Offical logo of IYC 2011

Hey guys and gals! I’m here to tell you all a little bit about chemistry.

I suppose I should introduce myself before I jump right into things. My name is Chris. I’m currently in my third year here at CBU taking my BSc in chemistry. The purpose for starting this blog is so I can keep all of you informed about what’s going on with chemistry at CBU this year.

You may be wondering to yourself, ‘Why do I care about chemistry and how does it affect my life?’ (more…)

Well as the newest blogger for CBU I guess it would be a good idea for me to introduce myself. I’m Ashley Shaw, a third year BBA student hoping to major in Human Resource and Industrial relations.

I am a third year student, but it is only my second and a half year here at CBU. I spent my first semester of first year at Saint Mary’s University, in Halifax.  I really did love it there, but once I was home on my Christmas break, I realized that home was where I had wanted to be.  So I packed up my dorm room, left an amazing roommate, and headed for home.

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Looking around campus, I see many people in love, people wanting to be, and some who don’t know what love is. Seeing these transactions take place reminds me of a story I would like to share with you.

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School is finally back in action, and for a lot of us that also means your finances are taking a hit that summertime beach days (or work days) had squelched.

With tuition being the highest in over 25 years, and with purchasing text books adding up to the cost of a second-hand car… things are not looking bright in the way of new back-to-school clothes, or even a coffee on break.

While being broke in university is kind of “cool,” we don’t want to miss out on any necessities because of an empty wallet.

To help you navigate the highs and lows of your expensive year, I’ve put together a list of the Top Ten things you can do to save some pennies, and to still live your life without spending too much hard earned dough.

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Tomorrow evening at 9:00pm there will be a free Battle of the Bands at The Pit. The show is put on by Music Nova Scotia where four bands from around Cape Breton will battle it out to become HMV’s Next BIG Thing.

The local bands include: The Tom Fun Orchestra, Carmen Townsend & The Shakey Deals, Buck & Kinch, and the Pranks.

To hear more from each band, click below:

The Tom Fun Orchestra: http://www.myspace.com/tomfunorchestra

Carmen Townsend & The Shakey Deals: http://www.myspace.com/carmecita

Buck & Kinch: http://www.myspace.com/buckandkinch

The Pranks: http://www.myspace.com/thepranks2

The show will definitely be great, and I’m sure plenty of supporters will be out to watch the performances. The doors open at 8:30pm, so I would suggest coming early to pick out a seat, or a good dancing spot on the floor.

The Battle of the bands will be having a free cover, however, only for people 19+.

The winner of the battles will get to go tour London, England in Febuary 2011 with the MAMA festival. This exposure will be great for putting local talent on the international market, even though many of the bands have already achieved that success.

I urge everyone to come out and support the bands and to help make the decision as to who will be flying over to the UK in the New Year.

For more information visit: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=150248665015303.

It will be quite a show; you won’t want to miss out!

See you there.

Phew, the first week of classes are under our belts. That wasn’t so bad, was it?

I enjoyed seeing old friends and comparing our stories of summer; and I also loved going to class and seeing what this year will have to offer me with course topics, assignments, and work in general.

Although we’re only coming into the second week of classes, I am in full-study mode. With full time studies and a full time job at the Students’ Union, I feel like it’s going to be a busy (but exciting) year.

For most (or all) students, university means work and play. It’s a delicate balance, and usually a challenge, but if we manage to achieve it… well, we’ve got it all figured out if that’s the case! I’m in my third year and still working on it.

However, if you’re like me and go to sleep early (to save energy for long days); then there are still lots of things to do on campus and off, before the “nightlife” aka: partying, sets in.

Just last week I attended an open house at CBU’s Art Gallery. Members of the Cape Breton Craft and Design team were there showcasing some local art and other to-die-for treats and trinkets.

The Art Gallery during the Coffee House

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Yesterday evening I had the pleasure to interview Sue Johanson, legendary sex educator and outspoken grandmother.

Sue arrived from the airport with a coffee in hand to get her ready before the show. She was very polite but did remark upon how tiring the constant touring can be. It was obvious what I expected this 80 year old woman to be, but person-to-person she was quite another.

After a few initial interview questions I asked her some of my own. I asked her how she found her voice and what she likes to do when she’s not touring. Oh, and we also had a quick chat about our cats before Sue was hurried on stage.

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Starting a couple of years ago, CBU has been a Scent-Free area, but what does scent-free mean?! And Why is it important?!
I will start by defining what “scent-free” means?!. It simply means that no fragrance, cologne or any other scents should be warn in this area. Let’s take a closer look on why CBU decided to be scent-free.
There are people at CBU having a hard time because they’re sensitive or allergic to some odours, scents or similar things. Those people have the right to do their daily activities without fear or stress from being around those kind of threats to their lives. It might sound funny for some of us, but yes your perfume might harm someone if your perfume triggered his/her allergy and no one could help him/her on the spot.
According to the Canadian Human Rights Commission (CHRC):
“This medical condition is a disability and those living with environmental sensitivities are entitled to the protection of the Canadian Human Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. The Canadian Human Rights Commission will receive any inquiry and process any complaint from any person who believes that he or she has been discriminated against because of an environmental sensitivity. Like others with a disability, those with environmental sensitivities are required by law to be accommodated.The CHRC encourages employers and service providers to proactively address issues of accommodation by ensuring that their workplaces and facilities are accessible for persons with a wide range of disabilities.”

From: Canadian Human Rights Commission web site at:
http://www.chrc-ccdp.ca/legislation_policies/policy_environ_politique-en.asp

From my personal experience, I feel that CBU is my home and that everyone here is just my relative, and it’s not only me who feels the same way. I think most of us feel the same way and if this is your first year in CBU, believe me when I say that you will feel “CBU home sick” when you’re away from it, it’s the exact same feeling being away from your home!
We all should care about our family (everyone in CBU ) and help them to feel more comfortable, and let them love it even more, by showing them that we care about them and we understand their situation. We all can do that be following a few simple notes:

• Minimize your usage of cologne, perfume, after shave, etc.
• Don’t use hard scented cleaning products if you’re going to be in public right after.
• If you’re wearing a lot of cologne or perfume, try to stay away from any crowded places.
• Diss the perfume and let your own personality shine through!
• Taking a shower every morning will save you the perfume money!

Feel free to contact us if you have any thoughts or concerns regarding this topic or anything in general, comments are always welcome!

This week marks Orientation Week at CBU.

Orientation Week is generally the week before classes begin where new students come and get to know the university, and to meet other students. Historically, Orientation Week (and Frosh Week) hosts many different performers, games, and other activities for the new students to make sure they are excited and ready for the fun that your university year will bring.

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The aftermath of Hurricane Earl wasn’t too bad. CBU didn’t end up losing power, although the lights did flicker a few times too many. Most weren’t as lucky though and plenty of communities were without power for up to 20 hours after the storm had past. Tree branches scattered lawns and leaves covered the streets; but that was about the extent of Hurricane Earl’s wrath.

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