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#81
Research & Scholarship / Re: March Research Thread
Last post by Parasaurolophus - March 25, 2024, 05:35:08 PM
Too broken to work this morning, and the hatchling refused to nap. So: nothing.
#82
General Discussion / Re: ACLU hoisted by its own pe...
Last post by dismalist - March 25, 2024, 04:06:02 PM
While there is some divergence of nomenclature, [Robert] Conquest's Second Law can be conflated with O'Sullivan's First Law:

QuoteAll organizations that are not actually right-wing will over time become left-wing.

Here is some duplicative language without appropriate attribution: "I cite as supporting evidence the ACLU, the Ford Foundation, and the Episcopal Church. The reason is, of course, that people who staff such bodies tend to be the sort who don't like private profit, business, making money, the current organization of society, and, by extension, the Western world. At which point Michels's Iron Law of Oligarchy takes over — and the rest follows."

To simplify matters, there is Conquest's Third Law:

QuoteThe simplest way to explain the behavior of any bureaucratic organization is to assume that it is controlled by a cabal of its enemies.

[Apparently, Conquest had in mind the fate of MI6 after World War II, which was indeed run by the NKVD, but we can see it in the contrast between the original ACLU and the contemporary ACLU.]
#83
General Discussion / Re: ACLU hoisted by its own pe...
Last post by Anselm - March 25, 2024, 03:37:56 PM
I wonder if everyone will now have to undergo DEI training?
#84
General Discussion / Re: cord cutting, redux
Last post by bio-nonymous - March 25, 2024, 03:05:03 PM
Quote from: EdnaMode on March 25, 2024, 09:25:45 AMYou say your TV is old and won't stream. Here's the thing, TVs are relatively cheap these days, and just for grins, I looked at what Sam's Club had to offer and you can buy a 50" Smart TV for $239, so that's less than your current cable bill. That said, my TV is over 10 years old, and it will run on the Roku just fine.

Like EdnaMode said, a new TV can be had very cheaply, and with internet service you will make up the TV cost by not paying for the cable channels very quickly (wireless wifi streaming and all of the Apps on the new TVs make things very easy). There are also all sorts of "free" streaming services (with Ads) for example, so you don't even really have to pay for AmazonPrime or NetFlicks (though together you would be looking at an average of about $25/month or so for the two services).

Another easy option would be streaming from your computer by running an HDMI outlet to your TV to  give you a "Big" screen to watch whatever you can grab on your PC, without any cost beyond a cable... Lot's of options. HD antennas can get you the local channels, but they are sketchy with results depending upon your set-up and individual location (reminds me of old rabbit ear antennas!). I do have one for local disaster news if the cable/internet goes out (hurricanes are not unheard of here).

I HATE cable TV but we have it at my house currently. I was off the cable for quite a few years, but we hooked back up again a while ago. We are getting ready to cancel service because our usage doesn't justify the $$$ (only really watch streaming services anyway). I am looking forward to not paying that bill!
#85
General Discussion / Re: What's your weather?
Last post by ab_grp - March 25, 2024, 03:01:16 PM
Relentlessly windy, dusty, yuck.
#86
General Discussion / Re: What does Fuel Cost in you...
Last post by Hibush - March 25, 2024, 02:51:28 PM
14c/KWh at home, but 40c/KWh at the charge station.
#87
The State of Higher Ed / Re: Colleges in Dire Financial...
Last post by Hibush - March 25, 2024, 02:48:57 PM
Quote from: apl68 on March 12, 2024, 10:23:39 AM
Quote from: Parasaurolophus on March 11, 2024, 09:24:06 AMSt. Norbert is now cutting all assistant professors in the humanities (apart from theology), and ending healthcare coverage for emeritus faculty over 65.

I didn't see from the article you linked where it says that they were eliminating most of their liberal arts positions.  Though it would hardly be surprising if that's who they're getting rid of.  But they're starting more sports teams to attract those who want to go to college to play sports, and they're breaking ground for an expanded business school, to compete with all the hundreds and hundreds of other business schools around the country.  All they need now is a new e-sports program, and a pharmacy school if they don't already have one.

Well put. They need you to join their Board of Trustees so you can offer this accurate analysis where it counts! They may have consulted GenAI to come up with their plan, which used the model used by the 20 most recently failed schools as the template.
#88
The State of Higher Ed / Re: Colleges in Dire Financial...
Last post by Hibush - March 25, 2024, 02:44:31 PM
Quote from: spork on March 25, 2024, 09:16:09 AMSaint Martin's University:

https://www.theolympian.com/news/local/education/article286897365.html
For "academic program changes, the (faculty) handbook requires a year-long process, which is why the terminal appointment letters were sent immediately. Due to the handbook process, we do not have the luxury of waiting to make these budget-saving decisions."

I'll give the administration credit for looking at the faculty handbook before announcing plans. However, following the contract is a necessity not a luxury. Does the Benedictine order, patrons of St. Martins, have different teachings on that subject?
#89
General Discussion / Re: What's your weather?
Last post by bio-nonymous - March 25, 2024, 02:41:55 PM
Freezing (literally-frost this morning) for this time of year in our neck of the woods. I hope my newly planted and recently sprouting grass seeds in my lawn bare spots do OK...
#90
Teaching / Re: senior citizens
Last post by Ruralguy - March 25, 2024, 01:59:19 PM
Its seems to be appropriate to do most of what you are doing unless someone becomes very disruptive by talking over you or just walking around aimlessly in front of people. Especially if that repeats, you may wish to ask someone to stop, and if they don't, ask them to please choose another class.  But generally speaking, this is a total freebee for everyone, so expectations should be fairly low. However, there are plenty of groups like this during which everyone behaves.