Entries by Jeffrey Ian Ross

The Proportionality of Positionality Statements

Over the past few decades, several critical theories (e.g., Colonialism/Anti-Colonialism, CRT, Gender, Intersectionality, etc.), research methodologies (e.g., Reflexivity, Lived Experience, etc.), and intellectual discourses have significantly shaped scholarship, pedagogy, and, public debate. When applied thoughtfully and in their intended manner, these theories, methods, and discourses can be powerful tools for understanding complex and sensitive topics […]

Why the Fun Lovin’ Criminals Matter

My taste in music is eclectic. I like selected songs, musicians, and bands from almost all genres of music, and sometimes, I find myself hating songs that I used to enjoy. That being said, one of my longstanding favorite bands is Fun Lovin’ Criminals. How did the Band Form, and how have they Evolved Fun […]

Rethinking Utility Markings in Urban Public Spaces

Cities and similar places provide numerous benefits, but these are also balanced with several drawbacks. One such issue is the debris, dislocation, and noise caused by periodic construction, repair, and maintenance of buildings, structures, and utilities.   Less acknowledged amongst these externalities is the spray painting done to identify underground utilities. These assorted blue, orange, […]

2024: The Year in Review—Surprises, Lessons, & a Few Doozies

Over the past year at “Ross Industries,” we’ve stayed committed to publishing a weekly blog, trying to produce thoughtful (and occasionally humorous) commentary on topics that resonate with both my readers and me. While I consistently evaluate and refine the blog throughout the year, the last week of December is a time for deeper reflection […]

The Twelve Days of Scholarly Peer Review

(a revised version of a series of tweets that I originally posted on Twitter (X) December 2019) Reviewing papers for scholarly journals is an essential, unpaid service that many academics perform. But the process often raises lots of frustrations and unanswered questions. Meanwhile, unless they still have exams to evaluate and final grades to submit, […]