1. With the next PUC meeting over the horizon, word coming out now that SFT is miffed a one or two PUCers.  gorod reports that "the man" is tired of getting "faced up" by a couple of PUC members.  It could be that PUC membership/participation is about to have a downside.  Thanks gorod.

2. In just a few days, it's possible that COAL will have a new dean, and one that will break the white male mold at USM under SFT.  Word is though that some COALers would rather have some white male.  Thanks artsy.

3. JB took a shot at SFT on WDAM-TV this evening.  He pointed out that with new admission criteria set by the NCAA, admission standards on his prospects will far exceed those of the general USM student body.  He now has to recruit 101 ballers to an 099 school.  The two sets of standards are moving in the opposite directions.  Thanks JB.

4. More emails pouring in about administrator raises.  Haven't heard anything yet, but the investigation continues.

5. bunson reports word on COST raises that also supports the proposition that EP's scheme for COAL became university-wide policy.  Looks like the COALster is moving up.  He remains the favorite to be the next Provost.

6. Nice e-mail from grapevine: "...with recent budget cuts periodical holdings in the library are dropping like USM's admissions standards, while across the concourse at the textbook center book prices are rising like bread dough at the Corner Market.."