Good Luck Algonquin!

Women's Self Defense

So this was another first for me. I shamefully have never been in the Impact Zone or taken a self defense class. I was really happy to find out I was not the only one. There was a great turn out for the event with about 35 students in attendance.  

Sarah trying to get instructor Ben Windsor
in a choke hold. 

Ben Windsor was our instructor for the class and he was great! I really liked the flow of the class. He would demo a move and then we practiced on a partner while he observed and assisted if necessary. No one was singled out or forced to preform moves that they were not comfortable with.  It was a great learning environment and he even made a few jokes here and there.

All the movements that we learned are from Krav Maga. It’s a martial art that is focused around everyday situations giving you the most realistic self defense training. After this class I’m definitely looking into taking more.  Maybe this is just me but it’s great to hit something every now and then, plus I’m sure the regular classes offer a great workout.  

For any one interested Ben Windsor teaches Krav Maga Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 6pm-7pm in the Impact Zone.

I was surprised how much we were able to cover in one hour. We looked at how to send a warning, get out of a chocking situation from the front and behind, and how to get out of a bear hug from behind. I am still far from being an expert but a least now I feel comfortable waiting for the bus and walking to my car at night.

- Sarah - SAO Blogger

New Music New Places!

Before

I had a great time at New Music New Places last night with Tim Chaisson and Poor Young Things! I had not heard of the bands before the show so I did some quick YouTubing to know what I was getting into. I found some great singles that they played last night and had fun singing along to 'slipping away' with the live band.

After

I love that the show was in a part of campus that I have not explored yet. The SA and SAO did a great job transforming this bright bland study area into a comfy relaxing acoustic set. The whole show was very intimate and cozy. The chairs and lighting in the Student Commons really helped create a great atmosphere. I'm very interested to see what spaces are transformed next semester. 

Oh and I almost left out a key element, the show was free! So me and the other students that attended saw an intimate acoustic show with local bands, after class, for free! What a great way to see a show on a budget!

I love this event because I am constantly looking for new local bands to support. These bands offer a great change from the usual top 40 hits you hear on the radio.

All in all I had a great time, discovered some new music, and found a new study zone for exam time!

- Sarah - SAO Blogger

Dirty Bingo

Krystal and the first winner of the night.

If you are looking for a fun, unique college event, Dirty Bingo is what you want! I loved every minute of it. The hosts Zelda and Krystal are awesome. They interact with the crowd in such a fun way you can’t help but laugh when they call "Nipple 41". 

There are lots of prizes for everyone. That means there is no excuse for the fellas to miss out! It was so funny watching Krystal interact with all the different groups of students last night!

This is Bingo with a dirty twist using sexual words in the place of bingo letters, creative tie breakers with condoms, and sexy prizes that can be enjoyed by all. 

The tie breaker last night was to put a condom on a water bottle.

You’ll just have to go to know what happens when the number 69 is called. I don’t want to give away all the fun! 

I didn’t win anything this time, so I’ll try again at the next Dirty Bingo night in January!

- Sarah - SAO Blogger

keep in the loop!

Fall 2012 Orientation Host and Keynote, Jessi Cruickshank!

The SAO office is working hard on Fall Orientation 2012.

Here are the latest developments:


• The new orientation site is launched and ready for your viewing! orientation.algonquincollege.com Register today!

• Jessi Cruickshank, Host of ‘Oh Sit!’ eTalk Daily Correspondent & Previous MTV Host will be our 2012 Fall Orientation Host & Keynote! http://vimeo.com/14472452

• Blackboard training sessions start next week. Get connected before you start classes. http://orientation.algonquincollege.com/blackboard/

• Orientation presenters have been booked. Meet the President of the College Kent MacDonald, The Students' Association and Student Affairs and Orientation. Learn about events, services, volunteer opportunities and the college community.

• The SAO student leaders will give you a customize tour of the college. You will learn where everything is before the first day of classes!

• Your professors are eager to meet you!!

Stay tuned for more updates! Our September events will be posted soon!!!
...this is going to ge a good year!

February - Events - Student Leader Campaign

It is now the month of February and all our precious memories of Christmas and New Year resolutions are now firmly and finally behind us. We all sit up in with a wave of anticipation as the reading week approaches. Which means two things for College Students; reading week and mid-terms, but either way the SAO is here for you students.

Last week, we entertained starving students in H-Building as they cooked their way into culinary creations on campus. A group of students were given all the vegetables, meat, and gear to learn and cook a great meal from home. Indeed they did, the class was a great success and all of those involved love the experience, including the 40 dollars in food they all got to take home. Just out the video online to see what your missing. Culinary Workshop Promo

As well as filling their bellies, we filled their ears on Jan. 23rd with The Balconies headliningat Residence for a string acoustic show we call New Music New Places. The night began with band The Love Machine opening for the Balconies as the four men serenaded us with the sweet renditions of their hard rock favourites. The Balconies came on stage to finish the night with classical flamenco guitar playing, stand up bass, and incredible violin and vocals from their lead singer. If you missed them that night, you can check them out here New Music New Places.

These are only two of the many amazing events and workshops the SAO brings to you the student. Several other workshops include; Resume, Networking, Baking, Social Media and many more...

In addition to the many events running throughout the month of February the SAO has begun its Become A Student Leader Campaign. Betty, Alfalfa, and Frankie are asking you to become Student Leaders in September 2012. We are looking for fun, energetic, and motivated people to become Student Leaders in their school. Our Leaders would help organize and work orientation, workshops and events around the college. It's a great opportunity to earn valuable volunteer experience and stay connected with your school. Check out our video online, of what it's like to be a Student Leader. Apply today online, deadline is March 2.

Stay tuned....

Coming up in March..... Dirty Bingo, 3rd Annual Film Festival, New Music New Places, Celebration of Cultures

It has been a great month of events for Algonquin College and we would like to thank all of those involved. We started off January with Winter Orientation and our Keynote speaker Bob Harris who spoke to our new Winter term students about exploring passions and making connections. Student leaders provided helpful guided tours of the school and we thank them for all their participation.

Another great event to follow was our free Yoga Sessions and Dirty Bingo that took place on January 11. Yoga sessions had a successful run of teachings above the gym where students could privately and intimately be instructed on proper Yoga techniques from our qualified instructor. In addition, later that night the Observatory hosted our bi-annual Dirty Bingo where students played classic bingo against one another in hopes of winning a prize. However, there was a twist, the night was hosted by Drag Queens Crystal and Zelda and the prizes were anything but clean. Students packed the observatory for this free event and upwards of 50 people were turned away due to capacity limits at the observatory. The ones who did make it inside for the event had a blast, and you can check out video from the event on our Facebook or Youtube channel. Both events were free and we encourage more to come for the next one, so check it out.

Finally, Tuesday January 17th, Algonquin's SAO hosted a Beer Tasting Workshop for students and others to learn and discover the complexities of beer on campus. This intellectual workshop had students tasting the differences between 5 types of beer, including local brewed Kichesippi beer that was sent freshly brewed and bottled specifically for the event. You can check out the event video and photos on our Facebook and Youtube channel, and remember to buy your tickets for the next Workshop coming to you.

Those are the events may have or may have not missed this month, but if you did miss out, don't worry, we have more coming your way. This Saturday January 21st we will be hosting WinterTubing at Edleweiss Ski Park for only 5$ a student. It's an incredible event for an incredible price, so it's your last chance to get tickets. As well, Monday January 23rd, Residence will be hosting a New Music, New Places live acoustic session in the lobby. These relaxing unplugged sessions are perfect for people trying to unwind. The band The Balconies featuring The Love Machine will be serenading students all night. Free for all students, you do not need to be in residence to attend. Check out the band online on our Youtube Channel.

Stay posted to the SAO calendar for more events coming, up next...more workshops.

Here 2 Help in the New Year of 2012

A Happy Holidays and New Year to all returning students and a warm welcome to all new students in the year 2012. We are Here 2 Help in the new year and would like to remind our students of important dates coming up in the new year.

Important Dates for Students

• January 9, 2012 - Winter Term Start Date (for most programs)
• January 20, 2012 - Deadline to withdraw from program and be eligible for tuition refund.
• January 2nd-6th, 2012 - Early OSAP release dates, get your OSAP early and avoid the lines.
• February 7, 2012, Deadline for Winter Term OSAP applications

For more details on deadlines and applications visit http://www.algonquincollege.com/RegistrarsOffice/ for further information.

It will be an incredible year for learning and the city is going to help with some great artists from all over the globe coming to Ottawa this year to entertain and enlighten the youthful masses. Here are a list of incredible performers/performances to look out for in the new year.

Entertainment Dates for 2012

Ottawa International Motorcycle Show - Jan 13 - 15th - Feel the Power! 2012 Ottawa International Motorcycle Show proudly presents Eastern Ontario Western Quebec's 3rd annual motorcycle extravaganza to be held at the new Capital Exhibition Centre.

Juno Awards - March 26 - April1st - Last year we hosted the Genie's at the NAC, can we top it this year? Filled with tons of stars and featuring performances from Blue Rodeo, Feist and Deadmau5.

Roger Waters and The Wall - June 25th - Pink Floyd returns to Scotiabank Place since 2010 for another performance of one of the best albums of all time, The Wall.

Van Gogh Exhibit - May 25 - Sep 3rd - Approximately 50 paintings by the Dutch master will be on display at the National Art Gallery.

Ottawa Food & Wine Show - November - One of Ottawa's biggest festivals got even bigger this year, expanding its show to a full five days to accommodate it's increasingly large crowd every year.

Ottawa Bluesfest (RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest) - July 4-15th - Bluefest acquired a new head sponsor this year, which could vastly change the line-up for this years festival. With the increasing popularity of the events and bigger sponsor, this year hopes to shape into one of the greatest yet.

For information on any of these events and many more events in Ottawa, please visit http://www.ottawakiosk.com/events.html