Calgary Herald reporter Paul Drohan provided first-hand strike knowledge for University of Calgary students Dec. 1 when he addressed a sociology class called Worker Movements and Labour Unions. The Chair of the Picketing Committee spoke honestly about the state of affairs within the Herald which prompted workers to cast strike ballots almost four weeks ago.

Loose Moose Theatre are tossing their hat into the frenzied Christmas ring with the return of Chrismoose Carol.

A unique interpretation of the beloved Dickens tale, Chrismoose weaves the main plot elements from the original story into a format more conducive to Loose Moose style.

"It makes fun of tonnes of stuff, but it's not a satire in the strictest sense," says Dennis Cahill, artistic director with Loose Moose who is doing double duty as Scrooge and director.

"We're both staying in... we're staying and we're waiting for God… just give me five minutes to try to explain and then I'll drive you to the party and you'll still have enough time to stick your tongue down Monica's throat for the new millennium."

What a dilemma. The biggest party night of all time is the night when all the crazies will be out. Should you go out? Or stay at home?

Most people wish for fame and fortune in their teen years, but the Matthew Good band have been lucky enough to have that wish come true, even though it happened later in their lives. They have learned to cope with the lifestyle of a musician, to become role models and to value their long-awaited success.

Being in control of the rest of their lives is the main concern at this point for this chart-topping band. They recently attained platinum status with their third album, Beautiful Midnight in a mere 29 days.

It is almost time for the onslaught of sappy, well-meaning Christmas TV movies to begin. This year it would be nice to see some reality mixed in with the happy families, angels who spread cheer like it was a virus and hobo grandpas who finally reunite with the son they abandoned in order to ride the rails.

If someone told Jewel not to quit her day job, we'd be stuck listening to her sing about her hands (they are not yours, stupid) and hearing stories about how she lived in a van a hundred times each week. That's still better than watching her act.

Jewel, however, is not the only low-point in Ang Lee's new film, Ride with the Devil. Set during the American Civil War, Lee (Eat Drink Man Woman, Sense and Sensibility) directs a flavour-of-the-month cast through a tale of Southern Bushwhackers fighting battles in Missouri.

Ever wonder if Mike Diamond, the legendary Beastie Boy, was related to Neil Diamond? Me neither. This story attempts to clarify, or at least insinuate, relationships between some of the world's most notorious jackasses solely on the basis of common last name. This is a thinking exercise.

Bill Goldberg, "Athlete"