Merging Russian and German is like mixing apples and oranges

I cannot believe the complete absence of logic involved in the idea to merge German with Russian and Slavic studies. There is a reason why it is Russian and Slavic studies ÷ there is a connection between the language and history of the Russians and other Slavic peoples. There is no subsequent connection between Russian and German. Their languages are such that the word for "German" in Russian translates into "deaf-mute" due to their fundamental differences. [Read article]

Many let out a sigh of relief on Wednesday in response to the latest developments in defining Focused Excellence. Others were left scratching their heads. The scheme was billed since September as a major overhaul for the university, but this week's announcement lacks the luster of the plan's original mission.

Aside from a few bold suggestions, Financial Bulletins No. 21 and 22 are a letdown. It is hard to see how these initial proposals will make the UA the elite institution our leaders envision. It's also still unclear whether or not these changes will have a huge financial impact on the university. [Read article]

The year is 1989. Let us Harken, oops I mean, hearken back to the days of yore when a strapping George W. Bush was still a political Shrubling and the head Bush in charge went by the name of George Herbert Walker Bush. A time of change. The Berlin Wall was crumbling. The mullet was still somewhat fashionable. "Rain Man" would win the Academy Award for Best Picture. The execrable "Death To Smoochy" was but an intermittent gleam of the future still years away from scarring millions of film watchers for life. Yes. 1989. The year of · [Read article]

In the wake of Arizona's staggering deficit and its own $16.6 million shortfall, the UA has announced its intention to become a "research powerhouse," consolidating and streamlining programs while raising admissions standards and tuitions. While highly controversial, there can be little doubt that the recent swarm of "Focused Excellence" initiatives moves us a long way toward President Likins's goal of a leaner, meaner university. [Read article]