NEWSWIRE

Mother Nature rains on Yorkfest 2005
For the first time in its 11-year history, Yorkfest took one on the chin from Mother Nature as rain sent thousands of students scurrying for cover on Wednesday, putting a hasty end to the outdoor festivities.

All was not a total loss however, as the promoters – The Underground and the York Student Centre – quickly switched to plan B and moved headline concert acts Cheap Suits and k-os indoors to Burton Auditorium.

And, with more sponsors, 110 student groups represented and a big boost in revenue, Yorkfest 2005 continued to improve.

Coming from Pickering? GO's got your bus
The transit option for getting to York’s Keele campus improved a little more last week with the announcement of increased GO bus service to and from Pickering – just ask Shamini Selvaratnam, VP education for the York Federation of Students, who makes the trip herself.

York film prof latches on to Whole New Thing
Amnon Buchbinder knew he had created a winning script when ThinkFilm made an offer for the Canadian rights to Whole New Thing a week after receiving the screenplay - an impressively quick response in an industry where a three-month wait is not uncommon.

Finch Avenue washout floods Keele campus with traffic
No doubt about it, traffic can be a nightmare these days, especially during the morning and evening rush hours. York officials are doing all they can to ease congestion caused largely by the closure of Finch Ave. between Jane and Keele streets, but a little patience may be the best answer.

Think you recognize that face? Guess again...
Star-gazers beware: picking a celebrity’s face from a crowd might not be as easy as you thought, according to a new study by two York professors. Their research shows we recognize normal faces more easily than unusual ones.

Law firm donation sets up new moot
Thanks to the generosity of the Toronto-based law firm Torys LLP, first-year students at Osgoode Hall Law School now have a moot of their own. Torys' support will enable Osgoode students to develop their advocacy skills and provide students with financial assistance to participate in mooting.

Law partnership announces support for new biz law program
Members of the firm of Davies Ward Phillips Vineberg LLP came to York to announce a gift of $406,250 to support a lecture program that will create excitement for business law within the student community and help the law school better connect with the broader legal and business community.

Check out Wellness Wednesday this week
Wellness Wednesday begins this Wednesday in Central Square, East Bear Pit from 10am to 3:30pm. Come by and learn about Walktober, a new walking group for students that will meet twice a week throughout the semester. It’s free, it’s easy and it’s fun!