Author Archives: admin

I just realized that in the last month I have had several unique experiences. After all these years, there is still the opportunity to encounter something for the first time. First, there was the opportunity to spend the night in … Continue reading →

The U just switched to the BPOS (Microsoft) mail system. This is true for the entire higher ed system in the state. It clearly was not designed for Mac users. When my system was installed, the technician set a generic … Continue reading →

I have been reading Academically Adrift – a book that I would describe as critical of what should be expected of the years undergraduates spend in college. The core complaint in the book is that so many students show little … Continue reading →

Saturday at the office. I just completed one of my more important Spring tasks – the installation and duct taping of the air conditioner. We academics get a bad rap. We are considered elitist and impractical. Not me – I … Continue reading →

It must be a slow time for administrators. They have been sending out notices to faculty, twice so far today, concerning instructor obligations should they assign content that requires an eBook reader. The notice itself offered no specifics (I bite … Continue reading →

I rerun this previous post as a service to all of the students who follow my blog. The end of the semester is drawing near. The college book store has contacted me to determine if I am going to assign … Continue reading →

The curmudgeon has been quiet lately – nothing to complain about. Then, the fire marshal visited my office. He claims I am a hazard and need to mend my ways. It is my aquarium. Evidently, plugging a 50 watt thermostatically … Continue reading →

This post from a CNN correspondent nicely summarizes the debate over the role of government and what the budget needs to cover: To take just one example, as recently as 1962 the federal government spent only $29 billion on programs … Continue reading →

This falls under the heading of one of the things I think everyone else thinks, but are afraid to say. Perhaps they worry it may make them appear elitist. I admit I have thought this – Why Iowa? The question … Continue reading →