habitually probing generalist

Check out Jessamyn’s post loan forgiveness, the librarian shortage and Laura Bush. We certainly do live in interesting times people.  ALA’s announcement claims up to 40% of Perkins loans (in certain circumstances) can be forgiven.  The other 2 articles she appended don’t specify which loans qualify, only that up to $5000 can be forgiven after [...]

[Read more →]

I recommend that you read this excellent, and balanced, article, "The Myth of the Neutral Professional" by Robert Jensen, at Progressive Librarian Iss. 24, Winter 2004. Argues, correctly, that there is no privileged place from which to stand with a claim of neutrality. In any situation, there exists a distribution of power. Overtly endorsing or [...]

[Read more →]

Diversionary tactics? With all this thinking lately about blogging in academia, and its possible negative impact on the job search, I realized that I can always just start a diversion when the time comes. I don’t know about other schools, but we have electronic bulletin boards here at UIUC.  Considering how many employers and search [...]

[Read more →]

This is an update to my Research assumptions? post and is in reply to a comment from Lisle: Thanks, Lisle, for believing that I’m not an idiot.  I would also like to say that I’m not naive.  But, of course I am, at least about some things.  I don’t believe this is one of them [...]

[Read more →]

think of me what you will i’ve got a little space to fill so let’s get to the point…. Tom Petty. "You Don’t Know How It Feels." Wildflowers. I’m not really happy with much of this, but it is well past time to get it out.   Besides, the thought, for me anyway, is that others [...]

[Read more →]

This is going to be one of those posts that the Chronicle dreads so much—the useless drivel of my life. It’s a shame too, as I had intended to respond to Lisle’s comment on my "Research assumptions?" post, and hopefully get my post on the Chronicle’s blogging article finally finished and posted.  They may have [...]

[Read more →]

I need a little help.  Yes, I could just email the author of the article and ask, but I thought maybe the 2 or so friends and acquaintances that read this might be able to help me not make myself look too stupid if in fact I am just being stupid. I got my College [...]

[Read more →]

Just got my current (Vol. XLIX, Iss. 2 [pdf]) Army Echoes: The Bulletin for the Retired Soldier in the mail today. Seems the Army’s Recruiting Command needs a little assistance.  See pg. 5 for "Recruiting command asks for your help," written by no less than the Commanding General, U.S. Army Recruiting Command himself. I know [...]

[Read more →]

I found this opinion piece from the LA Times a little late, but then reasoned thoughts on the true meaning of patriotism are always timely. The specter of a passive citizenry surrendering its rights is sadly pertinent — as is the danger of not distinguishing between patriotism and nationalism. Patriotism, in the tradition outlined by [...]

[Read more →]

Scientific American: Psyching Out Evolutionary Psychology: Interview with David J. BullerThis philosopher of science rejects claims of a universal human nature If you have any interest in Evolutionary Psychology, pro or con, you should check out this article in SciAm, or the interviewee’s new book.  I know I will be getting the book. David Buller.  [...]

[Read more →]