daily rumor mill #85 - USM Forum -- Message Board

Date: Aug 19, 2004

RE: RE: daily rumor mill #85

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Junk Yard Dog
" Refrigerator, You got it right. Dawg was simply trying to inject a little Southern humor late at night when I was very sleepy. During the many years I lived "up Nawth," my Southen accent was the butt of many who lived in the Bronx and in Brooklyn, but that never bothered me in the least. I see by his posting later in this thread that Invictus has a very good grasp of the language thing. NO QUARTER"

Re-read my post. Geez Louise! I didn't mean that YOUR post was vicious. I meant that this is not the place for serious academic discussion because of the garbage that seeps in by a simple mouse click. I'm going to take a nap.

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: 2004 AD
" Re-read my post. Geez Louise! I didn't mean that YOUR post was vicious. I meant that this is not the place for serious academic discussion because of the garbage that seeps in by a simple mouse click. I'm going to take a nap. "

To a certain extent you are correct, 2004 AD. But this message board seems to be the only game in town for anything that even resembles serious academic discussions. I have never heard serious academic discussions on-campus (outside of those at the departmental level). I found that meaningful academic discussions were actually discouraged at the college level. For the most part, I listened to mundane discussions about local, state, political, and and other events that had absolutely no relevance to my discipline or to the "big academic picture" - but nothing I would consider a discussion of meaningful academic issues such as are routinely considered elsewhere. I am sure that was not the case in other colleges on campus. I speak only of my experiences in my college. If serious academic issues had been appropriately resolved through meaningful academic discussions over the past many years, there would be no need for this message board. For the time being, however, this message board is a Godsend to USM. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

NO QUARTER

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Junk Yard Dog
" To a certain extent you are correct, 2004 AD. But this message board seems to be the only game in town for anything that even resembles serious academic discussions. I have never heard serious academic discussions on-campus (outside of those at the departmental level). I found that meaningful academic discussions were actually discouraged at the college level. For the most part, I listened to mundane discussions about local, state, political, and and other events that had absolutely no relevance to my discipline or to the "big academic picture" - but nothing I would consider a discussion of meaningful academic issues such as are routinely considered elsewhere. I am sure that was not the case in other colleges on campus. I speak only of my experiences in my college. If serious academic issues had been appropriately resolved through meaningful academic discussions over the past many years, there would be no need for this message board. For the time being, however, this message board is a Godsend to USM. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. NO QUARTER NO QUARTER"

I have heard serious and lively academic discussions at the FS, the AAUP, the PC (believe it or not), my program's meetings, at people's homes, Java Werks, the Payne Center, and so on. It's nice that posters like Doubtful don't get to play in those venues. I do agree with your point that we have faced many serious academic challenges over the past years (many that pre-date the current admin) that have not been adequately resolved, through discussion or other means. I'm not convinced that this message board is a panacea for what ails us, but neither do I think it is iatrogenic. As I said, it is what it is.

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: 2004 AD
"I'm not convinced that this message board is a panacea for what ails us, but neither do I think it is iatrogenic. "

iatrogenic...I am in pure semantic bliss...

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: 2004 AD
"
In the same vein, JYD thinks I'm funny? You mean funny like a clown? (Followed after some more patter by a few rounds from a 45). Name that movie for two EC points.
"

Goodfellas. And I want my prize in Mida$ Money, thank you very much!

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: 2004 AD
"I have heard serious and lively academic discussions at the FS, the AAUP, the PC, my program's meetings, at people's homes, Java Werks, the Payne Center, and so on.

2004 AD,

I don't doubt that you have heard such discussions at those places. Unfortunately, however, AAUP is a recent but important addition to USM - too late to make an impact on things that were occurring on this campus several years ago (but an organization that is destined to make a real impact now and in the future). Further,there was no PC then (whatever that is). Also, You mention your program's meetings. You will note from my post that I excluded deparmental-level discussions which would include program meetings. Finally, you mentioned Java Werks, the Payne Center, and people's homes. I wasn't referring to private discussions in private locations. None of those meet the criterion of meaningful academic discussions by the university community. From my perspective, such discussions have been few and far between. I believe that open deliberations by the full academic community about important academic matters would have gone a long ways toward resolving issues and establishing a firm foundation for the university. If such had occurred long ago, the basic values which are currently under attack at USM would be firmly intact and free from the whims and fancy of the IHL or a transient university administration. True, 2004 AD, this message board is not the best place for such discussions. It should be possible to conduct such discussions on campus. That does not appear to be the case at the present time. But the message board is a start. It's really all some people really have as a forum for discussion. It's better than nothing. After all, to use an analogy I once heard a group of medical students sing to their mentor at a Christmas party, "dysparunia's better than no parunia at all." [WEBMASTER: please don't delete my last sentence. That word is even used in classes at USM!]

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Junk Yard Dog
" ...After all, to use an analogy I once heard a group of medical students sing to their mentor at a Christmas party, "dysparunia's better than no parunia at all." [WEBMASTER: please don't delete my last sentence. That word is even used in classes at USM!]"

According to Dictionary.com, the spelling is "dyspareunia."

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: truth4usm/AH
"Goodfellas. And I want my prize in Mida$ Money, thank you very much! "

AH. How about a book? Have you read Straight Man?

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Queen of Spelling
"According to Dictionary.com, the spelling is "dyspareunia.""

Shud'uv known I'd be caught by the Queen of Spelling. Shud'uv proofread.

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: 2004 AD
"AH. How about a book? Have you read Straight Man?"

No..who is the author?

Date: Aug 19, 2004

JYD-

I totally agree that we have not had a history of doing this here at USM (watch out, the real old timers might chime in and disagree). For example, I have always been amazed that our FS bylaws and constitution are among the weakest in terms of that body's duties and authority that I have seen. I read on a previous post that the AL regime "allowed it to find its own level" or something to that effect. This sounds good, but it sure minimized the role of FS long-term, compared to other institutions, which is a recipe for disaster in tough times. A great place to start would be to examine institutions that have regular and spirited forums for academic discussion, and to see how their governace structures operate. For the type of change that you seem to envision (and for which I would strongly advocate) to occur (that is, a system that includes appropriate checks and balances, yet is flexible enough to overcome inertia if challenged), the university community would have to be willing to sit down an put all our governace and "management" structures and processes on the table and determine what is working and what needs to change. The USM way historically has been to do things piecemeal, and when one or two key people who are invested in an area leave, the endeavor whithers on the vine.

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: truth4usm/AH
"No..who is the author?"

Your prize is on it's way. Pass it on after reading it.

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: 2004 AD
"JYD- I totally agree that we have not had a history of doing this here at USM (watch out, the real old timers might chime in and disagree). For example, I have always been amazed that our FS bylaws and constitution are among the weakest in terms of that body's duties and authority that I have seen. I read on a previous post that the AL regime "allowed it to find its own level" or something to that effect. This sounds good, but it sure minimized the role of FS long-term, compared to other institutions, which is a recipe for disaster in tough times. what needs to change. The USM way historically has been to do things piecemeal, and when one or two key people who are invested in an area leave, the endeavor whithers on the vine. "

2004 AD,

I believe that you and I may have finally reached a two-person consensus. Either I've moved into your 21st Century (2004 AD), or you have moved into my kennel. When the time comes that some of the posters on this board can unmask themselves without fear of retaliation, and legitimate discussions of academic issues can be conducted on campus without fear of retaliation, USM can be an academic force to be reconed with. (I hope those in English will forgive me for using a preposition with which to end that last sentence, but I couldn't figure out any other way to say it).

NO QUARTER

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Junk Yard Dog
" USM can be an academic force to be reconed with. NO QUARTER"

USM can be an academic force with which to be reckoned?

I'm planning a new economic development venture that will involve proofreading and editing for posters.

My slogans:

Posts with Punch! (Don't dilute your high proof post.)

Avoid the Troll Zapper! (Learn to avoid the most common trolling pitfalls.)

Queen of Spelling, I dare you! (Post with both attitude and confidence.)

Registration for the on-line workshop will be coming soon.

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Junk Yard Dog
" (I hope those in English will forgive me for using a preposition with which to end that last sentence, but I couldn't figure out any other way to say it). NO QUARTER"

Actually, there is no grammar rule against this...simply a matter of style. But, don't get me started on the proper use of commas!

Date: Aug 19, 2004

Since grammar has entered this thread I shall, or must, or will share these famous last words.

Bouhours, Dominique (1628-1702)
"I am about to--or I am going to--die; either expression is used."
Dominique Bouhours was a preeminent French Jesuit grammarian who worked endlessly to promote a high standard of correctness and purity in the French language.

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/6537/

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Eagle
"Since grammar has entered this thread I shall, or must, or will share these famous last words. "

Since famous last words have entered this serpentine thread, I share these, attributed to Oscar Wilde: "Either that wallpaper goes, or I do."

Date: Aug 19, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Junk Yard Dog
" 2004 AD, I believe that you and I may have finally reached a two-person consensus. Either I've moved into your 21st Century (2004 AD), or you have moved into my kennel. When the time comes that some of the posters on this board can unmask themselves without fear of retaliation, and legitimate discussions of academic issues can be conducted on campus without fear of retaliation, USM can be an academic force to be reconed with. (I hope those in English will forgive me for using a preposition with which to end that last sentence, but I couldn't figure out any other way to say it). NO QUARTER"

Some posters, including me, prefer non-anonymous postings. I've been a pain to multiple administrators (and faculty and staff) since I arrived (hear the heads nodding in agreement?), and I figure that if life gets not to my liking here, there are always other places to go. I respect others' wishes to remain anonymous, but I'm too old and achy to worry much about people sticking it to me.

Mitch

Date: Aug 24, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: 2004 AD
"Your prize is on it's way. Pass it on after reading it."

Just came in the mail...will look forward to reading it. I'll post my review upon completion.

Date: Aug 25, 2004

There is, of course, Winston Churchill's response when someone corrected him for ending a sentence with a preposition: "This is the sort of errant pedantry up with which I will not put."

Date: Aug 25, 2004

The Queen of Grammer and Wordsmith, our two resident English scholars, seem to disagree about the use of the proposition "with" used at the end of a sentence. What are we to believe?

Date: Aug 25, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: WITHering on the vine
"The Queen of Grammer and Wordsmith, our two resident English scholars, seem to disagree about the use of the proposition "with" used at the end of a sentence. What are we to believe?"

Ah...grammar. It's much more than just a set of rules...it's an ever-evolving matrix of agreements we communicate with.

To be honest, whenever I have a major grammar problem, I simply try to restate the sentence so that I don't have that particular problem anymore. This usually works.

Date: Aug 25, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Queen of Grammar
" Ah...grammar. It's much more than just a set of rules...it's an ever-evolving matrix of agreements we communicate with. To be honest, whenever I have a major grammar problem, I simply try to restate the sentence so that I don't have that particular problem anymore. This usually works."

From what you say grammarians are as flexible as the USM administration in interpreting the rules . . . whatever suits them at the moment.

Date: Aug 25, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Queen of Grammar
"I simply try to restate the sentence so that I don't have that particular problem anymore. This usually works."

Administrative translation of the above: "I simply try to restate the rules so that I don't have that particular problem with that faculty member any more. This usually works."

Date: Aug 25, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Queen of Grammar
" Ah...grammar. It's much more than just a set of rules...it's an ever-evolving matrix of agreements we communicate with. To be honest, whenever I have a major grammar problem, I simply try to restate the sentence so that I don't have that particular problem anymore. This usually works."

"Ah...the faculty handbook. It's much more than just a set of rules...it's an everevolving matrix of agreements we communicate with. To be honest, whenever I have a major problem, I simply try to restate the rules so that I don't have that particular problem anymore. This usually works."

Date: Aug 25, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: WITHering on the vine
"From what you say grammarians are as flexible as the USM administration in interpreting the rules . . . whatever suits them at the moment. "

Well, WithOTV, some grammarians may disagree, but isn't language all about flexibility? The slipperiness of syntax, the nuance of function vs. form, the shadings of metaphors, the excitement of new words (bootylicious! blogs! bling, bling!...and that's just the B's).

Now, spelling...that's a different matter. Don't get my sister, the Queen of Spelling, on your case. She's way more terrifying than I am....the evil twin.

Date: Aug 25, 2004

quote:
Originally posted by: Queen of Grammar
"Now, spelling...that's a different matter. Don't get my sister, the Queen of Spelling, on your case. She's way more terrifying than I am....the evil twin"

I think I had your evil twin as my 6th grade teacher.

Date: Aug 25, 2004

This reminds me of that old joke where a fellow has the misfortune to ask a grammarian for directions.

"Can you tell me where the county courthouse is at?" he asked.

The grammarian replied, "Never end a sentence with a preposition!"

The traveller replied, "Okay. Can you tell me where the county courthouse is at,

?"