expliCIT - December 2009 by CIT Students' Union

CIT Students’ Union Magazine Volume Eleven - Issue Four

This Year I’ll Quit

Conferring Photos

Merry Xmas

Play it Cool

Ball Dates Announced

Opinion

Editorial

CIT Students’ Union Rossa Ave, Bishopstown Cork, Ireland. Telephone: 021 493 3120 Fax: 021 454 5343 Email: info@expliCIT.ie

expliCIT Staff Editor - Killian Hughes Design & Advertising - Philip O’Reilly Contributions Ezgi Muderrisoglu Isabel Rossiter Jennifer Cotter John Lane Mervyn O’Mahony

Joseph Lynch Orla Flynn Deirdre Conroy Sean F O’Leary David Moylan

CIT Students’ Union President - Gearóid Buckley (supresident@cit.ie) Vice President Education - John lane (sueducation@cit.ie) Vice President Welfare - Deirdre Conroy (suwelfare@cit.ie) Entertainments Officer - Kelvin McLaughlin (suentertainments@cit.ie) Projects Officer - James O’Toole (suprojects@cit.ie) Communications Officer - Killian Hughes (sucommunications@cit.ie) Print Barnaville Print & Graphics LTD Advertising Opportunities CIT has almost 17,000 full and part-time students with over 1,500 staff. Why not use expliCIT to promote your business to this large audience? Copy deadlines, advertising rates and technical specifications are available from our website www.expliCIT.ie or upon request from the Publications Office.

Hello everyone I hope the study is going well. I am feeling the pressure myself and by looking around I think most people are. At the end of the day, exams are only exams, and although we would all love to do well, if it does go south – there are always the repeats. The last few months have been hectic – aside from having more college work than ever, I still managed to get out for some social events and I have noticed that Cubins has been going fantastically for the last few months. Remember, college is about more than education – it’s an experience, and the experience is as good as you make it. I have been to the North with my club, Cork city far too many times, and every year there are so many more people to meet. January is only around the corner so I would encourage everyone to kick back and relax, because RAG week is coming in February and many of my colleagues are still looking for lust on a regular basis, maybe even love? I hope you enjoy this issue. We have articles about a student we are very proud of, study tips and, as always, your photos. Keep the photos coming into us and we will be delighted to put them into expliCIT, or at the very least onto the CITSU website. Enjoy the holidays, best of luck in the exams, and have an enjoyable and safe Christmas. Killian

expliCIT magazine is published monthly by CIT Students’ Union. The views expressed in the magazine are those of their authors and are not necessarily those of CIT Students’ Union. All articles and pictures are the property of their respective owners and should not be reproduced without their permission.

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RAGWEEK SPECIAL Rag Week is happening between the 15th and 18th February 2010. Already confirmed...

We Need You! If you would like to contribute to expliCIT please contact Philip in the Publications Office, 1st Floor, Student Centre or email: info@expliCIT.ie

Jon Kenny - comedian (one half of the Legendary duo The D’Unbelievables) Paul Dee - The Finest Hypnotist in Ireland Rag Ball - Thursday 18th of Feb Glo in The Dark Party – Tuesday 16th of Feb. Loads more to be confirmed... Start saving those Euros now! See www.expliCIT.ie for magazine dates and copy deadlines

How to Get your Jingle Back Christmas is not all about Santa, elves, and sugar plum fairies when one suffers from depression, a loved one is gone, or Christmas brings back memories of hurt feelings. For some, finances play a part in their sadness. Many people experience post-Christmas depression in the New Year as well, when all the hustle and bustle ends and families depart. What are some ways that we might make the Christmas season a lot easier to get through when we are sad? Most importantly, tone down your efforts and expectations, both mentally and physically, and do not try to make Christmas live up to an ideal, whatever that might be. Make Christmas a no-guilt zone in your life. Ever feel even slightly apologetic that you didn't put up a tree? Have you suffered a pang of guilt that someone sent you a Christmas card and you didn't send one back? When we are sad, the feeling of hopelessness is made worse when guilt is added to the mix. Lowering expectations will also help prevent the after-Christmas "let down," which would add to the already present sad feelings. If at all possible, plan something after Christmas to look forward to so that Christmas Day is not the ultimate focus. Like arrange to meet up with your friends on Stephens Day to hit the sales or just to catch up. Never let yourself feel pressured financially about things leading up to Christmas. I don’t think Charles Dickens invention of the Scrooge character helped matters, but we always need to remember that Christmas is not about buying expensive gifts, because it is absolutely not. I have gone through Christmas’s in the last few years with barely a few bob to my name. I got so upset because I have a little brother and sister, and I felt like I HAD to buy them really cool presents. My older brother was working full time and I didn’t want to look bad next to him. But I was so broke, I couldn’t. I remember I gave my little sister a hoody I owned that she loved. It meant more to her than I ever thought it would have. She wore it ALL day Christmas day and for about two years after until she outgrew it. It made me realise, that you don’t have to spend a fortune to make someone happy. Remember as well that the pictures on Christmas cards and TV ads are lovely but somewhat unrealistic. They are images of what we would really like to experience, but very few do. Most of us are like window shoppers looking at those soft, fuzzy images of these Christmas scenes, but we do not have the ability to buy into it so we never go inside. We stand for a little while gazing at them and imagining ourselves there. Wouldn't it be wonderful just to be there? Away from all the problems and violence in the world and away from our own struggles and sadness. Then we turn away, and the scene fades.

Therefore, do not attempt to make your life fit a Christmas painting. When you are sad, it is best not to dwell on those scenes. Let your mind dwell on things that you are thankful for in your life, however small they might be. These are what are real. Thankfulness has the power to lift our spirits. Bad Christmas memories are hard to deal with as well. These are the lingering memories of being hurt by friends or family members, perhaps who gave better gifts to others or gave you none at all or even worse, gave abuse. Hurt feelings can run from the past right up to the present while you are forced to be in the company of someone who was mean and continues to be so. I have an aunt who I am forced to see every Christmas. All my memories from when I was young involve her being nasty to my mum. So now, I can’t stand her and it puts me in a bad mood to be around her. When we are sad, this can build the tension to unbearable levels. Try to limit your exposure to these people. Would it not be better to stay away if the hurt feelings are only made worse? Find a way to graciously bow out. If you HAVE to be in the same location as this person, make yourself scarce in their presence. Silence is golden, and distance makes it easier to be silent. Do this for the sake of yourself and for the sake of others. A family row at Christmas makes every problem associated with the family worse. Try your best to get out of your rut of bad Christmas memories by forgiving. Forgiving someone does not necessarily tell them that what they did was NOT wrong. But it will make the person they hurt feel better and free from resentment. It is impossible to move forward without forgiveness. Just decide to forgive. You do not have to feel forgiving in order to decide to forgive. It will help to cope with those memories. Finally, if you are alone at Christmas because you have lost a loved one or for whatever reason and you are sad about it, remember that you really are not alone. It may sound weird, but you always have yourself. Cultivate a friendship with yourself and take good care of who is closest to you. If you can be a friend to someone else, then you can be a friend to yourself. Do for yourself what you would do for a friend. You CAN get through Christmas when you are sad and perhaps be transformed in the process. Be your own boss on what to do and what not to do/avoid, without any outside pressure, and wake up Christmas morning with a few less things to be concerned about. Would that not be the best Christmas present of all? Whatever happens, have a happy, peaceful and restful Christmas, all of you! xxx Dee

Latest News

Venice Biennale Scolarship for CCAD Students Two current fourth year Crawford students, were this summer awarded with a scolarship to work for the Irish Pavilion at the 53rd Venice Biennale.

The CIT Rubicon Centre Commercialising Innovation & Creativity In the current economic environment, successfully developing and maintaining a business can prove quite challenging. The Rubicon Centre, based here on campus in CIT, offers a modern and dynamic working environment, providing professional support and invaluable services to Entrepreneurial as they launch into the business world. As Ireland’s premier business incubation centre, the Rubicon has developed strong links with many successful businesses and works closely with Cork Institute of Technology. These links provide many benefits to the Entrepreneurs based in the Rubicon, as they have access to the Research and Development facilities of the college and on-site academic expertise. "The Rubicon Centre is a valuable resource for early stage businesses in need of support, in particular technology startups which need much development to be brought to market. As well as the essential support of incubation space and access to the expertise of mentors and trainers,

The Rubicon Centre provides a positive and motivational environment for people who are committed to developing a successful business." ...Dave Cody, Chief Executive Officer, Cork City Enterprise Board - www.corkceb.ie Due to the demand for suitable incubation space, an extension to the existing building is now well underway, which will provide much sought after entrepreneurial office space, laboratories’ and additional support facilities.

Jennifer Marshall and Theresa O’Leary received a four week work placement invigilating the works of Gareth Kennedy and Sarah Browne, two of Ireland’s most promising new artists. The exhibition, curated by Caoimhin Corrigan and funded by the Irish Arts Council, was an immense success. Both Jen and Theresa described it as a life changing experience, that provided them with an invaluable insight into the contemporary art world. Orla Flynn

The Genesis Programme (www.gep.ie) is also based at the Rubicon, offering participants the opportunity to avail of a 12 month rapid incubation programme, which aims to support and accelerate graduate entrepreneurs in developing their business from a very early stage. The centre also continues to develop links with other incubation centres nationally and internationally assisting in the development of national and international market opportunities. Further details on The Rubicon Centre can be found on their website www.rubiconcentre.ie

Rubicon Centre Competition to Win €30 Please return the answer to both questions below in a SAE with your name, class and mobile phone number to enter this competition for a prize of €30 cash sponsored by CIT Rubicon Centre. What type of centre is The Rubicon? (a) Sales centre (b) Incubation Centre (c) Call Centre

Name the programme that is based at the Rubicon Centre? (a) "Techstar Programme" (b) "Platinum Programme" (c) "Genesis Programme"

Open to CIT Students only. One entry per student. Competiton closes 21st December 2009.

Union Address CIT Students’ Union President Semester one is coming to sharp close, a semester which has gone relatively smoothly locally but has witnessed a rollercoaster on the national scene. Students are still awaiting grants, a rise in registration fees looks imminent, student finance is now a distant memory and the student support bill is still gathering dust on Batt O’Keeffe’s desk. The past few months have been difficult for many families and students and unfortunately 2010 does not look like things will get any better, however you should know that the Students’ Union and CIT Student Services are here to face these challenging times with you, so take advantage of these services where and when you can. If you are finding things difficult, call into the SU office, we can sit down and solve the issue from there. I’ve been looking through my election manifesto recently and I’ve been trying to cross issues off over the past few months. In February’s edition I will detail my election promises and highlight where I have succeeded and update you on the others. Also in February is Raise & Give Week, if you have any suggestions please don’t hesitate to send them into us. I would like to note that RAG week is about charities, and this year more than others we

must acknowledge that, so as you look forward to the week long event please bare others in mind. There is much more also happening in semester two, but as we approach exam season I am sure your attention is focusing on one thing. For exam and study tips please visit www.citsu.ie. I would also ask you not to infringe in an examination. If you cheat in an exam a student usually faces suspension from the institute for a year, if you don’t know the information and don’t cheat you will get 0%, but you will get the opportunity to resit in August. I understand that the current scenario of having exams before and after Christmas is not ideal but it is something which we are working on and it should be rectified for next year. If you have any issue over the holidays, remember the Students’ Union Office re-opens on 4th January, in the event of an emergency you can ring one of the sabbatical officers who’s numbers are available at www.citsu.ie Best of luck in your exams regardless, enjoy your Christmas parties, and have a wild and crazy Christmas. Merry Christmas, Gar

CITSU Vice President Education Hopefully the Semester has treated you well and at this stage you are stressing (just a little) over exams. As you should know, the exams are starting on Friday 11th and running up until Friday 18th. Unfortunately, there will be more exams the first week of January, but you should all be fine. The last few weeks have been manic for us all, with the run up to the exams, strikes, floods, study, projects, Christmas day and whatever we have had going on ourselves. I would just like to say thanks for all the support we have been given as a Union, and hopefully, long may it continue. The National Budget will undoubtedly affect all of us in our own different ways. Money is becoming tighter and tighter for all of us, but hopefully we can struggle on together being the poor students we have chosen to be. That said, fret not, we as a Union are still here for you in any way we can be so never be shy to call in or give us a call at any stage. Trust me when I

I don’t know about you, but I cannot believe how quickly Christmas has snuck up on us! I feel like it was only yesterday that I took office in the Students Union. It’s weird to think that it was almost 6 months ago. Being Vice-President Welfare has taught me so, so much already. It has been exhausting and emotionally draining at times but I have never in my life had such a rewarding job. There is something amazing about feeling you have

Opinion

say it – there is nothing that can surprise us anymore. Was anyone else astounded by giant sperm running through the canteen a few weeks ago? It was for the Sexual Health Awareness Day run by the SU, and more specifically Dee, but no one told me what we had planned. Dee our Welfare Officer, told me she had a few surprises in place but WOW!!! We have many more things in the pipeline, not forgetting RAG week in February, so get ready. I really hope you all enjoyed the first semester, I know I did! I’m looking forward to the new semester in February – even though it seems a million miles away now. I hope you all enjoy the well earned break, and going into the Christmas season just remember to be safe, don’t drink and drive, and go away and enjoy yourselves for a few weeks. Good Luck, John

CITSU Vice President Welfare Hey Guys,

Opinion

helped someone out. It gives you that lovely warm feeling in your tummy, like when you drink hot soup on a cold day! It makes all the long nights and early mornings so very, very worth it. I wouldn’t be here without you, the student body. You voted me here and I hope that I am making you proud. On a “welfairy” note, the party season approaches, so please remember the basics; drink sensibly, use contraceptives, never ever drink and drive and take care of yourself in general. Good luck in your Christmas exams and have a very happy and peaceful Christmas. Here for you now and in the future, Dee

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Education Preparing for Your Christmas Examinations As I am sure many of you are stressing at the moment, a few tips tricks and stress management techniques might go down well. First of all, remember that exams are not the end of the world. A worm hole in time will not open up sucking in everything if you do not do well. If you can, figure out what you actually need to get in the final exam to pass. All the continuous assessments are designed so the weight of the final exam is less, so you may find that getting 10% in the final exam will still leave you with a pass. Realistically, this is college and exams cannot, and should not, be passed by fluke. Study is a necessary ingredient to pass and do well. Study is a very broad term, as different people study differently, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for the next. As people learn differently, these tips may not work for everyone, but hopefully they will help Where to study • Make sure you have as little distractions as possible. No noise, TV or friends to distract yourself • Try to have your study area quiet. This mirrors an exam situation and allows your brain to be in the same “zone” both when you are studying and when in your actual exam • Keep your study area tidy, but have everything you will need – pens, calculators, highlighters, etc. so as you have no reason to leave How to study • Set yourself one hour blocks for study. This structured approach allows yourself more room for effective study, and you know exactly how long until you can take a break • Write notes out and summarise. When you look over your summary you should be able to expand on these points without any further use of notes • Have a routine. Try to start and finish at the same time every day Active Learning • While you are reading, write out the main points and headings • Constantly and consciously try to relate what you are reading to real life • Draw out graphs and try to understand why they are the way they are in your own words After Study • Go for a walk or something else relaxing but also active. This circulates oxygen and also helps your brain wind down. This will aid in memory recall the next day. • When you are finished for the night, you are finished for the night. Forget about college work for a few hours Do Not…. • Drink heavily after studying. Alcohol damages brain cells and hinders your memory recall, especially your short term memory • Do all night cramming sessions. You are better to sleep as your brain will work more efficiently and clearly. After 24 hours awake, a person has the same levels of concentration as after drinking over half a litre of 40% spirits. You need concentration when going into an exam

• Get overly stressed. Exams are not the be all and end all of college life. You will find you will actually perform better in an exam if you are more relaxed. Your brain will think more laterally and remember more related points

Exam Time Before it starts • Know exactly the format of the paper (3 questions do 2, 5 questions do 3, etc) • Know where your exam is on – every year people arrive to the wrong venue • Get good nights sleep. Eight hours is recommended but six is a minimum for you to stay alert • Eat breakfast and bring yourself a glucose based energy drink. This will keep your mind focused. Never enter an exam hungry • Arrive in plenty time and have everything you need During the Exam • Read the instructions carefully and decide on your best questions • Do not use a red pen! • Manage your time efficiently. Divide your time according to points. If you are not finished a question when you run out of your allocated time, move on and come back at the end. Most marks are picked up early on in a question so move on! • When allocating time, give yourself 5-10 minutes at the start to read all the questions, decide what questions you are doing, and write out your headings straight away, before staring the question • When allocating time, leave yourself 5-10 minutes at the end to go back and tidy up any questions you may have moved on from, to check graphs, and look over any maths or formulas you were unsure of • If don’t know something – don’t panic. Give it a go, even if you are chancing your arm. You will always pick up a few marks, and some are better than none.

After the Exam • Do not analyse the paper with your friends. It will shake both your confidence and theirs • Relax for an hour. Even if you have more study to do for other exams, relax for an hour as your brain will have been through a stressful few hours This should help you out. But most importantly, remember to minimise stress. Stress can often make people freeze in an exam and this is the last reason you need to do poorly in an exam. Breathe deeply and crack into the questions. Often when you are writing something, it will trigger another point. For your information, a minimum 40% average is required to progress from year to year within a course, and from level 6 to level 7 courses. However, a 50% average is needed to progress from Level 7 to Level 8 add-on degrees, and a carry fail is not an option.

CIT Conferrings 2009

Photos supplied by Barry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan, CIT.

Play it Cool ;-) Play it cool is one of those sayings that can be used in any context – chatting up girls, getting past bouncers, robbing banks. It’s as applicable to one as it is another. Recently, I have begun to believe that it is a phrase commonly used, but never practiced. I have seen many people since the start of the year, especially when chasing men and women, coming on FAR too strongly. Word to the wise, if you like someone, and are looking for lust, play it cool, a little coy, and don’t make your intentions as obvious as the sky is blue. Aside from scaring your potential other half off, it looks really desperate to both your friends, and their friends, when someone is following someone else around like a little lost puppy. So here are a few pointers that I have only picked up over the last few weeks: • Play • Tease

eat in front of their boyfriends), that you will be able to keep conversation flowing for 90 minutes, and that they won’t do a Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde on you after half a glass of Merlot. • Coffee – my own personal favourite. Go for coffee, sit down, chat away for 20 minutes, if it’s going well, that 20 minutes can easily turn into 2 hours. If its not going well, either party can pull the “oh I’m supposed to be meeting a friend” type of excuse. Its cheap and cheerful, and first dates should always be kept out in public because you never know who the ‘psychos’ are. Playing it cool doesn’t just apply to dating though. I’m sure everyone has that friend that you wish would just shut up. That friend that you want to just shake and scream “I HEARD YOU THE FIRST TIME” in their face. They are out there. If you don’t have a friend like that, I’m sorry… but it’s you.

And if all else fails: • Man (or woman) up, swallow your pride, and just ask them out

Many people I have come across do need to relax, breath, remember your pressure points – Woosah. Just relax is the point. People hear you, things have a way of working themselves out. It might not seem like that now, but they do.

Cold chat ups (walking up to a stranger, talking to them, and asking them out) are definitely growing in popularity. A number of my friends in the last few weeks have done it, and before my very eyes, it worked! To be honest I was dumbfounded. I have always had a strong opinion that it’s nigh on impossible to meet someone outside of an alcoholic setting. Admittedly I was wrong.

Stress is a killer. Bad for your heart, bad for your brain, bad for your soul. The happiest people in this world are the laissez faire types. The people who seem to never get rattled. And trust me, when you finish college and go get a real job, you may be top of the class, but if you are so wound up that people think you could kill a man, bury him, and calmly come back to your desk like nothing happened, you’re not going to get that job.

So then comes the next question – You are going out with a complete stranger, where do you go? There are a few simple options:

Same for projects, and now that I think of it, the upcoming exams. Stop spending your time worrying about them. Instead spend that time studying, working on what must be done. Often, the most worried student can’t study because they are worried so much, and really they are only harming themselves. And even if you do do a bad project, exam, lab, whatever, it’s not the end of the world. Richard Branson was a college drop out. In years to come when you are going for a job, no one cares if you failed maths in Semester one of second year. Interviews are based just as much, if not more, on personality than anything else. If you have no personality, I really hope you’re good looking.

• Cinema – spend time together with minimal conversation. Its ok, but you definitely need to be doing something either before or after – you’re not 16 anymore. • Drinks – good idea as long as it doesn’t turn into a session with just the two of you. If it’s a group of your friends, session on! But if its just the two of you, have a few and keep your dignity. This is a really good way to get to know someone and see if you will be able to stick them for long periods of time.

• A meal – be very careful. This will either go incredibly well, or crash and burn like a zeppelin. Make sure before you go for a meal with a person that they will eat (I know of girls who refuse point blank to

I’ll cut to the point, people of the family of CIT, RELAX! Don’t worry. Try to look as cool and together as you can, but don’t be too relaxed or the world will pass you by. You will get on better in work, college, and hopefully life. Try it for the next month and let me know how it goes. John

This Year I will Quit........... For years I have always said that at my birthday, New Years, first day back to college, I will quit smoking. Some attempts have been more successful than others, but the long term results of all have been the same – FAILURE. I have tried giving up for various reasons – money, health, women. . . But never for the right reason, which should be because I want to. And the temptations aren’t always there either! I am the only one in my family who smokes and most of the people I live with don’t either. My friends from home do, and I really only see them in the pub, where I do allow myself a cancer stick, as I do believe smoking and drinking go hand in hand. There is nothing sexy about smoking. When you were young there was something cool and rebellious, but now as we move into our 20’s it is frowned upon. And there is nothing sexy about kissing someone who tastes like an ashtray either!

After Eight Successful Hours • Level of carbon monoxide (which is a toxic gas) in the blood decreases by as much as half and drops back to normal • The oxygen level in the blood raises and increases to normal After Two Successful Days • All nicotine will have left the body • Nerve endings start to regrow • A chance of a heart attack decreases slightly • The ability to smell and taste properly increases and return to normal After Three Successful Days • Your bronchial tubes will relax, and your energy levels will increase

The Effects of Giving Up Smoking

After Two Successful Weeks • Your circulation will increase, and it will continue to improve for the next 10 weeks After Three Successful Months • Circulation will improve • The lungs begin to function 30% more efficiently – physical activity becomes easier • Physical addiction to nicotine will cease

After Twenty Successful Minutes • Blood pressure and pulse rate drop to normal • The body temperature of hands and feet return to normal

After Three to Nine Months • Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems will dissipate as your lung capacity improves by 10%

So now, in my office and bedroom, I have a list of the following, compiled from the net, to remind me of the tangible health benefits (not to mind having more money) to keep me on track

After One Successful Year • A decrease in coughing, congestion of the sinuses, tiredness and shortness of breath will occur • Lungs increase their ability to handle mucus and reduce infection • Your risk of having a heart attack will have dropped by half • Energy levels increase even further After Five Successful Years • The chance of dying from lung cancer of a former one pack a day smoker is decreased by about half • Chance of stroke is reduced to that of a non-smoker • The Risk of developing mouth, throat or esophagus cancer is half of a smoker’s After Ten Successful Years • The chance of dying from lung cancer is about the same as that of a non-smoker • The Risk of developing mouth, throat or esophagus cancer is decreased even further After Fifteen Successful Years • The risk of developing coronary disease is the same as a non-smoker • The risk of a heart attack is the same as a non-smoker

I intend to take nicotine patches and this coupled with the support (and condemnation) of my friends if they see me smoking at home and around college should really help, even though I am sure I will get ratty with them if I try to smoke and they take a cigarette from me. And if anyone reading this sees me smoking feel free to come over and ridicule me also. Looking forward to a healthier new year John

Sport & Societies

CIT Radio Station The CIT radio station, which is situated directly across from the Common Room, has recently been renamed CFC Radio. It stands for Corks Favorite College Radio station. The station is on air in the common room and the student centre between the hours of 12pm to 2pm, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesdays, and 12pm to 1pm, Thursdays and Fridays. In the near future the station hopes to be broadcasting in the main building corridor. If you are interested in being on radio, don’t be shy and pop on over and talk to the station Chairperson, Richard; Secretary, Kevin; or PRO Dave. This may all sound very serious to you but in reality it’s a laugh and great experience. You may already know how fun it is listening to the Special K show on Mondays from 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm where myself, Dave aka Special and Kev talk about everything and anything. If you have never been on radio or anything of the sort that is not a problem, our experts will guide and help you through all the equipment. If your preferred genre of music is drum and bass, hip hop, metal, rock this is not a problem. You are free to play what you want whenever you are scheduled. PLEASE drop over and talk to us if you want more information. We’re always happy to see you! We now have a text line up and running so please send your requests to 085-2490072 or e-mail citradio@gmail.com Hope to hear from you soon, Dave.

CIT Headway Society As I watched our PRO officer impersonate the King of Pop while she belted out the first few lines of ‘’Billie Jean’’ I had a feeling our first event of the year was going to be an enjoyable night. The CIT Headway Society decided to organise a Karaoke Night as our first fundraiser of the year. Leading up to the night everyone kept insisting that they weren’t going to sing...however the atmosphere was electric as the room started to fill up and there was more than one playful squabble over the microphone as people started to discover their inner rock star! Everyone who joined us on the night was in great form and donated generously to Headway. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported us. To finish off the event there was a “sing off” battle between CIT and UCC students…as you might expect CIT students won hands down ☺

The two main aims of Headway Society are: Raise awareness of Acquired Brain Injuries (ABI) Organise events in aid of Headway Acquired Brain Injury is a high-prevalence injury, believed to be ten times more disabling than spinal cord injury. People aged between 15-29 years are statistically three times more likely than any other age groups to have an Acquired Brain Injury which means students are a high risk group. During a recent visit to Headway Glen Power, drummer of The Script, spoke about his brain injury “I got my head injury a few years ago from a fall…it was pretty serious but I was one of the lucky ones, I made a full recovery. I am delighted to stand here today and lend support to Headway and the fantastic work they do. Rehabilitation is so important after a brain injury and without it so many people’s stories would be very different’’.

Headway is a centre which provides services for people affected by Acquired Brain Injuries. I am studying Social Care and as part of my degree I completed a work placement with Headway which is based in Ballincollig.

According to CEO Kieran Loughran the number of young people using services is increasing year by year “Stories of road traffic accidents and alcohol related incidents in particular are becoming increasingly familiar to staff here at Headway and we are seeing the number of service users under 25 years old go up each year’’

I was given every opportunity to learn and thoroughly enjoyed working with the clients in the centre. My placement made me realise how common Acquired Brain Injury is, I felt it was important to make other students aware, so I set up the Headway Society. The Society is relatively unknown in college as it’s only been in place for a year.

The Headway Society will be holding a number of fundraisers and public awareness events over the year. We would be really grateful if students would get involved, come to our events and support the society.

Sport & Societies

International Soc at the Races! CIT Órgra Shinn Féinn Ógra Shinn Féin is the youth wing of the Irish political party Sinn Féin and forms a significant part of the Republican Movement. ÓSF, as it is colloquially known, is active and organised throughout Ireland on both a constituency and college basis with Ógra cumann [branches] organised in all of the major 3rd level universities and colleges, including CIT. The long-term aim of Ógra Shinn Féin is to establish a thirty-two county democratic socialist republic. Specific issues of primary importance include: Irish unity and independence, workers rights, the environment, an end to sectarianism and racism in Ireland, free healthcare and education for all and the promotion of the Irish language. Campaigns over the past few weeks here in CIT have included an anti-drugs campaign concerning Cork’s heroin crisis, participation in the ICTU Day of Action and the carrying out of a ‘Register to Vote’ campaign prior to the closure of the deadline to be included on the full register. The highlights of the last month though have been when CIT ÓSF activists partook in two weekends away, one in Bandon (for the Manchester Martyrs

commemorative weekend) and Belfast (at the ÓSF National Congress) where massive fun was had by all on both occasions. Also we recently had a film showing and music night in the city which was another major success. Why not join the most active, fastest growing youth wing in Ireland? Meetings take place every Thursday at 1.00pm in Meeting Room 3 [Upstairs in the Student Centre] and anyone is welcome to come along and join in. If you require more information you can email osfcit@gmail.com Join with us in our radical movement for change – Join Ógra Shinn Féin!

www.citsocieties.ie Join Societies Online - Monthy Competitions - Latest News - Event Calendar

On Friday November, 20th, the International Students Society members were taken on a trip to the Greyhound Race Tracks. Some of our international members had never watched greyhound races before, so for them it was a new experience. It was a fun filled event, where the members got to know one another, as well as enjoy the races. The first Greyhound race track in the Republic of Ireland was opened in May 1927, at Shelbourne Park in Dublin, and followed the year after at Curraheen Park in Cork. Over the years, greyhound racing has become a valued tradition. What is special about Ireland and greyhound racing is that many of the owners have their dogs as family pets, and make their household income from racing. The members who had joined us spent the night comparing favorites. There was a race going on every fifteen minutes, with ten races in total. There were screens allowing us to watch races going on in both Cork, as well as in Dublin. Jerry O’Sullivan, a cork resident, was on hand to give more information about the races and the dogs. Visiting the Greyhound Race Track in Cork makes for a unique Irish cultural experience! We definitely plan on coming back next year. The International Student Society is having a Christmas Party/Farewell Bash, to celebrate the holidays and to say goodbye to our members who are leaving this semester. It promises to be a blast! Stay tuned for our future events! Zeynep Ezgi Muderrisoglu ISS Chairperson

Sport & Societies CIT Society Ball Dates Quality Assurance, Analytical & Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Social Care, Recreation and Leisure Management, Early Childhood Care and Education, Community Education & Development, Good Manufacturing Practise & Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Sustainable Energy, Building Services Engineering, Transport Management & Technology and students studying in the National Maritime College of Ireland. Please note this ball will take place in the Silversprings Moran Hotel on Tuesday 16th March. Cost of ball tickets will be €25 for the full and €13 for the afters. Each year, over 4000 students attend the Societies Balls which will take place after Christmas; the dates are below so make sure to save money over Christmas! Ticket sale details will be posted on the new Societies website www.citsocieties.ie closer to the date. The courses that should attend each ball are listed below and this year, 50cent will be donated to two local charities from the sale of each ball ticket. ‘Business Studies, Accounting and Tourism & Hospitality’ Ball This ball is for students studying the following courses; Business Studies (Common Entry), Marketing, Accounting, Business Information Systems, Business Administration, Agriculture, Horticulture, Tourism, Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts & Bar Management. Please note this ball will take place in the Rochestown Park Hotel on Wednesday 10th February 2010. Cost of ball tickets will be €25 for the full and €13 for the afters. ‘Schemers & Mechanical Engineering’ Ball This ball is for students studying the following courses; Science (Common Entry), Instrument Engineering, Applied Physics & Instrumentation, Biomedical Science, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Herbal Science, Nutrition & Health Science, Applied Biosciences, Analytical Chemistry with

‘Pic & Mix’ Ball This is for students studying the following courses; Engineering (Common Entry), Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Construction (Common Entry), Architecture, Architectural Technology, Interior Architecture, Chemical & Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Electronic Systems Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Development, Software Development and Computer Networking, IT Management, Computing, Information Technology Support, Visual Communications, Multimedia & Design Communications. Please note this ball will take place in the Rochestown Park Hotel on Thursday 4th March 2010. Cost of ball tickets will be €25 for the full and €13 for the afters. Crawford ‘Masquerade’ Ball This is for students in the CIT Crawford College of Art and Design. Cost and date to be confirmed. ‘Music by Degrees’ Ball This is for students in the CIT Cork School of Music. Cost and date to be confirmed.

Drop in your competition entries to the Students’ Union office before 21st December 2009 in SAE. Winners notified and listed next issue

Fun Stuff

expliCIT Crossword - Win Free Cinema Tickets! DOWN

1. Dogfish 2. List of choices 3. Anagram of "Salt" 4. Leak slowly 5. Consecutive 6. Female demon 7. Margarine 8. Maori club 9. Found at the end of a pencil 10. What they play in the NBA 11. Unearthly 12. Mark of insertion 13. Beams on ships 21. Talk 25. Scene 26. Basilica area 27. Regrets 28. Goddess of discord (Greek mythology) 29. Decorative 30. Units of distance

31. 34. 36. 37. 38. 40. 45. 48. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62.

Very imposing or impressive Hindu princess Chocolate cookie Not fat Vipers Visual organs Leg joint Spreads sleeping sickness The color of the sun Customize Not satellite TV Vicious Fumes Wood fastener Circle fragments Squeegee Initial wager Marsh plant Concludes

Correctly complete the crossword and Return in an Envelope with Name / Contact Details to enter draw for a double pass for the Gate Cinema / Cinema World.

ACROSS 1. Accumulate 6. Easy gait 10. Not front 14. Donnybrook 15. Winged 16. Wings 17. ___ alia 18. Prefix meaning "After" or "Beyond"

M W K S F S Y F W T T A V E I

P D R E D A O S I E O C Z N S

P A O N N W T C C L T E O I J

G E C T I U I H I T Z I G Z P

B K F R D L N O I E N X P A J

J Z O E P O U E P U T X V G Y

19. A title of address 20. Promising 22. A ship's beam 23. "I knew it!" 24. Things that happen 26. Ring of color around the nipple 30. Excellence 32. Happy cat sound

I A N X L I F W Y K P I H A Z

C T E O Q N O X E S R Y E M D

S D G A C S I Z Q B E F K S Z

R Y M Z L T C H R I S T M A S

K V M N H I I X V K E I V T O

C Y E N K T U G C F N B T Q Y

T R G P U U M P N B T U B E D

B V D F N T R J V Y S J X M N

33. Journey 35. Hemorrhagic fever 39. Parisian river 41. Muhammad ___ 42. Merchandise 43. An analytic literary composition 44. Between the head and shoulders

F R E B M E C E D C I T S U R

46. 47. 49. 51. 54. 55. 56. 63. 64.

Jump Mixed-blood Stockings Admission Behold Gosh! A type of cooking utensil Adjoin Tropical root

65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71.

Cloth from flax Entreaty Ill Chose Inform Ultimatum ender Noxious plants

This Month’s Prize: € 30 CITSU CORK EXPLICIT INSTITUTE MAGAZINE DECEMBER SOCIETIES STUDENTS TECHNOLOGY UNION WEBSITE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS CAP

Competition Rules: All Entries to be returned by deadline to the CITSU Office, 1st Floor Student Centre on official form. Open to CIT Students only and one entry per student.

kindly sponsored by the new www.citsocieties.ie Last Month’s Winner: Conor Keena - DSE3