This entry was published at least two years ago (originally posted on November 6, 2019). Since that time the information may have become outdated or my beliefs may have changed (in general, assume a more open and liberal current viewpoint). A fuller disclaimer is available.
One of Prairie’s classes turns in papers tomorrow, and as she’s dealing with a cold, she said she wasn’t looking forward to having to grade while her head is all foggy. So I suggested using the “staircase method” (for those who aren’t teachers, this involves tossing the papers down the staircase: the further down the stairs they go, the better the grade, because more pages = heavier papers).
She then pointed out that her students turn their papers in electronically, and mimed tossing her laptop.
“Thud, thud, thud. Well, they all got the same grade, and now you need a new laptop.”
She decided not to do that.