Candy stores and card shops are filled today with procrastinators fervently seeking the right message ââ¬â one that captures the exact, idiosyncratic nature of their bond. They sort through missives so sweet as to be appropriate only for the married-or-nearly-so and cards that cynically suggest the sender is halfway out the door in a vain search for middle ground. Eventually, many will sigh with relief when they find that too-rare valentine devoid of verbiage.
Best wishes and good luck to all on this special day dedicated to the purpose of defining our romantic relationships. Iââ¬â¢ve been a tad critical of V Day in the past. But it may be healthy, in this ambivalent era, to have an external impetus to consider how, exactly, we feel about those with whom we laugh, argue, kiss, cook, cuddle and romp.
To those who still drop by here from time to time, I’d like to announce that I am going to take a leave of absence from my PhD program this year, and that I have accepted the position of Director of Educational Programs at the Institute for Humane Studies. IHS seems very serious about letting me manage several smart people and a substantial budget. I’ll also get to help set the intellectual agenda for its various educational programs. I’m looking forward to the challenge, and to being in The District again! Sadly, this means I must leave Cato as an employee, though I’m hoping to remain affiliated in an adjunct capacity. I am making the switch at the end of February.
Oh, and I am rather hoping that taking time off from school will enable me to blog! Only time will tell, but it may make sense to check in here in March.