Daylia Belle Hall. What a sweetheart.

Exclusive interview with Emm Gryner

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

Movie review for "The Departed"

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.

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.