As the morning starts to get chillier and the leaves are starting to don their vibrant autumn colours, there’s a tradition in my family that calls for help from the whole family: apple picking.  While this may not be my favourite fruit, it certainly is a great blend of outdoor activity, family bonding and chance… Read more »

From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge.  Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile. From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and… Read more »

Facebook MATH 265 Help?  Students posted that they struggled with Math 265 after one requested resources. One student replied with a resource from Reddit on the topic of Math 265 learning aids. The Reddit post lists YouTube and Khan Academy tutorials that will aid the student in achieving success: https://www.reddit.com/r/AthabascaUniversity/comments/v25qmv/course_review_math_265/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android_app&utm_name=androidcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button Reddit How to get started… Read more »

Is continuing education worth it?  The continuing education benefits are beyond words.  I’ve started my first continuing education synchronous course and am enamored.  The curriculum is much more challenging and enjoyable than I anticipated.  And studying is like a meditative trance where all troubles disappear, and learning prevails. But there are many more benefits to… Read more »

There are a number of high-profile strikes going on in the United States right now.  From the United Auto Worker’s Strike to that of the Writer’s and Actor’s Guilds.  Of them, it’s that of the Writer’s Guild that most interests me because of how they’re attempting to head off with legislation and negotiation what technology… Read more »

An Aussie had been adrift at sea because he’d lost his wifi and his boat’s electrical capacities; he survived with a dog for months before some helpful Mexican fishers spotted him (Stavely, 2023).  Then, before returning home to the land down under, he said goodbye to the dog in Mexico where they’d found each other!  … Read more »

One of the classic breakfast items of my childhood is Hong Kong style hot dog buns.  They’re essentially the Asian equivalent of pigs in a blanket.  While cocktail wieners are wrapped in a flaky pastry, similar to a sausage roll, the Hong Kong style hot dog buns are in a soft, egg-coated pastry that gives… Read more »

Library Chat Tues, Sep 19, 10:30 am to 2:30 pm MDT Online Hosted by AU Library www.athabascau.ca/library/index.html No pre-registration needed; access through chat box on home page What’s age got to do with it? Writing as a mature student Tues, Sep 19, 12:30 to 1:30 pm MDT Online via Microsoft Teams Hosted by AU’s Write… Read more »

Facebook AI teaches interpersonal communications?! A student jokes that her Interpersonal Communications class involves interacting with AI. Another student asks if it’s COM 329. Yet another student jokes that she preferred the class as an introvert and mentions that the final essay is about AI.  Reddit Plan your major with Degree Works. A student is… Read more »

Stoics are philosophers who believe discomfort helps us grow.  And I firmly believe it’s the case.  But I take that further by saying that we can grow to love discomfort.  Stoics say, “A gem can’t be polished without friction, nor a man without trials.” So, let’s see how we can begin the process of discomfort. … Read more »