This came in the mail tonight.  Maybe others need to read it, and my response.

Yale Patt


     Dr. Patt,

     I was not able to complete programming assingment 2, 
     partly because I could not even start the program 

(Why he could not START it becomes more nearly clear if you read on)

     and more so because I waited so late to start. 

Aha!  One reason (of two).

      I am also unsure if I completed programming assignment 1 correctly. 
      With about a 'B' on the first test, what do you 
      think my chances are of passing your class with 
      at least and 'B' and possibly 
      an 'A' if I begin to work very hard at everything?

If you begin to take the course seriously, I think there is certainly a 
chance you can earn an A in the course. 

       Also, I tend to fall asleep during 
       yoiur lectures. I want to apologize for 

Aha! Another reason (of two).

     doing so and will try to find some 
     way to stay awake. Aside from having some 
     snack, which doesn't really work 
     for me, do you have any suggestions for a way 
     of staying awake?

How about getting a good night sleep the night before?
Or, sitting in the front row.

I don't really know.  Each one of us is different, but if you choose to sleep in class, then 
you put yourself at distinct disadvantage when it comes to writing the programs or taking the 
exams.  Too many times this weekend I have been asked questions where I know I covered the 
material in class.  And, I thought I explained it carefully in class.  Perhaps I just did a 
bad job.  Or, perhaps the questioner was asleep.  There are too many students in the class for 
me to notice when you sleep and when you are awake so that I will be sure to repeat myself when 
I notice you are again awake.

Good luck.

Yale Patt  

     Thank you,

     <<you know...>>