There’s something about writing that speaks to the essence of the human person. Or else perhaps It’s the desire to create a tangible legacy, a readable witness to our goals, dreams, and aspirations. Or maybe It’s as simple as keeping ourselves accountable. Whatever the reason, last week New Year’s revellers picked up pen and paper?or… Read more »

Here, just inside the threshold of 2014, it might seem like we’ve arrived in the sci-fi future at last. Digital devices rule and the first Mars One mission is only four years away. But the truth is that, even in the 21st century, science still faces an uphill battle against fear and superstition?and we’re not… Read more »

Dear Barb: I have a dilemma! My best friend John and I have been best buddies since grade school. Recently John and his girlfriend, Melissa, moved in together. At that time, I was attending university close to where they lived and was anxious to get out of my parent’s home. Therefore John and Melissa suggested… Read more »

We have two ears and one mouth, so we should listen more than we say. Zeno of Citium, as quoted by Diogenes Laërtius True, the Mindful Bard is normally about books, music, and film, but once in a while we’re compelled to branch out into other formats, especially in the digital age when websites, film… Read more »

Album: I Am In Need of Music Artist: Suzie LeBlanc I am in need of music that would flow Over my fretful, feeling fingertips, Over my bitter-tainted, trembling lips, With melody, deep, clear, and liquid-slow. Oh, for the healing swaying, old and low, Of some song sung to rest the tired dead, A song to… Read more »

You’ve got to love traditions whether they’re your own or someone else’s. I know some people (okay, It’s us) who order KFC for Christmas Eve supper while others order Chinese takeout. Some people don’t think New Year’s Eve is complete without cracking open a bottle of champagne or watching the ball drop in Time Square…. Read more »

Originally published on June 28 in issue no. 24. It made me laugh.

If we are really, really lucky we get to grow old. We bitch and moan about the nuisance and inconvenience of aging, but when you consider the alternative, for most It’s a no-brainer. We have a front-row seat to the end stages of the process with Roy’s 95-year-old aunt. She is confused about her whereabouts… Read more »

How do you take your Espresso? Medium-dark with a hint of Dickensian workhouse? Or perhaps you prefer something lighter, like Mark Twain’s Library of Wit and Humor. Whatever you choose, it can be ready in minutes at the Espresso Book Machine?a device I was lucky enough to see in action. The Espresso I saw sits… Read more »

?Let’s start at the very beginning,? Julie Andrews warbles in The Sound of Music, telling the von Trapp children that It’s ?a very good place to start.? And in the academic writing world, whether You’re putting together your first university paper or creating your doctoral thesis, the beginning is always, always a very good place… Read more »