>Spoken like a true engineer :-) (I am one - B.A.Sc. Mechanical). I'll play devil's advocate, and argue that you're neglecting the crucial role of pure research here. For example, if Dr. Dave was to give a blue-sky session in my area, I wouldn't miss it.

Sitting right next to me. I don't think anyone has a gripe with theoretical sessions that are billed as such. Just practical sessions where the instructor was lacking the practical.

>Pick up an issue or two of Scientific American. Not much practicality there, but the writing is superb, and you'll gain insight on technologies everyone will be using 5 to 10 years from now.

I'd love to but right now I'm working through Encyclopedia Brown (no relation *s*), Spiders, Snakes and Other Creepy Stuff, and Blues Clues. For fun I'm reading Heinelen's The Past Through Tomorrow.