Of Pulp Trees and Degrees

That big, elusive doctorate degree, pretty much like an emperor's decree; a kind of fetish that academes require, sort of survival kit one must acquire; within the realm of the university, part of the myth of tenured security; its twin is the rule: "publish or perish," a choice most faculty hate to cherish; and yet they churn out books with little rest, paperwork enough to clear a rain forest!