May 1st: Really Really Free Market

If you need some stuff for your new place, or your want to get rid of some stuff... this would be the place to go!!!

The Mayday REALLY REALLY Free Market is being held in Victoria Park (between the statue and the tank?) from 11:30 - 5:00 on May 1st.

According to their Facebook Group: "Skills are absolutely welcome, like music, flame juggling, massages, yoga classes, or something we just havent heard of yet.The options are limitless."

and... "There will be Free food, Free stuff, and most of all alot of fun to be had and the whole community is invited! So bring your friends and energy to take part in a day that doesn't need money, only community and positive energy."

What have you got to lose? (nothing! haha)

July 8 - 11: London Sunfest 2010

If that picture to the left doesn't make you want to check out this highlight-of-the-summer in downtown London, Ontario-- I don't know what will! Maybe...

- hundreds of food vendors selling everything from funnel cakes to Roti, Paella, and wontons

- thousands of handmade, 100% original pieces of arts, crafts, preserves, and representing some of London and area's most talented and unique craftsmen

- over 35 national and international music and dance headliners from around the world

This is London, Ontario's annual TD Canada Trust Sunfest!! This year it is happening July 8th to 11th right downtown in Victoria Park. Entrance is absolutely FREE (food and crafts cost money, obviously), but the music/dance performances happen on the big outdoor stage, and they are all free (and AMAZING!!)

This is the highlight of every summer in London, and surely not a festival to miss!! Check out the website for more details and updates here: http://www.sunfest.on.ca/

April 13 - 18 -- FREE COFFEE @ McDonald's

In response (I can only assume) to Starbuck's April 15th free coffee day, McDonald's is offering FREE COFFEE EVERY DAY, and what I have heard, any size (unlike their normal free coffee giveaways that are only small coffees)!!

Their extra large is approximately a LITRE of coffee, so if you're taking advantage of Weldon's new 24-hour study space possibilities, show your UWO student card and you'll get a whole load of caffeine to last you the night...

* For those who don't know -- the closest Mcdonald's to campus is at Oxford and Wharncliffe (just a 2 minute #2 busride away!)

April 15 -- FREE COFFEE @ Starbucks

Do you live near a starbucks? Though they don't offer this promotion at the now 24-hour Quotes cafe in Weldon library, you can pick up a coffee on your way there from the Richmond or Wharncliffe Starbucks stores. You just need a travel mug!! (and they have some really cute ones there for sale if you're looking to invest!)

Save the planet! (one coffee at a time)

April 11 (tomorrow!) -- Downtown Street Festival - Car Free Sunday!!

Car Free Sunday - Downtown Street Festival !!

Sunday, April 11 is London's first Car Free Sunday!

We're closing Dundas Street from Ridout to Wellington Street and hosting a street festival of free, car-free fun! See the latest cool new cycling gear and EBikes, watch yoga demonstrations and take in all of the other activities.

Car Free Sunday starts at 12:00 noon, with the Opening Ceremony at 1 p.m. on the Main Stage. The fun continues all afternoon until 4 p.m. See you there!

For a full listing of activities, see their website here: http://london.ca/d.aspx?s=/Transportation/car_free_sunday.htm

Take a break from studying!! Check it out!

April 14 -- Sell your textbooks!

The Book Store is starting their 2nd semester textbook buy-back on April 14th!! This is a great way to lighten your load and also make some extra cash right before the summer... They usually take over 50% of the value for themselves, which is quite a bit, but the benefit is that you get your money right away--no waiting around hoping your book will sell, etc. It's the best no-hassle way to sell your books fast.

... that said, the other option is to sell it back to the used book store, and then wait for your cheque, which is usually considerably more money, but you might have to wait a while (andthey keep some of the selling profits as well).

If you want to get the most value, and you don't mind waiting around a bit or putting a little extra effort in... check out amazon.ca Marketplace (you set whatever cost you want and get reimbursed for shipping -- you'll make WAY more than selling it on campus through our stores). OR, try listing it on Kijiji.ca > London, Ontario and selling it to a local, OR, post it on Facebook's marketplace, or even posting some posters around campus if you have some really pricey books you want to get rid of!

Good luck to everyone!! (and if you need any MIT textbooks --> Get in touch!! haha)

March 30 - April 2 -- Jupiter en Famille (a FRENCH play!!!)

Hey everyone, this play is put on by the French department and is TOTALLY IN FRENCH. How exciting... (time to recall all those French Immersion skills!!)

A description of the play:

The gods really are crazy - or maybe they just have spring fever! Imagine Desperate Housewives meets Ovid’s Metamorphosis – a rollicking bedroom comedy where the Roman gods confront infidelity, sibling rivalry, homosexuality, and yoga. All in French - because even the gods know that French is the language of love. Jupiter is forever chasing pretty girls while Juno just wants to take a vacation. Will Orpheus sign a recording deal with Venus? Will Minerva’s vow of chastity stand up to the charms of an Indian god? Come find out at the world premier of a play written, directed and scored by local talent.

Show Times:

March 30, 31 7:30 pm
April 1st 7:30 pm
April 2nd 10:30 am

$15 Adults
$10 Youth and Students


Tickets are available at French Department office at University College (UC) room 138B

Tickets can also be reserved via email at theatrelondonne@gmail.com

Also, there's a Facebook group here: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=369125853057

March 31 -- Stronger than a Quake of 8.8: A Night of Rick's for Chilean Students

From Facebook:

A night of Rick McGhie's at The Spoke to raise money for Chilean Students affected by the recent earthquake. Entrance is free, donation of any amount is appreciated.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Today, I went to class, I went to the library to study and then I came home to eat dinner. Routine sound familiar? As students, whether we like or not, we know the importance of school and the role education plays in providing us with opportunities for the future and preparing us for whatever the road ahead holds.

Some of you may know that I spent three months as a UN volunteer teaching English in a small Chilean town called Yumbel. Located less than 150 km from the epicentre of the recent Chilean earthquake, the high school where I volunteered has suffered extensive damage and my students are unable to return to their school.

Come out, enjoy the music of Rick McGhie, and help raise some money to rebuild this high school so that these students can return to school and have all of the opportunities in life they deserve.
It's one night of your life to make a lifetime of difference for them.

Thank-you for your support!
"Juntos somos más fuertes que un terremoto de 8.8"
"Together we are stronger than an earthquake of 8.8"

Note: All funds raised will go directly to the Chilean high school in their efforts to make the necessary repairs so that the high school can reopen as soon as possible!

Check out more details on their Facebook Group HERE: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=102817376423099

Ongoing -- Globe and Mail University Survey

We just got an email about this, so I'm suuuuure everyone already knows, but in case not....

The Globe and Mail invites you to participate in a national survey that will provide information for its 2011 Canadian University Report, to be published in Fall 2010. Please take this opportunity to voice your thoughts and opinions about your student experience here at Western.
The purpose of the survey is to explore student experiences at universities across Canada on topics ranging from teaching assistants to technology services, professors to parking, athletics to extracurricular activities.

The survey should take you approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete. At the beginning of the survey, you will be asked to login using your email address. You must use your university email address for this purpose so that we can verify that you are eligible to participate (i.e. you have a valid university email address).

Your participation in this survey is entirely voluntary and all of your responses will be kept confidential. No personally identifiable information will be associated with your responses in any reports of this data. Neither HESA nor the Globe and Mail will give, trade, sell or distribute any individual information that you provide.

Should you have any questions or comments, please free to contact Edyta Kaznowska at ekaznowska@higheredstrategy.com

SURVEY!! --> http://canadianuniversityreport.ca/globe.aspx?SID=69

Mar 23 -- FREE Pastry day at Starbucks

Okay, this is nothing to do with Western, and in fact, you can't even use this on our on-campus "we proudly serve"s... BUT, it is still awesome, and their pastries are deeelish!

On March 23rd until 10:30 am, you get a FREE PASTRY with any beverage purchase at STARBUCKS. The closest one is at Oxford and Wharncliffe, or downtown at... Central? (I think) and Richmond. Doooo itttttt

You need to bring in a coupon though, printed or all hipsters can just flash it on your iPhones.
Get the coupon here: http://assets.starbucks.com/assets/1ac43f0b737a4b778Ba9c80ee14715ec.jpg

Mar 31st -- The People VS Cancer: Ontario Speaking Tour

The Schulich School of Medicine and Destistry, the Faculty of Health Sciences, and the London Regional Cancer Program have managed to snag a spot on Stephen Lewis' Ontario university speaking Tour entitled "The People Vs Cancer".

This inspirational event will be happening at Alumni Hall on March 31st from 4-6 PM. As students, we have the priviledge of defining the future of the fight against cancer in taking on a larger role in the community and in the future medical community. In this event series that is travelling to 5 Ontario universities throughout 2010, Mr. lewis

"will be speaking on the transformational role that an engaged public can play and the social action process that promotes the participation of everyday people in gaining control over their lives and wellbeing, drawing on “lessons learned” in the global movement against HIV/AIDS. Canadian universities and students will be challenged to bring forward their skills, innovation, creativity and leadership to the challenge of significantly reducing cancer rates in one generation."

So come listen, learn, be inspired. Check out the following site for more details: http://www.controlcancer.ca/stephen-lewis-tour-2010/

Mar 25th-- B2B Networking Event

Trust me, as someone who is currently trying to find a post-grad place of employment -- they aren't lying when they say it.

Network, network, network.

It's more than just being friendly and exchnaging buisness cards. The art of networking is a delicate balance of professional follow-up with contacts made, and its about building a wide web of people that can support you and help you for years to come. How? Well, let B2b show you.

Learn about the importance of being a strong networker and develop sure-fire strategies for building connections at Backpack 2 Briefcase: Networking. Your career depends on it. Refine your networking skills as keynote speaker Thomas Hough, BA'78 shares his career experience and highlights the essential relationship between networking and career success.

Date: Thursday, March 25, 2010
Time: 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Location: University Community Centre, Room 147

Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and refreshments will be served. R.S.V.P. in advance online at http://www.westernconnect.ca/site/Calendar/1431283102?view=Detail&id=110741

Mar 22-25th --$5 off all Book Store clothes

Hey guys, the book store is offering $5 off all $10+ priced clothing (aka: that overpriced varsity sweater you've had your eye on for months but keep telling yourself you don't need it... which you probably don't--but now it's FIVE BUCKS OFF!!). It doesn't say you need a coupon or anything, so just wander in and buy!

They're open till 7 mon-thurs, 5 on fridays and 4 on saturdays -- hit it up!

DYK Tip: How to Eat on Campus if you're Hungry and Poor

Meals for Three? Huh. Not exactly revolutionary. I've been eating meals for LESS than three for years on campus. I'm not saying that they're nutritious, but they'll satisfy... sort of.

Finding these rare deals has been a combination of behind-the-scenes work experience, trial-and-error, and careful research, and now, for the first time -- we're sharing!!



Here are some ideas if you are super hungry at the library and find yourself counting the quarters at the bottom of your backpack and still coming up short:


What? Toasted bacon sandwich

Where? Tim Horton's, any location that has sandwiches

Cost? ~$1.50, depends on the person who rings it in for some reason

How to Get it: Order this exactly: "A white/brown country bun (pause) toasted (pause) with bacon." They may or may not tell you that it's not possible to order this, because some of the cash registers won't let them ring it in (or they are new and don't know how) BUT, if you complain enough, they usually call the manager and they will ring it in manually. A country bun (if you want that on it's own with butter) should ring in at 89 cents, and if the manager has to type it in, bacon is an extra 50 cents. Then, if you're real adventurous, you can tell the sandwich person when they're making it to put mustard or something on it if you like. You can't order it with lettuce though (i've tried), because then they just charge you for a BLT (no tomato), which is like three bucks.... I discovered this little gem when I did an unfortunate 2-month stunt working there 2 summers ago.


What? Chips and Guac / Chips and fresh Salsa

Where? Burrito place at Nat Sci

Cost? $2.50

How to Get it: Simple, it's on the menu (i think). I like it because they give you a ton of chips, and its delicious and satisfies my hunger cravings unlike something like.. hmm... a muffin would, for example.


What? Bagel with cream cheese / Bagel with cheese and cucumbers / Everything Bagel w. butter

Where? Tim Horton's

Cost? $1.15 - $2.40

How to get it: Again, not really rocket science, these are some of the classic Timmy's offerings. BUT, if you're hungry, and have like a dollar... an everything bagel toasted with butter still gives you the satisfaction of a meal.. even though it isn't really (the onions kind of heat up when its toasted and have a flavour, unlike most things at Tim Horton's...) And, if you feel like a sammy, but can't afford it? Toasted sesame Bagel with garlic cheese and cucumber: you've got crunchy freshness of cukes, with the garlic flavour.... it's kind of satisfying?


What? Fries, Rice, Noodles, Potatoes, side dishes of all kinds of exciting variety

Where? Any campus residence (ideally Delaware because it's central)

Cost? THE BEST DEAL: ~$1.00 for a huge plate

How to get it: the actual challenge (if you don't live in residence) is getting in. Yes, ideally you have a friend who lives there and they sign you in as a guest, and sometimes I've told front desk staff I'm just using the caf and they let me in... but otherwise... use your imagination. The actual COST of everything if you don't have the Rez meal plan is pretty much double what kids in Rez pay, so most things are expensive... BUT, some things aren't. With a meal plan, a big plate of fries is 60 cents... without, it's $1.20 (still a deal). The same goes for most starch-based side dishes (as listed above). You just order them "to go", and order them alone, and they usually just fill the whole plate (aka: big enough for lunch). Ice cream is also cheap, if you feel so inclined. There might be other stuff, I just haven't lived in rez in a while, and don't really remember... ** Coffee is also $1.00 or less**


What? Toast, classic 2-eggs breakfast, grilled cheese, hamburger (by itself), and... a lot more

Where? The Grad Club

Cost? Under five bucks, (grilled cheese is particularly satisfying/cheap)

How to Get it: The hardest part is actually discovering this place or actually physically finding it. It is in the basement of Middlesex College. Just go down the stairs to the bottom level and walk down the hallway, it's kind of in the middle of the building-ish. It has signs posted all over the doors saying you need to be a member, etc etc... but you definitely don't. The MAIN draw about this place (for me) is that you can pay with credit card, so if you forget money entirely one day -- you're not screwed! (but you have to spend over $4 to use debit/credit)


... plus I'm sure a lot more hidden treasures! If you guys know of a cheap place/item that I haven't posted here -- shoot us an email (publications@usc-uwo.org) about it and we'll post it for all to see (on here!) !!!

Mar 25th -- Annual Amnesty International Night for Peace

This year Amnesty International at UWO will be holding its annual A Night for Peace on
Thursday March 25 from 6pm-10pm in 3M Center in Room 3250.

With a focus on Corporate Social Responsibility, our keynote speaker is the internationally acclaimed photo journalist Ed Kashi who will be discussing his experience in the Niger Delta region and the ongoing crisis.

Other performances include a brief talk from Idowu Ajibade (a UWO Master's student), singing and/or dancing by UWO's African Students Association, spoken word poetry, beat boxing and so much more!

All are encouraged to make it out to this entertaining and informative night. If you can't make it at 6pm or stay the whole time no worries. Feel free to drop in or stay for as long as you like.

$3 donation at the door.

Mar 22 -- BIG designer denim sale @ Huron

From Facebook:
Please join us for a HUGE denim sale Monday March 22 in the Huron Room of the Huron Dining Hall. We will be selling designer jeans at SERIOUSLY discounted prices, with all proceeds donated to the London Women's Community House.

J-Brand
Rock and Republic
Seven for All Mankind
Citizens of Humanity
Designer Tees
and MUCH MORE!!

Great selection of mens and women's apparel!

MakitaSol and Gossip George spinning all day long for your shopping pleasure.

Come on out for this FABULOUS event and support a great cause!!

VISA, MASTERCARD AND CASH ACCEPTED.

... who doesn't love a good deal?

Facebook Event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=366766243248

Tomorrow! (Mar 16) to Mar 18--- Amnesty International Rummage Sale

Bring Stuff, Buy Stuff...reduce your footprint and say NO to sweatshops!

Starting tomorrow until Thursday on UCC Concrete Beach is an awesome chance to not only benefit charity, but also save yourself the two-bus trip to the Oxford St Goodwill to drop off all of your used clothing and junk before you move out of your current student house (which is only a month and a bit away!!!)

Bring anything including clothes, books, household items, games, shoes, appliances, etc.

Do it!
Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/?sk=events#!/event.php?eid=416982676039

Mar 20 -- Art Fusion 5

32 Visual Artists. 100% New Music. One Night.

Artfusion 5: An evening of Art infused with Music

Saturday March 20th, 7PM - 2AM, 196 Dundas St. (at Richmond)

There is an awesome assortment of local, and not-so-local talent on the music side, and from the looks of their Facebook event, a wicked collection of visual art from a ton of talented artists...

It looks like it'd make a great, original date night, or an exciting non-richmond-row night out with friends. Check it out:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=369583855512
Vimeo video (commercial): http://vimeo.com/9980115

Mar 22nd -- USC Commissioner and Coordinator Apps Due

I know, I know, it has been your secret hope and dream to one day grow up and write posts for The Western Web... well fear not! Because now is your chance...

Applications for USC Commissioner and Coordinator positions are now available!!
Additionally, nominations for USC Speaker are also open!

Obviously there are a bunch of positions (other than the posisiton of Publications Commissioner aka USC blogger), and some of the exciting spots include Envirowestern Coordinator, USC Internal Promotions Commissioner, Clubs Finance Coordinator, Charity Ball Coodinator, First Year Students' Commissioner... and SO many more!!! Check out the USC website for further details of what positions are open and their descriptions at http://www.usc.uwo.ca/commissions.asp


#1 Rule: DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED. I didn't apply in first year because I thought that there would be SO many more qualified candidates than me, but honestly? Sometimes there are positions for which we don't even get a single app.... seriously! If you are interested, enthusiastic, dependable, and want to get some actual experience in anything from business (check out the finance portfolios) to television (check out the communications portfolio, specifically media)--now's your chance!! Each role is what you make of it, and if you're dedicated, most positions could turn out more fulfilling and better learning experience than any internship you'll ever find.... so SERIOUSLY--- APPLY!!

To apply, please pick up your application at the USC Front Desk located on the third floor of the UCC or print off an application from our website http://www.usc.uwo.ca

Applications are due on March 22, 2010 by 4pm to the USC Front Desk. FOUR O'CLOCK. I know it's silly, but don't miss the time deadline!!

We are looking forward to your application! This is a fantastic way to make your mark on YOUR campus!

Mar 20th -- King's Fashion Show: City of Lights

WOW, soooo many fashion shows. Like, how many have I posted now? 5? Wow. Well, I guess all of those on-campus fashionistas participate in extra-curriculars too...

From their Website:

The KUCSC would like to invite you to join us at Centennial Hall on Saturday March 20th at 7PM for the King's Charity Fashion Show. See clothes from a variety of stores around London and student designers, as well as a dance performance.

Tickets are $15 for a regular ticket, and $20 for VIP (if you wish to drink at the event). Tickets may be purchased in the King's Caf or from the Models around King's OR at the info source in UCC or king's pro shop or by emailing fashionshow@kucsc.com (aka, if you can't find tickets for this event, you have issues...)

All proceeds go to the Lymphoma Foundation.

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Email Cheryl and Kayley at: fashionshow@kucsc.com.