The Cadre + 26 January 1999

at the movies

Star Trek: Insurrection

Starring Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, Levar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, F. Murray Abraham, Donna Murphy. Produced by Rick Berman

Directed by Jonathan Frakes

Written by Michael Piller.

Paramount Pictures, 1998.

When I went to Empire Theatres, I went in expecting just another Star Trek movie, but I was pleasantly surprised.

I have to make a confession. For me, Star Trek is beginning to get boring. True, I do watch Deep Space Nine semi-religiously, but I’ve abandoned all interest in Voyager. Unlike most of the other Star Trek fans I’ve talked to, | haven't been particularly enthralled by the crop of movies involving the crew of the Enterprise-D (Enterprise-E now), in large part because the movies — First Contact in particular — seemed to adhere to the basic storyline of “find and destroy problem.” I ee aes intention of finding something

entertaining to do for two hours. iene pleasantly surprised. Jnsurrection does adhere to the “find and destroy problem” storyline, but it manages to do so with a sense of humor, not to mention interesting elaborations on the above hackneyed basic plot. The Enterprise-E has been scat on a diplomatic mission to a distant system Wis ee insane in ethnograp!

are told that Data has gone insat Jed gn gm

lanet, find that the Paku homeworld is threatened the ro rahe ried beep nye It seems that if one lives on the Paku homeland, you are exposed to metaphasic particles that, among other things, ensure Insurrection is an interesting twist on the lust for technology demonstrated in most of the previous instal/ations Star Trek. Like the less successful Generations, aoe py tion asks the question of whether technology is worth so-called rewards, and would it be better to: yr a an licated life. Picard, of course, is the focus of ts struggle, as the consummate Starfleet officer falls in love a a lovely Paku woman as the valiant crew of the Enterprist-© lead the fight to keep the Paku from being driven from

home. e: fom Aside from the storyline, the movie itself is quite good. Acting is rarely wooden, Jonathan Frakes directing is excel- lent, and judicious use is made of the latest in computer i effects. One is quickly drawn into the story of the Paku and the Enterprise-E with nary a protest It’s ion that Jnsurrection is one ort — perhaps the best — Star Trek movies ever. I can’t wait to get my copy on videotape.

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Ask

Avie

Answers to your contraceptive health questions

Q. Allie, | am consider- ing taking the birth con- trol pill, but I'm curious about all the different kinds of Pills that might be available to me. Which one should | choose?

A. It can be mind-bog- gling when you first ask your doctor about the Pill. There seems to be many birth control pills available, but it’s up to you and your doctor to decide what's best for you. One important thing to know is that there are really only three types of birth control pill: monophasic, triphasic and the mini-pill.

Monophasic(Combination) Pills

Combination pills con- tain two sex hormones, estrogen and progestin. and

nancy. is very tolerable, which it’s easy to take and has the fewest nuisance side-effects.

The newest of these monophasic pills is Alesse. Alesse is different in that it contains a low amount of estrogen while keeping the ideal balance between the amounts of estrogen and progestin. The World Health Organization and Health Canada recognize that it’s important to always use the lowest possible dose of estrogen. This makes Alesse a good option for most women, and may be appropriate for those taking the Pill for the first time.

Pills Triphasic pills are divid- ed into three phases during a cycle. In each phase, the amount of estrogen and progestin can be slightly different. This is done to match the natural rhythm of a woman's menstrual cycle and keep side-effects, like breakthrough bleeding, to a minimum. Triphasic pills are also more than 99 per cent effective and fairly

well-tolerated.

(ther tvpes of

Continuous Low-Dose Progestins (Mini-Pill)

The mini-pill contains only one hormone, pro- gestin, and is generally used by women who can't take estrogen, The mini-pill is not as effective as other birth control pills, due to the absence of estrogen. It can also result in erratic periods, breakthrough bleeding and spotting between periods.

It's encouraging to know that more women are becoming interested in learning about their choices in birth control in order to make responsible decisions. Remember that this is a decision you don't have to make alone. Talk about all of your birth control options with your doctor and togeth- er you'll make the best deci- sion for you. Also, keep in mind that birth control pills only protect you from get- ting pregnant, they do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

birth control

md their cllectiveness

COMBINATION PILL less than | to 2 Norplant less than | to 2 Depo-Provera less than | to 2 Intrauterine Device (IUD) less than | to 6 Condom with Spermicidal Gel or Foam 1106 MINI-PILL 306 Condom alone 2to 12 Diaphragm with Spermicidal Gel or Foam 30 18 Spermicide alone 3021 Sponge with spermicide 3 to 28 Cervical cap with spermicide 5 to 18 Rhythm method 2 to 20 No birth control 60 to 80 * (measured in pregnancies per year for 100 women)

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