gentoo + thinkpad x61 = difficult wifi

easy kernel hacks to make the intel 4965AGN work:
kernel selections:

Networking  
    Wireless 
  *  Improved wireless configuration API
[*]   nl80211 new netlink interface support
 *  Wireless extensions
<*> Generic IEEE 802.11 Networking Stack (mac80211)

Device Drivers 
    [*] Network device support 
  Wireless LAN 
    Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11)
[*]   Intel Wireless WiFi Link Drivers
[*]     Enable full debugging output in iwlwifi drivers
[*]     Enable Sensitivity Calibration in iwlwifi drivers
[*]     Enable Spectrum Measurement in iwlwifi drivers
[*]     Enable Wireless QoS in iwlwifi drivers
<M>     Intel Wireless WiFi 4965AGN