I even got by in a few classes without buying the books at all.

I'm so the opposite. With the exception of a couple of required classes, I took most of my classes at least partially to get the books. That's about the only way I could have gotten $500 worth of books from my parents, twice a year.

I'm still pissed at a friend for ruining my Norton's US lit book. And I'm also still slightly miffed that my Shakespeare class switched from the Riverside edition to another, less beautiful edition the semester I took it. Since I graduated in '89 I should probably let it go.

My cable reception was so bad last night I had to turn TDS halfway through. I didn't even attempt the Colbert Report. SO BEREFT AM I!

This guy who's coming on Friday had damn well better fix it. No cable and no internet makes Jess feel all stabby.

The only time I really remember having pre-course reading, we all came in asking "Now why did you have us read THAT? " cause the book made no sense in the context of the class. Turns out it shared a similar title to the intended book and the prof had ordered the wrong one at the bookstore.

See, that would make me stab someone, I think.

Jess, The Colbert Report was a rerun, if that makes you feel any better.

My first year of university, there were people who had the first month of readings done for our program (it was a great books thingy). I was like, "Are you kidding me?" and "There was a list?"

Hi Nilly, if you are still around. You have been in my thoughts more than usual today with our news dominated with the illness of Prime Minister Sharon. Best wishes for his recovery. This stroke complicates an always delicate balance of power. My most hopeful thoughts and prayers for you and yours.

Hi all! I'm very skippy due to work pressure. Blah, I'd rather play here.

My cable reception was so bad last night I had to turn TDS halfway through.

Oddly TDS was unwatchable for me too. The other channels were fine. It was a sign I should go to sleep, which I did. I hope to be able to catch today's repeat.

Kat, both of those look fascinating.

Don Quixote

I've recently read an article about the first Hebrew translation of this book, and how the translator used the language in order to completely change the way the book is being read and the characters are perceived. The new translation (from a couple of years ago) doesn't diverge so much from the original.

maybe it's a fuzzyheaded humanities thing?

It certainly makes more sense in light of that (also, "fuzzyheaded" is a very cute word).

My brother, who is in the army, takes "open university" courses in philosophy. It means that he has to do lots of reading on his own, there are very few actual classes during the semester (4 or so - that's why they let soldiers take classes there, since they don't have to be sent home for them on a regular basis), and he mails (or e-mails) the papers. They offer more scientific courses too, so it can't be just a fuzzyheaded humanities thing in this case.

And even now? All of our laundry? Washed and folded, and put away. It's a modern day miracle.

Oh, that's lovely. I guess it makes her feel more comfortable about staying with you, too.

Did you end up enjoying that course

I had a wonderful time, learned so much, and even got enough courage to tackle other texts on my own, because the class gave me the confidence that I can understand them. I mean, a couple of weeks ago I was sutting with a friend who is in law school, she was reading something for a paper, in English, and it was difficult for her. I read it with her, even though I have absolutely no idea in law, definitely not in English, and I had the confidence I can understand those pages thanks to that class. If I had more time this year, I'd take classes of that (wonderful) professor in another university (I already took everything he teaches here). Maybe next year. I've finished all the classes I have to take for my degree, so this year I'm classes-free. Geekily enough, I miss having them.

Oddly TDS was unwatchable for me too.

Weird. I know it wasn't entirely Comedy Central's fault on mine though, because I've been having cable/internet reception issues since Friday. Last night was the worst yet.

Thanks, Laura.

our news dominated with the illness of Prime Minister Sharon

Oh, it dominates your news, as well?

Around a couple of weeks ago he had a minor stroke - did that get into the news cycle there? He was supposed to undergo surgery today, when he suddenly collapsed last night, and, well, you know the rest.

Anyone know why TDS came back mid-week but Colbert isn't new until Monday? Tuesday I could see, but Weds. just seems odd to me.

Not that he didn't have a lot to talk about. Maybe he just couldn't wait what with wire-tapping and Abrahamoff on deck.