TODAY ONLY!: UWO Bookstore MegaSale!!

Okay, I went to the bookstore yesterday as a study break and some anti-library time... and WOW!

I was greeted with FREE delicious, caramel-filled coffee cakes, tarts, and brownies and FREE coffee, cider or tea!!

Not only that... but I ended up spending about $40 on 8 design books that were almost 90% off (part of the sale is 50% off their already-reduced red sticker sale items)!! For example, I own the first in the LogoLounge series, which i bought on Amazon for $35, and I got the second one yesterday for $3.50!!!

They have all kinds of books -- great christmas-presents-on-a-budget or stocking stuffers because they're so cheap!!-- cookbooks, photography, design, sex, crafting, scrapbooking, novels, science, coffeetable books, all at MORE THAN 75% OFF THE COVER PRICE!! I remember these ones specifically from yesterday, all $8.99 or less and 50% off:
- The Art of the Quickie -- Amazon price $17 -- Bookstore: $3.50
- India -- Amazon price $30 -- Bookstore: $4.50
- Rock & Roll -- Original price $60 -- Bookstore: $4.50
- Alternacrafts -- Original price $25 -- Bookstore: $3.50
- Monster Origami -- Amazon price $10 -- Bookstore: $3.50
- Beyond: Visions of the Interplanetary Probes -- Original price $30 -- Bookstore: $4.50

Amazing deals, people.

Also, if you're not into books, check out these other deals:
20% off reg. priced clothing <-- The "My kid and my money go to Western" shirts make great parent gifts
30% off backpacks
10% off hats, mitts & scarves
10% off office supplies

Annnnddddd.....
Gift wrapping!!! from until 4pm today!!

Okay, so if anyone gets the RSS feed of this blog, or checks it.... BRAVE THE STORM and GO TO CAMPUS TODAY! It's worth it.

Oh, and here's the bookstore link and their Facebook Page, that has more event details.

Mustangs Don't have to walk!--- USC alternatives

Walking to class in the rain is not very appealing, but the USC are doing everything they can to help students find alternate transportation to campus.

Mustangs Moving Mustangs Online is brought to you by the USC and offers all the information you need for your options when it comes to beating the LTC Strike.

Currently, some highlights include:
- A secure, staffed bike-check at the back of the UCC gym
- Volunteer-driven rented vans that run during peak hours
- Reduced parking rates and coin entry at certain parking lots on campus
- Enhanced security for walkers
- And much more!

There are even plans in the works to allow students to camp out at the UCC overnight during exam time to prevent students walking home really late from the library. Stay tuned for more details on that!

In the meantime, check out MustangsMovingMustangs.ca

UCC Week of December 6th: Study Study Study...

This week at Western Film… The Cove , which appears to be a pretty intriguing documentary about dolphins, aaannnnndddd Paranormal Activity , which looks terrifying. Maybe if you go see it on Tuesday (for THREE DOLLARS), it will scare you out of stressing about the exam you should be studying for…? It’s worth a try…

Elsewere and Elsewhen…THERE ARE AMAZING FUN GAMES!! Check It.

Also, on Monday December 7th the Western New Democrats will be supporting a Women’s Rights Art Show in the UCC. Contact them through their Facebook group for more details.

As of Wednesday December 9th (the last day of class), the UCC, like you, goes into study mode! Tables, tables and more tables will help accommodate the bigger demand on campus study spaces—so keep that in mind if your lucky table at Club Weldon is filled when you get there. Luckily, Exam Buses will start running on the 10th, so that will make things even easier!

December 5: Tight & Bright Hot Yoga for Charity

This Saturday December 5th at 2PM, Free the Children Western is hosting a hot yoga session at Moksha Yoga, which is London’s premeire Yoga studio right downtown, just off Richmond Row.

This is an event you won’t want to miss because…

1. It’s only $10 per person for 60 minutes of sweaty relaxation.


2. All the proceeds go to charity.


3. It’s TIGHT and BRIGHT themed (aka: wear your tightest and brightest yogawear)


4. There will be “goodies” afterwards


5. It’s the perfect stress-releiving break from exam studying!

...and just some background on the charity,

Free The Children is the world's largest network of children helping children through education, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. The primary goals of the organization are to free children from poverty and exploitation and free young people from the notion that they are powerless to affect positive change in the world.

Join the Facebook Event for more details!

December 7 - 11: Need a Break from Studying?

The USC has planned the “USC Exam Stress Relief Week” this upcoming December 7th to 11th. Yes, it may also be better known as “The first week of exams”, but let’s be positive about it! A stress-free mind and body is a healthy and happy mind and body—all the better to succeed at exams with!

There is literally a ton of TOTALLY FREE activities going on in the UCC all week, to name a few:
- Daily Guitar Hero 3 Competition in the UCC
- Daily Yoga class
- Daily Holiday Movie Screenings (free! And free popcorn!)
- Daily Drop-in Sports

Click HERE for more info/details. Print that! And carry it around! You wouldn’t want to miss out on anything.

December 8: Moneen and Sights & Sounds @ CTO

Been a while since you’ve been to a concert? Call the Office always hosts fantastic shows, and this Tuesday December 8th, they are hosting two amazingly talented Canadian groups: Sights & Sounds and Moneen.

Moneen is an indy-rock group from Brampton, Ontario. Check them out HERE. Or on myspace HERE.

Sights and Sounds are from Winnipeg, Manitoba. They have a myspace page HERE.

The Facebook Event has doors at 8PM, but there is nothing “official” on the Call the Office Website, but check back there more details closer to the event, or give them a call: (519) 432-BAND

December 2 - 8: Purple Santa Hats for Charity

Looking for the perfect gift this Holiday season and sick of dealing with the crowds, lines, and out-of-stock signs? Well then, WRBC and Habitat for Humanity: UWO have the perfect solution for you: The Purple Santa Hat!

Not only will The Purple Santa Hat keep you warm, festive, and showcase your Western pride, but all profits will also go to Habitat for Humanity: UWO to build a house for a family in need!

The Purple Santa Hat will be on sale from December 2nd to December 8th 9:15 am - 4:30 pm in the Social Science Center Kiosk for only $10! All profits go to Habitat for Humanity: UWO!

So this Holiday season, buy a Santa hat and help Habitat for Humanity build a HO-HO-HOME!

Check out the Facebook Group for more...

wweb D.Y.K tip: Cheaper Taxis!!

Do you have a buspass? Though the LTC is on strike—it’s still handy to keep around!

Ever wonder what that strange table of values and letters is on the OTHER side of your bus pass? Okay, you’re not stupid, it’s obviously a table showing the flat rates for AboutTown Cabs in London. HOWEVER, people rarely use it.

What you probably didn’t know is that taking the time to figure out the letter of your coming and going A/B/C Zones could save you as much as TWENTY BUCKS or even more…

For example, a trip from Campus to Masonville mall usually costs about $13.00 on the meter, BUT, with your AboutTown Flatrate card, it’s only $8.25!! You could save $20+/WEEK using the flatrates instead!!

Apparently sometimes the drivers need some convincing, but if you figure out your Zones beforehand—you can convince with confidence! Here's how to works:

LOCATION (1st column): This is your destination. If you're going to Masonville, for example, your LOCATION would be Richmond & Fanshawe.

DROPOFF/PICKUP/POST (2nd column): This is just a description of stuff near there, some places that you might be going.

A,B,C, etc (3rd+ columns): These are the 'Zones', to see what zone you fall under, you have to look at the bottom of the card. Pretty much all of campus falls under Zone B, and the Thames River acts as a dividing line for Zone A.

TO READ IT ... find where you're going in Column 1, then follow that over towards the right until you reach the column where you live / you're leaving from.

To go back to the example, someone going to Masonville (Richmond & Fanshawe), from the UCC (Zone B), could follow the line over and find out that cab fare is only $8.25!

More details, and an online version of the Cab Card are available on Mustangs Moving Mustangs.

November 14th: Cheap Stuff for a good Cause!

V-Day Western 2010 is holding its annual Rummage Sale & Silent Auction!

It will be held at the Covent Garden Market , from 9AM to 4PM and you can purchase some previously-loved goods and bid on some exciting items from local businesses, all in the name of a good cause (or causes, in this case) that supports ending violence against women.

As part of an international campaign to end violence against women and girls, V-Day Western donates all proceeds to local anti-violence agencies.

For more info about V-day and the charities this event will benefit, please visit their FACEBOOK EVENT.

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November 11, 12, 13, 14: Chekov Fest

How long has it been since you've seen live theatre?

The Department of English is putting on a series of plays by Anton Chekhov. They are UNCLE VANYA, THE BEAR, and THE PROPOSAL.

It's a mini festival of plays, including two of Chekov's early farces, The Bear and The Proposal, as well as the tragicomedy, Uncle Vanya. According to their publicity, it features an "outstanding cast of students, faculty, and community members" and is "both hilariously funny and deeply moving". Sounds pretty good to me!

But the BEST part is that this whole she-bang will only cost you TEN DOLLARS (or $15 @ door).

Here's the schedule:

Wednesday, November 11: The Bear and Uncle Vanya

Thursday, November 12; Friday, November 13; and Saturday, November 14: The Proposal and Uncle Vanya

Everything happens at Conron Hall (University College 224), and all shows begin at 8pm.
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November 15th: Delaware Rocks!!!

Delaware Hall is hosting a concert with Canadian singer-songwriter Craig Cardiff on November 15th at 7PM.

The concert is open to all students LIVING IN WESTERN RESIDENCES, and tickets are $10 (or $12 at the door). Guests tickets also available (if you don't live in rez -- make a friend there!). Tickets can be purchased at any of the 8 residences on campus on the dates and times listed on their FACEBOOK EVENT.

Check out some videos for a sneek peek! Looks like it's gonna be good...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bBMluk-IDE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WK0P1iJCXR4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxcLm4ZA45E

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Drop In: Every day is Play Day!!

Remember Play Day? In elementary school? Where everyone got together and just played games and organized activites all day long? Well, we don't reccommend skipping classes, but Campus Rec has made it possible for us to play games all day long -- in university!

If you take a look at their weekly SCHEDULE, you'll see that games Games GAMES happen everyday, all day long. I know. I can't believe it either.

They offer drop-in basketball, volleyball, badminton and futsal (I didn't know what that was either, Wikipedia explains that it's kind of like indoor soccer), and swimming almost every evening.

If that doesn't tickle your fancy, they also offer FREE CLASSES pretty much all day long every day in a ton of different activities. Again, their SCHEDULE mentions classes called "Ab Attack", "Step X", and "Triple Threat"... scary stuff! (but probably not...)

Check it out, after all, it's free for students!
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UCC Week of November 9th: Coffee for a Cause

Tuesday November 10th is the annual "Coffee for United Way" day at Western!

For every Large or Extra Large Coffee (or hot beverage!) you buy in the UCC (and across the whole campus) on November 10th, Hospitality Services will donate TWENTY FIVE CENTS to United Way. AND, for every travel mug sold, they'll donate $1!!

This is the time to give in to your caffeine addiction, people! It goes to charity! The United Way campaign is a big deal at Western, and every year between students, faculty and staff, we raise THOUSANDS of dollars. To learn more about the campus-wide campaign, click HERE.

Also, Western Film is playing Stephen Soderbergh's The Informant and Drew Barrymore's directorial debut Whip It (punk rock girls in roller skates whatttt) until November 12th. Don't forget, Tuesday is only THREE BUCKS!
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November 11th: Lest We Forget...

Why remember?

That's the theme of this year's ceremonies which feature a variety of speakers including Dr. Amit Chakma (UWO President) and Emily Rowe (USC President).

The ceremony will take place in the UCC at 10:40 AM on November 11th, don't forget to buy a poppy!

There is also going to be a prayer service held at King's at 10:45 AM. Click HERE for the Facebook Event page.
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October 27 - 31: Midight Massacre -- USC Haunted House

Will you escape ALIVE..?

It’s that time again! The USC’s Haunted House, Midnight Massacre, is around the corner!

Student Life and the USC Charity Committee’s are proud to present our annual fear-fest fundraiser in support of United Way and UNICEF! This year the Haunted House will be taking place from Oct 27-31 in the UCC Gym.

Want a sneak peak? Check out their video at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzlQ2dliWDU

and join the Facebook event at: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=312489365003&ref=ts

Entry is only $2 or a non-perishable food item! Come support a great cause… but beware – you’re gonna get SCARED!

October 22nd: UWO Pumpkin Drop '09!

From their FACEBOOK Event:

THIS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22ND, 2:30PM, UC HILL, U.W.O.

The competitive giant pumpkin growing season has come to a close, and what better way to end it than smashing TWO 700LB pumpkins from 200 FEET IN THE AIR to raise money for international development?? Come out to this incredible annual event, and bring everyone you know!

At 2:30pm this Thursday we'll be lifting the two hugest pumpkins we could get our hands on 200 feet in the air and dropping them on UC Hill.

We run Pumpkin Drop as a fundraiser for Engineers Without Borders (EWB), a national charity promoting international development in Africa and global citizenship within Canada. The money we raise prior to and during the event will go directly to sending UWO volunteers overseas for four months this summer, and sending members of our executive to an annual conference on international development in Newfoundland.

EWB members are collecting pledges this week and next week, and if we get enough we may be able to get as many as two more pumpkins!

Don't miss out, this is way better than Christmas!!
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wweb D.Y.K. tip: FREE Shuttle Buses!!

Beat the LTC Strike! Whether you currently experience long waits... no seats left... too many bumpy stops.... or you fear the prospect of walking to school in less than a week, have no fear (or at least less fear)! Because Shuttle Buses are here (and they always have been)!

The many FREE (or cheap) shuttle routes around London are a bit of an urban 'myth'. Maybe you've heard a rumour about one from a friend-of-a-friend, or saw a fully-painted billboard-on-wheels cruise by brimming with happy shoppers and wondered "Huh." Well, you didn't just dream that drive-by -- They're real.

Most (if not all) of the shuttles don't even show up on Google (which, let's face it, is extremely dubious)... but here, for the first time ever, you can plan to explore the wild, exotic extremes of London, Ontario by Shuttle! I recommend calling the number beforehand if you plan on taking them... just to be sure (they are mysterious, after all)!

Shuttle #1: GroceryBus - FREE - (519)674-6111
This one was advertised in the Student Guide this year, but it's still faaairly elusive... and it could save you lugging your milk and veggies on the 13A! If you have your Guide, details are on Page 4, if you lost your Guide, here's the DL:
- It picks up from Alumni House, Elgin Hall, Essex Hall, London Hall, or Bayfield Hall on Saturdays at 1-ish & 2-ish, then it drops you off at the Fanshawe Market Loblaws up by Masonville Mall. Direct Route!
- They leave from Loblaws on the half hour at 1:30 or 2:30 and bring you right home!

Shuttle #2: ShoppingBus - FREE - Online Schedule
This was also in the Guide, but no details! Don't worry, the online schedule is pretty legit (see above). This works like so:
- It picks up at London Hall, Deliware, Elgin or Saugeen from 12 - 4 on Saturdays and drives right to White Oaks! You never have to drive through the sketchy neighbourhoods on the 13A again!
- It leaves White Oaks at 1, 3, and 5 PM and drives right back to campus -- no stops!

Shuttle #3: ClassBus - FREE - Online Schedule
You've probably seen the big blue buses on your way to class, and guess what? They're not mysterious at all -- they're free! You can get on them, you just need to get them to stop... These buses shuttle students between the affiliate colleges (King's/Brescia) and main campus, they're a great short-cut to class...
- They pick up at designated "AboutTown" bus stops around the campuses, NOT at the regular LTC ones (don't be fooled!). You can find a map of the stops HERE. From there, they run much like the regular buses, but on tiny, campus-confined routes.

Shuttle #4: BeachBus - $10 (I think...) - (519)455-7711 or (519)663-2091
This bus does cost a little money, but it's totally worth it -- it drives all the way to Grand Bend! If you don't know where that is, it's a beautiful beach with tons of fun other stuff going on in town, read up HERE. Anyway, I think this bus only runs in the summer, but if you're on a student budget and don't have a car... it's the best weekend summer trip to do in London. Give them a call if you're interested in a little winter beach action, but otherwise, tuck this tip away for the warmer seasons...
- It picks up at Norma Jean's (1332 Huron Street) and at Jack Astor's (Masonville) at 10 AM on Saturdays (again, possibly only in the summer). Give them a call to confirm though before you head out...
- It drops off at the Grand Bend Motorplex (about 40 minutes away), and for $3 extra you can get another shuttle that drops you off right on the beach!


STOP!!!! Okay, that's it for the shuttles, if you know of any other mysterious bus routes, let us all know in the comments, please! Or if you want to share your Norma Jeans Big Green Beach Bus horror stories, that's cool too.

And, until the LTC strike actually happens (November 16th), you can watch the cute little buses making their way to your stop in Real Time, by visiting THIS LINK, and choosing a route. and I have so much time, I sit at my computer refreshing to watch it move along the route... Cool, huh?

Check back for the next wweb Did You Know (DYK) Tip in the next issue of The Western Web!

October 23rd: "STEP" right up...

"We believe that UWO students will be the future leaders of Canada as a result of being educated at one of Canada's most academically-acclaimed universities."

That's the inspiration behind what looks like this fantastic seminar series. This is the first year of "STEP: Student Transitional Executive Program", and the program will aim, over the course of the 2009-2010 school year, to teach students about societal issues through a series of lectures and presentations. It sounds pretty great, actually, the roster of guest speakers (and topics) is pretty impressive. Some highlights:

• October 28th: Waging Peace: Canada in Afghanistan -- film screening and Q & A with director
  
• November 11th: Sex Trade Workers -- Ian Peer (Deputy Chief of London Police)
• January 6th: The Ethics of Health Care -- Dr. Jeff Nisker (Ethics Coordinator at Schulich School of M&D)
• February 24th: Homelessness in London -- Carlene Lazenby and Matti Paquiz (Unity Project & Hostels to Homes)

All of the presentations involve an interactive question and answer period and a small SFX display that includes Lasers and Fog Machines (kidding!), but it promises to be very interesting. The deal is, though, that you MUST REGISTER to be able to attend even ONE of the seminars. At the end of it, you also get a "co-curricular transcript" that you can show employers and put on your resume -- how official! Best of all though, it's FREE... so why not?

Oh, the Registration Deadline is October 23rd at 4:30 PM!! FOUR THIRTY! REMEMBER!
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October 26: Deadline for Alternative Spring Break Applications

You may be wondering... What is Alternative Spring Break?

Well, according to their Website:

ASB is an exciting opportunity for you to participate in a week-long, hands-on, service-learning experience! You might choose to join a team that is teaching English at the Hope of a Child Orphanage in the Dominican Republic, providing medical clinics to under-serviced communities in Costa Rica, or helping to support programs for at-risk populations in our own community of London, Ontario... it's completely up to you!

The Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program is designed to allow you and your peers the chance to do something different during Western's Reading Week in February. We have partnered with a variety of community organizations, both locally and across the globe, who are anxious to benefit from the knowledge, passion, and hard work of students just like you.

ASB can lead you to an increased awareness of social issues, a better understanding of other cultures, and a sense of civic engagement. Help others! instead of spending this February's Reading Week sitting on your family couch watching daytime soaps... okay?

The last day to apply is Monday October 26th, so visit the Website for details.

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October 14 - 15: USC Bi-Elections

Vote! Vote! Vote! You have about 44 hours to do it over the course of October 14th - 15th using the Online Voting Tool.

There are actually only THREE positions up for grabs:

• Health Sciences Students' Council President
• Health Studies Councillor
• Arts & Humanities Councillor

Check out the candidates HERE. There's a bunch of dedicated individuals running, so show your support and visit the elections website!
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October 24: Mustangs VS Toronto - FREE HOME GAME

Come out and watch the Mustangs take on the University of Toronto!! Will TD Waterhouse Stadium see a recovery from the Mustangs' tragic loss to McMaster last Homecoming weekend??? We hope so! The team is one of the best in Ontario and they deserve your support at 1 PM on Saturday October 24th. This year, ENTRANCE IS FREE with your student card!!

For more info and to get up-to-date on what's happening with the Mustangs this season, check out the Mustangs Football Website.
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UCC Week of October 18th: I’m on campus – why not?

This week in the UCC, look forward to GREEN stuff everywhere. The annual Enviroweek festivities are afoot!!

This year they’re doing some pretty cool stuff. There’s actually a Farmer’s Market on Concrete Beach planned for Tuesday October 20th where you can get some locally grown London fruits (maybe not at this time of year…) and veggies. (But if you miss that, you can always check out the incredible, under-appreciated Covent Garden Market on Thursdays and Sundays till 1 pm on Talbot Street)

AND there’s rumour (okay, not a rumour, it’s posted online on their SCHEDULE) that there’ll be FREE COFFEE and other hot beverage “vouchers” available in the UCC and Spoke on Thursday October 22nd if you bring a travel mug! And what to do with all that extra energy from those FREE stimulants? Well, check out some highlights and their other events HERE (BLOG LINK).

Western Film? That’s right, there’s a movie theatre in the UCC.

October 16th – 22nd you’ve got (500) Days of Summer at SEVEN, and then Moon at NINE. Moon? I haven’t heard much about it, but it's starring Sam Rockwell and Kevin Spacey, so it has to be at least worth $4.20. BUT, don’t forget, it’s THREE bucks on Tuesdays.

October 19th - 23rd: Soooo many coffee cups!

How may coffee cups are used and thrown away each day on Western campus? You’d be surprised. The annual mountain-o-timmies is sure to make its appearance at this year’s EnviroWeek October 19^th – 23^rd.

In response to an overall grade of "C" on the 2010 College Sustainability Report Card, let’s show the Sustainable Endowments Institute what grade Western students deserve in "student involvement in sustainability" by getting together for some fun Captain Planet-worthy events!

On top of the guilt-inducing pile of cups you’ll pass on Concrete Beach on your way to the UCC each day of Enviroweek, you can look forward to some of these highlights:

• Monday at 12 PM (UCC): Drumming circle – Bangbangbang out that tree-hugging love in the UCC


• Tuesday All Day (Concrete Beach): Farmer’s Market – Support local growers and buy some yummy fresh snacks for lunch


• Wednesday at 5 PM (Concrete Beach): Climate Change Awareness Group Biking Event


• Thursday All Day (UCC and Spoke): FREE COFFEE!!! (if you bring a mug)


• Friday 2 PM (UCC): Campus-Wide Clean up! – finish off Enviroweek by doing your tiny part to keep our campus Green!

But these are just some of the events to look forward to, check out the EnviroWestern website for the complete schedule.