By Sheldon The world of intelligence and intelligence analysis is very different from that of the usual scholar or knowledge worker, with the possible exception of the investigative journalist. The difference is that the intel professional has to work with … Continue reading
Well, the unthinkable has happened. The most powerful and sophisticated Intelligence apparatus in the history of the Second Oldest Profession has fallen into the hands of a President-elect known for a vindictive streak a mile wide, and who is considered … Continue reading
By Sheldon Indulge me, if you will, in a thought experiment. Let’s suppose that I’m running for President of the United States, and that I really, really want to win. Further, let’s suppose that I have an opportunity no candidate … Continue reading
By Sheldon The title of this post is not meant as a rhetorical or even an ironic question. The accreditation process that ensures the quality of schools, colleges, and universities is a vital part of our educational system. As someone … Continue reading
By Sheldon Recently I finally got around to reading Thomas Cahill’s delightful book How the Irish Saved Civilization, which, I should point out, does not actually address that compelling title until well past the halfway point in the book. But no … Continue reading
By Sheldon Photos by the author There is a stretch of coastline between Newport and Lincoln City that was a popular destination for our family while I was growing up, visits I agitated for relentlessly to feed my passionate interest in marine biology, … Continue reading
There is an enduring appeal about the end of the world, especially if we can watch it happening to someone else. Movies that dwell on an apocalyptic or post-apocalyptic theme are even more the rage than usual, but in the … Continue reading
Lately I had the good fortune to hear from an old friend of mine, Richard “RJ” Jergenson, who, along with his brother Phil is one of the pioneers of the grid beam construction and prototyping system. I’ve written about this … Continue reading
By Sheldon A cluster of articles on higher education has prompted some reflections on higher ed in America, where it’s going, where it’s been, and what may become of it. The first is from May of last year, a piece … Continue reading
What follows is a document that I hope to publish as a short booklet. The purpose is to suggest making the institution of a “Scholar-in-Residence” a regular part of church parish life. Although this document is targeted at an ecclesiastical … Continue reading