A Few Good Thoughts

Well, at least a few thoughts.

1. All of the propositions have been defeated by the voters of the State of California. Beyond putting a stop to the govern by the initiative policy of the governor, I have a feeling this might be a sign that more and more Californians are by default voting "No" on any proposition unless it is absolutely essential or good or something else.

2. A reader asked me if I could use the blog to facilitate the exchange of outlines, class notes, etc. I'm open to this, however I'm just drawing a blank about how best to implement it. If anyone has any ideas, I'm all ears.

3. I just heard this morning about the suicide attempt off Simon. Anyone have any dish about this? I see the Daily Cal is silent (now there's a shock).

UPDATE: I did a bit more digging and asking around and here is what I've learned about the incident. Someone was sitting on the roof of Simon and screaming. There was one Police car only initially. Some people from the frats across the street rushed over their mattresses. Some brought out a chair (for what purpose no one knows). To the best of anyone's knowledge the jumper was not a student. At some point the person began to yell very loudly as they were pulled back away from the edge by unknown person(s). At some point Berkeley Fire responded, but unclear whether they responded before or after they were secured.

4. Just saw the Dean's e-mail regarding the town hall meeting today at 3. He writes:

After the last Town Hall meeting, I saw a blog comment from a student declaring that it was "worse than a waste of time", principally because the focus was on things too far in the future for current students to experience. Well, that assessment was both inaccurate as to timing, but also alarming in its sentiment. If Boalt students care only about what happens to Boalt during their three years here, with no more loyalty to the institution than one expects of a Wal-Mart customer, then the institution will die. Quickly. We depend on alumni for an increasing portion of the resources needed to sustain and build Boalt. Without generous and growing support from today's alumni, we will have fewer new faculty, no renovated classrooms or new building, and limited growth in financial aid. When I address students, I am mindful that you are the campus community for three years, but the Boalt family for the rest of your lives.

He's right. I will do my best to be there to liveblog again, but the afternoon nap will be tempting.