In September 2006 I started writing A Foolish Consistency to record thoughts, ideas, news, and whatever else captured my attention. I was teaching law courses in the undergraduate program at Boston University Questrom School of Business, and many posts related to topics arising from the Internet, copyright, constitutional, and criminal law, and social media. I posted often about law school—whether to attend, how to prepare—and careers in law. I posted about teaching, popular culture, politics . . . and rarely about myself. It was not a confessional. Most of my readers were current or former students. I maintained some professional distance, tempered by my fundamental informality and irreverence for academia.
I posted regularly until early 2013, averaging one post about every two days. Posting became a chore. My posts dwindled, then stopped, without regrets. I continued to use trudalane.net in my teaching, primarily in connection with the Questrom Honors Program, of which I was Faculty director from 2012-2017. When I stepped down I put trudalane.net and A Foolish Consistency aside.
I retired from Boston University in December 2018.
How’s retirement?
I don’t know how I ever found time to work.
Recently my interest in this site rekindled. I don’t know what’s next, except that I’m not constrained by professional distance. An audience of one will do that.
My high school junior year English teacher, Dave Monahan, often quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson—
“A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines. With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance, Essays First Series
In 2006 I thought the title A Foolish Consistency would capture the blog’s shotgun focus. Looking back, I was right.
Here are recent posts from my Instagram (darandall).
#Exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe ...
Dec 5 East Otisfield, Maine
#Exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #newengland #ignewengland #igersnewengland #maineoutdoors #igersmaine #igmaine /
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Upward-facing blue-lipped #granddaughter /
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Nov 29 Zoo Miami
Upward-facing blue-lipped #granddaughter /
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Just good fronds #coconutgrove #miami /
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Nov 29 Coconut Grove
Just good fronds #coconutgrove #miami /
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Backward-facing flamingo
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective #miami #zoomiami #pinkflamingo
Downward facing giraffe
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective #zoomiami
Is two minutes in infinity oxymoronic? #yayoikusama #loveiscalling #instituteofcontemporaryartboston #seaportboston /
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#Igboston #igersboston #igmassachusetts #igboston617 #igersmass #city_explore #followingboston #bostonworld #Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
I earned a C in Pumpkin Carving 101. /
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Nov 1 Waban, Massachusetts
I earned a C in Pumpkin Carving 101. /
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
One more from #NYC weekend
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
#nyc slice of time
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
#Exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe ...
Oct 14 East Otisfield, Maine
#Exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #newengland #ignewengland #igersnewengland #maineoutdoors #igersmaine #igmaine /
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
#exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe ...
Oct 13 East Otisfield, Maine
#exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #newengland #ignewengland #igersnewengland #maineoutdoors #igersmaine #igmaine /
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Not fade away
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Tangled in the mangroves, again.
#coconutgrove #miami #Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Bibi gives lessons on how to eat spaghetti #granddaughters /
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Building blocks
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Sep 8 InterContinental Boston
Building blocks
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#Igboston #igersboston #igmassachusetts #igboston617 #igersmass #city_explore #followingboston #bostonworld #Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Another sunset. The lazy Grammer's go-to. But...
Sep 1 East Otisfield, Maine
Another sunset. The lazy Grammer's go-to. But damn, it's a good one. #nofilter #forreal #labordayweekend
#exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #newengland #ignewengland #igersnewengland #maineoutdoors #igersmaine #igmaine /
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Feels like autumn. Dinner-hour sweaters and ...
Aug 24 East Otisfield, Maine
Feels like autumn. Dinner-hour sweaters and jackets in the screen porch. /
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective #exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #newengland #ignewengland #igersnewengland #maineoutdoors #igersmaine #igmaine
Waterbug #granddaughter /
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Aug 19 East Otisfield, Maine
Waterbug #granddaughter /
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Beware scary dock-path trolls #granddaughter /
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Aug 18 East Otisfield, Maine
Beware scary dock-path trolls #granddaughter /
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#Exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #newengland #ignewengland #igersnewengland #maineoutdoors #igersmaine #igmaine #Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Paddle, eat bugs, climb on shore, eat berries, ...
Aug 14 East Otisfield, Maine
Paddle, eat bugs, climb on shore, eat berries, groom, nap in the sun. That's what they did, too. #lakelife /
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective #exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #newengland #ignewengland #igersnewengland #maineoutdoors #igersmaine #igmaine
#succulents #sanfrancisco #outersunset /
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Aug 13 Golden Gate Park
#succulents #sanfrancisco #outersunset /
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#Nature #naturelovers #earthlandscape #beautiful #outdoors #Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Mint Bay Area day
#angelisland #hiking ...
Aug 11 Angel Island
Mint Bay Area day
#angelisland #hiking #tiburon #bayarea
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Barely there #goldengatebridge
#angelisland ...
Aug 10 Angel Island
Barely there #goldengatebridge
#angelisland /
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Glow
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#exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #newengland #ignewengland #igersnewengland #maineoutdoors #igersmaine #igmaine #Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
#Exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe ...
Aug 4 East Otisfield, Maine
#Exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #newengland #ignewengland #igersnewengland #maineoutdoors #igersmaine #igmaine /
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#nature #naturelovers #earthlandscape #beautiful #outdoors #Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective
Maine #perennial #garden
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Jul 27 East Otisfield, Maine
Maine #perennial #garden
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective #exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #newengland #ignewengland #igersnewengland #maineoutdoors #igersmaine #igmaine
(turn up audio) Confirmed in the field: bees ARE ...
Jul 25 East Otisfield, Maine
(turn up audio) Confirmed in the field: bees ARE busy. I lolled over coffee and Grammed while this one lumbered from blossom to blossom, buzzing and stopping, buzzing and stopping. When I rose from my seat it muttered "finally . . . It's been half an hour." #beeswithattitude /
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective #nature #naturelovers #earthlandscape #beautiful #outdoors #exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #newengland #ignewengland #igersnewengland #maineoutdoors #igersmaine #igmaine
Little toad. Startled it while moving wood. ...
Jul 23 East Otisfield, Maine
Little toad. Startled it while moving wood. Related for a bit, then parted.
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#Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective #nature #naturelovers #earthlandscape #beautiful #outdoors #exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #newengland #ignewengland #igersnewengland #maineoutdoors #igersmaine #igmaine #toad
And no skunks
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#Exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #newengland #ignewengland #igersnewengland #maineoutdoors #igersmaine #igmaine #Ig_great_pics #ig_myshot #pictureoftheday #moodygrams #weekly_feature #primeshots #photowall #localcaptures #gameoftones #ig_captures #ig_color #ig_myshot #ig_shutterbugs #theamericancollective #nature #naturelovers #earthlandscape #beautiful #outdoors
Investigated unusual rustling noises just outside ...
Jul 19 East Otisfield, Maine
Investigated unusual rustling noises just outside the house. Too noisy and obvious for deer. Pointed a flashlight at the sound. Mystery quickly resolved: a surfeit--great collective noun!--of #skunks foraging along a stone wall twelve feet from the kitchen.
#Exploremaine #maine #thewaylifeshouldbe #newengland #ignewengland #igersnewengland #maineoutdoors #igersmaine #igmaine #nature #naturelovers #earthlandscape #beautiful #outdoors #critters #video