One. Russia votes in presidential election. Prime Minister Vladinir Putin won Russia’s presidential election on Sunday, March 4th, 2012, according to exit polls cited by state television, but the vote was tainted by widespread violations claimed by the opposition and independent observers. “The Globe and Mail”, Sunday, March 4, 2012.

Two. Canada’s actor Christopher Plummer, at 82, became the oldest actor in history to win an Oscar Academy Award, taking the best supporting actor prize. We know him well for his role as Leo Tolstoy in “The Last Station”.

Looking proudly at his award, he said:”You’re only two years older than me, darling. Where have you been  all my life?”

Last night, he was victorious, winning best actor for “Beginners”. “The Globe and Mail”, February 27, 2012.

Three. Choir sings baroque concert. March 17 is usually considered an occasion to celebrate all things Irish. This year, however, Calgary’s Spiritus Chamber Choir has chosen the day to focus on the French baroque composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier, who was born in the mid-17th century. Several baroque musicians, some who are coming from afar afield as Vancouver, will accompany the choir. “The Calgary Herald”, March 1, 2012.

Four. Ask the family doctor. Such a column is in the “Globe and Mail” newspaper. Question: Is my brother autistic? He’s 23 years old and socially very dense, missing out on even the most blatant cues. My Mom says that maybe he is mildly autistic or has Asperger’s syndrome. After doing some of my own research, I’m inclined to agree with her. How can we tell? Answer: Diagnosis should be confirmed by a mental health professionals who specialize in spectrum disorders. While there is no cure, intervention such as behavioral therapy can improve symptoms, social skills training and face challenges that may arise with knowledge and better understanding.

Five. Self-talk is a tool that can enhance performance in terms of making the right decisions and achieving goals. Research at the University of Illinois, USA, showed that those who asked themselves if they could do a task did better than those who told themselves that they could do it. “The Globe and Mail?, February 27, 2012.