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“People are envisioning this type of thing not just for protecting military aircraft but commercial as well. We are a long way from that, but some prototypes are out there.” Tom Boggess, chair of physics and astronomy, offering a glimpse of future technology that may protect aircraft with lasers that blind heat-seeking missiles’ detection systems (Des Moines Register, Nov. 14).

“Reading, and reading well, is the single most important skill that a young student should acquire. It’s important for all of us to demonstrate that reading should be an important part of our lives.” Bob Bowlsby, athletics director, helping young people learn the value of literature by participating in Iowa City’s Partners in Reading Program (Iowa City Press-Citizen, Nov. 15).

“A lot of people want to see September 11 as a big call to arms for students. But since then, nobody’s been knocking down my door.” Steve Kelly, assistant professor of military science, observing that any expected rise in enrollment in Iowa’s Reserve Officer Training Corps has not actually materialized (Chronicle of Higher Education, Nov. 16).

“Look for a place that feels comfortable to visit, where the residents are engaged in activities, and there’s positive interaction between the staff and residents.” Geri Hall, associate professor (clinical) of nursing administration, advising those faced with the difficult decision whether or not to enter their parents into a nursing home (USA Weekend, Nov. 18).

“Galileo smelled the volcano’s strong breath and survived.” Louis Frank, professor of physics and astronomy, celebrating the wealth of images and particle samples collected by the space probe Galileo as it passed Jupiter’s moon Io, the most volcanically active world in our solar system (Los Angeles Times, Nov. 19).

“Historically, we don’t get a lot of home-schooled students.” Michael Barron, director of admissions, noting that the growing trend toward home schooling results in applicants who are often well prepared but difficult to evaluate because they have no class rankings, grade-point averages, or official transcripts (Iowa City Press-Citizen, Nov. 19).

“I’m a consumer too, and even I find it very confusing.” John Weiler, professor of internal medicine, warning of newly-discovered ways in which some prescription drugs can seriously impair driving ability without causing noticeable drowsiness (CNN.com, Nov. 20).

“They’re romantic, not about what Indians are, but what Indians were.” Larry Zimmerman, visiting professor of American Indian and native studies, reflecting upon the 2000 Census, in which thousands of Iowans proclaimed themselves as partly or solely American Indians (Des Moines Register, Nov. 26).

“We in education have a responsibility to try to help society understand that in educational sport, winning is not the most important thing and losing is never failure. We can teach society that. I truly believe that, but we’ve got to believe it ourselves.” Christine Grant, former women’s athletics director, going not gentle into the good night of retirement (Christian Science Monitor, Nov. 30).