts, socks, pennants, posters, mini-baseball bats, and even a baseball card binder all sporting the not-so-ferocious-looking logo of the Detroit Tigers.

So without boring you with stories of me spending hours sorting through my boxes of baseball cards for hours on end, only to find a Mike Henneman rookie card to fill a gap in my Tiger’s binder, I’ll tell you about my 10th birthday.

Having a birthday in the summer, August 10th to be exact, was always great because I never had to worry about going to school.

Knowing this, my parents planned well in advance and purchased some tickets for a game being held at the old Tiger Stadium right on my birthday.

Excited about attending the game with much of my family, including my Aunt and Uncle from England, whose only experience with baseball was my little league games that same summer, decided to go exploring once I got there.

With my family sitting in their seats, most likely indulging in certain kinds of ice-cold refreshments, I went to stand by the Tigers bullpen to watch the starting pitcher of the day warm-up.

The pitcher that day was none other then a younger, but not so much slimmer, David Wells.

After watching Wells for a few minutes, he threw a wild pitch past the catcher. The coach beside Wells tossed him another ball and, after retrieving the wild pitch, the catcher tossed Wells the ball he was using previously.

Stuck with a dilemma, Wells looked across into the stands to the boy standing adjacent to him. Giving him a nod, Wells tossed the ball over to the boy and preceded with his warm-up.

I was ecstatic.

To go along with my Detroit Tiger paraphernalia I now had this prize possession, the centre of my Tiger universe, the ultimate birthday present, an authentic ball from MLB.

Immediately turning to my family, who were watching me below from their seats, I received a standing ovation from them, as they knew that I could not have asked for a better birthday present.

From there I went on a new mission; to get autographs.

Accompanied by my Aunt I received signatures from two pitchers at the Tigers bullpen, Joe Boever and Mike Gardiner to be exact, but I had my sights set on some non-no-name players.

We traveled down to the Tigers dugout, but as the game was just about to begin, I figured we might as well head back to our seats as autographs are not normally given during the game.

My Aunt did not give up hope though. Being the eccentric and extroverted type, she poked her head in the dugout and came face-to-face with Sparky Anderson, the legendary former manager of the Tigers.

Seeming almost intimidated by my Aunt, Anderson reluctantly signed my ball after she explained that it was my birthday.

So as the 2006 version of the Tigers continue to prowl their way through the MLB playoffs, I will be recalling many of the memories I have regarding the Tigers, as they were always a part of my life growing up.

2006-10-09T12:20:00.000-07:00

Sports in Seconds: It’s Christmas time for sports fans

Aaron Hall
Interrobang
email: ahall@fanshawec.ca

Published: Monday, October 09, 2006

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Sure, everyone knows that line and everyone associates it with the excitement and thrills of the holiday season. You know, the time when people are jolly, and kids are giddy and all that jazz.

Let me tell you, if it is possible for this sports fan to ever be giddy, now is definitely the time.

In December people hang mistletoe in the hallways and beads around the Christmas Tree.

In October, Major League Baseball (MLB) pitchers hang curveballs in the heart of the plate and turn around to watch in devastation as the ball sails over the wall for a game-winning home-run.

People often take family outings, sometime before Jolly Old Saint Nick makes his annual appearance, in search of that perfect Christmas tree to be placed in the living room.

The fall is the time when National Football League (NFL) linebackers go in search of unblocked running backs in hopes of driving their helmets into the ground causing a fumble.

After a hearty Christmas dinner, families can kick back and watch their favourite National Hockey League (NHL) team battle it out on television. In October, well, families can do the exact same thing, as the NHL regular season is just under way.

With the abundance of quality sporting events occurring at the same time, sports fans will have no problem finding a game to satisfy their craving for excitement, and entertainment in the sporting realm.

MLB began their playoffs on October 3 with many teams and many big-name stars battling toward world supremacy.

The American League’s New York Yankees feature a lineup consisting of nine current and former All-stars and, despite them competing against my beloved Detroit Tigers in the divisional series, look poised to cruise into the World Series against the winner of the Oakland and Minnesota series. I will not give up hope though Detroit.

The National League championship is up for grabs as all four teams, the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, St. Louis Cardinals, and San Diego Padres, all have question marks hovering over their respected teams.

Although another “subway-series” is very probable, I feel the Mets pitching staff is too injury-riddled to make it past Los Angeles in the divisional series, and subsequently the Dodgers will ride their recent hot streak all the way into the Fall Classic.

The NFL season is also in full swing as the Indianapolis Colts, Baltimore Ravens, and Chicago Bears sit atop the league with perfect 4-0 records.

If anyone read my columns last year, you would know that I bleed blue for the Colts, and I will maintain my bold prediction that they will finally become Super Bowl champions this season.

The NHL regular season kicked off on October 4 as well. All six Canadian teams made significant changes in the off-season, all adding different pieces to their puzzles in hopes of bringing a Stanley Cup north of the 49th.

Although I consider myself a Maple Leaf fan, I don’t think it would be a strong bet tagging them as the champions this year, although Ottawa and Calgary should have a good shot at championship glory.

So in this so-called “sports holiday season” I will be enjoying myself immensely along with other sports fans across the country. Hopefully the franchises that I support can continue to be successful and reach their team’s ultimate goal.

2006-10-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

Neil Young aids family farmers

Aaron Hall
Interrobang
email: ahall@fanshawec.ca

Published: Monday, October 09, 2006

“Wouldn’t it be great if we did something for our own farmers right here in America?”

Those were the words spoken by musician Bob Dylan, during the Live Aid concert held at various locations around the world on July 13 1985.

Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp heard Dylan’s call and founded Farm Aid in 1985 in hopes of raising awareness and funds to support family farmers across America. Farm Aid concerts have been held from Nebraska, to Indiana, to Texas and, most recently to Camden New Jersey on September 30, where Farm Aid 2006 was located.

“The fight to save family farms isn’t just about farmers,” said Nelson, president of Farm Aid. “It’s about making sure that there is a safe and healthy food supply for all of us. It’s about jobs. From Main Street to Wall Street. It’s about a better America.”

Farm Aid believes that family farmers are the only guarantee for fresh, local food. Their mission is to keep family farmers on their land and their goal is to bring together family farmers and citizens to restore family farm-centered agriculture.

Farm Aid accomplishes their mission by awarding grants to farmer and rural service organizations, developing and funding programs that promote outreach, education, and development of long-term solutions to support family farms, and building partnerships and educating the public to raise funds to promote activism in support of family farmers.

The primary tool Farm Aid uses is an annual signature concert.

Dave Matthews, who joined the Farm Aid Board of Directors in 2001, was the first headliner to play the 2006 concert at the Tweeter Centre, which is right across the Delaware river from Philadelphia.

Opening acts included Jerry Lee Lewis, The Los Lonely Boys, and Government Mule, among others.

Matthews played a solo, mostly acoustic set and entertained the crowd with some of his classics including “Everyday”, “Gravedigger”, and an electric guitar lullaby “Some Devil”.

Mellencamp followed Matthews with a set that revisited the 1980’s including performances of anthems “Pink Houses”, “Rain on the Scarecrow” and an extended version of “Authority Song” to keep the crowd rocking.

Young enchanted the crowd with his distinctive vocals and perfected sound, performing “Harvest Moon”, “Four Strong Winds”, and “Field of Opportunity”. Nelson also appeared on stage for Young’s performance of “Homegrown”.

Nelson wrapped-up the show in traditional style, playing his hits “City of New Orleans”, “Whiskey River”, “Good Hearted-Woman”, and “On The Road Again”.

Never lost amongst the incredible musical performances by every artist, was the message that Farm Aid wanted to deliver. Matthews was one of the few to state the purpose of the show during his actual performance.

“Every farm should be run by a family. People who love the earth,” Matthews said. “There ain’t nothing better than a good tomato.”

Canadians can relate to the purpose of Farm Aid as well, as factory farms are taking over family farms north of the United States.

A Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) report indicated that huge hog barns are being championed as the future of pig farming. One swine operation can churn out up to 15,000 pigs a year, thus doubling pig production in Manitoba in the last decade.

One farmer told CBC that it is not normal farming going on and that it is an industry. Hog barns store gallons of liquid manure in untreated, open-air lagoons, sometimes as big as a football field.

Farmers say that the current practices of these factory farms is very dangerous for the environment.

2006-10-06T08:11:00.000-07:00

Sports in Seconds: A humbling experience at the JLC

Aaron Hall
Interrobang
email: ahall@fanshawec.ca

Published: Monday, October 02, 2006

The perks of my job have made me realize that I’m still a kid at heart.

I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to cover the National Hockey League (NHL) exhibition contest between the Philadelphia Flyers and the Pittsburgh Penguins held at the John Labatt Centre (JLC) on Sunday September 24.

After my experience last season covering the exhibition game between the Flyers and the Atlanta Thrashers, I thought I would be given the same treatment this season – access to the standing-room-only sections of the JLC and that’s it.

Luckily, I was wrong.

Upon entrance into the arena, I was given my media pass and shown the direction to my front-row seat in the JLC Press Box. Surrounding me were beat-writers from the Flyers, Penguins, and Toronto Maple Leafs, journalists and photographers from the Globe and Mail and Canadian Press and an assortment of other reporters from very reputable media organizations.

Thank goodness I was at least wearing a dress shirt and khaki’s because everyone else was done up all pretty in suits and ties. So, feeling a bit intimidated, I sat back, enjoyed the game, took notes, and observed how all of the professional media personnel handled themselves while they worked.

The game was a bit of a drag, lacking many of the stars from both the Penguins and Flyers, but there was still a sweet scrap between the Penguins Matt Carkner and Philadelphia’s Martin Grenier, and the Penguins John LeClair put home a nice goal off a slick pass from rookie Jordan Staal, giving Pittsburgh a 2-1 victory. Then came the disappearing act.

Literally one minute after the final whistle, all of the occupants of the Press Box flowed out and took off through the departing JLC crowd. I thought to myself either everyone had hot dates after the game, or they were all heading toward the locker rooms of the respected NHL teams in hopes of getting a quote for their articles.

I thought the latter was more viable, so I went on a search mission for the dressing rooms of both the Penguins and Flyers.

Not sure exactly where to go, I asked around and got pointed in the direction of two bulky, and somewhat scary looking security guards situated outside a corridor. When I asked them if reporters were allowed in the dressing rooms, not recognizing me whatsoever, they glared at me and asked me who the hell I was and whom I was with. When I flashed my media pass and said I was a reporter with Fanshawe College, they gave me a nod and said, “First two doors on your left.”

Almost running into him, I watched, Penguins forward and 2005 Stanley Cup Champion with the Carolina Hurricanes, Mark Rhecci walk right past me in his jock and sweats, then across the room I noticed notorious NHL-pest Jarkko Ruutu being interviewed by a Finnish reporter, and goalie Jocelyn Thibault loosening the laces on his skates.

Not prepared at all to do any sort of interview and basically thinking to myself, “Holy crap I’m in the Pittsburgh Penguins locker room,” I regrouped. I thought, OK, take a deep breath, and come up with some questions to ask these guys so I don’t look like a complete idiot. But then I got thrown into a complete loop.

Walking towards me in a designer suit, and amongst a posse of similar looking young men, came Sydney Crosby.

I never thought that being in the company of a 19-year-old kid, and several balding men in their underwear would make me stand like a deer caught in headlights, but it definitely did.

Not only did I just stand there in amazement, lost amongst the whole situation, I felt like I was a 12-year-old kid again with the only thing missing from my appearance being a puddle of urine forming beside my feet.

I never managed to ask any questions, nor did I even try and shake Crosby’s hand, but I can say it was one of the most memorable moments in my life, in both the sporting and journalistic realms.

So I will chalk this up as experience, and I will undoubtedly be more prepared the next time I am put into a similar situation.

Rockin' in the free world

2006-09-29T08:35:00.000-07:00

I'll be living with a cinnamon girl this weekend.

Or maybe it'll be 5 of my good buddies, stinking it up in a Suburban for the weekend. Either way it'll be a blast!

This time tomorrow I am going to be in Camden, New Jersey getting prepared to listen to one of Canada's all-time great artists, Neil Young.

Headlining Farm Aid 2006 with Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews and John Mellancamp, Young is the main reason why myself, and 5 of my friends are taking the 12-hour-long road trip to New Jersey.

Only 10-minutes outside of Philadelphia, Camden is home to the Tweeter Centre where the rockin' show will take place. An amphitheatre type set-up, there is seating set up in the front, with lawn seats surrounding the outside. We'll be on the lawn.

I'm looking forward to Young playing such tunes as Powder Finger, Old Man, My,my,hey, hey, Cinnamon Girl, and Rockin' in the Free World.

Not to be out done, I'm sure the shows put on by Matthews, Mellancamp, and Nelson will be equally as entertaining and just as memorable.

So off I go, to pack, and get ready for the road trip. I will be writing a full-length feature article in the Interrobang next week about the show and I will try and post it here before publication, complete with pictures.

3rd week of work in the books

2006-09-27T19:23:00.000-07:00

Week three is in the books.

My new job as full-time writer for the Interrobang, Fanshawe Colleges' Student newspaper, is going extremely well. This is actually my first full-time gig upon graduating from college last year, and university the year before that.

I have made the progression thus far with the Interrobang, as last year I was the part-time sports writer for the paper as I finished up my schooling in the Corporate Communication and Public Relations program.

The people at the paper must have liked my work, as they asked me to come back full-time this year as the full-time staff writer, covering not only sports but general news coverage, opinion, and entertainment.

I have kept my weekly column, Sports in Seconds, which is basically my spin on different topics in the realm of sports. This blog will be a good source to read many of my columns as I will post the majority of them on here.

Many of my other stories will be posted on here as well, mostly one's that I feel I worked very hard on, and are particularly proud of.

I'm very proud to be writing full-time, I get the sense of accomplishment each week knowing that I put everything I have into each article I write, and to see the finished product printed in the paper, I find that very satisfying.

2006-09-26T17:12:00.000-07:00

Sports in Seconds: Tigers are taking over in Mo-Town

Aaron Hall
Interrobang

Published: Monday, September 18, 2006

It was only three years ago (2003) that the Detroit Tigers were the laughing stock of Major League Baseball (MLB), and broke the American League record of 119 losses in a single season.

But how times have changed for the men in Detroit. They have turned the entire franchise around and maintained first place in the American League (AL) Central division for the majority of the 2006 season.

Living between Detroit and Toronto my entire life, I was always pressured to root for the other local team, the Toronto Blue Jays. However even through the glory years of Toronto during the early 1990’s, I still cheered, although quietly, for Detroit and maintained the hope that they would someday muster up some amount of respectability and credibility. Well I can finally say that that day has come.

Lost amongst the continuous coverage of the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, the on-going steroid scandal and the pursuit of Hank Aaron’s all-time homerun record by the quickly shrinking Barry Bonds, the Tigers are easily the feel good story of the summer for MLB.

Led by first-year manager Jim Leyland, who previously in his career led the Pittsburgh Pirates to the playoffs in 1992 and the Florida Marlins to the World Series title in 1997, the Tigers are going to have their first winning season since 1993.

Leyland said of his team, who at one point this season were 40 games above .500 and 10.5 games ahead in the AL Central division, that expectations were exceeded so far this season.

“I told everybody all along that we didn't expect to be 40 games over .500,” Leyland said in an interview for MLB.com. “We're somewhere in between. But we're a very good baseball team.”

Despite not having a legitimate superstar on their roster, besides future Hall of Famer’ Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez, the Tigers have truly utilized a combined team effort towards their success.

Offensively, Detroit is led by Magglio Ordonez whose .293 batting average leads the team, and relatively unknown’s Marcus Thames, Craig Munroe, and Brandon Inge, who have 25, 24, and 23 homeruns respectively.

Detroit owns the AL’s best pitching staff of which has a major league leading 3.71 team Earned Run Average (ERA). Standing out amongst the Tigers pitchers is rookie starter Justin Verlander.

Verlander, whose 16 wins and 3.19 ERA are tops for Detroit, is the odds on favourite to win the AL Rookie of the Year Award and should also be considered for the Cy Young Award for the AL’s top pitcher overall.

So although I don’t have a binder filled with baseball cards of the 2006 version of the Tigers, and believe me I do for the lowly Tigers from about 1989 to 1992, I still feel a sense of pride for the boys from Mo-town this season.

Even if their current slide, 10 wins and 22 losses since August 7th, results in Detroit falling out of playoff contention, it has still been very enjoyable to see the Tigers actually be in the hunt for the pennant and create a long-awaited buzz around Detroit for baseball.

2006-09-26T17:09:00.000-07:00

Sports in Seconds: Howard chasing the elusive number 61

Aaron Hall
Interrobang

Published: Monday, September 25, 2006

Last week I wrote about the feel good story of the summer in Major League Baseball (MLB) from a team perspective. This week it’s all about an individual.

Ryan Howard, the first-baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies, is having a mammoth year statistically. Currently with 57 home-runs of the year, Howard is chasing former New York Yankee Roger Maris’ mark of 61 home-runs set in 1961.

Some may be wondering- “didn’t Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa have a magical battle in 1998, passing Maris in the process, ending with 70 and 66 home-runs each that year?

And didn’t Barry Bonds surpass both McGwire and Sosa in 2001 with an incredible 73 homeruns to set the all-time single-season home-run record?

People would be right recalling these facts, however it is impossible not to say that the records of Bonds, Sosa, and McGwire are questionable, tainted, or bogus in the haze of allegations and accusations of steroid-use during the record-breaking years for the three aforementioned players.

You can argue that Howard’s run at 61 homeruns is the first legitimate chance at breaking the mark set by Maris, and even if Howard doesn’t reach the number this year, he has plenty of time to get there.

At 26, Howard is currently in his second full-season with Philadelphia, after winning the National League (NL) Rookie-of-the-Year award last season. Howard is now the odds of favourite to capture the NL’s Most Valuable Player Award in 2006.

Howard’s Phillies are in the thick of the NL wild card chase and sit second, only 1.5 games behind the San Diego Padres.

When looking at Howard, his physical appearance of 6’4, 252 pounds resembles that of McGwire and Sosa during their juicing prime, however with the current and strictly enforced drug policy set in place by MLB, Howard can only be considered a naturally huge man.

“The only juicing Ryan has ever done is apple and orange,” Howard’s brother Chris said in a USA Today article.

Chris is 6’5, 270 pounds, and Howard’s twin Corey is 6’6, 250 pounds, leaving Howard as the smallest of the three brothers.

Howard’s run at homerun supremacy has not gotten the coverage of the 1998 chase between McGwire and Sosa, which arguably was a very positive experience for the game of baseball.

“People can say what they want, but what McGwire and Sosa did in 1998 was good for the game,” Howard told USA Today. “Everyone loved that home-run race. It is tough now because there’s a cloud over this game. Hopefully, that storm cloud will break up one day. Baseball needs that.”

It saddens me in a way that the 1998 chase was “not real” so to speak, considering I was obsessed with both McGwire and Sosa during that time, and looked at their super-hero efforts with awe and amazement.

So although I may not be glued to the television every spare moment as I was as a teenager in 1998, checking if Howard has connected with another home-run, I can honestly say that I have the utmost respect for Howard as he is in the midst of his great athletic achievement.

I used to give that same respect to Bonds, McGwire, and Sosa, however feeling almost betrayed by them, I have to say that respect has completely diminished.

2006-09-26T17:08:00.000-07:00

Security issues raised in wake of Dawson College shootings

Aaron Hall
Interrobang

Published: Monday, September 25, 2006

Kimveer Gill’s murderous rampage at Dawson College earlier this month has raised many questions and concerns regarding security at college and university campuses across the country.

Gill’s actions not only lead to his own death, but also to the death of 18-year-old fellow student, Anastasia DeSousa. The 25-year-old student also wounded 19 others when he unleashed two loaded weapons onto fellow college students.

“Everyone is deeply saddened by this tragic event, it is something we’ll never forget,” Manager of Security Services at Fanshawe College, Ed Pimentel said.

Fanshawe Student Union President Christine Thomson said the shootings really hit home, considering a tragic event like this occurred in Canada and not the United States.

“I spoke to some other student leaders from various other colleges and we all wondered what we would do if a situation like this arose at our own college,” Thomson said.

“However, we haven’t had any specific concerns from students at Fanshawe suggesting that they do not feel safe on our campus.”

Pimentel said the mindset of his security staff has heightened in terms of awareness, and the fact that similar situations could happen at Fanshawe College remain prominent in their minds.
Fanshawe’s own security processes were reflected upon after the Dawson shootings and considerations were taken in the event of a similar situation occurring at Fanshawe, Pimentel said.

“Events like these are very difficult to prevent,” Pimentel said. “You could go to the extreme and place a security guard at each entrance or also put metal detectors everywhere, but that is not conducive to the learning environment at a college campus.”

Fanshawe has an existing emergency plan and an enhanced plan under development, which will help provide a safe and secure environment for the college community.

“Our new emergency plan sets an infrastructure that can be flexible in the case of any incident,” Pimentel said. “It will include a high-end response to all incidents and an all-hazard risk approach. It also includes protocol on how to handle an active shooter.”

Pimentel said Fanshawe Security has been in contact with London Police’s Tactical Division and have had dialogue regarding how to facilitate an event similar to the Dawson College incident.

“Police response is going to be shortened,” Pimentel said. “The police have a different approach now, and they will engage the shooter right away rather then waiting and setting up a tactical plan, which could take up to ten or fifteen minutes.”

In light of the tragic incident at Dawson College, Fanshawe Security has issued a set of strategic precautions student should in the event of a similar critical incident.

If you are in a classroom or office, stay there and immediately lock or secure all doors. Lock or close the windows, close any blinds or curtains, stay out of view of all windows, and be as quiet as possible.

Turn off all lights and audio equipment and stay out of open areas. Stay calm and keep doors and windows closed until police or security arrives to give directions.

If possible, and when safe to do so, call the Fanshawe Security Control Centre at extension 4242 (from a London Campus internal phone) or 519-452-4242. Control Centre staff will immediately contact 911 with the information that you have provided.

“The instinct for survival will kick in when put in this type of situation,” Pimentel said.

“The biggest thing is if you are out of site, you are out of mind. If you can get out of the building do so as quickly as you can, and warn people along the way not to enter. You don’t need to be a hero either, security and police are trained to handle these situations.”

Introduction

2006-09-19T15:41:00.000-07:00

I have had plans to start a blog for about a year now, but I have finally decided to start posting some of my thoughts on this site.

I will hope to utilize this blog as a tool to help further develop my writing skills as well as share some ideas, concerns, and feelings that I have towards various subjects that I am passionate about.

Hopefully I can gather a following of interested individuals reading my postings, and also catch to eye of some people looking at hiring freelance writers.

I'm looking forward to this very much and please feel free to post comments on any of my thoughts.

Cheers.