Japanese films will reel in fans to the University of Calgary this weekend as the Japanese Film Festival rolls into town once again. Both Film Studies students and the public will benefit from the screening of contemporary Japanese films at the two-day festival, put on by the Consulate-General of Japan and the University of Calgary Department of Germanic, Slavic and East Asian Studies.

This CD reminds me a little of a hospital stay. A bit depressing but ultimately hopeful, the CD tells you that one day you'll recover.

Barenaked Ladies keyboardist Kevin Hearn recorded this CD after his bout with leukaemia and it's referenced in the album title, H-Wing. But there's no hospital-like sterility in this CD. The piano, guitars and bass are simply arranged but create a lush soundscape. The only criticism is Hearn's thin voice, but only on the first few tracks.

Two University of Calgary students have created a video making alternative transportation look not so "alternative" after all. According to them, it's time to shift into another gear with transportation choices.

If Kraft Dinner is an essential part of a university experience, 15 University of Calgary students can consider the requirement fulfilled.

On Wed., Nov. 28, the Students' Union hosted the Mac and Cheese Cookoff as part of the Tuition Action Comittee events. Fifteen entrants competed to create the best variation of the KD treat using a variety of ingredients like ketchup, mayonnaise, cheese, chili peppers and tuna.

If the stash of money, food and toys at the University of Calgary is any indication, students have plenty of giving spirit.

The Students' Union Annual Holiday Food Drive took place from Nov. 21-23. Over three days, MacEwan Student Centre bustled with fundraisers such as the Tree of Hope, Food Pyramid Contest and Silent Auction.

In October 1998, a homosexual man named Matthew Shepard was beaten to death in Wyoming. Protestors attended his funeral with signs that read "Death to fags."

In January 2001, Reverend Brent Hawkes presided over the first legitimate gay marriages in Canada.

In April 2001, a homosexual woman was named homecoming king of her high school's prom in Kansas. This time, protestors came bearing signs that read "Thank God for AIDS."

Students might get a little more help from the provincial government, thanks to recent efforts by an Alberta student lobby group.

From Nov. 19-22, the Council of Alberta University Students met with MLAs in Edmonton to discuss post-secondary education issues. CAUS finished the week with a meeting with Premier Ralph Klein and Alberta Learning Minister Lyle Oberg.