Vol. 20 Iss. 36

Volume 20 Issue 36 - 09/21/2012

From Where I Sit – Making the Right Choices

Students of human behaviour have long known what motivates us. Most of us will do more to avoid pain than to gain pleasure. we’ll quit smoking when we’ve got lung cancer rather than doing it to have sweeter breath or more lung capacity and money. we’ll lose weight as a prerequisite for knee replacement surgery,… Read more »

AUSU Update

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 »

Write Stuff – Learning By Demand

From the very first day you stepped into kindergarten, you probably noticed that school is all about rules. Rules for behaviour, rules for lessons. Rules about what you have to read. Now, there are even rules about how to read, with some universities insisting on e-textbooks over paper. Has the education rule book gone too… Read more »

The Mindful Bard – Le Havre

Film: Le Havre (Janus Films 2011) Writer/Director/Producer: Aki Kaurismäki Cast: André Wilms, Kati Outinen, Jean-Pierre Darroussin, Blondin Miguel ?Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.? Hebrews 13:2 (NIV) God Smiles on Port City Ghetto Saints Marcel’s wife, Arletty, is in… Read more »

Health Matters – Back-to-School Illness

As the cooler weather starts creeping around, It’s not uncommon to get the sniffles—or a full-on cold or even the flu. And with the kids starting school and daycare, the predisposition toward illness escalates with this whole new onslaught of germs. No wonder many parents experience change-of-season/start-of- school anxiety! Here are some tips to help… Read more »

In Conversation – Giacomo Gates, Part II

?We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.? Joseph Campbell Giacomo Gates is a baritone chanteur known for his engaging vocalese, a form made famous by Lambert, Hendricks, and Ross, among others. Vocalese is composed by fitting new lyrics to… Read more »

Green Light – Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup

It’s sad, but true: the natural beauty of waterways is often marred by litter tossed by careless beachgoers. And not only is it unattractive, but It’s also dangerous to the wildlife who inhabit the coastal and lakeside areas. The good news is that It’s easy to make a difference. Between September 15 and 23 you… Read more »

Click of the Wrist – Fiscal Fun

Accountants and other financial types are scrambling; the end of fiscal year 2012 is coming up fast. But thinking about money doesn’t need to be stressful or confusing. This week’s links bring a bit of levity into the world of bills and coins. Tracking Willy ??Twas mine, ?tis his, and has been slave to thousands,?… Read more »