Vol. 26 Iss. 11

Volume 26, Issue 11 - 03/16/2018

An Interview with Angie Abdou

For many people, writing a book and seeing their name in print is their ultimate dream.  Athabasca University’s creative writing professor, Angie Abdou, has taken her passion for writing and written several successful novels, including The Bone Cage, The Canterbury Trail, and her latest novel, In Case I Go.  But does the life of a… Read more »

The Creative Spark—Snarly Puppets and Snoop Dog

What do snarly puppets, Snoop Dog, and I have in common?  My older brother. As a child, my brother directed a drama piece.  All the kids on the block starred, including me.  The bit part I played marked a highlight of my youth.  Yet my brother stopped directing after managing our talentless crew.  Deep down,… Read more »

The Not-So Starving Student—Grow Your Food in the Kitchen

It’s spring time, the time for gardening, the time for getting outdoors will be soon upon us (give or take a month for Canadians).  Fortunately, for those with allergies or who are less outdoorsy, such as myself, gardening can be less taxing when done in the comfort of your kitchen.  Yes, that’s right.  I’m talking… Read more »

The Fit Student—Skinny Ripped

Imagine Angelina Jolie flexing biceps and defined abs.  Or Popeye’s Olive Oil with bulging quads and glutes.  Might you and I be the next skinny-ripped? I carry a lean frame but can’t seem to build muscle.  Worse, my friends criticize my skinny look.  I feel hurt by their words. Yet, recently, my belt buckle needed… Read more »

Course Exam—COMP 200 (Introduction to Computing and Information Systems)

COMP 200 (Introduction to Computing and Information Systems) is a three-credit introductory computer science course that covers the fundamentals of information systems and serves as a prerequisite for the computing and information systems (CIS) programs.  This course has no prerequisites, though students are required to have basic computer literacy and competence.  If students are concerned… Read more »

Dear Barb—My Husband’s Keeper

Dear Barb: My husband and I have been married for ten years and we have three young children.  We live fairly close to my husband’s parents, so they have been quite involved with our family life.  My problem is with my mother-in-law.  I have always struggled to get along with her, but as she’s getting… Read more »

Editorial—The Problem with Faking It

This week, our feature article is an interview with AU’s Dr. Angie Abdou, an associate professor in creative writing and novelist. We’ve spoken with Dr. Abdou before in our Meeting the Minds series but this time, instead of looking at her teaching philosophies we talk to her about her process for writing and her thoughts… Read more »

Motivation

Even if you love what you do, some days it can be hard to find the motivation to work on it.  This lack of motivation can come from any number of sources and none of it speaks to how much you enjoy what you’re doing.  Sometimes it just doesn’t want to work.  I find that… Read more »

Why Isn’t There an App for That?

Technology continues to develop at a pace that will make your smartphone spin.  Any problem in need of a solution seems to have prompted another technological wonder, sometimes in the form of an app.  Apps are great for both consumers and producers: they make life easier for consumers while ensuring you cannot do without the… Read more »

AU-Thentic Events

2018 Internal 3MT Competition Wed, March 21, 10:00 am MDT Online Hosted by AU Faculty of Graduate Studies fgs.athabascau.ca/news/presentations/ e-mail fgs@athabascau.ca with your student number to register more info on 3MT at: fgs.athabascau.ca/news/events/3mt.php Online MBA Info Session Wed, March 21, 10:00 to 11:00 am MDT Online Hosted by AU Faculty of Business business.athabascau.ca/event-details/online-mba-executives-information-session/ Register online… Read more »

AUSU Update!

This space is provided free to AUSU: The Voice does not create or edit this content. Contact services@ausu.org with any questions. IMPORTANT DATES Mar 13: March Council Meeting Mar 15: Deadline to submit election appeal Mar 15: April degree requirements deadline Mar 30: Deadline to apply for course extension for Mar Apr 03: Facebook Live… Read more »

Student Sizzle

AthaU Facebook Group Professor Bob posts a poll to gauge interest in an undergrad course about sex work and sex workers; so far the overwhelming majority of responses fall into the “hell, yes!” category.  Bill Angela reports tech issues during an exam that shortened the available time; responses from students and AU reveal options in… Read more »

Vintage Voice

On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day, we glace back at a pair of Ireland-themed articles. Touring troubled Belfast.  Writer John Buhler recounts his stay in Belfast, Ireland, still edgy from The Troubles.  “It was startling for me to discover…that many of the men around the pub were convicted terrorists.”  Travel Photo Feature—Belfast’s Gritty Side,… Read more »

Scholarship of the Week

Scholarship name:  BeArt-Presets Academic Scholarship Program Sponsored by:  BeArt-Presets Deadline:  April 1, 2018, 11:59 pm EST Potential payout:  $5000 USD Eligibility restriction:  Applicants must be an undergraduate, graduate, or high school senior student, and either enrolled or accepted at an accredited university or college. What’s required:  An online application form, along with a maximum 700-word… Read more »

Music Review—Emily Rockarts

With the release of her single “Inventor”, going on The Reason and Romance tour, and performing in upcoming shows in Halifax, Emily Rockarts has been having a busy year.  Emily sings lead vocals in the folk/indie band of the same name, which also includes Dan Rougeau (guitar), Soren Nissen (bass), and Ian Wright (drums).  This… Read more »