They are certainly extremely busy. I get tired talking to students about their day.

Yeah, while I’ve had a lot of these conversations, they’re all definitely emotional. That isn’t a good way to conclude anything but definitely not about a heterogeneous population of young folks. Anyway, I hope your semester ends as smoothly (and quickly) as possible.

2. I tend to think there is a discontinuity in student characteristics around 2020 which is caused by many factors some of which are obvious but probably some that aren’t.

1. There are no conclusions yet. Like DG I find students struggling with very similar exams that were easyish 5 years ago. But that’s hardly ironclad data. We profs are also living with screens, covid, and strife so it could just be age-old griping.

I teach chemistry. I’ve had this conversation with colleagues in every discipline and at a variety of universities.

Exactly. I’m 55 in my 26th year. Every such professor ever has complained about “kids today” and I don’t want to. But, man, something seems off.

That’s awesome. And terrible.

No reason for you to care what I think and it won't help much but I'm really sorry. Good luck.

Got it. There is so much to be disappointed by with Federal funding of NASA and science generally. Hard to keep track.

I think this is a fair feeling but, a) The crew was amazing. And, b) The cuts to NASA weren't because of Artemis, they were because science isn't important to Americans. We could have done Artemis AND the science (and fund NSF and NIH) if we hadn't done the Iraq War.

Yeah, as a 55 yo who has done well, I feel like a sucker. I played by the rules. I didn't cheat, I didn't lie (well, you know, much), I didn't steal.

I can't imagine how angry I'd be if I weren't doing well.

I think another reason many Americans Feel Bad About the Economy:

There is a constant barrage of information indicating to the casual observer that people who run scams and lie and refuse to play by the rules aren't just going unpunished, they're *making way more money than you are* as a result.

Not tough on crime? Sure, he gives you lots of chances but, man, you should see the punishment if you don't eventually confess.

Righteousness is a dish best served deep.

My like means agreement, no enjoyment

Also 55 and same. Got a text from my 57 yo cousin saying the same.

That's college admissions. They got the universal terrorist playbook and they're running it step by step.

Of course it is. Not saying otherwise. I'd just like the comparison. And noting that many/most who witness a TSE have a similar reaction. I'd love to discover one of the four is an eclipse chaser who was still blown away.

Do we know if any of them have witnessed a total solar eclipse from Earth? They sounded like people witnessing their first TSE.

I sort of feel like this is already how the world treats pants. Everywhere I turn, it’s “put on pants” “where are your pants” “pants pants pants”. Focus on the big stuff. Sheesh.

There is one little meadow there that would be kilometers deep in human ass.

Day of the Condor

Looks like cherry picked data, to me.

Pirate boron

This is also the first thing I’ve heard/read Weir discuss such topics. If he really wants to show no personal agenda he should be completely silent.

I love two of Weir’s books and I do like that there is very little, if any politics in them. There are definitely times that’s what I want. But the idea that all entertainment should be that (or that Trek is that) is bewildering.

I had one slip in between my legs late one night. It was interested in the ice chest I was resting a drink on. We considered one another for awhile. I don’t know it’s thoughts of me but I found its shiny coat and curious eyes charming.

Yes indeed. I did not envy my wife that experience.

I think it varies for everyone. There is no age when things change suddenly (barring acute illness/accident). But over time, most things change.

It doesn’t get worse. It gets different. The wisest course, not easy to do, is to enjoy what life offers at every stage and to (trite alert) count your blessings.