Have you ever felt like your “best before” date has come and gone? I certainly have, on occasion. Most days, though, I think I’m handling this whole aging business quite gracefully, especially when I consider the alternative. Last year a painter friend of mine died in a motor vehicle accident just days after her 50th… Read more »

What province and city/town do you live in? I live in Calgary, AB Do you have a family/ kids/ pets ? I am married with 4 kids- ages 10 ½, 7 ½, 5 and 3 What are your hobbies / interests/ activities/ etc. I love languages. When I was in college, I could carry on… Read more »

Dear Heather, My husband and I are in our early 30s and have been very happily married for almost five years. We have no children, and are getting very tired of people (family, friends, strangers) asking us when we’re going to have a baby. Usually, we try to ignore these questions, because the truth is,… Read more »

This is a true gripper. I was mightily impressed with this film from France. The setting is a trench during the Bosnian War, where a Serb and a Bosnian soldier are mistakenly stuck. What makes this so special is the incredible language from all the players. The writing is amazing. The people in all roles… Read more »

This column focuses on a wide range of issues affecting post-secondary students. Students are encouraged to submit suggestions and educational topics they are concerned about, or personal experiences with courses or university situations they feel other students should know about. If suggest a topic or a course alert for Taking Notes, contact djabbour@ausu.org AU SEEKING… Read more »

Warning Bells Starting to Ring In Nova Scotia, the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission has put out a press release (http://www.gov.ns.ca/news/details.asp?id=20040218001) with some of the first warnings of many that we will soon be hearing about a severe shortage of faculty. In a time where some sort of post-secondary education is almost becoming a necessity… Read more »

Missed your favourite shows? No problem. Primetime update gives you the rundown. Friends Last week Mike and Phoebe got married, outside, in the snow, in front of Central Perk. This week Phoebe returns from a romantic honeymoon, and receives a request from Joey to help him learn to speak French, which apparently she does fluently…. Read more »

AU SPORTS CLUB, NOW ONLINE! The AU Sports Club (AUSC) is now online and accepting new members. If you are a fan of sports or athletics, and would like to keep up to date on happenings in the world of sports, or just have an opportunity to speak with other sports fans, then this club… Read more »

AU Student: Andrew Bell What province and city/town do you live in? Peterborough, Ontario. (It’s a small world – Arthur Setka, profiled in v11 i04, also lives here. We’ve never met, though..) Do you have a family/ kids/ pets ? My wife Phyllis and I have two grown children, and we’re empty nesters now. We… Read more »

Dear Heather, Do you have any advice for a student who’s really bad at writing essays? Jack S. Dear Jack, A lot of people have trouble writing essays, often because they’re intimidated by the task. The trick to a great essay is organization, but don’t panic: it’s easier than it sounds. Before you do anything… Read more »