While following the recent news about paparazzi invading the privacy of Prince William and his wife Princess Catherine by publishing revealing photographs snapped at a private chateau, I couldn't help but think of privacy issues in general. Perhaps

For most in my generation, there was no such thing as “a gap year” between graduation from college and the start of a new life with new responsibilities. Upon graduating, we were expected to go to graduate school or, the sooner the better, “go out and find a job.”

For a couple years, my department chair has been pushing composition instructors to occasionally exchange exams or homework assignments, and to offer sample grades on the work of one another's students.

Former premier Liu Chao-shiuan stirred a wee bit of controversy last week when he compared students at National Taiwan University (NTU) with the coconut trees that line so many of the picturesque pathways on that beautiful campus.

Media throughout the country rightly gave major attention this week to the disturbing report on a local self-styled coach and teacher named Hu, who confessed to having sexually abused as many as 12 boys in recent years.

Well, that surely didn't take long. The top headline on a local Chinese daily really did jump off the page one day last week. Big characters, dark and heavy, like clouds before a massive thunderstorm.

Newly elected French president Francois Hollande provoked what media are terming “soul searching” throughout all Asia these recent days when he appointed Fleur Pellerin as minister of small and medium enterprises and the digital economy. The appointment had to have spoken to the people of France as well.

An upsetting news story these recent days about a pair of high school students who tormented homeless people in the Ximen area has particularly affected those of us who work with local youth.

According to proposed new laws, local drivers will soon face fines if they are caught using smart phones or hand-held computers behind the wheel.

Some of our university students from China are “exchange students,” and some “regular students.”