Not with a bang

Mark Latta

Stuff on social inquiry, public literacy, social geography, collaborative & critical pedagogy, and social semiotics. And, probably some stuff on academia.

Stuck Waiting on Moving Forward

ne On November 8, Marion County residents will vote on the Marion County Transit Plan. If passed, this plan will not only allow buses to run more frequently, but also extend operational hours, and create three rapid transit bus lines. The Transit Plan will increase our local income tax 0.25% — 25 cents for every $100 — to pay for these proposals. This is a pretty easy decision for me: Pass the Transit Plan. Vote yes. Why? Consider the hypothetical Indianapolis family of four earning the median household income that is just north of $42,000. This family uses some form of transportation, most likely a car. Currently, the average annual cost of owning and maintaining an automobile is around $9,000, or about $750/ month. The proposed IndyGo schedule changes resulting from the public transit referendum will increase bus frequency as well as extend hours of service, making it highly likely that public transit could become the primary mode of transportation for many families. If the ...

Rules for the Writing Center

I sat with and trained a new hire for our center’s front desk position today. The time spent discussing and ushering her into the function and culture of the center reminded me the first time I stepped into our writing center, an outsider looking in. I've been working on formalizing and professionalizing our training and processes this year while still maintaining a zeal for brevity. I think I've been able to draft a minimalist's set of rules for the writing center: Be kind. Be inquisitive. Be willing to do the hard work of curiosity: research. Be vigilant in listening. Be patient. Be firm and willing to redirect those people who seek to monopolize and take advantage of your time and kindness. Be consistent. Be loving. Be brave enough to critique yourself.