A look back at some of the wackiest athletes in sports history

Mike St. Jean

Layout and Design Editor

Moises Alou - MLB

As mentioned last week, many athletes have come up with bizarre pre-game traditions they follow almost religiously throughout the course of the season. Although many athletes have turned more than a few heads with their rituals, very few can say they have turned as many heads as former MLB outfielder Moises Alou—or as many stomachs, for that matter.

Alou, one of the few batters in the MLB to step up to the plate without wearing gloves, decided his odd playing style required him to toughen the skin on his hands. As a result, the former World Series Champion would pee on them prior to games.

To this day, the two-time Silver Slugger award winner swears his habit toughened his skin, and therefore, prevented blisters which he would surely have gotten due to his gloveless batting style. Although possibly true, science would argue the fact that, as a key component of urine, uric acid would have softened his skin.

Although it can be argued that urinating on his hands likely didn’t help his career at all, Alou did gain some mental confidence from carrying out his odd tradition. A six-time all-star, Alou finished his career with 332 home runs and a 0.303 batting average over an 18-year MLB career.

One thing that remains without a doubt, however, is that it would take a brave soul to act as Alou’s bat-boy.

From weights, to grills, to home décor, to cars, this list encompasses the entire gift spectrum

Lyle Morissette

Sports Editor

Tis’ the season of lavish treats and gut-blowing feast-ivites, or in other words, not exactly the ideal season (unless you get one of the gifts in this guide) to be an athlete or fitness nut. Nonetheless, it is one nobody—athletes included–should ever miss out on, taking full advantage of what it has to offer year after year—family, friends, food, and of course, holiday spirit.

So, what to do? Well, to offset an athlete’s possible anguish of missing out—or gorging—how about get the athlete in your life one of these “must have” gifts for Christmas (or maybe just a picture of it). They will warm up not only the spirits, but will also make them forget that they may have missed out on some of the best the season had to offer. Or, they may just help take the guilt away in regards to sneaking in far too many “cheat meals” and cupboard excavations this holiday season. So, whether they were good or naughty, here are some possibilities to ponder over.

The List:

Powerblock Adjustable Dumbbells (range; start at $179.99; powerblock.com):

These are truly a godsend: they are convenient, come in a wide range of weight scales, and will end the days of cluttered workout rooms. Each pair allows you to have “rapid access to a whole rack of dumbbells at home in the space of just 1 pair.” With a quick switch, you could go from lifting 20 pounds a hand one second to 50 pounds the next; quick and efficient workouts are its byproducts. The best thing: no membership fees.

The George Foreman Grill (start at $19.99):

This portable grill is an object of culinary genius and efficiency. The very popular George Foreman Grill is the ultimate kitchen appliance for any athlete. It cuts the fat, cooks quickly, and can help anybody turn out delicious appetizers, main courses, or even desserts. The athlete in your life will thank you for this one…if they already don’t have one.

Ocho Cinco: What Football and Life Have Thrown My Way ($16.50; Amazon):

For the reading enthusiast athlete comes this very entertaining autobiography by the very controversial and comical WR of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Fatheads (prices vary):

A life-size, hi-def, action wall-portrait of a favourite athlete—or themselves, if they’re egotistical– that is removable and can be re-applied would make any sports fan drool. As such, these are an ideal home décor gift for any athlete—you can even get a personal one of said athlete made with a personal picture.

Tesla Roadster (start at $129,000):

Giving something up for the environment does not always have to hurt. This “dream car” is completely electric (2x more efficient than a Prius), hits 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, and gets 293km on one charge. Looking fresh and saving the environment. Check and check. The only negative: the price tag.

Samsung 46″ 1080p 240Hz LED HDTV ($2999.99):

Self explanatory; this is one of the best on the market at the moment…sports in HD!

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves (PS3; $59.99):

Who says athletes only play sports video games! This masterpiece about the search for Marco Polo’s lost fleet and the city of Shangri-La will have not only the player engaged, but also all those watching; it’s like playing a non-stop action movie.

Happy Gilmore & The Waterboy (DVD/Blu-Ray; prices vary)

Both of the movies may be getting older, but age is just a number. Yet, with age comes distinction, and these two Adam Sandler sports comedies have arguably become classics that provide laughs with each subsequent viewing.

The Lump of Coal (priceless):

What goes around comes around. Keep this in mind.

Derek Wall

A&E Editor

The Outpost will be hosting the upbeat ska-influenced, Australian band, The Cat Empire.

The band’s latest offering, So Many Nights, is a collection of songs written to reference the band’s experiences along the road to success.

So Many Nights is The Cat Empire’s third studio release, and offers the energetic, brass-assisted tunes The Cat Empire fans have come to love.

Accompanying the Australian group is the Canadian outfit Jon and Roy. The two make their way from Victoria, BC.

Jon and Ray recently released their album, Another Noon, and even though it has been released so recently, on November 9^th, it is generating positive reviews; one from the likes of Exclaim! Magazine.

The vocalist, Jon, has even been invited to sing the Canadian and USA national anthems for an NHL hockey game.

The two have also had their Jon and Roy Holiday Special recorded by the CBC in front of 810 audience members in a sold out theatre.

The success of the music seems to be attracting attention from unusual sources. While music by Jon and Ray has aired on MTV (Music Television) and CMT (Country Music Television), their music will soon be heard on National Geographic and The Outdoor Learning Network as well.

There is certainly something earthy about the duo’s sound, and is reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel.

The Cat Empire formed back in 1999, and the story of the name of the group is unique: the younger brother of the percussionist had drawn a picture of three cats wearing crowns, including one brandishing a gun. It was from this image the band chose its name.

Rocky Horror Picture Show is a Paramount spectacle

Derek Wall

A&E Editor

The Paramount has been very busy trying to bring classic cinema to Thunder Bay, and many patrons would agree that the Paramount has been successful. The Paramount is constantly offering classic cinema, when it is not hosting the Cambrian Players.

One of the areas of classic cinema cultdom that has not yet touched the screen is the audience participatory Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Originally screened in 1975, the motion picture stars an iconic Tim Curry, an operatic Meat Loaf, and a new-to-the-scene Susan Sarandon.

What makes the spectacle of The Rocky Horror Picture Show so great is the aspect of audience participation. There are few occasions in life where you won’t get removed forcibly by the theatre staff for yelling obscenities at the screen, throwing bread in the theatre, and getting up and dancing on the stage in front of the screen the audience is trying to watch.

The ways in which the audience can participate in the screening are endless. Newspapers, rubber gloves, and squirt guns are just some of the props one can expect to see patrons arriving with. To learn more about the proper ways to participate as an audience, you might try doing some research online.

There is no better excuse to got dolled up in fishnet stockings, golden ginch, and corsets than going to a participatory screening of the classic Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Pretty Ugly

Argus

Beard it for November, or keep it clean cut. Either route you choose, remember that manly is in. And what is manlier than sporting some raw hide?

Get your hands on a leather jacket, and if possible, find a middle ground between Shaft and the Fonz. And once that mercury drops off, layer the leather with a thin or zip hoody. The thinner the better too, avoid bulk at all times, especially if you’re following along and have some strapped skinnys; you really don’t want to look top heavy.

If you got some bomb leather but still want some flair, Burberry scarves are hotter than stolen goods or for some extra edge wrap a bandana on the throat. If you don’t feel cool as the weather, get some fresh kicks. For winter I’m feeling the ½ high tops, they end at the ankle. Skate or boot, if it has that rise, cop ‘em. In black. Obviously.

What kinds of women love winter? The kind that love accessories, of course. But remember not to overdue it. Yes, accessorizing is fun, but sometimes less is more.

Winter also means cooped up hair has a habit of curling, so instead of fighting them, flaunt them. They’re refreshing and bouncy compared to the Skelator straight from summer.

Hair speaks in volumes and when the rest of you is bundled, its worth the effort, plus they look sexy in the Thunder Bay wind. My suggestion is brave the cold in something bold and professional, try to grab a blazer with sharp shoulders, and limit your accessories to one wool item.

Swing it casual with skinny denims, or black Thunder Bay thick leggings. If you want to ice out, get something that dangles like it’s melting off of you, necklaces with some length, or bracelets that just fit.

Get yourself something badass too, this winter is all about edge and fierce. Slip on some leather boots that fit tight and slim over the skinny jeans; you still get that streamline look all the way down to the heel.

Yeah, fierce. Real fierce.

Rose Cousins, Gaelin Brown, and Marley Giunta perform to raise HIV/AIDS awareness

Stacey Goyan

News Editor

As school winds down and exams lurch closer, the Multicultural Centre will be bringing the issue of AIDS to light. They will be hosting their World AIDS Day Benefit on November 27th, from 8pm-12am in The Study.

Although December 1^st marks the official World AIDS Day, the event falls on a weekend to draw a larger crowd.

The Multicultural Centre coordinator, Neva Bassingthwaite, says that while HIV/AIDS awareness is important, the night is mainly a fundraiser for the Stephen Lewis Foundation.

In previous years, the event has been run through various groups and has brought in approximately $2000 in funds to help HIV/AIDS related causes. The MCC is hoping to match that regardless of the poor economy.

The benefit will feature the sounds of east coast singer-songwriter, Rose Cousins. Cousins is the recipient of the 2008 East Coast Music Awards female recording artist of the year.

Cousin’s performance will likely feature selections from her latest release, “The Send Off.” The album includes breathy, soft songs that echo the ocean air of Prince Edward Island.

Those in attendance will also be treated with performances by local acts Gaelin Brown and Marley Giunta.

Guests will be able to bid on a variety of prizes in a silent auction. Many prizes are available from a variety of local businesses willing to help the cause.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Stephen Lewis Foundation and Bikes for Humanity. The Stephen Lewis Foundation has existed since 2003 and works in 15 countries to end HIV/AIDS. Bicycles for Humanity collects bikes, then sends them to developing countries where they are needed.

Benefit tickets run at a mere $10 and can be purchased at various venues across campus, including the MCC, LUSU, The Study, and in the Agora during the week of November 23^rd.