diff --git a/denis/utilities.py b/denis/utilities.py
index 09e34f74..ab0fd4d7 100644
--- a/denis/utilities.py
+++ b/denis/utilities.py
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ def user_to_sub(assignment, component):
     relevant_gradeables = (grd_tbl.select()
                            .where(grd_tbl.assignment == assignment)
                            .where(grd_tbl.component == component)
-                           .order_by(grd_tbl.timestamp.desc()))
+                           .order_by(-grd_tbl.timestamp))
     for user in orbit.db.User.select():
         username = user.username
         sub = (relevant_gradeables
diff --git a/orbit/radius.py b/orbit/radius.py
index 6ca6a6fb..f4267fd7 100644
--- a/orbit/radius.py
+++ b/orbit/radius.py
@@ -390,7 +390,7 @@ def handle_activity(rocket):
 
     submissions = (mailman.db.Submission.select()
                    .where(mailman.db.Submission.user == rocket.session.username)
-                   .order_by(- mailman.db.Submission.timestamp))
+                   .order_by(-mailman.db.Submission.timestamp))
 
     def submission_fields(sub):
         return (datetime.fromtimestamp(sub.timestamp).astimezone().isoformat(),
@@ -623,7 +623,7 @@ def handle_dashboard(rocket):
     grd_tbl = mailman.db.Gradeable
     user_gradeables = (grd_tbl.select()
                        .where(grd_tbl.user == rocket.session.username)
-                       .order_by(grd_tbl.timestamp.desc()))
+                       .order_by(-grd_tbl.timestamp))
     assignments = asmt_tbl.select().order_by(asmt_tbl.initial_due_date)
     ret = '<form method="post" action="/dashboard">'
     for assignment in assignments: