Dr. Skaff is pleased to announce the publication of his new book, Craps 101. If you have trouble understanding the game of craps or have always wanted to learn about this exciting casino game, this is the book for you. Dr. Skaff takes the complex rules, language and mathematics of the game and makes them simple to understand. Using many color photos and the actual table layout, he explains the games's personnel, chips, dice, how to bet and what are good bets. Whether you are a beginner or have played craps for years, you will find this book fun and educational.

The book may be purchased at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com, Borders.com, or by going to the websites www.firstpagepublications.com or michaelskaffphd.com

Here is some advice for university freshman and their parents. The beginning of a new school year is about to begin. The transition from high school to college can be traumatic. As a university faculty member for almost 40 years, I believe this transition can be smooth and productive for both the student and parent if certain actions are followed. (1) Students must "grow up" and become responsible adults. (2) There will be time for fun, but the student needs to remember why he/she is in school. Study comes before fun. (3) College is not high school. Different rules apply. (4) Get to know your instructors; know their name, rank, and position. Address them by their appropriate title (such as Professor, Doctor, Mister) . By meeting with the instructor in his office, you show interest (at least it is perceived interest) and the instructor gets to associate a "face" with a "name". (5) Make a point to see your instructor at least once a week in his office. If a borderline decision on a grade must be made by the teacher, those students the teacher "knows" may get the advantage or benefit of the doubt. (6) Be good citizens! Get to class on time, pay attention in class, sit up front (if the choice is yours), wear appropriate clothing, and don't disrupt the class with idle chatter (its rude!!!). If you must talk, do it before or after class. Talking in class should be reserved for answering or posing a question. Good citizenship might be worth at least 10% of the grade for some classes.