/october2008 by CIT Students' Union

CIT Studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union Magazine Volume Ten - Issue Two

Freshers Week Photos

New Student Email Service

THOUSANDS MARCH AGAINST FEES Top 10 Worst Movies Ever!

Competitions & Great Prizes

Editorial

Opinion

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 Michael Loftus Miriam Deasy Dan Collins Gearóid Buckley Killian Hughes James O’Sullivan

Séan F O’Leary Adam O’Brien David O’Riordan Glynis Dennehy Philip O’Reilly Shane Fitzgerald

CIT Students’ Union President - Gearóid Buckley (supresident@cit.ie) Vice President Education - Adam O’Brien (sueducation@cit.ie) Vice President Welfare - Thomas Lynch (suwelfare@cit.ie) Entertainments Officer - Rebecca Liston (suentertainments@cit.ie) Projects Officer - to be elected (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. 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.

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

Freshers Week has come and gone and I hope everyone had a good time - I know I did - and from the photos I took, I think some people had a very good time. If you would like to see the collection of pictures I have gathered you can view them on www.citsu.ie and www.bebo.com/citsu. Also, if you have photos that you would like to add to the sites please forward them to sucommunications@cit.ie. As you have seen and read in the news, it has finally been announced that Ireland is in an economic recession and isn’t that just great! However, a piece of information that people might not know and find interesting is that whenever there has been a recession in Ireland, there has been a spike in alcohol sales! I believe that is because people lose their jobs and decide to hit the bottle. So if any student wants a good idea for starting a business, opening a bar would be a good place to start since the Irish have a reputation of being alcoholics and if history is correct there will soon be an increase in alcohol sales so you better act fast. But the big R doesn’t just affect drink, it has a major effect on other people too such as you and me college students. An example of this is the size of some of the classes and I can tell you this is a joke. As many of the first years would gave seen, myself and Adam O Brien (VP Education) have been going around college getting class Reps and on entering two separate room’s I hit a person sitting on the floor in front of the door because of the lack of space in the room. Where rooms are built for 42 students these classes have an average of 52, if there was ever a fire, these people would be in serious trouble, well if this is the start of the recession I am dreading to think what the middle of a recession looks like let alone the end of it. Well peoples this is end of my little rant for this issue I hope that you will have fun over the next few weeks and maybe some of you will even write an article or two about it so as to give some people something to read. Killian Hughes Communication’s Officer

Latest News Exclusive

Thousands March in Cork Against Fees

On the 9th October last, six thousand Students of Munster sent out a message to the Minister of Education. The message was loud and clear, Students of Munster will not lie down and let fees be reintroduced. CIT Students left the Student Centre at 10.30am and gathered in UCC’s Quad at 12pm, before disembarking on their march through the city in protest, highlighting that if the government reintroduce fees in any format it would be to the detriment of our knowledge economy. CIT students were joined by other Munster Colleges including UCC, LIT, UL, WIT, ITT. CITSU President, Gearóid Buckley explained, “This protest is just the beginning of our anti-fee campaign. As a recession is upon us, the average student’s pocket is first to tighten. The grant is currently inadequate; fees will deter many students from pursuing a third level qualification. We as a nation must remember that not only does this affect every student in our second and third level education system, but also could be the spark to ignite a serious of events that will destroy our knowledge economy. Brining in fees, whether it be in the form of tuition fees or increased registration fees, will close off free access to education and learning. Closing off such access to education would put Ireland back in the dark ages, and create a two tiered society of those who can and those who cannot pay for education. It is important that people are aware that this is not the end. We will fight to protect the interests of our students both present and future and we will continue to campaign against the Minister’s Batty Policies. The Story before the protest On Monday 11th of August; Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’ Keeffe, raised the issue of the reintroduction of third level fees. Students from Cork reacted immediately to this and joined other colleges in Dublin and marched on the Department of Education Thursday 14th August; Student leaders gathered at the Department of Education and Science to protest over the proposed plan by the Minister for Education and Science, Batt O’Keefe, to reintroduce third level fees. Over 100 students met at the spire and marched on the Department of Education. This demonstration was described as a ‘statement of intent’ by UCC Students Union, President Cal Diolúin, who also added “that more protests are planned for when students return to college in September. We are sending the message to the government that if they attempt to reintroduce fees they will have a major fight on their hands”. This demonstration coincided with the issuing of Leaving Certificate results, thus left many school leavers wondering if a third level education was still within their grasp, as the burden of fees

would be a major deterrent to furthering their education. Cal continued “third level colleges are under funded…fact. According to the OECD, on average Irish colleges are under funded. Such funding should come from the public domain”. Monday 1st September; Students gathered at the Department Of Education and Science to stage a “sit-in” protest. The demonstration took place at 1.00 pm inside the gates of the Department of Education and sent a clear message to Minister O’ Keefe – ‘students are saying no to the re-introduction of college fees’. Tuesday 2nd September; Students gathered, outside Leinster House to stage an overnight “Camp-Out”. The demonstration which commenced at 6.00 pm, was another prong of a multi-college campaign against the reintroduction of college fees. Cal Diolúin, President of UCC Students Union said, “This demonstration is the latest in a series of many protests which will take place around the country over the next few months. Local Students’ Unions will be staging protests all around the country once students are back to college”. Tuesday 9th September; Munster Students Against Fees (MSAF) was formed. The alliance’s main aim is to launch a provincial wide campaign against the reintroduction of fees. Caitríona McGrattan, representing Limerick colleges believes this new alliance is the only way full representation of the student body in the south can be achieved. Miss McGrattan stated, “This new alliance between Munster colleges will mean students are represented not just in Dublin and Galway but also in Munster. It also reinforces the fact that the reintroduction of fees is a local issue and affects every local community in the country. CITSU President, Gearóid Buckley on behalf of MSAF met with Batt O’ Keeffe as he attended an event in CIT. Gearóid proposed a meeting with Mr. O’ Keeffe and offered the Minister for Education a letter of protest. The Minister agreed that such a meeting was necessary and advised Gearóid to contact his office to make an appointment. However, on contacting his office it transpired that he would not meet with student representatives. Monday 8th September; MSAF finally met the two faced Minister at his offices during clinic hours. A surprised Minister fobbed students off with excuses and ambiguous rhetoric.

Latest News Refrigeration Success for Students at 2008 Euroskills Competition in Rotterdam

Congratulations to Ian Walsh of Anglo Irish Refrigeration and Kevin Smith of E&T Smith Electrical on their excellent achievements attained while participating in the first Euroskills Competition held in Rotterdam between 18th and 20th of September. Euroskills promotes competencies that are important for Europe by enhancing skills necessary for competitiveness and economic success. 2008 is the first year in which an Irish team took part and is the result of collaboration between the IoTs, FÁS, DES and Failte Ireland. Upwards of 450 young professionals took part in the event representing 31 countries from across Europe. Under the training and direction of CIT lecturers David O’Riordan and Michael Hourihan during the summer months, the competitors managed to compete and claim a bronze medal for refrigeration and 4th position for electrical installation respectively in the skill area of construction technology. A third competitor in this category, Stephen Brady, who was trained at DIT, also claimed a bronze medal in the trade area of plumbing.

Training facilities and workshop preparation was co-ordinated by Euroskills’ team leader Mr. John Twohig, CIT, in conjunction with Andy Brown, technician, and James McEnery , lecturer. Specialist tools and equipment acquisition was supported by Michael O’ Sullivan, RSL and by Robert Brownlow, of A R Brownlow’s Ltd . Other trades represented by Ireland at Euroskills were Light Vehicles Technician (Gold), Joinery (silver), Plastering (silver), Farrier (silver & bronze), Hospitality (silver & bronze) and Painter Decorator. Pictured Above: Left to Right- Kevin Smith (electrical), Stephen Brady (Plumbing) and Ian Walsh (Refrigeration) at the Ahoy Exhibition Centre, Rotterdam Ian Walsh collects his bronze medal (Refrigeration) on the winner’s podium at Euroskills

CIT Plastering Student Wins Silver Medal at Euroskills Competition in Rotterdam

CIT student, Denis Lucey, won silver at the Euro Skills competition in Holland. Denis attended Cork Institute of Technology to complete his phase 6 in Plastering in June 2008. On receiving excellent results in his phase four examinations, Denis was invited by his lecturer Mr. Tomás Reidy who is Deputy Chief Examiner for Plasterwork in Ireland to compete in the National Skills competition in plastering. In 2007 Denis came second to Patrick Doran who won the World Skills in Plastering in Japan last November 2007. The National final in June 2008 was a great success held in CIT Cork, the main sponsors were Irish Gypsum Industries. Denis was the overall winner out of a possible six apprentices from all over Ireland.

Roundup

At the very successful Euro Skills Competition held last September in Rotterdam, Holland, the Chief Examiner for Plasterwork Mr. Joe Clarke from FÁS Training Centre in Waterford under took the training for a four week period. The Plastering competition had representatives from the following countries: France, Holland Latvia, Turkey and Ireland. Denis worked over a three day period to complete various tasks from dry construction, running decorative mould work on bench as well detailed abstract design from textured finishes. The competition requires a high standard, so competing countries must achieve the highest standard in both Euro and World skills before they can compete on the International stage.

Latest News CIT Student Awarded National Project Management Graduate 2008

Roundup

Dad, Michael of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Cork Institute of Technology. Martin is currently working for DePuy (Ireland), part of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) family of companies. Martin has recently completed an operations leadership development program with work assignments in the pharmaceutical, advance wound care and orthopedic industries. This included cross-functional rotations in engineering, quality and supply chain and also included an international assignment. This is the second major national award for Martin, who has also been previously announced as the outright winner of the National MEETA Student Project Award for students undertaking a project in a maintenance, reliability or asset management area at Honours Degree / Masters Degree level.

It has just been announced that CIT Mechanical Engineering Graduate and Masters Degree Student Martin O’Riordan has won the 2008 "Project Management Graduate of the Year - National Winner". Martin, recently completed an Applied Diploma in Project Management which was offered by the Institute of Project Management of Ireland in association with UCC. Martin was also certified as a "Project Manager" by the International Project Management Association (IPMA), having just graduated from the Institute of Project Management /UCC course, which is run in Cork, Dublin and Galway with approximately six classes across the three locations annually. The formal Project Management Graduate of the Year Award ceremony will be in Dublin at the end of November. Congratulations also to Martin’s proud Mum, Marjory, and equally proud

Martin’s maintenance, reliability and asset management award winning project is titled “ Multiple Vibration Source Separation “ and was carried out in conjunction with Cara Partners under the joint supervision of Dr. Michael J. O’Mahony of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Ms. Linda O’Sullivan of the Department of Mathematics, Cork Institute of Technology. Martin has also been very active during his time at Cork Institute of Technology, serving as President of the Mechanical Engineering Society, Communications Officer for the CIT Students’ Union and editor of the CIT college magazine “expliCIT”. Martin also represented the college in the Intervarsity Athletics Road Relay Championships. Pictured Above: Martin (left) and Dr. Michael J. O'Mahony.

Education

Get FREE CIT Student Membership for IT@Cork CIT has negotiated free membership of IT@Cork for final year and postgraduate IT students (Computing, BIS, Electronics). I would recommend any student from these areas to avail of this facility for the many reasons outlined below.

New MyCIT.ie Email Service to be Announced Soon for All CIT Students Cork Institute of Technology is plans to roll out a new student email service named MyCIT.ie for all students over the next month. The service is run in conjunction with Google for Education Applications Suite and boasts unprecidented features such as 7Gb+ of storage per user, calendar utility with FREE SMS text message reminders and personalised search portal. Additional Google applications such as Google Docs, Google Sites and Google Video are also being investigated and tested for a possible launch. It is believed that Student Mail accounts will be provided to students in early November following a successful pilot with first year students in the Departments of Media Communications and Electrical Engineering. The project was developed in partnership between Computer Services, Admissions Departments, Students’ Union and Google. The Institute received vital feedback from the students in those departments which allowed the service to be refined for an Institute wide deployment. A survey was compiled from the pilot groups which rated the service and features. 52.9% of students rated the features of Student Mail excellent, 41.2% rated good, 2.9% average and 2.9% poor. The Student Mail email service will be accessible from http://mail.mycit.ie and is based on Google’s Gmail. It has the added benefit of offering free student webmail without advertising unlike Gmail. The Student Mail service will be used by the Institute to communicate important information to students throughout the year, such as examinations, admissions and departmental updates. The Student Mail search portal will be accessible from http://home.mycit.ie and can be personalised using your login account. It also has the benefit of providing search results without advertising and can display your calendar and inbox in one location. A CIT academic calendar is included by default and you are allowed to add additional public calendars to your account. Further developments planned for the immediate future include a new website for CIT.ie and an academic portal for students. The new CIT.ie website will allow students and prospective students easier access to course information at CIT. The MyCIT.ie academic portal for students is based on the Industry leading Luminis Platform and will allow students access to their examination results, admissions updates and institute news. Further news on these services will be featured in next month’s expliCIT

What is IT@Cork? it@cork is a not-for-profit industry organisation that supports businesses that depend on Information Technology in the Cork region. It provides a forum for businesses that have a key dependency on IT, to share best practices and to network. It also supports the promotion of the region to external investors and works with other regional stakeholders to promote IT related opportunities. It provides free membership to final year and postgraduate IT students. The network organises monthly information and networking events for its members and annually hosts the biggest IT conference outside Dublin. Why Join? Membership of it@cork provides students with the opportunity to learn the latest in technology trends, make contacts in the business world, and heighten their own profile. The organisation provides IT professionals from all sectors with opportunities to meet and develop an appreciation of the resources and activities of the IT market in Cork. It is also a useful addition to the CVs of students who will be applying for jobs. Members of it@cork enjoy the following benefits: FREE admission to the numerous seminars and events on topical sector-specific subjects and networking events. Discounted registration fee to the it@cork annual conference. Receipt of the it@cork monthly online newsletter, which keeps you informed of recent and future events, as well as news of the IT industry in Cork. How do I Join? You can join online at IT Corks’ website http://www.itcork.ie/index.cfm/page/studentMembers and enter your details. Where Can I Find More Information? Check out the IT@Cork website at www.itcork.ie.

Education Employers Seek Students at Careers Day Cork Institute of Technology’s Annual Careers Fair took place on Tuesday, October 7th, in the Institute’s Nexus Centre and featured major national and international companies. Speaking at the Launch of Careers Fair ’08, Dan Collins, Head of Careers and Counselling Service at CIT said, “Companies are anxious to employ first rate graduates who have shown proficiency in their chosen field of study.” While acknowledging the current economic situation, Mr Collins continued, “there is a keen interest in CIT Graduates from companies across a broad spectrum of business, science, engineering and computing.”

CIT Prize for Innovation 2008 Shed light on your ideas to harness a piece of the prize. Your invention/business plan can lead to a chance to earn a share of the €10,000 prize money. This is a scheme that awards cash prizes to those whose inventions and business ideas are judged most creative, novel, innovative, and likely to succeed in the marketplace. This prize is open to all departments and you may use a project that forms part of your coursework for the year. Funded by the Irish Government and part-financed by the European Union under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 Milestone Entries Open Deadline for Entry

Date NOW Friday, 14th December 2008

Final Project Reports Due

Friday, 6th February 2009

Prototypes Due Shortlist of Candidates announced for Innovation Day Interviews Shortlisted Candidates Innovation Day (Prizes Awarded)

Friday, 6th February 2009 Monday, 2nd March 2009 Thursday 12th March 2009 Friday 13th March 2009 (½ day – 10.30am – 1.00pm)

Requirement N/A 2-page completed application form to be submitted to the Development Office Set out your business idea, following the Guidelines attached (15 pages max) and 4 copies to be submitted to the Development Office Prototype (if applicable) N/A Interview (full team) Q&A session Attendance at Innovation Day

The breakdown of prizes is as follows: •

1st Prize and title of CIT Entrepreneur of the Year €5,000

•

Most Technically Innovative €2,000

•

Best Business Plan €1,000

•

Best Exhibition Stand on Innovation Day €1,000

•

Part-time student award €1,000

Careers Information A new addition to this year’s Fair was the presence of a number of Voluntary Organisations, such as Habitat for Humanity, Barretstown, Special Olympics Ireland and RehabCare. “This is to encourage our students to get involved in voluntary activities while still in college and in the future” said Mr Collins. He added, “it is also a response to the call by the Taskforce on Active Citizenship which was established to advise the Government on the steps that can be taken to ensure that the wealth of civic spirit and active participation already present in Ireland continues to grow and develop.”

Development Office You may participate if you are a registered fulltime or part-time student at CIT during the 2008-2009 academic year. Working in teams or individually you can attend free workshops that guide you in putting a business plan together and how to set-up your own business. The first step for entry is to complete a twopage application form. This will give us contact details for you and will ensure that you are on our list to receive further information about the competition and workshops that will be held throughout the year. A team of experienced engineers, inventors and business professionals will judge your working during Innovation Day on Friday 13th March 2009 Please complete the 2-page application form and submit to the Development Office on or before Friday 12th December 2008. This information gives us contact details for you and will ensure that you are on our list to receive further information about the competition and workshops that will be held throughout the year.

INTERESTED IN MEDICAL RESEARCH? WE REQUIRE HEALTHY MALES & FEMALES AGED 18 - 50 TO PARTICIPATE IN CLINICAL STUDIES. PARTICIPANTS ARE FINANCIALLY COMPENSATED FOR THEIR TIME AND EXPENSES.

FREE PHONE 1800 201 365 TEL: (021) 4505933 (BETWEEN 9AM-4PM) OR E-MAIL: jean.conway@shandonclinic.ie

www.shandonclinic.ie

Union Address CIT Students’ Union President Hey guys. I hope you have enjoyed your first month in CIT. Freshers Week is now in the past, with all the fun memories available online at www.citsu.ie or check our bebo page citsu.bebo.com Welfare week is upon us, please call over to the Student Centre and ask questions. I’m sure there’s something for everyone. For those of you who paid tax during the summer, get info here on how to get it back. I hope most timetables have been sorted by now and I hope you’re all hitting the books and handing in your assignments. If you have any problems with classrooms, lectures please call over to us here in the SU office and working together we will find a solution. FEES CAMPAIGN Thursday 9th proved to be a huge success, with over 5000 students gathered in the grand parade and telling the government that fees are not the answer. It was one prong of a campaign that will run throughout the whole year. We cannot take our foot off the pedal now. We’ve got Batt O’ Keeffe’s attention, but more importantly the people of Cork’s attention. Since third level fees affect every single household in the country, it is only through cooperation with other colleges and the general public that we can sway the war against fees in our favour. Students fought fees in 2003 and won. Students are fighting fees in 2008 and WE will win. Keep an eye out around campus, come to general meetings and call up to the SU office to keep informed of upcoming campaigns and demonstrations. UNITED, WE CAN ONCE AGAIN BEAT FEES.

Class Reps Your Class Rep attended training last Thursday. Make sure over the course of the year that they are keeping you informed about campaigns and are helping to solve problems as may arise. If they are not attending Union Council meetings, we are constitutionally obliged to elect a new Rep from your class. If your complaints are not being addressed, call into us here in the office and complain. Car Parking Paid parking is coming in. It will cost €3 per visit and is will only apply to 200 spaces. The remaining 1000 spaces will not be affected by this new pay parking policy. All finance raised will go back into car parking development and maintenance, which will fund the upkeep of our current car parks and also fund a new park n’ ride system. However due to the high cost of setting up such a service, it will not be introduced for quite some time. So in the mean time we must work with the college to reduce the problems that arise from car parking. Car pooling, cycling and walking are all alternatives. Maybe think outside the box and rollerblade to college. CITSU Clinic Every Wednesday between 12.00 pm-2.00 pm officers will man the SU Stand in the canteen on the Bishopstown campus. Here we’ll answer any problems or queries, get ideas and feedback about CITSU campaigns and events. Lads enjoy the month, study hard and get involved, Gearóid

CITSU Vice President Education October already? Okay, here are a few updates from the past few weeks. Most of the timetabling issues across the college have been sorted – if you and your class are still experiencing problems, call me. Everyone seems to have eased well enough back into the stream of things. If you lecturer told you that taking a Free Choice module would not get you credits, he/she is wrong.

Welfare week is here already? K, better get my organising hat on..... It’s running from this Tuesday 21st until Thursday 23rd. I’m so excited… anyone else excited…. No? no? K just me.

Opinion

After a chat with Ger Culley, the new Computer Services manager, I can say, with some obvious CIT trepidation, that Student Wireless is coming. There will be a number of students piloting the system, hopefully by the end of the month and I will try and get the rest of you on the system before the exams. The hotspots will be for the immediate future – the Atrium, Student Centre and the Library/IT building – in that order of setup, funding pending – and the computer services department will then work to expand those sections to include the various corridors and classrooms etc, over the following months. Any ideas, queries or problems – you can email me on sueducation@cit.ie

CITSU Vice President Welfare WHAT?!

Opinion

all the stands coming in including the Revenue, Cura and Bodywhys. Also on the Tuesday Anthony Fleming will be in playing music and looking after the inflatable gladiator podiums on which people will be battling to the death (or well to the ground) with them stick cotton bud thingies. All this is going to be happening inside the Student Centre in the Nexus. Come out and try and find me and you’ll get a free condom and all for your troubles. For More information please call to the CITSU Welfare Office,

Right, so everything is planned for next week. Tuesday is going to be a huge day with

Thomas

NEEDS YOU! If you would like to get involved with your college magazine, email info@explicit.ie or visit the SU office.

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Caught On Camera....

...CIT Freshers Week 2008

Email Your Class Pics to pics@explicit.ie more pics on www.citsu.ie

Fees Protest Photos

Feature

Growing Up

Recently, at the O2 Silent disco – I was told, not asked, told that I was 30 years old. I am 22 and I know I don’t really take care of myself, but for God’s sake, 30? It makes me wonder about growing old and maturity. I’m taking what the guy said as a compliment on my maturity. More and more people around my age – give or take 3 years – are complaining about children these days. “Kids today, huh?” is a phrase that is popping up again and again and the scary thing is, we were the flipside of that coin only a few years ago with people complaining about us. Teenagers and Freshers are constantly trying to look more mature and older. The eternal struggle continues with the older people wishing they were younger. There are so many gaps between people because of age. I’m old to an 18 year old because I’ve finished college. That 18 year old would seem old to a 15 year old and there are milestones that people look to in an older person. The 15 year old sees that the 18 year old is allowed to drink, the 18 year old sees me able to get into every club I want, and I see older people still – being able to do things like get a mortgage together. It’s all relative. And the grass is always greener.

At what point do you become mature or considered an adult? I reckoned when I was a teenager that, of course, it is one of those imperceptible moments – no one really knows. One of the surest signs that I saw as adult maturity was shaking hands. Grown ups would greet each other regularly by shaking hands. It was this contact that I found intriguing when, to me, meeting up with friends consisted of a shout and a wave. The handshake was important to create an impression with the other person and was a formal method of human contact. The next step was the greeting of friends and relatives. The kissing of the cheek, like the French or Spanish. Once you’re used to the person and are friends – at what point do you begin kissing their cheek to say hello? Are you mature then? Or is it still all relative? When do you consider yourself mature? - When you look back at people younger than you and see what they are like? Is that what maturity is – the comparison to people younger than you? Can anyone really be considered mature? Peace A

The Management & Staff of the Rochestown Park Hotel would like to wish all new and returning students to CIT the best of luck with the year ahead. Thank you for once again making us your Number 1 Ball Venue for 2008

TOP 10 WORST MOVIES EVER

For every classic, there has been a catastrophe. For every Godfather, a Godfather II (and III). Below you will find my take on 10 of the worst blockbusters ever to hit or screens, in no particular order. Even the enjoyment of a your feet up in a half empty cinema screen, salty popcorn mixed with M&Ms in hand, would fail to make these bearable. Feedback is more than welcome to josullivan.c@gmail.com Plan 9 from Outer Space (1959) Considering this stonker from the summer of ’59 cost a measly $57,000 to produce, it was no wonder that is hailed by many critics as simply the worst film of all time. The film is notorious for mistakes, much of which is down to the fact that most of the scenes were shot in one take. The special effects make Thunderbirds look like Transformers, with strings, hand-drawn backdrops and shadows from studio equipment showing up throughout the feature. Many modern sitcoms have made reference to the film comically, which has ironically been immortalised by its immeasurable amateurism. Star Wars Holiday Special (1978) Shame on you George Lucas. The Star Wars Holiday Special was a two-hour catastrophe that aired on CBS in November 1978. The story centres on a plot that sees Han Solo attempting to get Chewbacca home to Kashyyyk for Life Day. When fans saw that the likes of Ford, Hamill, Fisher and Mayhew included in the cast, they were thrilled at the prospect of a sequel to A New Hope, two years ahead of the scheduled Empire Strikes Back. To their horror, the production was so awful, that it almost ruined Lucas and the Star Wars saga. Unintentionally inane characters such as Lumpy and Itchy, Chewie’s family, are just the tip of the iceberg in a movie that is ridiculously, down right astonishingly bad. So jaw-droppingly horrific was his creation that Lucas, in an attempt to save his beloved Galaxy far, far away, set out on a quest to destroy all known copies of the film. Only a few bootlegs of the Holiday Special are still in existence today. His views on the production were summed up at an Australian Fan convention thus: "If I had the time and a sledgehammer, I would track down every copy of that show and smash it." We couldn’t have put it better ourselves George.

Monster in the Closet (1986) Probably not the worst film that Paul Walker ever appeared in, but undoubtedly the greatest blip in the career of Black Eyed Peas front girl, Stacy Ferguson. This horror / comedy gave new meaning to the word “random”. It was almost as though director Bob Dahlin replied, “era, let’s just wing it,” when asked about the script. For those of you, who haven’t seen the flick, be sure to watch for the random act of violence against a vase in the 73rd minute. The Fast and the Furious (2001) Probably the worst film that Paul Walker ever appeared in. There are few people can stand the sight of a 24-year-old adolescent “cruisin round” in their white Starlet Glanza. Just when we were getting used to seeing them amass in the Tesco car park, Universal Pictures came out and put them on our cinema screens as well. All it took to bring this Neal Moritz production to life was a half-dozen clown cars, a script of woeful one-liners and a rabble of actors who could master the intricacies of both the aforementioned. Jaws: The Revenge (1987) While Jaws itself will always live long in the hearts of all those who witnessed its unveiling in the summer of 1975, the goings-on in its final sequel were just that bit too Swiss-cheesy for even the most avid of fans. Directed by Joseph Sargent, the fourth instalment in the franchise sees a shark somehow wittingly plot the demise of the remaining members of the Brody family. Coupled with that was the infamous scene where the lead character is dragged from the sea perfectly dry, and let’s not forget that loud roar the dastardly shark lets out before he meets his end. No, it’s not possible for a shark to roar.

Batman & Robin (1997) Joel Schumacher’s career should have ended with this film. Warner Bros. should never have allowed this script to hit production lines. It was a mistake. Simply a mistake. But this movie did, somehow, get made, and with it, we were subdued to rubber nipples, fight scenes on ice-skates, and Chris O’Donnell’s patented “plastic lips” that foiled Poisin Ivy’s kiss of death. Were it not for Christopher Nolan’s resurrection of the franchise with Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, Gotham’s finest may well have suffered a fatal blow with this one. As Governor Schwarzenegger himself put it during the flick: “If I must suffer, humanity will suffer with me.” Oh yes Arnold, how we did suffer. Disaster Movie (2008) Having grossed a total of $13,000,000 to date, and having cost $25,000,000 to produce, it has to be said that Disaster Movie was aptly named. Such a poor turnover would almost suggest to me that a few of the cast’s friends and families are even guilty of snubbing this one. Unless you find the thought of chipmunks being repeatedly crushed by cows as particularly hilarious, then this film was not funny. Even the appearance of Carmen Electra, and a half-dozen or so of our favourite comic book characters, failed to save this one. Writers Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer forgot a vital ingredient to any comedy – jokes. (Cue the falling cow). Superman Returns (2006) So when the kid turns out to have the same powers as daddy, was I the only one who was thinking, “hmmm, legion of Superboys?” Probably, as everyone else was looking at a bald Kevin Spacey thinking, “You sure this isn’t Austin Powers 4?” Lois Lane must be the most moronic reporter alive. Both Clark Kent and Superman have been missing for five years, yet, no suspicion arises when they both arrive back in town at the exact same time. Of course, it was difficult to see past his cunning disguise from Specsavers. It think this one was summed up when Superman picks up a continent without breaking a sweat, having struggled desperately to get a Boeing 747 under control 40 minutes prior.

Alexander (2004) Directly Oliver Stone’s career really felt this one. But you could hardly blame the critics for their onslaught when one of the greatest warlords that the world has ever seen was portrayed by Colin Farrell sporting some very dashing highlights. The Persians must surely have been very confused when they heard the King of Macedonia rallying his troops in the staunchest of Irish accents. But then again, they were probably taken by his lovely hair. Step Up (2006) In my book, this one by Anne Fletcher was nothing more than a 98-minute-reminder of everything I hated about Bring It On (which would have undoubtedly made the list were I compiling the top 11). What sets this title apart from the woeful cheerleading exposé is that producers Jennifer Gibgot, Adam Shankman and Patrick Wachsberger forgot to hire actors. When Step Up 2: The Streets was released earlier this year, it was clear that they hadn’t learned from their mistake.

Thankfully none of the above movies are available to rent in the Students’ Union Video Club but we do have an excellent selection of blockbuster titles for only €2.50 per night!

Sport & Societies

CIT Host 2008 All-Ireland American Football Final

Sports Office Update CIT Sports Office would like to thank all who helped out on Clubs Day. CIT Sports Officer, Miriam Deasy said “Good luck to all Clubs this year. The more you get involved, the more fun your club will be!” She added, “We at the Sports Office would like to extend a warm welcome to our newly appointed Soccer Development Officer, Barbara O’Connell. Barbara who is employed in association with the FAI will be based in CIT on Mondays, Tuesdays and half day Wednesdays.” Bursaries & Scholarships Closing date now gone. Applicants will be written to directly over the next few weeks. Facilities available to students: Free gym & weights room (bring a towel & your i.d.) Free Athletic track Astro-turf-€10 per hour per 5-a-side. Bookings taken in the Sports Office. Tennis Courts- €4 per hour Leisureworld Swimming Pool-Student deals: Swim €3.70 Off Peak (CIT Student ID required) Gym €4.00 Off Peak Class €6.00 (Morning & Lunchtime classes) Swimming Free swimming hour continues every Tuesday night from 7-8pm in Leisureworld. Free to all full time students-bring your id. Circuits Continue on Wednesdays from 5-6pm in the sportshall. Free to students & staff! Aerobics Classes every Monday at 5pm in the sportshall. Free of charge. Tennis Club Cardio training continues each Thursday night.

10 people from 6.30-7.30pm and another 10 people from 7.30-8.30pm. Places must be booked in the Sports Office before Wednesday at 4pm. Free of charge! Volleyball Training continues on Wednesdays from 8-10pm. All welcome. Boxing Club Training every Monday and Thursday from 810pm in the sportshall, please bring a gum shield, towel and skipping rope (if you have one!). Rockclimbing Club Climbing at the Mardyke Arena every Tuesday at 7.30pm, tickets must be pre booked in the Sports Office. Mens Basketball Training Mondays & Wednesdays from 1-2 in the sportshall. Ladies Basketball Training Tuesdays & Thursdays 1-2 in the sportshall. Karate Training every Monday from 6-8pm in the sportshall. Tae Kwon Do Training on Tuesdays from 7-8pm and Thursdays from 7-9pm in the sportshall. Badminton Training Tuesdays from 8-10pm in the sportshall. Kickboxing Training on Wednesdays from 6-8pm in the sportshall. Judo Training every Thursday from 7-8pm in the sportshall.

The Shamrock Bowl XXII, the Championship game of the IAFL, took place on Sunday August 10th in CIT. This was the first time ever that Cork has hosted a Shamrock Bowl. The game took place in the newly constructed 1200 seated CIT Stadium, which has previously hosted the Fitzgibbon Cup, as well as some international rugby games. The event saw fans from all four corners of Ireland travelling to watch this All- Ireland spectacular. The game included all the usual extras for a family day out including live game commentator, music, fun inflatables for kids, refreshments and game programme. The Shamrock Bowl is a real family event aimed at people who may never have attended a live American football match. It gives sports fans a chance to see the sport live and up close - a totally different experience to watching on TV - hearing the collisions, seeing all the blocks and tackles and feeling the emotions of a championship game - all Live. On the day University Limerick Vikings were victorious over Dublin Rebels 14-12.

7-A-Side Rugby Success The early success of CIT Rugby continued with the 7-a-side squad winning the provincial leg of the annual ICRU 7-a-side competition. CIT will be competing for the All Ireland title on Wednesday 29th April in Dublin. The results were as follows: Round Match 1 v UL – CIT 28 bt UL 7 Round Match 2 v CSN – CSN 15 bt CIT 10 Round Match 4 v IT Tralee – CIT 26 bt IT Tralee 19 Having gone through the round matches with only 1 loss and picking up 3 bonus points (for 4 tries or more) along the way, CIT found themselves pegged against the lads from CSN in the Final. The CIT players were revved up and ready to make up for the loss against CSN earlier in the day. The match was played at a frenetic pace with both sides exchanging early scores, however, through excellent use of the space and some brilliant individual play from Aiden Murray (who received the player of the tournament award for CIT), CIT ran away with the match. CIT 27 bt CSN 7

Sport & Societies

CIT Drama Society Welcome to the new and exciting year ahead for all those interested in being just a little ‘theatrical’. After the successful production last year of ‘One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest’, the Drama Society is looking at extending the range of what they have to offer the students at CIT. This semester we hope to put on a series of one act plays/performances; the main difference this year is we would like to offer the opportunity for students to take on the various roles it takes to put on a production; such as directing, stage managing, back

stage crew, lighting/sound operation….as you can see there is more involved in the theatre than just being ‘on the stage’… If you are interested in any aspect of the theatre, wish to join the committee or have any ideas you wish to share, then please join us for a meeting to be held on Wednesday 22nd October at 1:15, Venue to be announced (please check out What’s On). Looking forward to meeting you. Suzanne Sullivan (Chairperson)

Fun Stuff

Drop in your competition entries to the Students’ Union office before 4th October 2008 in SAE. Winners Listed on www.citsu.ie Forums

MAZE Zodiac

By Shane Fitzgerald In the sea of the stars the signs of the twelve show the way. The way to the prison that holds them. For they are the titans of old. To be sealed and never to be opened. But no prison can hold the essence of the beasts. Each descends upon globe. Bringing their pestilence and evil to destroy us all. There are no hero’s of old to fight. For the gods that once confined them are gone. Lost to our memories and ink in pages. There is none left to fight so we watch as they destroy our land. And as they destroy our very souls. They taint the water. Corrupt the soil. Burn our homes. They take it all but one thing. The one thing they can never have. Which drives their minds ablaze with hate. Of the mortals who possess it. Mortal life For the mortals only live for a moment. But in that moment we are free.

Fill in the grid, ensuring that each column and row and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1-9. (The same number cannot appear twice in any row, column or 3 x 3 box at any time). Return in SAE to enter draw for one of four double passes for Gate Cinema / Cinema World.