University Times

To the editor:

I am wondering whether my esteemed Pitt colleagues can shed some light on the perplexingly enigmatic situation wherein media pundits, assorted commentators and sages mistakenly — yes, mistakenly! — issued retrospectives on the 21st century’s first decade and predictions for its second decade in December 2009, when, as the calendar clearly shows, the first decade ends in 2010, not 2009, and the second decade starts in 2011, not 2010.

The first decade is 2001 through 2010; the second decade, 2011-2020. Hence the retrospectives and predictions should not have been proclaimed until December 2010, which is the last month of the first decade and is on the cusp of January 2011, the first year of the second decade.

Go figure!

Robert Perloff

Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus

Business Administration and Psychology

Katz Graduate School of Business

###

University Times letters policy

Letters should be submitted at least one week prior to publication. Persons criticized in a letter will receive a copy of the letter so that they may prepare a response. If no response is received, the letter will be published alone.

Letters can be sent by e-mail to njbrown@pitt.edu or by campus mail to 308 Bellefield Hall.

The University Times reserves the right to edit letters for clarity or length. Individuals are limited to two published letters per academic term. Unsigned letters will not be accepted for publication.