Various Matters The first drill of OCS Phase II was last weekend. As expected, the training staff stand back and allow the candidates to plan and execute the missions, and the work between drills is significant. We have to write personal essays for publication in the Connecticut Guardian. There will be committees to plan class functions, dues to pay each month, and every other month a two-hour-plus drive to Camp Smith. My individual, assigned duties will require me to show up early. I am so unmotivated! On the lighter note of education, registration matters have been resolved and my schedule is set for the fall. I am looking forward to learning and continued academic excellence. In my online search for education resources, I learned about University of the People, a tuition-free, online university. It is new and currently not accredited, but is preparing to apply for accreditation. It offers only two degree paths (business administration and computer science) and does not accept transfer credit (which means that you must start from the beginning). However, it has five two-month terms each year and the materials for each course are all online (no more buying books!). I sent in the paper forms that they required for application and hope to begin study in their computer science program in November. I figure a second B.S. degree will be helpful, and by the time I finish the program the university will be accredited. I really think that University of the People can change the educational landscape; I'm sure many interested parties are watching its development very closely. I've increased my mileage and incorporated speed work in my runs. The next run I plan on doing is the Artistry in Motion 10K on September 11. I've never run a 10K before, and I fully expect to run it slower than my most recent 5K pace. Book List: A3 A3: The Theory Toolbox, by Jeffrey Nealon and Susan Searls Giroux If you enjoy thinking about metaphysical matters, this book is for you. This thin book of about two-hundred pages should be a quick read, but you will constantly stop to think about what you are reading. For such theoretical and diverse material, the language is surprisingly accessible. "Working Questions" are interspersed throughout the reading and suggestions for further reading are provided at the end of each chapter. This is an excellent book for self-learners, and among the books on this list I would recommend reading this one early.