If I had some bailing wire

profconditionerI post this picture to dispel the unfair stereotype that we academics have no practical skills. For the third consecutive year, I was able to install this device without help. Note that the installation required I use a screw driver and also make creative use of duct tape. I did learn last year that it is called duct tape and not duck tape. I do have to stop watching so much reality TV. Anyway, not everyone would have had the creative insight to use duct tape as a way to keep rain and mosquitoes from disturbing scholarship.

I admit that not all academics have such skills. My colleague on the third floor – a distinguished professor even – dropped his conditioner when attempting a do it yourself install. Luckily the university had the fore site to keep all buildings away from sidewalks except for the necessary entrances. We are under strict orders to reduce drop outs. The maintenance folks have since screwed his unit into place preventing him from taking any independent action. They tried the same thing with me, but I found a screw driver in a secretaries desk and have been functioning independently ever since.

I had hoped to avoid this chore since I am soon to clean out my office and move on. However, the 85+ temps in my office made it rather uncomfortable when I tried to work. The brain power required to read and write must generate a lot of heat.

I grew up on a farm. My brother the engineer claims that the Iowa State engineering programs prefer to accept farm kids as students. Evidently, farm kids have practical experience from working around machinery that allows them to make sense of what they learn in class. What I got out of my farm experience evidently prepared me for certain aspects of my job in ways those city kids could not hope to match. I actually do not remember my dad using duct tape, but I do know he found many uses for bailing wire. I wonder how you get your hands on bailing wire now days.

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