Do you feel that you are apologizing for having an illness?

Dr. Grimsley:Like you, I am bipolar, but unlike you, the disease has been extremely detrimental to my life as an employee. I was a very good student, have very good credentials, and have followed my therapeutic instructions very closely. I feel that revealing the illness to a potential or actual employer puts me in the category of someone who is misunderstood and considered “loony", and that failing to reveal it puts me in the the category of someone who is recognized as being aberrant. (The most common reason attributed to my behavior is seemingly drugs, especially cocaine and marijuana) I don’t like feeling that I"m constantly apologizing for myself, and yet I feel that I am going to be stigmatized regardless of my disclosure or non-disclosure. I want to feel that I’ve triumphed over the disease and yet, as I enter my 42nd year, I am unemployed, with two seemingly useless graduate degrees. I don’t know if I’m even making this clear but how do you respond to what I’m saying? Can I feel that I’m a successful bipolar, or can I take steps to make myself feel that I’m supporting myself and not wasting a very good education? By the way, my condition has seemingly helped my job performance with my patrons when I have obtained work in my field, which is as an Academic Librarian—my verbal ability, memory, and talkative nature seem to improve my performance. What are your thoughts about this?

Scott

Scott, at 8:10 am EST on February 24, 2008

Thank you, Dr. Grimsley

I also work at a university, but as a staff member and not as a faculty member. I congratulate you, Dr. Grimsley, for talking openly with your colleagues and supervisors about bipolar disorder. I believe that by doing this, we are slowly eroding the stigma, even if it is a daunting emotional task. I am a professional with a great job and a wonderful boss. Most of my colleagues know I am bipolar and my boss does as well. I am a very high-functioning employee and I find that people, including my boss, the dean of the school I work at it, are extremely supportive. Too often we read about bipolar people in the crime section of the newspaper. Instead, the people that we touch (and we would be surprised if we knew how many) realize that bipolar disorder is suffered by many “normal” people who are trying their hardest to contribute to society. Best wishes to you and good luck.

Carin, at 5:15 pm EDT on April 21, 2008

Thanks

I think it is so screwed up that your colleagues said your illness was “inappropriate” yet so many people, especially doctors and professors get fired for having a depressive episode or manic episode. That convalutedness scares me because I was diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder and am 23 and do not have a stable enough job or enough power to tell even an even coworker about my disorder.

Jim, Thanks, at 2:40 pm EDT on May 2, 2008

Replies

There have been a number of comments posted since my last look on this discussion thread. I’ll try to respond to each of them:

Scott and C: My impression is that, in order to receive protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other relevant laws, one must disclose the illness to an employer. The legal aspects of this are something I wish I knew more about, though, and I’m not sure I’m in a position to offer good counsel about it. I *would* suggest documenting all relevant interactions with an employer or on the job. For instance, if the social equity officer at C’s institution is documenting C’s performance on the job, C ought to be maintaining detailed documentation, too. I’d also suggest talking to the dean, dept. chair, and human resources about obtaining reasonable accommodation for the disorder. It seems to me that this would be an instance in which an attorney who specializes in employment law would be helpful, though you might keep the attorney in the background, so to speak: an adviser to you but not an advocate in direct contact with the institution. To do otherwise might bring the institution’s legal affairs office into the picture and polarize the situation.

Carin: I think you were wise to register with Disability Support Services. I’ve found that many students think of “disability” only in terms of a learning or physical disability, and thereby completely overlook the course you’ve taken.

Jim: Except in a very few instances, I’ve never had anyone say, is so many words, anything negative about my having bipolar disorder or disclosing the fact of having it. As I indicate in the article, these appraisals are occasionally articulated in more subtle ways. *However*, as the article also notes, many people have been supportive of me, and I hope this is something you won’t overlook. There are many good people out there who are more than willing to help if given a chance.

Phil — Most people I know do take their medications conscientiously, so I’m not at all exceptional in that regard. However, medical non-compliance is still a significant issue with some people, and I’m sorry your family member has chosen that path.

One last item: I’ve always made a point of saying, “I have bipolar disorder” rather than “I am bipolar.” The latter formulation makes it sound as if it’s fundamental to who I am, rather than simply an illness to be dealt with. The distinction may or may not be helpful to others, but I’ve found it’s been helpful to me.

Mark Grimsley, Associate Professor of History at Ohio State University, at 1:35 pm EDT on May 3, 2008

Mike —

— it sounds a bit as if both of you were feeling misunderstood. You were experiencing symptoms that, in turn, made you feel as if your professor and fellow students were behaving negatively toward you. You approached your professor about this; it sounds as if he was not aware of any such negative dynamic. That sometimes happens: Just because my words and actions have an impact on someone, doesn’t mean I intend them to have that impact. And vice versa: just because I don’t intend to create a certain impact, there may be an impact nonetheless.

It sounds as if the professor was trying to be reassuring — that people with bipolar disorder could lead happy and productive lives, which in itself is true enough — while overlooking the actual concerns that brought you to him; i.e., a sense that your symptoms were producing a negative response from him and your fellow students.

Sometimes even people well grounded in psychology can be taken off guard and aren’t able to help in the way one would expect — in this case to focus on your feelings and perceptions, which I think is the conversation you would have preferred. For that reason, sometimes a person in your situation has to be very clear about what is wanted and needed from the conversation. But it was *not* inappropriate for you to share your concerns with him.

Mark Grimsley, Associate Professor of History at Ohio State University, at 6:45 am EDT on May 7, 2008

faculty v. students

Strangely, it seems that the author, despite his illness and administrative challenges was never escorted off campus the way students are if they admit to anything approaching dangerous behavior. I wonder where all the assistant deans are now.

I am going to do you all a favor and not tell you my views on whether he should have told people about his problems. But, I think we can all see that faculty is treated with a lot more respect than students

Larry, at 5:45 am EDT on September 26, 2006

Thank you for this moving and timely article. Those who work in the mental health field sometimes (often) despair of the ground-in stigma against persons with mental illness, which, as you clearly show, is not limited to those who are uneducated. Even physicians have been known (frequently, I’m sad to say) to treat physical illness differently in persons who are or are not diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. (It’s all in your head, etc.)

marya, at 7:05 am EDT on September 26, 2006

How slippery, the slope?

I’m glad the author has such understanding superiors. As well as all the other special classes in academia, too numerous to name.

And what is going to happen, when average, regular schlubs who have to pay full-price for higher-ed decide that they should be a special class? Will the entire system collapse? And what about the 75% of the U.S. population that have not, and will not, enroll in higher-ed?

Oh. The schlubs already have declared themselves a special class. They’ve decided to cut their financial support for public higher-ed. Never mind.

L.L., at 7:40 am EDT on September 26, 2006

Mr. Grimsley, Well, my view of appropriate is thus: anything that is shared with a doctor should not be shared in the workplace. Your mental health is your business. You seem to have made an informed decision to tell your colleagues about your problems which worked out for the best. My guess is that you are either very lucky, or so talented that your school will put up with anything.

Unfortunately, students who have been as forthcoming as you have suffered when they made similar disclosures. Indeed, some deans have gone so far as to attempt to question students who helped to aid fellow students in the same way that your colleagues aided you. While you and I might not think that you are dangerous, many deans would take exception to your characterization.

Now, I do respect the mature way you are going about things. Indeed, even if I come from a culture that is less than sympathetic toward mental illness, you seem to be productive, and you seem to be a good role model for others. Unfortunately, all too often people use such illnesses as a crutch for laziness.

Larry, at 7:50 am EDT on September 26, 2006

Policy and Moral Practice

Your practice of unveiling the ‘invisible disability’ can be considered both humane and a necessary moral stance for acadamia. Federal policy on disability includes mental illness and both ADA and 504 work to prevent discrimination in the workforce, however, there is noticeable gap between policy and practice. Public dialogue is the way to bridge this gap and remove the superstitions that prevent understanding of the human condition. When we finally create a society that accepts difference as the norm,it will be because informed people have led the way. Your footsteps are among those who lead us all toward a better life. Thank you.

Pamela, Graduate Student/Instructor at University of MO- STL, at 9:31 am EDT on September 26, 2006

Hypomania

I sympathize. Currently a sucessful faculty member, years ago I had a terrible hypomanic episode in the military. At the time I was a sergeant, but wound up a buck private a few months later. At the time, I thought I’d been screwed unjustly. Years later, with greater insight, I thought it was all my fault. Now, I’m aware that chemistry also played a role, and hypomania was at least partly the cause.

At the time, I’d never even heard of bipolar disorder or hypomania.

Working as a counselor in the 80s, I let a psychiatrist place me on Lithium. On it though, I was so blissed out and apathetic, even when counseling suicidal patients, that I quickly went off of it.

Currently, I take only an antidepressant, Desyrel, which seems to keep me stable. I guess I must have a bit of the hypomania left because I’ve been very productive in terms of publications.

I think I’d agree that it’s not generally a good idea to bring this up at work. Because I’m also an AA member, I think that following their anonymity rule, which exists partly to prevent stigmatization, is a good idea.

HMBPD, at 10:20 am EDT on September 26, 2006

Successful despite illness

Thank your for your honesty. As someone with ADHD, and coming from a family with a history of depression, etc., it’s good to read about your success in living a positive, productive life. We need to hear more stories like yours.Vicki, BA, mom of 3, and returning student of Journalism.

Vicki McCollum, at 10:20 am EDT on September 26, 2006

You Touched A Nerve

I have been reading this daily news publication for over a year and, based on the number of responses, it is obvious that this topic has touched a nerve. My father was bipolar and the only treatment at the time was Thorizine, which turned him into a zombie. We have come a long way in the treatment of mental illness, now we need to come just as far in our treatment of those with mental illnesses.

Bob Cox, Ph.D. Candidate at Texas State University, at 10:40 am EDT on September 26, 2006

BEACON of HOPE

Your story is a beacon of light and hope, illustrating personal responsibility, the responsiveness of your environment, effectiveness of good treatment providers and protocols, respect for self and the respect of others in living with and managing an illness so maligned by the media and so misunderstood by the public, but one that can be managed the same as other disorders (diabetes/epilepsy). Thank you for sharing for stories and offering hope and high expectations for individuals with mental illness and those who love, live, know and work with them.

am smith, at 11:20 am EDT on September 26, 2006

Prejudice and Practicality

I find it very impressive how you have managed to deal with your chronic physical illness. There will always be people who are uncomfortable with other people’s issues, but you seem to be one of those people who approach your situation with a refreshing practicality. People who work on upper floors of office buildings are responsible for letting their floor warden know if they will need help evacuating in an emergency. I do not see you as someone who is expecting “special” treatment or giving “too much information”. You give practical information about your physical illness to those around you that might need it.

kh, at 12:20 pm EDT on September 26, 2006

How BP Affects My Teaching

CC Trench Warrior was curious about how having bipolar disorder influenced my teaching. From the standpoint of dealing with students, it has made me pretty strong-minded about insisting that students must take responsibility for their medical problems and/or disabilities, whether learning, physical, or mental.

Every year or so I get an email from one student or another averring that they have missed five weeks of class because they were depressed, and would I please accommodate them in this way or that. I always decline. I tell them about my own condition and outline the steps they ought to have taken — for instance, to have made me aware of the problem when it first arose. Some students may be shamming, but I suspect many are for real. It’s the latter that concern me. It’s too easy to use this, or any disorder, as a crutch, and I think that’s fatal. I won’t give a student reason to think s/he can do so successfully.

As to how it affects my teaching directly, I would say that the hypomanic side of the disorder has “educated” me, so to speak, in creativity. Unlike some creative people with bipolar disorder who feel the “highs” are indispensable to their productivity, I dislike hypomanic episodes. I never forget that I am at war with an illness that will not rest until it has killed me, either by causing me to fly into a psychotic manic episode where my judgment becomes fatally impaired; or by driving me into a depression so low I commit suicide.

That said in order to set aside any hint of romanticizing the illness, it remains the case that during hypomanic periods I have a heightened ability to think in fresh ways, and with a surprising degree of clarity. Like others with the disorder, I am able to relate seemingly unrelated things, to see connections others have missed, and this informs both my scholarship and the way I explain material in the classroom.

For instance, I have come to suspect that many students who choose to take courses in military history, my area of specialization, do so because at some level they are trying to learn about the warrior ethos, not so much in the overt military sense as in the covert, Jungian sense of the concept. I have begun to experiment, tentatively but persistently, with how I can teach the warrior ethos not just in terms of lecturing about it, but of making it a component of the course requirements. In this short space I cannot elaborate further, but those with the time and inclination can track the development of my thinking on my blog, to which you can link via my signature, below. You’ll want to look at the “Combat as Metaphor” category, especially two multi-part posts entitled “Shadow Warriors” and “A Good Day to Die.”

Mark Grimsley, Professor at Ohio State University, at 12:20 pm EDT on September 26, 2006

How refreshing and encouraging! As an ABD with a bp-spectrum thing, it is very valuable to see examples of successful management of mental illness within an academic context.

I think those who have drawn the analogy between mental illness and hearing disabilities or diabetes are correct about the importance of disclosure. Disclosure of medical conditions is not TMI when the purpose of the disclosure is to educate those around you about how it effects not just you, but them. Not to long ago this wasn’t an issue because there were few effective ways to treat mental illnesses. The pharmaceutical revolution in psychiatry generally attracts attention because many people who may not necessarily need medication have been taking the new pills. What is missed is how this revolution has enabled many people to remain within their families, careers, and communities. This transformation means that now the accomodations the latter group require have to be taught. And while saying “I think you’re acting a bit strange” may not seem collegial, as far as accomodations go, it’s pretty cheap.

Paris, at 3:50 pm EDT on September 26, 2006

Upon reflection, “crutch” is a poor choice of phrase on my part because it’s a bad metaphor. People seldom use crutches unless they really need them.

What I mean to say is that there is a temptation — and I say this because it is a temptation I have experienced — to use a disability as an excuse when the actual explanation lies elsewhere. The judge of which is in fact the case should be the person herself. It’s really not at all fair to make these evaluations about other people.

For instance, on very rare occasions I have had to cancel class because of the disorder — I had to do so one day last spring because my biochemistry was telling me to be anxious, despite any logical reason to be, and despite my best efforts I felt too faint to drive safely to campus. That’s a valid decision; in fact, any other would have been irresponsible. But if I were to cancel class because I just didn’t feel like it that day — in the ordinary sense of “didn’t feel like it” — that would be using the disorder as an excuse.

L. mentions having bipolar disorder in rapid cycling form, which is an order of magnitude more difficult to manage than anything I have to deal with. Given that reality, it is just plain inevitable that L. would sometimes have to miss meetings or cancel class.

The question for both of us in such circumstances is this: Given that we know our medical condition, have we done as much as we can to address it responsibly? Are we taking our medication, seeing our psychiatrist, etc.? Have we been proactive about making sure that if we can’t handle a given meeting or class, that our share of the work is covered?

My decision to be open about bipolar disorder has made it relatively easy for me to take proper steps in this regard. I recall one day when I was chairing an important search committee and my committee and I were vetting a finalist for the position who was visiting campus. I was present, but quietly made sure that two committee members knew I was clinically depressed and would likely not be as animated or as quick-minded as the situation required. Consequently, they took a more forward-leaning stance that day and were able to relieve me of much of the weight.

Mark Grimsley, Professor at Ohio State University, at 6:30 pm EDT on September 26, 2006

Your approach to this disease is an inspiration, and I am just full of admiration for the way you have handled things. By giving your colleagues such specific information about your symptoms and the appropriate responses, you’ve empowered them to do the right thing. I know I’d REALLY appreciate this as a colleague. There is no more helpless feeling than watching a colleague who is exhibiting “strange” behavior and not knowing what action, if any, to take. I do think, though, that it must be much easier to “come out” to your colleagues after you have published as successful book, performed well in the classroom, and earned their respect as a teacher and scholar. Then there is a much greater probability that they will put your disease in proper perspective, seeing it as one component of a whole person. New T-T faculty with the disease would have a much greater dilemma in deciding whether to be open.

Rebecca, at 10:00 am EDT on September 27, 2006

Thanks for your honesty, Mark

Mark, I, too, applaud your candor and appreciate how much courage it sometimes takes just to be honest.

I have struggled with clinical depression for at least 25 of my 40-something years. Even in high school, I knew I was probably depressed, but I wanted to be a teacher, and I was terrified that if I ever admitted to anyone that I had a “mental problem,” as my father would say, I would never be able to get a job in the academic world. However, during my first teaching job, at a small high school, the coping strategies that had gotten me through college and graduate school (like scheduling all of my classes on Monday-Wednesday-Friday so I could sleep all day on Tuesdays and Thursdays) could no longer get me through the weeks. I crashed and spent three weeks in a psychiatric hospital.

I have not had a “major” depressive episode since then, though there are always highs and lows. I have been to therapy, and I take antidepressants daily and probably will for the rest of my life.

At all of the schools and at the university where I now teach, my supervisors and colleagues have been aware of my illness; I have always found them to be caring, supportive, and understanding. While I do not announce it indiscriminately to my classes, I have had the opportunity to share my history over the years with students who were also struggling with depression, and I do believe it helped them to see that someone they actually knew had been where they were and survived.

I also have a moderate hearing impairment that requires me to wear hearing aids in both ears. Because my hearing aids are not obvious, most people do not know that I have a hearing impairment unless I tell them. This is something I do share with my classes, since I want students to understand why I sometimes do not understand them if they do not speak loudly or clearly enough. I think this has helped more than one student with a hearing impairment feel less self-conscious in my class.

In addition to being clinically depressed and hearing impaired, I am also one of only two or three gay instructors at my small Bible-belt university. While this certainly is not information I announce to my classes, it also is not something I hide. I left teaching in the public schools because I felt I could not be open with students who might be struggling with questions about their own orientation, and I have had the opportunity to talk with many students since moving to the university.

The reason I wanted to be a teacher in the first place was that I wanted to make a difference in my students’ lives. I know that some people are naturally more private than others and not as comfortable sharing personal information, but that is just part of who I am, as a person and as an instructor. I have always believed that the most important part of my job is to teach by example; I think sometimes students just need to know that other people have experienced the same things they are going through.

L., at 10:15 pm EDT on September 27, 2006

BiPolar Disorder

It was many years ago that I was a doctoral student at the University of Michigan. At that time, one usually learned the hard way to be circumspect about everything. EVERYTHING.

Perhaps things have changed over the years. In the business world,it’s probably wise to be equally circumspect about everything. The advantage of being in the business arena is that there are so many options of how one works. I found that having my own boutique is a good fit for a depression disorder. For 3 years I’ve been successfully symptom free thanks to meds and studying Buddhism. This is the longest stretch I’ve had w/o depression. My hunch is that w/o the flexibility of having my own business I couldn’t have dealt with the depression or succeeded when it wasn’t managed so well.

Good luck.

Jane Genova, President at Genova Writing Services, at 3:10 pm EDT on September 28, 2006

“They have papers on me downtown...”

I struggled with the demons of bipolar disorder undiagnosed until I was 44. My career is full of the sparkling successes and bridge-burning crashes of this disease. Once I was finally diagnosed and beginning medication, I was upfront with my employer and co-workers about it. After all, I was working for an organization that served people with developmental disabilities, and felt I would receive real understanding. I was wrong. After a stint in the hospital, my boss stayed on top of my every action. He threatened progressive discipline, critical at every corner. Rather than fight the uphill battle, I found another job (and when I left, my boss spread the word that he didn’t think I could do it). So far, I’m enjoying success, but I’m wondering about heading down that same open road about my ‘disability.’ Eventually, I’ll probably let my coworkers and supervisor know. I think the more people with mental illnesses are open the more the stigma will decrease.My family and friends know about the time I was carted off and locked up in our county mental health facility after a psychotic episode and suicide attempt. I always laugh to dispell their worries. After all, I say, they have papers on me downtown...

Bonnie West, at 8:50 pm EDT on September 28, 2006

Too scared for disclosure

hello, I am a twenty-something undergraduate student living in Toronto and although I am very much inspired by this story I am unable to see my own disclosure as having the same or any benefits for me. I have had a very difficult time being able to explain hospitalizations to my profs even with dr’s notes. I am a philosopher major and there is a certain prejudice that reason and all that is rational is held in the highest esteem. If I disclose the fact that I have an illness that makes me downright irrational at times, I do not foresee getting any respect from fellow students or profs. In fact, I attempted to disclose my illness (B.P) to my profs two years ago and two of them wouldn’t even let me speak and said they did not want to know my personal business and that I would be treated with the same accomodations as any other student. On professor failed me, however I petitioned it and won. however, with this kind of experience, how am I to believe disclosure like this would be beneficial to me in any way? It seems I am left to suffer in silence and let my illness determine my academic success.-Sarah

Sarah, student, at 9:30 pm EDT on September 29, 2006

Mr. Grimsley, I want to thank you for writing this article. I never inform anyone of my bipolar illness and the only friends that know about it are friends that I had during manic episodes in my late teens. Those manic episodes still haunt me. I feel as though I may enter a social or work setting with someone who knew me when I had those episodes. (I live in an area where everyone knows everyone.) Being in my late twenties, I sometimes feel as though my generation is not as accepting as one would expect. Your article inspires me to view my illness differently. I hope in the future I can be as comfortable and open as you appear to be. Thank you

M, at 9:35 am EDT on September 30, 2006

Thanks for sharing your story

There can be such a disconnect between the attitudes about mental illnesses vs the physical. Now that I am a bit older and wiser, I too have been more forthcoming with everyone in my life.Most folks are supportive, and there are a few folks who still think the mentally ill belong either in a snake pit, or simply aren’t working hard enough to overcome the personal weakness.I have found a lot of support which I would never have embraced the past. If kept my past and illness a big mystery. My openness about my direction helped someone find that link that keeps them in any frame for those I see

Selena Johnson, at 7:30 am EDT on October 1, 2006

What do I do?

Hi,

I lost my last job, and am about to lose this one, due too BD. I have three graduate degrees, good teaching evals, and am well published. I am out of mental health benefits from this lousy insurance. What do I do? Where do I go from here? Who am I if I cannot find a job in my discipline? I can’t afford therapy, with no psychiatric insurance anymore.

Maria, Assistant Professor, at 12:45 pm EDT on October 9, 2006

KUDOS!

Kind Sir: KUDOS to you for being so forthcoming to others about your BP disorder! I too *have* BP but I *am* not defined as a person by it. Like you, I also am very forthcoming with my disorder and take every opportunity to talk about it (when appropriate) so that I may help educate others and thereby (hopefully) destigmatize it. I have found that the reaction of others is a reflection ON THEM, not me. Positive and supportive reactions come from people who ARE positive and supportive. Negatively judgmental and cruel reactions come from people who ARE judgmental and cruel. At all times I maintain a healthy sense of humor, sharing that the BP diagnosis I received in 1997 was the best thing that ever happened to me because it not only answered a lot of questions about my behavior, but fortunately forced me into a position to take more responsibility for my own life, not to mention that I was finally able to exorcise many codepenency demons and other debilitating self-perceptions during intensive psychotherapy. A combination of psychotherapy and meds goes a long way to maintain a more stable inner reality and I am blessed to have these tools, as well as my wicked sense of humor and keen mind — to be a voice in breaking down the myths about BP and other similar disorders. Wars are not won on the battlefield — they are won in the hearts and minds of people and this is why I will continue to seek open dialogue with others, to educate and illuminate. If enough of *us* did this, the stigma attached to these kinds of disorders would very soon become a thing of the past. Keep talking about it, and above all, keep hope alive in your heart!

Abundant Blessings always and in all ways! Kimberly Polley-CarterAngier, North Carolina

“Those without boundaries, do not respect the boundaries of others.”

KIM POLLEY-CARTER, at 6:35 pm EDT on October 11, 2006

Hi Tessa

I would be very glad to talk with you about my experiences with managing bipolar disorder. Please feel free to email me at grimsley DOT 1 AT osu DOT edu

If for some reason your email bounces (I have a pretty aggressive spam filter), try profgrimsley AT gmail DOT com

Bipolar disorder is a serious illness, but in most cases the hypomanic and manic side of it can be controlled quite well, typically through lithium or depakote. The main instances where I’ve seen difficulties in managing the “highs” are in people who are “rapid cyclng” — that is, they have four or more episodes in a given year.

The much more common reason for continued trouble with manic episodes is noncompliance with medication. In terms of what has come under my own observation, this is especially true for young people like your son, who very much want to be “normal” — as if anyone is really normal — and who therefore either ignore the disorder or treat it as something they can handle with sufficient will power. That, of course, does not work.

Support from one’s family and friends is the best medicine I can think of for people with a mood disorder, because it gives them the encouragement they need to mobilize all the resources available to combat the illness and to realize that they can still have the potential to live just as successfully as they would if they did not have the illness. If your son still wants to be a neurologist, that remains an achievable goal.

Mark Grimsley, Professor at Ohio State University, at 2:20 pm EST on December 12, 2006