Columns

Primal Numbers – Human Satnav

Forget about self-driving cars. How about satnav-guided people? In the latest melding of human and machine, German scientists have developed a way to use electrodes on people’s legs to guide them to their destination. The idea might have some practical uses, but it could also steer things in the wrong direction. The technology itself is… Read more »

In Conversation with Tumbleweed Wanderers

Tumbleweed Wanderers deliver an original incarnation of soulful folk rock from the San Francisco Bay area. Starting out as buskers, their career was accelerated by their own creativity and artistic discipline, and they soon found themselves a popular stage presence at clubs and festivals. Their soon-to-be-released album, Realize, is a rich, multilayered tapestry of the… Read more »

Music Review – Child of Fire

Album: Child of Fire Artist: Sky White Tiger I grew up with the sounds of Moby, Love Inc., and Radiohead. The one thing that I loved about these artists was the surreal combination between the moody electronic effects and unearthly singing. Even to this day, when I need music to spark a creative idea, listen… Read more »

The Mindful Bard – Coming Forth By Day

Album: Coming Forth by Day Artist: Cassandra Wilson “They would not let me sing, But now we’re all alone, facing the west.” – Cassandra Wilson, from “Last Song (for Lester)” On April 7, the hundredth anniversary of Billie Holiday’s birth, the husky-throated Cassandra Wilson released an album that pays Billie a singular honour: it manifests… Read more »

In Conversation with The Winter Brave, Part II

“Music definitely fuels my muse foremost. It’s what occupies my brain most hours of the day. I’m constantly searching for new music and seeing what unique quality each new artist brings.” – Jake Scarpino of The Winter Brave The Winter Brave is an alternative rock duo based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The world sat up… Read more »

Primal Numbers – The Cramming Game

If You’re a student, procrastination is probably as much a part of your day as textbooks and quizzes. Your laptop’s ready, your books are open, but there always seems to be something more important to do. Call a friend, grab some lunch, maybe even help your kids with their homework. Besides, you can always squeeze… Read more »

From Where I Sit – Embrace or Withdraw

One of the benefits of coordinating Babas and Borshch Ukrainian Festival the last couple years has been the personal satisfaction of facing a challenge head-on and succeeding. Regular Voice readers may remember that in January 2013 I pitched the idea of a brand new festival and 227 days later saw it come to fruition. It… Read more »

Dear Barb: When the Bill Comes Due

Dear Barb: I have just completed my last course at AU and will be graduating soon. Also, I am starting a new job next week. I have been dating my boyfriend for three years and we are planning on moving in together. He has been working for almost five years, so he is well established… Read more »

The Travelling Student – Taken for a Ride

My name is Philip Kirkbride. I’m a college graduate from Ontario studying at AU. I’ve always wanted to do an exchange program or study abroad but never found the right time to do so. This is the story of how Athabasca University has allowed me to create my own study abroad program. In the last… Read more »