It's big, it's beautiful, and parts of it are sprawling. No, this is not a strategically placed set up to a "your mom" joke. I'm referring to America. You know, the land of the free, home of the brave, the good 'ol U.S. of A, that America.

To be honest, when I said I was writing a column about science and medicine in the news, what I really meant was that I wanted to dredge up some really horrifying facts to share with my bi-weekly readers.

Our view about what Off-Campus Study needs to do to prevent another mess like this year's Grinnell-in-London fiasco. Also: if you're sick, stay home from class and don't get others sick.