Do you feel that academia is crushing your soul? Do you cry out for help but nobody listens?

Wow, that sucks. Sorry, all I've got is a top ten list. Hope things get better.

There exists a field of study at universities called Leisure Science. Now, don’t get me wrong. All knowledge has intrinsic value. Knowing more about anything, no matter how mundane or trivial, is good. Having said that, give me a frickin’ break. Leisure science? (I see that it is sometimes called “leisure studies.” I guess that’s for students who don’t like math.) I haven’t taken a moment to look at this in detail, mainly because I might find that it is a legitimate field of study and that would make it less humorous.

This answers a number of questions I was wondering about. Ten of them, to be exact.

Top Ten questions about leisure science

10. When will we know that it won’t be long before “web surfing” becomes a college major?
9. How do you take a break when you are studying leisure science?
8. What do pro athletes major in when they are at college?
7. How can a student get financial aid to pay for a Nerf Super Soaker?
6. Can I get paid to figure out why people like to have fun rather than work hard?
5. Is there a way to take something fun and relaxing and graph it?
4. If laboratory scientists wear a lab coat, do leisure scientists wear a leisure suit?
3. Do we need any more evidence that there is a higher education bubble?
2. Would it be bad if you said that leisure science doesn't attract serious students?
1. How embarrassing is it when somebody asks, “Oh, you’re a scientist. Do you work at NASA?” and you respond, “No, Six Flags.”

One Online Presence for My Personal Life, One for my Professional, One For These Pretentious Glasses, And One For the Worst Looking Beard in America.

Academics and Colleges Split Their Personalities for Social Media

By Jeffrey R. Young

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Christian Brady, an associate professor of classics and dean of the Schreyer Honors College at Pennsylvania State University, has created two Twitter accounts, one for personal comments and research (@targuman), and the other for his role as dean (@shcdean).

@targuman: Modern catechism? "Wireless as a common good."	@shcdean: If you are an SHC student or alumnus in the DC area this summer can you let me know? I would like to get a dinner together in mid June.
@targuman:David Letterman is the best and most underrated interviewer on TV. Interviewing the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.	@shcdean: I want to assure you all that the new, gorgeous softball stadium Beard Field is named after a wonderful PSU supporter and not my chin hairs.
@targuman:Currently listening to the gutters finally being repaired (fell off in January!). Every clunk and thud makes me think $$.	@shcdean: Students: assuming funding, why wouldn't you want to study abroad for a full year? Admits are telling me you are afraid to disconnect.

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 Many professors and higher-education leaders are struggling to strike a balance between their personal and professional lives when using online social media, a realm that encourages widespread sharing of thoughts and opinions. Often that means creating multiple accounts, one for each of the hats they wear. Some professors use Facebook with friends and family, reserving Twitter for professional observations, or vice versa. Professors now have what amount to "daily me" networks online, with many outlets.

FULL ARTICLE