who's ready for holidays?

"We're kicking off our fun old fashion family Christmas by heading out into the country in the old front-wheel drive sleigh to embrace the frosty majesty of the winter landscape and select that most important of Christmas symbols."

You're probably more focused on your final assignments and exam prep to be even thinking about the fast-approaching (it's DECEMBER tomorrow!) holiday season - but this is just a friendly reminder that the Interrobang's special holiday issue will be out this Friday.
We've got holiday drink ideas, top 10 gifts for girls and guys to take some of the guesswork out of the stressful task of present-buying, and more.
We're also adding a little warm fuzziness to this year's issue with our 31 Days of Giving calendar. A bunch of local charities are included, as well as links to their sites.
We all know the current situation sucks, compounded with that annoying bus strike, but we still want to inspire you to think of extending a hand, some change or your time to some worthy causes.
We also have our People of the Year list - a look back on the people who've done something kickass in '09.

So, if you need a break from studying and stress - pick up our final issue of the year on Friday and all next week :)

Cheers!

new moon mania.

We almost forgot amongst the strikes and the beginning of holiday craziness...it's time for all Twi-hards to explode over the release of the next film in the Twilight saga, New Moon.

To say this movie will be big is a bit of an understatement. The pre-sales already broke records - several THOUSANDS of New Moon showtimes are sold out (mainly to buyers under 24 years old) and they've surpassed The Dark Knight and the Harry Potter franchise, and even Peter Jackson's legendary Lord of the Rings (we're just as surprised as you are).

The reviews from advanced screenings of the film say the obvious - the film isn't deep stuff, the acting is okay given the material they're given and dedicated (okay, obsessed) fans of the series will be getting exactly what they want (only less Robert Pattinson, but true fans already knew that because they've read the book 100 plus times).

We don't want to seem anti-Twilight - to each their own - but we're just warning those out there who might want to check it out, you might be a little confused and it might not be as entertaining for you as it will be for the hundreds of teenage girls sitting behind you.

However, for those of you who can't wait to get a piece of the action....we give you gratuitous pictures of the cast:

strikes away.

It looks like a strike's upon us...and it sucks.

How many of you are struggling to find rides, or getting up super early to walk to class?
How many are concerned about making it to exams, handing in projects on time?
Don't even want to THINK about what winter will be like if this strike lasts?

If you're looking to grab a ride from a fellow Fanshawe student, check out the FSU's Ride Board and see if anyone in your area is offering rides...there are a lot posted, so you might be able to score one and all you have to do is split gas costs.

http://www.fsu.ca/ride_board_listing.asp

In the meantime, if you've got beef with this whole strike debacle...tell us about it! We want to hear from you.

latest on the ltc.

If you read the London Free Press this morning, you would've seen that the London's mayor is getting involved in the situation - not taking sides, but simply impressing upon either side the importance of settling this because the strike ultimately does nothing but hurt the many, many people who rely on the bus.

So keep your eye on the web this weekend to check updates, if there are any, on the situation.

Here's the article we mentioned: http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2009/11/13/11730316-sun.html

And LTC's site for the latest news: http://www.ltconline.ca/

remembering a brave canadian.

(jessesjourney.com)

Last Friday, Jesse Davidson of Jesse's Journey passed away at 29 years old. Jesse was battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
He was instrumental in bringing awareness to the disease and inspired many through his cross-Ontario trek in 1995 that raised a million dollars for research.

He graduated Fanshawe in 2002 and became one of six Distinguished Alumni in 2006.

A private memorial service will be held for family today, and a public service will be held tomorrow at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral at 472 Richmond St.

In lieu of flowers, family has asked that donations be made to Jesse's Journey at
www.jessesjourney.com or mail to PO Box 5099 London , Ontario N6A 4M8.

for the love of (awkward) families.

Since it's Friday, we'd like to give you a little treat.

Awkward Family Photos - slightly horrifying, hilarious and always awkward.

We've already perused about six pages of these gems, and we wanted to share them with you because you can't get any better than this on a Friday afternoon.

What is WRONG with that Easter Bunny?

http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com

i wanna be a vj.

Kelly Peter, left, and Liz Trinnear

Cue "Eye of the Tiger." These two London ladies have come this far (top 8 out of 4000!) and have until the end of November to prove they have what it takes to be the next MuchMusic VJ.

MuchMusic is on the hunt for their next VJ.

And oddly enough, not one but two of its Top 8 finalists in the MuchMusic VJ 2.0 search are Londoners: Kelly Peter, a Fanshawe broadcast graduate and Liz Trinnear, of Western.

The two ladies are both clearly have what it takes to be the next face of the channel, and in the latest issue of the Interrobang, we talk to both about what makes them stand out from the other VJ hopefuls.

But there's one question that didn't make it into the paper - and frankly, it's an important deciding factor:

If you could compare your hosting personality to an ice cream flavour, what flavour would it be and why?

Liz: Peanut butter chocolate. The peanut butter - it's always a staple, you can always rely on it, and the chocolate adds a little extra sweetness, a little extra pizazz.

Kelly: Cotton candy - fun and colourful! It's never boring.

Insightful and delicious-sounding. Voters will have a lot of thinking to do.

Check out the rest of the interview in the latest issue of Fanshawe's Interrobang - out Friday!

If you want to vote for Kelly or Liz - here are their MuchMusic links:

Kelly: http://vj.muchmusic.com/kelly/

Liz: http://vj.muchmusic.com/liz/

2010 oscar hosts - double the pleasure.

(etonline)

Next year's Oscars award show will be returning to its roots of two hosts on the iconic evening.

Steve Martin and 30 Rock's Alec Baldwin have been announced as the MC's for Hollywood's biggest night.

The men responded in a statement:

"Martin said: 'I am happy to co-host the Oscars with my enemy Alec Baldwin.' Baldwin retorted with: 'I don’t play the banjo but I am thrilled to be hosting the Oscars -- it’s the opportunity of a lifetime.'"
(National Post)

Last year, Hugh Jackman's musical-filled night gave the Oscars a much-needed ratings boost - so it'll be interesting to see if these guys can bring the same results.

walmart wants you to save even when you're dead.

(Photo: BBC News)

Walmart is selling coffins.
As much as we could jazz that up with some witty joke - it's pretty ridiculous on its own.

BBC News reported that the retailer is allowing customers to pay for their coffins 12 months early with no interest and they can be sent within 48 hours - talk about convenience!

The coffins range from $895 for a steel one to a bronze model at $2,889 - practically a bargain.

So - Walmart coffins. Should funeral homes be concerned? Do you think this might be a good idea, making the grieving and funeral-planning process a little easier on the pocketbook?

For more information, check out: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8333198.stm

fanshawe fashion grad rock LG fashion week.

(Photo: Jenna Marie Wakani)

Toronto's LG Fashion Week featured some summery fashion from Fanshawe graduate, Brandon R. Dwyer.

In the latest issue of the Interrobang, we have an interview with Brandon what inspired the collection and what he's up to next.

Leigh-Ann Waller, program co-ordinator for fashion design, said they entire faculty is very proud, and Brandon's story is especially inspiring to those just starting out in the program.

"It's been exciting to share the news with all our first year students," she said. She added that Brandon gives them an example of a designer who's "well on the way to establishing themselves in the Canadian market," and "gives them a goal to aspire to."

Check out Brandon on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Brandon-R-Dwyer/56241957518?ref=ts

i see rich dead people.

Forbe's just released their top earning dead celebrities list and the top earners may be surprising.

1. Designer, Yves St. Laurent with $350-million.
2. Songwriters, Rodgers and Hammerstein with $235-million.
3. Michael Jackson at $90-million.
4. Elvis Presley with $55-million.
5. J.R.R. Tolkien with $50-million.

So were the top 5 what you expected or did you think someone else would be at number one?

To see the rest of the list, check out: http://www.forbes.com/2009/10/27/top-earning-dead-celebrities-list-dead-celebs-09-entertainment_land.html

lost soul stroll.

Didn't have time to check out the spooky Lost Soul Stroll this year?
Here's some video footage of last Thursday's stroll...the visuals may be dark, but you get the idea.

H1N1 clinics start tomorrow.

19,500 doses of the H1N1 vaccine are expected to be delivered this week.

However the clinics are only limited to:

— Health-care workers;

— Children ages six months to five years old

— Household members of children younger than six months old;

— Pregnant women 20-plus weeks of pregnancy or who have underlying medical conditions.

Clinics for the general population will be announced soon.

For more information see: http://www.healthunit.com/

about face.

(Photo: ABC News)

You always read about this stuff, but it never ceases to amaze...

James O'Neal of Woodinville, Washington is now experiencing what it's like to have a more normal face and is enjoying breathing out of his nose - something that was impossible before as his face was essentially taken over by a giant tumour.

Could you imagine?!

Read more about this man at: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/MindMoodNews/face-disfigured-man/Story?id=8902953&page=1

the rats are in the house.

First it was parties - now it's rats.
Fleming can't seem to catch a break.

The London Free Press made the Fleming rat problem its front page story for Saturday. Apparently the problem was huge in vacant lots - which is giving the city ammunition for their argument to force landlords to maintain these vacant properties or face huge fines.

So we want to find some people who have seen these "squirrel-sized" rodents and what do you think landlords need to be doing with the vacant lots?

To read more about the rat problem: http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2009/10/24/11510746-sun.html

preview of the avenue...q, that is.

Broadway's Avenue Q will be making it's way into London come November. In the latest issue of the Interrobang (out Friday), we've got an interview with ensemble member, Julianna Lee.
Yes, the play involves puppets - but that only adds to its outrageousness.

Here are some videos of Avenue Q to give you a little sneak peek at this hilarious show.

The Internet is for Porn (not the best quality, but you get the idea and you can hear the song)




Everyone's a Little Bit Racist (you can watch the beginning to get context - or move to 1.56 for the song)



Tickets are on sale at the John Labatt Centre http://johnlabattcentre.com or the Biz Booth.

let's get this over with...

(ABC)

Since we posted when the story broke, it's only right that we post when it's basically over.

Balloon boy was a hoax.

Surprised? Didn't think so.

The crazy reality show-obsessed parents, Richard and Mayumi Heene, may face felony charges and may have their children taken away by children services - which seems reasonable given their notably unstable home life.

Apparently police have been to the house twice in the past year, once for a possible domestic violence situation.

It's all very sad that a family has come to this. It's an interesting but somewhat dismal case study in what some people will do for the elusive 15 minutes of fame that appears so easily accessible nowadays. However, this attempt will likely end in severe consequences.

For more information: http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2009/10/19/crimesider/entry5398335.shtml

texting = death.

Admit it, a lot of us are pretty talented at texting and driving - or so we think.
In an upcoming issue of the Interrobang - we're letting students know about the hands-free law that will be in effect on October 26, meaning it will now be illegal for you to fiddle with your phone while on the road.
So to give some motivation to put down the cell, we give you this video.
After watching it, we're hoping maybe you'll reconsider whipping out your iPhone - even at red lights.




Horrifying, isn't it?

because it's monday...

We bring you...

baby in a pumpkin patch!

Photo courtesy of http://globeandmail.com/Pawel Dwulit - Cdn. Press

Look at that kid go!

Give us a break - it's Monday - we're tired :)

sex games.

Do you know what today is? Sex issue day!

And to celebrate - the Middlesex London Health Unit has released an interactive game called "Adventures in Sex City" for your sexual awareness enjoyment.


They collaborated with Mind Your Mind, the internationally acclaimed London-based youth mental health website and support program, to create ways of getting the message out on sexual health. It was largely guided by youth input.

You can choose from colourfully-named characters like "Captain Condom," "Wonder Vag," and "Power Pap" then head on to battle the evil "Sperminator" by answering a series of questions to test your sexual knowledge. With condom shields and penis arms, as well as a whole lot of good facts to know - "Adventures in Sex City" is a great way to see if you're really as sexually aware as you think you are.
We're guessing some of the questions might throw you.

Check out the game at: http://www.healthunit.com/sectionList.aspx?sectionID=165 or http://getitonlondon.com

balloon boy bogus?

Apparently the big balloon boy hoopla may have been a hoax all along - orchestrated by parents' who have a reality TV past.

The boy was not in the balloon - he was actually found hiding in a box in the rafters of his garage.

It all came out on Larry King when the boy said, quite innocently, that they "did it for the show."

It still remains to be seen which show they're referring to but the fact of the matter is - this family is looking like a joke right now.

As Boss Editor said this morning - kids that age will not stay in one place for four hours, so the whole thing sounds a little strange.

What do you think? Is this boy a victim of an attention-hungry family?

Info from the Associated Press: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ie0x4tv2tFVwxzfVpFiJG47OvbgwD9BC5KH80

balloon boy.

Photo: CNN.com

A six-year-old boy found himself on quite the aerial adventure when he climbed into a homemade balloon aircraft made by his parents.

He is now floating over eastern Colorado.

Don't believe us?

See for yourself!

http://news.bnonews.com/xh2m
and here's CNN's developing story: http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/10/15/colorado.boy.balloon/index.html

Wild.

beat it.

Yesterday a man was apprehended due to his violent behaviour at Western's Social Science building.

The man's resistance to campus police resulted in London Police Services being called and his subsequent arrest.

However - many of UWO's students are questioning police tactics with the arrest.

This is allegedly the video of the arrest. We want to know what YOU think about the tactics used? Too much or the right amount of force for someone who allegedly violently resisted arrest?



For more information on the situation, check out: http://www.lfpress.com/news/london/2009/10/15/11409981.html

where the wild things premiered.

Author Maurice Sendak, Spike Jonze and Max Records, who plays Max in the film

Last night marked the New York premiere of Spike Jonze's Where the Wild Things Are, based on the book by Maurice Sendak.

The movie will be released to theatres this Friday, October 16.

If you've seen the preview, you already know that it's a visual masterpiece - perfectly recreating the children's classic for the big screen.

The preview alone literally gives you chills - helped along by Arcade Fire's "Wake Up."

Speaking of music - the Yeah Yeah Yeahs wild frontwoman Karen O penned the soundtrack, so you can expect that to be almost equally epic if you're a fan of her.

For those who have been living under a rock and had no idea this movie was coming out (c'mon, it's Where the Wild Things Are!), here's the preview for your viewing pleasure.




Photo credit: USA Today - http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/2009-10-14-wildthingspremiere_N.htm

hangover's oscar nod?

Summer's (the year's?) most funniest movie may be getting more than just love from fans - it might even get a little love from the gold man, Oscar, himself.
According to Entertainment Weekly's Dave Karger (OscarWatch), his friend - an Oscar voter no doubt - said he believes that The Hangover will be one of the 10 films up for the Best Picture category in 2010.

As a huge fan of the flick, I support this whole-heartedly. Sure, past nominees have involved often epic melodramatic stories - but aren't we due for a little ridiculousness getting recognized?
What do you think? The Hangover for Best Picture? Zach Galifianakis for Best Supporting Actor? Heck, put him in the Best Actor category with the Pitts and the Day-Lewis'!

What do you think about this speculation?

jon stewart pwns CNN.

Last night, Jon Stewart reminded CNN to stay on top of REAL fact-checking when he called them out for fact-checking an SNL skit - one that was a response to Obama's Nobel Peace Prize win and that poked fun at the fact that the president hasn't actually done anything on his presidential to-do list, so to speak.

Yeah - CNN investigated and reported on how they fact-checked an SNL skit.

Stewart said it perfectly himself - bringing up some old SNL skits.

"While you were doing your research, did you find out sharks live in water and don't give out candy-grams?...And that the majority of boxes do not have d*cks in them?"

Figure it out, CNN.

Want to see the rest of this brilliance?

http://watch.thecomedynetwork.ca/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart/full-episodes/the-daily-show-with-jon-stewart---october-12-2009/#clip223012

We'll leave it there.

barack peaces.

By now you must've heard that the new (is he still considered new?) president of the United States has been awarded this year's Nobel Peace Prize for his "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co-operation between peoples" (Globe and Mail).
Barack Obama is undoubtedly a pretty amazing public figure - after all, he did call Kanye an "asshole" after the whole Taylor Swift/VMA debacle - but this did come as a bit of a surprise for a president who was nominated after only being in office for 11 days.
After all, as former prize winner Lech Walesa noted, he hasn't really done anything yet.
Walesa, a Polish dissident who, in the 1980s, led a decade-long solidarity movement that eventually usurped the Soviet rule, commented that "there hasn't been any contribution to peace yet. He's proposing things, he's initiating things, but he has yet to deliver."

So - does Obama deserve the award or is it too much too soon?

More information at: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/barack-obama-wins-nobel-peace-prize/article1318102/

Happy T-Giving, from us to you.

Whether you're going home or celebrating with friends here in the 'Don. We at the Interrobang wish you a Happy Thanksgiving - bear head, Canadian Club, hockey and all.

sexy time. high five!

For those of you who didn't have the opportunity to visit the "Everything to do with Sex Show" that happened at the Western Fair on the October 2nd weekend - we've got a little peep show of what you missed. Mix in some bondage, a lot of dildos, and some body art - and you've got yourself a nice little Saturday.

corsets for every body. forbidden fantasies - oooooh.
that's uncle d to the right there. this is not your childhood jungle gym.
that could be true. fairly self-explanatory.