1. GENSLER'S "AVENGER OF BLOOD." Not long ago, the Lariat ran a little story about Saddleback College econ instructor--and former IVC dean--Howard Gensler. Weeks later, I thought of Howard again, cuz I was cleaning out my office (see story 2 below), and I came across some images taken from one of his books, to which, intriguingly, the Lariat reporter had alluded. This particular book--an "epic poem"--is called The Avenger of Blood. I thought I'd share some of these images. Here's the book's cover:
I seem to recall that a High School colleague did the artwork. Here's a typical illustration from the book:
And here's the page that explains about Howard:
That Howard is something else, isn't he? You oughta actually read the poem. It is everything you might hope it would be. More even. (More on Howard)
2. THE HEARTBREAK OF CARPET-LAYING. In the last week--the work's progressing in stages, and it's not quite done--faculty at IVC have experienced the heartbreak of carpet-laying. You know: packing your stuff into boxes and so on and then waiting anxiously while strangers take your stuff out and put your stuff back. It's traumatic, baby.
There sure is a lot of carping about this project, but it seems that, once the job gets done, instructors are generally pretty happy with the results.
I'm told that Tony Sidoti, Senior Groundskeeper, has been especially helpful. Thanks Tony!!
See? We say positive things here at Dissent the Blog!
Here are some pics.
This instructor was concerned that her "butt crack" would show in the picture. Nope.
Those zany Bio people were leavin' all sorts of corpses and bones and stuff in the hallway. It was pretty festive. Dave showed me a human spine and "dedicated" it to me.
Never say we don't have fun at Irvine Valley College. Every day is a veritable party! A celebration! Breath deep the gathering mold!
Glenn said he'd buy pizza, but I think he welched on the deal.
3. JOHN WILLIAMS SPENDS TAXPAYER MONEY LIKE A DRUNKEN SAILOR. Since I'm writing all these fluffy human (or synthetic fiber) interest stories, I thought I'd mention the fluffy fact that Trustee John "Stay Puft" Williams spends lots of taxpayer money on junkets, just as Nancy claimed back in January.Nancy asked for a staff report on such expenses, and, at the February board meeting, trustees received it. It's called "travel by board of trustees and executive administrators." Here are some highlights:
During 2005, Williams spent over $10,000 on trips, including two in Orlando, FL (likely at the Peabody Orlando--very pricey). Most trustees spent 2k or less, which seems reasonable.
I do believe the fellow's already been to Orlando again this year! Nancy has explained that there are similar conventions held in California, but will Johnny go to those? He will not. Somehow, for "Brownie," the really worthwhile conferences keep happening in Orlando.
Here's how much the other trustees (and senior administrators) spent. With the exception of Raghu, generally, these people spend far less than Williams.
Marcia M: $2,600
Nancy P: $1,900
Dave L spent about $740
Evidently, Tom F & Don W spent zip. Good for them.
Raghu spent $7,594
Gary P spent about $2,000
Allan M spent about $5,000
Rich M spent less than $600
Glenn R spent $1,362
and Dennis W and Gwen V each spent less than $2,400
During the last board meeting, Nancy P requested another report: travel expenditures over the last 5 years. But John, Tom, Don, and Dave shot that down.
Wonder why?
One more thing. Could somebody explain to me how you spend this kind of money goin' down to San Diego (see above). I mean, San Diego is a ninety minute drive from here (even less from John's house). So this money has got to be hotel costs, right? Where the hell does this guy stay?
8 comments:
HEY!
Isn't that the same John Williams who holds the office of OC's Public Administrator and oversees citizen's estates????
You'd think they would disbar Gensler on the basis of the artwork let alone the prose style.
Who hired him again? what does he teach?
Howard was hired by Raghu Mathur, then President of IVC. He was hired by the same fellow who hired Rodney Poindexter, who was escsorted off campus by cops after he wacked out and menaced secretaries and such.
At the time of the latter incident, Mathur had contrived, through the very maleable student president, to honor Poindexter as the "administrator of the year."
You can't make this stuff up.
But how and why is Gensler still employed by the district? I mean, if I tried to sell off my workpplace to some high-faluting developer to build pie-in-the-sky prjects, well, you know...
The whole thing (about Gensler) is shrouded in mystery, it seems.
Could be that Gensler had "retreat rights," that is, the right to "retreat into the classroom" upon losing his administrative gig.
The real mystery is the process by which he gained tenure. Is anybody paying attention down there? How on earth could you want Howard in your division?
Well, he does write POETRY and he has an eye for ART.
John Williams obviously requires a higher level of comfort than the rest of us. He's way better than us and you better get used to it. Everybody can see that except you. We're lucky to ahve such a fine public offical serving the district and the rest of the OC.
So he likes to take taxpayer money and sleep under 800 thread count sheets handmade in Egypt in resort hotels while the little college in the orange groves splinters into moldy decay...
Big deal.
Me, I like the contrast between the boxes in the hallway, the snow globes and the stained furniture -- and the glorious Peabody Orlando Hotel. It makes me feel all warm and squishy insaide.
Maybe John will take some of us on his next junket there.
I think it would unethical not to do so.
Post a Comment