More lab cleaning adventures. Found a treated fire blanket that expired in 1996. A new in box pH meter that was ordered in 2012. And the best thing so far: several laser discs. When was the last time anyone saw or heard of such an ancient artifact?

Also, the lab space I've inherited is a disaster. It's been neglected for over a decade or more. Microbiology media that was manufactured in the 80s, equipment manuals left from the 70s, clear solutions with no label or date, no logs or other records.

Scientists are some of the worst hoarders.

One challenge of being faculty at a rural community college is shouldering so many different responsibilities. I have to prep lab materials on a Saturday. A perk is using the projector in the lab to watch all sorts of trashy tv at full volume with nobody else in the building while doing said prep.

The things you see on campus when your state repeals gun free zones.

How much "institutional service" is reasonably expected at a small 2-year college? I worry that I am about to be overwhelmed this semester. Already overloaded with course credit and current list of expectations or commitments is as follows in reply:

Personal thoughts.

Community colleges are underrated.

I took a FT, TT bio faculty position at a small rural CC (red city, red state) 1.5yr ago. Is it perfect? No. Yet, I like the chance to "live the dream" and explore a newfound passion for education and community involvement.

Is it common for faculty to receive emails from textbook publishers seeking reviewers for textbook chapters? I received an email offering an honorarium for reviewing about four chapters in a non-major text. Has anyone done this? Is there anything I need to be aware of?