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Student Commons or Student Scamming?

By now you’ve probably seen tons of UTSU flyers and posters all over campus promoting the construction of a student-run space called Student Commons. It sounds pretty nice at first; after all, who wouldn’t want a 24-hour student space or space for student organizations? Before you buy into this, some things you may want to consider.

Firstly, the UTSU is proposing that all students pay $5 per session during the construction of this place and $14.25 per session after it opens to pay off the mortgage. It doesn’t stop there — they are asking for $6.50 more per session for operating and capital renewal costs. Do your math and this adds up to $20.75 per session! Furthermore, are these costs not subject to change? This is, after all, only a propsal. Hmm…

Another thing that really bugs people is the fact that we actually have to pay for a space like this. Do you think the University of Toronto should be responsible for these costs? What is this space going to look like anyway? What if we don’t like how it turns out?

For more information, check out the links below:

An article by The Varsity against the idea.

The Student Commons website.

A utoronto LiveJournal post discussing it

Make your opinion heard by voting anytime from now until November 2nd. Polling stations are at the following locations:
SIDNEY SMITH LOBBY
WOODSWORTH RESIDENCE LOBBY
ATHLETIC CENTRE
MEDICAL SCIENCES BUILDING
TRINITY COLLEGE
ALUMNI HALL (ST. MIKE’S)

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Toronto Reference Library Celebrates 30th Anniversary (with FREE Cake)

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Toronto Reference Library is inviting the public to an open house to celebrate its 30th anniversary on Friday, November 2, 2007.

The celebration begins at 10:30 a.m., when Breakfast Television host Kevin Frankish, Mayor David Miller and architects Raymond and Ajon Moriyama will kick off a full day of events, including a performance by author Paul Quarrington’s band the Porkbelly Futures, readings by former writers-in-residence Austin Clarke, Russell Smith and Ken McGoogan, a presentation by current writer-in-residence Hal Niedzviecki, poetry readings, music, artist demonstrations, library tours, workshops and more (see here for list of the day’s events)

Go there for the coffee and birthday cake. Stay for the fun.

When: Friday, Nov 2nd, 2007. Coffee and cake at 10:30 am.
Where: See google map
Details: Need I say more than free cake? Anyway, more info and events related to the Toronto Reference Library’s 30th Anniversary available on this website.

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U of T East Asian Studies Student Union Presents: Movie Night (with FREE food)

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The University of Toronto East Asian Studies Student Union is having a movie night. And not just any movie night… there’ll be FREE pizza.

Here’s a bit about the movie:

A Tale of Two Sisters (장화, 홍련 Janghwa, Hongryeon literally ‘Rose Flower, Red Lotus’) is a 2003 South Korean psychological horror film…. The film is inspired by a Joseon Dynasty folktale entitled “Janghwa Hongreyon-jon”, which has been adapted to film several times… Two girls discover a malignant force in their home while their stepmother’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic.

When: Thursday Nov. 1st. The movie will begin playing at 9:00pm, but pizza will be served at 8:30pm.
Where: Purple Room, 14th floor of Robarts
Details: Here’s the Facebook event page. They’re asking you to RSVP so they know how many people will come (so they can get enough pizza I presume). You can RSVP on facebook or send an email to eassu [at] yahoo [dot] ca.

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Vegetarian Cooking Classes on Campus

veg_cooking.jpg So, perhaps you enjoyed the Vegetarian Cafe by the Bhakti Yoga Club. Now, how about a vegetarian cooking class?

Come learn easy & exotic recipes, the fun way. This week’s special Treasures from the Indian Cuisine

Personally, I find cooking classes a great activity. You make something, you learn something, and you get to eat at the end of it. See you there on Thursday!

When: Thursday Nov. 1st, 2007
Where: Baldwin Room, International Student Centre (St. George and College St.)
Details: $2 for non members, free for members. ($15 for membership, and that includes yoga classes) More info on the Facebook event page. This is a regular weekly thing, so join the Bhakti Yoga Club facebook group to keep up to date.

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“The Perfect Vegetarian Cafe” at University of Toronto

veg_cafe.jpg So, the Bhakti Yoga Club has been holding a weekly vegetarian cafe at the International Student Center. It’s every Tuesday, and it’s only $5 for a meal. Worth checking out!

This week’s menu: Curried Chick Peas (cholle)-Rice-Samosas (fried potato pastry)-Bhel Puri (spicy indian snack)

When: Every Tuesday 11-3 pm
Where: Baldwin Room, International Student Centre (St. George and College St.)
Details: $5 only. Go early so you don’t arrive after they sell out!

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Bluesky Solar Racing at the World Solar Challenge: Day 4

What happened to Day 2 and 3 you asked? Appearently they ran into some difficulies but things are getting better. We wish them all the best.  Here are some words from the team:

On Sunday, October 21, Blue Sky competed in the qualifying race, and placed sixth in the world out of 43 teams with the fastest time from Canada, and just behind the world champions from last year. On Monday, the race began. The team experienced some mechanical failures and electrical difficulties, which set them back to the middle of the race pack. However, the car is performing beyond expectations, and the team is confident that they will be able to reclaim ground. Everyone’s spirits are very high. The team is currently in Blanca Blanca, and hopes to make Alice Springs by Tuesday evening. Alice Springs is the midway point on the race, and speech will be given there.

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Hart House $5 Lunch This Wednesday

curry . . . rice . . . Loation rolls . . . fresh fruit. Celebrate Canada’s Healthy Workplace Week and ADD BALANCE TO YOUR DAY! In the Great Hall.”

All for $5! Just one question… what are Loation rolls? Well, guess we’ll have to wait to find out.

When: Wednesday, October 24, 2007, 11:45 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: Hart House Great Hall (main entrance, turn right, all the way down the hall.)
Details: $5 for an awesome lunch with a drink and a dessert.