This was the second social event of this kind put on by the GSA and it was incredibly well attended! There were students from almost every faculty taking perfect advantage of the free wares being dolled out by the beautiful Pop’s Pub staff. If the hustle and bustle created from everyone in attendance was any indication of the amount of fun being had, I think there should be no doubt’s that everyone had a great time. Despite the insatiable hunger of graduate students, everyone was incredibly well-behaved as they waited for Pop’s Pub to bring out another round of food – the only slight drawback to the event (courtesy of Pop Pub’s minute ovens).

Thanks again for everyone who came out and made the event the success that it was. We look forward to seeing you at the next big GSA event – “Meeting of the Minds” the 6th Annual GSA Multidisciplinary Conference being held on March 10th.

Miranda Abild

The Bill Nye event was everything promised. It was magical. The Gym was full of spectators including over 1200 elementary school kids for whom, there was no doubt, attendance at this event was a dream come true. The event started on time and included a one-hour real-life chemistry class follow by an hour presentation from Bill Nye himself.

A full audience welcomed the live and captivating demonstration of how “Chemistry is pHun” with the Chem Guys. These demonstrations included volcanic eruptions of various sizes (from lame to one that necessitated 5 extinguishers to put out!), balloons bursting with beautiful colours, color reagents, the creation of nitrous gases and even a little learning (Iike don’t touch nitric acid).

After some small delays, Bill Nye (who we found out is actually named William Nye) came out in full force and started his appearance by filming the ecstatic audience on his iPhone. The talk itself is difficult to review because it encroached on so many important topics. However, through the lens of Bill’s family life, and his father’s love of sundials, we learned about how to make a sundial and how Bill Nye was responsible for a soon-to-be total of 3 sundials on the planet Mars. Through the lens of his family history in World War II, we learned how one prisoner came to be able to escape partially due to his use of science. Through the lens of Bill Nye’s current experiences in science, we learned the extent of global warming that has impacted the globe today as a function on the global population doubling Bill has witnessed in his lifetime. But despite all of these science lessons, it was clear that Bill had one major life lesson he wanted us, the audience and everyone who comes in contact with science, to take home with them: You CAN change the world. Bill challenged us to become the individual who figures out how to slow the warming of the climate – both because we need it (global warming is undeniable) and because it will make you rich! Moreover, Bill challenged each and every one of us to use science EVERYDAY, to make our lives and the lives of those we come in contact better.

I feel lucky to have attended this presentation with a figure-head of the scientific community and I feel motivated by Bill. Thus, Bill Nye, if you read this – Challenge Accepted.

- Miranda L. Abild

If you attended this event and have any favorite quotes you would like to add, please email me at msc.rep@ulgsa.ca and I will put them up! 

Favorite Quotes:

“If you don’t vote, would you at least shut-up?!” (That’s right, from the mouth of Bill Nye himself)

[On the use of a color measuring device to be set to Mars]: “You mean you are going to send a wheel, with a post on it, up to Mars!?? IT”S A SUNDIAL!”

[On the fact that the portion of carbon dioxide on Earths atmosphere has increased from 3 parts per million to 4]: “If you need proof of global warming, THERE IT IS!”

“I’m telling you people, you don’t want to be Venus!”

When: Monday nights, 9-11pm throughout the semester

Who: Contact Spencer at spencer.edelman@uleth.ca

Cost: only $20!

Anyone can play (even non-swimmers) and rules are explained at every match! There are already 4 players on the team so only the first few people to contact Spencer at spencer.edelman@uleth.ca will be eligible to play! Don’t delay! Play today!

How is it that in my fifth semester at this school, I am still seeing so many new graduate student faces? I mean, I consider myself a decently outgoing person, I am involved in the graduate community and leave my cave-like office for longer than 5 minutes a day. So where are all these new faces coming from? Regardless, it was lovely seeing people I hadn’t seen for months at the wine and cheese and, perhaps more importantly, it was wonderful meeting a bunch of new fellow students at the orientation this time around. It’s exciting to think what could happen in the upcoming semester with participation like I saw on Friday!

The GSA realized that attendance might be limited because they can only do so much to contact new students when they aren’t given a comprehensive list of incoming students until after the event and despite having only about 6 new students actually attend the orientation, there were well over 50 students, new and old, that came to the wine and cheese!

Apologies are made for the extraordinarily long UPass line-up to which a few people declined to participate on principle. For those who stuck it out – I admire your patience! Unfortunately, given the checks that need to be done in accordance with the GSA’s agreement with LA Transit, the processing method being currently employed is really the most efficient method possible. In other words, the line is here to stay. On the plus side, however, more time to ingest the lovely vice of your choice whether it be the red or white wine’s served, a bottle of domestic beer or the delicious treats available to snack on.

Orientations are meant provide students with an opportunity to meet one another in a somewhat less formal setting but they also serve to take you out of your work environment for a well-deserved break! This semesters orientation did not disappoint and I am only sorry that I will not be around participate in any more of them.

Yoga is usually held on Monday and Thursday evenings throughout the semester.

Click here to Join the Facebook Group 

Or enter: http://www.facebook.com/groups/315183902293/?notif_t=group_activity

When: December 1, 2011, 2-4pm

Miranda L. Abild

The SGS Annual Holiday Reception went off with a huge success! It was so great to see such a wonderful mix of professors, students and administrators, all leaning back and enjoying a relaxing moment together in another otherwise busy semester. The event was held in the newer and absolutely posh Markin Hall Atrium. Drinks lubricated conversation, atmosphere resonated and collegial musings were had by all! Rob Wood, Dean of Graduate Studies (and one snazzy dresser), made a brief announcement at the event welcoming Dr. Helen Kelley into her position as new Assistant Dean of Graduate Studies. Other highlights included a strong GSA presence (the entire Executive Council was in attendance as well as many other members), the always beautiful and well-dressed ladies of the SGS and many, if not somewhat tired and weary, graduate students taking a much deserved break away from their desks.

Special thanks to the wonderful caterers providing us with many decadent treats including a variety of sushi rolls, warm appetizers, the usual cold cuts and veggies, and many good-enough-to-write-home-about cheesecake treats.

As the MSc. Representative of the GSA, I can only hope that the upcoming GSA events (Pop’s Pub night, January Orientation) and GSA Multidisciplinary Conference (for more information, check www.ulgsa.ca) are as well attended and well enjoyed. If you are one of the many faculty that attended the event (or not) but have yet to sign up to peer-review abstracts for the conference, please contact me at Miranda.abild@uleth.ca for more information.

The GSA is putting together an Intramural Sports SOCCER team and we want YOU to come play with us!

TWO (2) Soccer teams have now been registered to play this semester – go TEAMS! 

When:   These teams play a game every Thursday night between 7:30pm and 11:30pm depending on the schedule put out by the Sports and Recreation Center! Intramurals for the Spring 2012 semester run until April.

Cost:   Free for Graduate Students!

Who:   Contact Gillian Ayers, your MA/MFA Representative at <ma.rep@ulgsa.ca> TODAY!

Doesn’t matter your talent or skill, come keep fit and active with us while also sharing some laughs.

**There are currently spots still available on this team so please contact Gillian ASAP with your interest!**