Author Archives: mdilwort

Author Archives: mdilwort

Research at the Last Minute

Research at the Last Minute

, Matt Dilworth, Research
It’s the time of year when finals, papers, and research projects are coming due. And there’s a saying among procrastinators – “if it wasn’t for the last minute, nothing would ever get done”. Well, for this semester, the last minute is now upon us. But it’s easy to get busy, and you may be feeling overwhelmed, or behind on your papers and projects. And it’s true, your options are more limited the less time you have. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still do great research, and get a great grade. And there are a few things you can do to speed that process. First, if you can, pick a topic that you already know something about. It makes it … Continued
Breaking Bread

Breaking Bread

Matt Dilworth, Programs
Probably, if you are a college student, you’ve done some last-minute studying over a pizza. Maybe you’ve gone a week eating little more than Raman noodles because money was tight. Both of these are pretty common in ‘college culture’. Students have gotten together and learned and commiserated over these ‘college cuisine’ foods for generations. Food is a cornerstone of any culture – secular, regional, religious, or national. Not just the taste of the food – but also the social aspects of eating and enjoying time with each other. In experiencing other cultural traditions in sharing meals, we can learn and appreciate that culture in a way that mere words do not convey. The Den and the Diversity Committee are working … Continued
I Will Write Peace on Your Wings

I Will Write Peace on Your Wings

, Frances Yates, Matt Dilworth, Programs
November 17th is World Peace Day, a time when people focus on how they can bring peace through their own grassroots actions (in contrast to holidays like September’s International Day of Peace, which focuses more on global efforts to end wars). Started in 1997 by Don Morris, World Peace Day gives agency to ordinary people who might be unable to contribute to global initiatives. Small, personal acts of personal growth and transformation are celebrated – it is a truly ‘grassroots’ holiday, independent from any specific government or religious organization. One story that inspired Morris was the tale of the Thousand Origami Cranes – a Japanese legend that anyone who folds 1,000 paper cranes will be granted a single wish. In … Continued
If You Can’t Feed a Hundred People Then Feed Just One

If You Can’t Feed a Hundred People Then Feed Just One

, Matt Dilworth, outreach, Programs
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” – Mother Teresa, Roman Catholic missionary in India (1910-1997) People who are hungry are all around us. We often think of the problem of hunger as one of starvation, experienced by people in war-torn countries thousands of miles away or those at the absolute bottom, who are homeless and alone. But that isn’t true – plenty of people struggle to put food on the table, at least sometimes. We call this Food Insecurity – when people don’t always know where their next meal is coming from, or how they’ll provide their children with something nutritionally adequate and safe. There are, of course, government programs – including food stamps and … Continued
An Instruction Manual

An Instruction Manual

, Matt Dilworth, Research
Doing good research can be complicated. We’re all used to simplified interfaces – using things like Google online, and things like microwaves in our kitchens. But sometimes using a microwave isn’t enough. You need to learn how to use the real stove. And for that, obviously, you’d read the manual, or have someone show you how. The same is true in the library. You’re not born knowing how to do great research; it’s something everyone has to learn. If you’d like to talk and ask questions with a real person, we’re available at iueref@iue.edu or 765-973-8311. But if you’re the kind of person that prefers to read the instructions, the library has lots of tutorials. Our main source of tutorials … Continued