Hello from the corner of my favorite chocolate shop,

I have been away from blogging for a while at the recommendation of a colleague as I worked through the tenure process because it was noted that I was too honest about things. Well, much like the parallel to the concept of academic freedom, I have decided to write again. It is sad that I allowed some (and not my colleague who is kind and considerate and hence her advice) who have neither morals or honesty to control what I do. That is another one of those growing experiences that seem to come again and again.

I have decided that I find politics infinitely interesting, but the unethical application of power particularly aggravates me. The big news in the last 5 months is that I have been offered a new position at another university. Actually the last time I blogged here I had interviewed with two faculy people from that university. The past year has been a very good experience for me; I have learned how to take feedback and see how to employ that feedback in a very positive and effective manner. I think I have always done that, but for the first time I did it because it was the best way to learn. In other words for learning’s sake.

Another interesting parallel in that experience is how similar it is to what I tell my students. If you just do the work and work to learn and improve the grade will usually take care of itself. However, I know at times there is an exception to the usually. I have experienced that exception at significant times in my life. It merely demonstrates the reality of the fact that as I told one of the iniquitous philosophers I know that I am not a consequentialist. I have learned I am much more of a deontologist. I remember thinking the politics of the church were perhaps the most insidious I had ever experienced. I might have found a place that surpasses that. I certainly do not say that with any sense of joy, and, in fact, it is with some sadness.

To live in Menomonie for six years is the longest I have lived in one place since I graduated from high school. I really like Menomonie; it is one of the best small town secrets in the country. There are so many positive things, and little amenities that most here take for granted. We have a very funny mayor and a city council that genuinely cares for the community and wants it to be a good place to live. Likewise, people here take care of their property and demonstrate a great sense of pride in their houses, their lawns, and I think in their lives. I am not sure if it is that strong German industriousness or something else, but the result is fabulous.

However, the move to the East is not unfamiliar to me. Twenty-one years ago, I was living about 60 miles from where I live now and I am moving back to 60 miles from where I lived there. Another parallel. I need to think about the concept of parallelism. I address that in my classes all the time as far as its relationship to grammar, but what about when it is part of our lives?? H-m-m-m-m-m-m.

Well, the next couple weeks, it is finishing up a semester and doing all the grading. I am back to writing and I will try to check in next week. The picture of the car is what I rented in California during the spring break and what I hope to purchase next. It would allow me to trailer the Harley.

Thanks for reading!

Michael