Columns

Fly on the Wall—Yes, but What Do You Mean?

The meaning of life is a topic salubrious to spicy conversations at a shady beach, the sort of anyone-may-apply-for genius-status topic that renders we would-be AU academics illiterate or pedantic or both.  Why ask about life’s meaning, a stern scientist might answer, when such a question is naturally relative to one’s personal opinion and worldview?… Read more »

Beyond Literary Landscapse

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 »

The Study Dude—How to Write an Essay Exam

To excel at a college or university you must work hard and follow systems.  For example, let’s examine a technique I adopted for writing essay exams.  Interestingly, I later discovered that a very similar system was adopted by other top students who authored study tip books.  It’s testimony that maximum academic performance is like a… Read more »

Music Review—Waiting For Your Colours

Artist: Chief State Album: Waiting For Your Colours Vancouver pop punks, Chief State, have released their debut full-length album, Waiting For Your Colours.  The album is available for streaming anywhere you get your music. Chief State was formed after frontman Fraser Simpson headed to Craigslist to find bandmates.  There he connected with members Nik Pang,… Read more »

Dear Barb—Dating Due Diligence

Dear Barb: I am a woman in my thirties and I’m beginning to wonder if I will ever find a partner.  I have never found anyone I would truly consider spending my life with, but I don’t want to give up.  I have been wondering if I want to try online dating.  I haven’tt visited… Read more »

Beyond Literary Landscapes—Classic Children’s Literature

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 »

Music Review—an eeriness to everything

Artist: OBSERVE THE 93RD Album: an eeriness to everything Alt-Rock duo OBSERVE THE 93RD have released their new album, an eeriness to everything. The album is available for streaming anywhere you get your music. Hailing from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, the band is comprised of vocalist and guitarist, Derek Henry, and drummer, Dylan Zepp. According to the… Read more »

Dear Barb—Spouse Spending

Dear Barb: Hi, I am writing about my wife.  I think she has a problem with spending money.  We are a middle-class family with two young children.  My wife works part time and I work full time.  While I make a decent living, we don’t have much extra money. Over the last few years, my… Read more »

Fly on the Wall—Educational Theology

Meaning in life need not be religious, but when life feels worthwhile that feeling can carry an almost mystical quality.  As our AU journey unfolds, we evolve into a new version of our self.  No matter how many facts, theories, and concepts we absorb the holistic benefit of our education surpasses the details.  Inspiration guides… Read more »