Dear IMO,

My colleague at work has a very serious drinking problem.  Although he never drinks on the job, he indulges on weekends.  I have watched him during these binges, and I cannot believe he is one in the same person.  At work, he is polite, considerate and appropriately funny.  However, after a few drinks, he acts quite hostile and often says terrible things to those around him. I have tried to approach him to discuss his drinking problem during work hours, but I cannot find the right moment to address this very serious issue.

by Dr Parley Speake
 
MAY I ASK A QUESTION?  Some of us at the Institute for the Linguistically Impaired have fantasies of publicly embarrassing Prof. Pompous Fatuous Failem, chairman of the Tautology Dept. down at Bedspring Tech, in Los Bebedors, Texas.  At one of his news conferences, I want to say, “May I ask two questions?”  After Prof. Failem says yes, I’ll reply, “Thank you.  And my second question is, how can you defend a redundancy like prerequisites?”  His reaction might be fun to watch.

It's almost time for school.  Schedules have been sent out, and last-gasp vacations are being completed by the Labor Day weekend.  The School District is sporting a newly designed web site this year, with information about the schools and the district as well as sports schedules and staff contact information.

The first day of school is Wednesday September 7.  Watch this space for school news throughout the school year.

Meanwhile, the Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO) is jumping into the school year with both feet with an informational meeting.  It will take place at the Elementary School Cafeteria on September 12 at 6:30pm.

PTSO President Cathy Nelson wrote to nominate Bobbi Wasenko as an exceptional member of the Lansing community, and we agree.

Ms. Nelson wrote, "I nominate Bobbi Wasenko because of all the work she does in the Lansing schools and community. Bobbi was president of the Lansing PTSO for 5 years, sewed amazing costumes for many of the recent MS plays, has served many years on various school Shared Decision Making Teams and other school committees, is very involved in the Lansing Library, has been a Girl Scout leader for many years, and is probably involved in many more things of which I'm not aware. She has put countless hours into our schools and community; she has more energy than I will ever find."