Columns

Music Review—RaceCar Phenomenon

Artist: Miles to Nowhere Album: RaceCar Phenomenon Pop-punk trio Miles To Nowhere are set to bring their self-described “galaxy punk” to the world with the release of their new album The RaceCar Phenomenon. The band is comprised of Kristen Taylor on lead vocals and guitar, Katie Grenert on base and vocals, and Richard Duran on… Read more »

Dear Barb—Excess Accommodations

Dear Barb: My husband and I have been together for 12 years and it seems like we are either bored with each other or taking each other for granted.  We don’t seem to take the time to talk anymore, we just assume the other person is happy and will do what we expect them to. … Read more »

The Study Dude—Taking the Exam

You’re in the midst of an exam.  The studies and time leading up to this point are over.  It’s just you and the test.  What can you do to increase your chances of a top grade? Over the last several weeks, I’ve written cookbooks for writing essays and for memorization.  Today, it’s time to focus… Read more »

Fly on the Wall—The Human Cellular Connection

The oldest neighbour in our neighborhood, Jim, the only one who precedes my family arriving in this bucolic British Columbia valley in 1985, just passed away.  So will us all, like wisps of breeze and leaves on the trees.  Our studies and our lives equally mean nothing or everything depending on how they make us… Read more »

Homemade is Better—Peaches and Crepes

I have been looking at doing more desserts as my after-dinner delights are lacking.  With peach season in full swing right now, I was looking at some different ways to utilize fresh peaches while they are available. I have not made crepes in a long time, but it is not difficult.  You need medium heat… Read more »

Music Review—The Dandelion Child

Artist: Franklin Zoo Album: The Dandelion Child On October 1, 2021, progressive rock quintet Franklin Zoo will be releasing their third full-length album, The Dandelion Child. According to Franklin Zoo, The Dandelion Child offers a fresh and uncompromising sound, emotion of life lessons, and existential noise. “The album consists of six long, progressive songs,” reads… Read more »

Dear Barb—The Family Dynamic

Dear Barb: I hope you can help me with my problem.  I grew up in a very dysfunctional family, where everyone was arguing, fighting, not speaking for years, holding grudges, the whole gambit.  About 20 years ago I decided to try to change things and bring my family together.  Initially it seemed some of the… Read more »

Fly on the Wall—What’s the Real Stuff of Us?

What does an existentialist seagull caw?  Pour q’uoi!?! (Why, they seem to ask.) Why are we here now, and how?  That’s the backdrop to our learning as we seek to understand the world and our place in it.  Our personal growth is part and parcel with this journey.  The search for our meaning of life… Read more »

The Study Dude—Memorization Techniques

Over the last four weeks, I’ve written cookbooks for writing essays.  Today, it’s time to focus on memorization for exams.  After all, memorization is perhaps the top vehicle for testing student knowledge. If you are striving for an A+, tricks and tips for memorizing facts are must haves. We all love recipes for success, so… Read more »