Let me introduce more characters from the cast of dozens comprising the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. First, we have the professor who teaches the Electronic Devices class, Dr. ED for short. Doesn't that sound friendly? He's a great teacher too. And then we have Skipper, one of my favorite classmates. He's very intelligent; even when he does come to class he doesn't take notes. What I really like about him is that he's generally good natured and has a pleasant attitude, i.e. he's not a whiner. The only complaint I've ever heard him make is about those professors who give quizzes at inconsistent times: "Sometimes she gives them at the beginning of class, sometimes at the end, so I don't know when to show up. I wish she'd stick with a system!"
This morning in Devices, Dr. ED is lecturing away, slinging formulas up on the board in his inimitable and highly organized fashion. Most of us are busy writing them all down so we'll be able to transfer them to our formula sheets for the quiz next week. Even Skipper's in class today.
Skipper has a question. "Shouldn't there be a VB on the left side of that equation?"
Dr. ED pauses and turns to face us. His answer is brief. "No."
"But, isn't—"
"No. We went over this last Tuesday. You weren't here." Dr. ED never gets fussy when we correct his formulas, but now he's speaking very neutrally, eyebrows slightly raised, and not smiling.
"Uh—but?"
We all turn to look at Skipper. Eyes wide and perfectly round, he's a rabbit transfixed by a pair of figurative headlights. A collective "ooooh" rises from the class.
"I clarified this before. You weren't here," repeats Dr. ED, but now I'm thinking his new nickname is Dr. Iron Fist/Velvet Glove.
"…" Skipper wilts.
Dr. Iron Fist/Velvet Glove turns to the board and continues his lecture.
316 words | April 8, 2004 08:43 PM | Ivory tower