Every year, I find myself writing about quiet. Sometimes It’s a brush with nature that sets into motion a craving for silence, for a relief from the frenzied bustle of human-created activity. Sometimes It’s a sudden appreciation for the peaceful background noise that surrounds us?that so-called ?white noise? that is as much a part of… Read more »
AU Students urge candidates to improve university funding AU students are concerned about the financial health of Athabasca University and the effect of recent news stories on the reputation of the AUSU membership. A recent CBC report notes that in recent years the university has made a series of reserve draws to cover budget shortfalls,… Read more »
The other day I attended my uncle’s funeral. Even though we hadn’t seen each other for years, I had a soft spot for him. He was spunky and vibrant, in excellent health, and had a reputation as a straight talker who wouldn’t suffer fools. The photograph on his memorial booklet’showing him grinning with a line… Read more »
It’s the stuff of literary legend and as elusive as a yeti: the perfect opening line. Writers often struggle for months to craft that perfect string of words, that crucial hook on which a story succeeds or fails. But does it really? A look at some great books shows that the best is sometimes saved… Read more »
Film: Mozart’s Sister (2011) Director: René Féret Cast: Marie Féret, Marc Barbé, Delphine Chuillot, David Moreau ?Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself.? Harvey Fierstein ?Artistic temperament sometimes seems a battleground, a dark angel of destruction and a bright… Read more »
Album: Giacomo Gates, The Revolution Will Be Jazz: The Songs of Gil Scott-Heron ?Basie was never really commonplace?he was always measures ahead. Ellington was more than number one for the music and things that he said. Bird was the word back when tenors were heard from Kansas right up to the pres (Lester Young) Billie… Read more »
Toby Beard is a singer-songwriter from Perth, Australia. Now on her 11th tour of Canada, She’s performed at major festivals all over the world, supporting notables like Sheryl Crow and John Cougar Mellencamp. Toby recently recorded her fifth album, Coming Home. (Read Part I of this interview here.) ?It’s time to dream a new dream;… Read more »
For first-time students, program selection and planning are significant undertakings. But even if You’re well on your way to earning that degree or certificate, It’s important to revisit and revise your program plan continuously to keep up with changing interests and circumstances. It’s easy to get bogged down in the confusing swirl of prerequisites, program… Read more »
Think Olympic stadiums are the only venues for great athletic feats? Think again; adventurers all over the world are engaging in long-distance cycling, swimming, and running events in which the only awards might be personal achievement. Read these athletes? stories and give them a little recognition: Crossing Lake Ontario Speed swimming takes strength and coordination,… Read more »
In this new series, we’ll profile cool smart phone apps that you just might not want to live without. SkyWeek Plus If You’re keen on amateur astronomy?or just don’t want to miss the Perseid meteor shower again?download Sky and Telescope magazine’s SkyWeek Plus app. Users get sky charts, weekly roundups, and alerts about important astronomical… Read more »
At Home: Beehive Fresh local honey is being snapped up at city markets and rural co-ops. People are seeking out farmers, and the hobby of beekeeping is growing. But not all sources of fresh honey are ideal, as one Ontario couple found out recently. As the Toronto Sun reports, the Yates family was unexpectedly greeted… Read more »
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