Author Archives: admin

Focus on Focusing

Like most poets, Robert Hass advises us to be wary of the “steady thoughtlessness / of human use.” For Hass, this admonition turns into praise for those who cook beloved, time-consuming recipies, or leave thoughtful notes of thanks to the … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Ethics | Leave a comment

Happy Thanksgiving

MSMS faculty do their best not to weigh students down with heavy assignments over Thanksgiving break. Just so I know you’re still using your critical faculties, let me know something about the art you see while you’re away from campus. … Continue reading

Posted in Arts | 2 Comments

And the Winner Was/Will Be?

Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley and Gov. Tate Reeves squared off in a debate last night. I know most of you aren’t yet old enough to vote, but I encourage you to watch it. Who won the debate? Which candidate … Continue reading

Posted in Politics | 5 Comments

My Tank is Empty Blog

It has been two weeks since I last posted. Several of you have asked for new opportunities to blog, but I’m drawing blanks. I have no idea what y’all are willing to argue about right now. Leave me some ideas–ideas … Continue reading

Posted in MSMS Stuff | 8 Comments

Science vs. Pseudoscience vs. Religion

Last April, a parent group sued the state over vaccination requirements for school-aged children on the grounds that it violated their First Amendment rights. Last week, data showed that that chicken (pox) had come home to roost: the Mississippi Department … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Ethics, Politics | 5 Comments

Burning Down the House

Politics has often been called the art of compromise. However, far right legislators in the House and the Senate have decided that ideology matters more than anything else. Sen. Tommy Tuberville has blocked military promotions because he does not want … Continue reading

Posted in National Politics | 6 Comments

At What Price Victory?

As a teenager, DeSanto Rollins dreamed of playing SEC football and parlaying his experience into a career in the NFL. Then injuries piled up, his in-game speed slowed down, and he found himself on the scout team at Ole Miss. … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Sports | 9 Comments

Time and Money

Last week, the New York Times ran an opinion piece on the increasing number of students your age who do not see college as a necessary investment. This seems particularly true for students and families whose political orientation lies to … Continue reading

Posted in Education | 17 Comments

The Thrill of Victory

As the father of a Division I football player, I know how much time it takes student-athletes to prepare their bodies to excel at the sports they play. Strength and conditioning, practice, and film review take at least 20 hours … Continue reading

Posted in MSMS Stuff, Sports | 18 Comments

Absurdum est reductionem

West Virginia University’s announcement last week that it planned to eliminate its world languages department, as well as its fiction writing program and other humanities disciplines, sent shock waves through liberal arts departments across the country. The university’s president, Dr. … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Politics | 11 Comments