Columns

Dear Barb—Viral Theories

Dear Barb: After weeks of isolation and hearing lots of stories about the coronavirus, I just don’t know what to believe about how or when this virus will end.  Everybody seems to have a different theory and they all believe they are right.  The most common theory I have heard and read about is that… Read more »

Book Review—Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Book: Frankentstein; Or, the Modern Prometheus Author: Mary Shelley Faced with the current COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of social distancing, travel restrictions, and self-isolation, many of our regular pursuits and pastimes have been curtailed.  This situation has affected schools, offices, stores, restaurants, bars, concert venues, airlines, public transit, and even fitness facilities.  With everyone staying home… Read more »

The Food Challenge

Two weeks ago, I challenged my three kids to think of a country they would like to visit.  I further instructed them to choose a few dishes that we could cook, which would allow us to explore some of the culture unique to that country. My youngest, who is six, said she wanted to try… Read more »

The Study Dude—The Zombie Methodology for Grad School Success

What’s methodology?  Surely a zombie can’t teach that!  Zombies have no brains.  But if it’s simplified enough, well, you’ve got Dr. Zombie. Dr. Zombie is going to simplify one of three key parts of most any graduate level thesis: methodologies.  That way, you’ll perform like a rock star come grad school time. But first, be… Read more »

Social Activities while Social Distancing

During this strangely apocalyptic time that appears straight out of a dystopian thriller movie, social distancing has been the centre of everyone’s daily vocabulary.  Social distancing is critical and could be the key to our future of reuniting with friends and our communities.  However, in the meantime, social activities are still very possible using technology. … Read more »

Course Exam—BIOL 204 (Principles of Biology I)

BIOL 204 (Principles of Biology I) is a three-credit introductory general biology course and the first of two introductory biology courses that will prepare students for second-year biology courses.  This course is designed to help students learn more about the nature of life, and topics include enzymes, cells, cellular respiration, photosynthesis, classical genetics, modern genetics,… Read more »

Beats from the Basement—Feist

Artist: Feist Album: The Reminder Mid-2000s music was marked by a battle of the opposites; you either jammed out to Flo Rida’s racy “Low” at your low-budget school dance or daydreamed to Colbie Caillat’s relaxing “Bubbly” during a sunlit recess. Originating in Calgary, singer-songwriter Leslie Feist’s contributions to indie folk-pop place her in the latter category.  With… Read more »

Dear Barb—Isolated Issues

Dear Barb: Hi, I am going crazy! I have been self isolating for weeks. I am a single person and normally I like my own company, but this is getting to be too much. I am doing everything I can to keep busy; I work in a clothing store so I can’t work from home…. Read more »