Met with #2 (upon whom may light shine) and have been pondering what was said and (more importantly) left unsaid.
#2 thinks I am smart, savvy, talented, etc. etc. etc. #2 is uncertain that I can insert enough academic gobbeldygook (my term) into a revised diss and has other reservations. #2 wants to see me with a PhD but is dubious about actuality. I've taught long enough to understand the translation.
Obviously this is a blow. I have one last shot, but it's clear that while #2 likes me and thinks highly of me, departmental and field politics are of more importance than an individual grad student. My failed diss will hurt #2 but at the end of the day closing ranks to protect #1, #3 and #4 (despite their failings, which were recognized) is more important than me graduating.
Really, I am OK.
To **** with politics and "that would make things complicated."
Obviosuly I'm angry and annoyed and all of that -- but there are perks. I'll say more later. Just keeping all of you posted, as per the terms of this blog.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
maliciousness and marsupials
Stories like this are why I love my BBC Headlines feature on Firefox. Killer Kangaroos might not attract the same fear as Al Q bombings, but there's nothing wrong with a brief distraction or six.
On a more somber level, I note that we've now had three attacks on the 11th of the month. On the one hand, I understand their enthusiasm for symbolism and pattern. On the other hand, I think I'd be even more frightened without such a predictable pattern.
There's a temptation to say, "Well, we're in Indiana, with no mass transit or all that many tall buildings, so we're safe." Then I think of Timothy McVeigh and Oklahoma City, chosen on purpose.
I grew up in a secondary strike zone. As a kindergartener I knew that Russia (whoever that was) might someday launch a bomb at us (a what?) and I knew where to go if that happened. I truly hoped that more than one generation would grow up without that knowlege. My students are unaware, but I do not think that their children will be able to make the same claim.
The train attack in India is horrible - yet even more horrible is that Al Q no longer has to attack on this CONTINENT to frighten us. They've made their point and we're all on guard.
Except when we aren't - because sometimes, we don't.
Marsupial off-spring spend a lot of post-birth time in the pouch. Would that we all had that comfort, maruding mothers or otherwise.
On a more somber level, I note that we've now had three attacks on the 11th of the month. On the one hand, I understand their enthusiasm for symbolism and pattern. On the other hand, I think I'd be even more frightened without such a predictable pattern.
There's a temptation to say, "Well, we're in Indiana, with no mass transit or all that many tall buildings, so we're safe." Then I think of Timothy McVeigh and Oklahoma City, chosen on purpose.
I grew up in a secondary strike zone. As a kindergartener I knew that Russia (whoever that was) might someday launch a bomb at us (a what?) and I knew where to go if that happened. I truly hoped that more than one generation would grow up without that knowlege. My students are unaware, but I do not think that their children will be able to make the same claim.
The train attack in India is horrible - yet even more horrible is that Al Q no longer has to attack on this CONTINENT to frighten us. They've made their point and we're all on guard.
Except when we aren't - because sometimes, we don't.
Marsupial off-spring spend a lot of post-birth time in the pouch. Would that we all had that comfort, maruding mothers or otherwise.
Monday, July 10, 2006
now I have seen everything
When I left for church yesterday morning, there was just enough fog on the ground to be beautiful without being a danger. Part of the drive takes me down a five-six lane bit of road. While glancing at the gas price signs, I noticed that the parking lot for this particular gas station was full of immature Canadian Geese.
The geese, as is their wont, decided to cross the street on foot. There so many of them that even walking three or four abreast, tightly together, the flock strung out all the way across all six lanes of the road. It was a brief nuiscance, but oddly beautiful in the half-grey light... also rather amusing, as I think about it.
The geese, as is their wont, decided to cross the street on foot. There so many of them that even walking three or four abreast, tightly together, the flock strung out all the way across all six lanes of the road. It was a brief nuiscance, but oddly beautiful in the half-grey light... also rather amusing, as I think about it.
Friday, July 07, 2006
for this I am paid
Dear Prof Lemming
That should be a lower-case l, but no matter.
I'm sorry that I've not yet come to class no problem, it's only been a matter of weeks that class has met and I've never heard of or from you... but I've been busy, etc. etc.
I have every sympathy with students who have lives outside of class. There's a reason why I don't attach a grade to attendence.
At the same time, the mid-term is next week and you still haven't come to class? Not even long enough to get the syllabus and then walk out?
(coughs)
That should be a lower-case l, but no matter.
I'm sorry that I've not yet come to class no problem, it's only been a matter of weeks that class has met and I've never heard of or from you... but I've been busy, etc. etc.
I have every sympathy with students who have lives outside of class. There's a reason why I don't attach a grade to attendence.
At the same time, the mid-term is next week and you still haven't come to class? Not even long enough to get the syllabus and then walk out?
(coughs)
Thursday, July 06, 2006
tales from the front lines
Student: Prof lemming, that was a pretty biased left-wing documentary. Why can't you show something unbiased, like from Fox News?
Me: Trust me, when Fox makes a documentary on (relatively obscure topic) I'll show it.
Student: Gee, Mizz lemming, I never bought any of those stories about minorities being beaten up and threatened after 9/11. It must have been all New York Times propaganda.
Me: Um, well, yes, it happened. Even here in Indiana...
Another Student (upon whom may Clio smile): Oh yeah, I knw it did. It even made Fox News. (provides examples)
I've been accused, on more than one occasion, of being "out of touch" because I teach at the university level rather than in junior or senior high school. It's day slike today that make me feel I am truly accomplishing something good and significant, one student at a time. By the end of class I had taught my students useful information about their history, encouraged a thoughtful discussion or six and only ran through three dry-erase markers in the process.
I like days like this.
Me: Trust me, when Fox makes a documentary on (relatively obscure topic) I'll show it.
Student: Gee, Mizz lemming, I never bought any of those stories about minorities being beaten up and threatened after 9/11. It must have been all New York Times propaganda.
Me: Um, well, yes, it happened. Even here in Indiana...
Another Student (upon whom may Clio smile): Oh yeah, I knw it did. It even made Fox News. (provides examples)
I've been accused, on more than one occasion, of being "out of touch" because I teach at the university level rather than in junior or senior high school. It's day slike today that make me feel I am truly accomplishing something good and significant, one student at a time. By the end of class I had taught my students useful information about their history, encouraged a thoughtful discussion or six and only ran through three dry-erase markers in the process.
I like days like this.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
today's saint
Today is the Feast Day of St. Athanasius the Athonite. He is known for founding the famous monastary on the top of Mt. Athos. He doesn't appear to be the patron of much of anything.
You just don't meet very many people named Athanasius. Were I a Roman Catholic, I'd be tempted to pick it as a confirmation name.
Jason266 and his wife welcomed a baby boy this morning - as of his posting, they still didn't have a name. Just my little suggestion... (grins)
You just don't meet very many people named Athanasius. Were I a Roman Catholic, I'd be tempted to pick it as a confirmation name.
Jason266 and his wife welcomed a baby boy this morning - as of his posting, they still didn't have a name. Just my little suggestion... (grins)
Monday, July 03, 2006
anvils, hang-gliders and the like
I've officially asked #2 (upon whom may light shine) for a meeting to "discuss possibilities."
There are no words sufficient to describe my terror. Suffice it that, to cobble a lin from Sylvia Plath, I have been to the bottom, seen its roots, and I am not afraid.
Well, not too much, anyway...
There are no words sufficient to describe my terror. Suffice it that, to cobble a lin from Sylvia Plath, I have been to the bottom, seen its roots, and I am not afraid.
Well, not too much, anyway...
American spoken here
I'm not sure how I feel about the Philly cheese steak shop's Please order in English sign. I'm not at all surprised that the person whom the reporter chose to quote claimed that in the United States we speak "American."
Yes, yes, English as spoken in the United States has its linguistic variations that are its own. Someone from, say, Manchester, could handle walking into a fast food restaurant and ordering a value meal, but might have just as many problems ordering a Philly Sub "wit" as would I.
Yes, yes, English as spoken in the United States has its linguistic variations that are its own. Someone from, say, Manchester, could handle walking into a fast food restaurant and ordering a value meal, but might have just as many problems ordering a Philly Sub "wit" as would I.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
updates...
I thought so.
Am listening to the news as I write this, and the Archbishop of Canturbury has just released a statement. At base, he's siding with the Africans.
(sighs)
Bearing in mind that the British are far less likely to be practicing church members than the Africans or the Americans... but it's the symbolism that gives his voice clout.
Am listening to the news as I write this, and the Archbishop of Canturbury has just released a statement. At base, he's siding with the Africans.
(sighs)
Bearing in mind that the British are far less likely to be practicing church members than the Africans or the Americans... but it's the symbolism that gives his voice clout.
Marilyn, my Marilyn
My summer classroom is a pleasant space as industrial-type classrooms go. It's well lit (yay) and has plenty of dry erase board space. (Chalkboards are just so 20th century.) The students have plenty of space for books, beverages and notebooks and the chairs are surprisingly comfortable.
"All right then, lemming, so what's the problem toward which you seem to be building?"
Well, it's not a problem exactly. I noticed that the room was a trifle warm, not surprising in an Indiana summer. Then I noticed that most of the students in the back row wore sweatshirts. Utilizing the problem-solving skills learned during the course of my liberal arts education, I deduced that the air conditioning vents which were actually on must all be at the back of the room.
During the break, I took a stroll back there - and my skirt flew up in the blast of arctic air coming from the floor vent. Fortunately no one else was there, so I may still pretend to be dignified in front of my class.
Oh, OK, one complaint: I have to bring my own dry-erase markers for the dry erase board.
"All right then, lemming, so what's the problem toward which you seem to be building?"
Well, it's not a problem exactly. I noticed that the room was a trifle warm, not surprising in an Indiana summer. Then I noticed that most of the students in the back row wore sweatshirts. Utilizing the problem-solving skills learned during the course of my liberal arts education, I deduced that the air conditioning vents which were actually on must all be at the back of the room.
During the break, I took a stroll back there - and my skirt flew up in the blast of arctic air coming from the floor vent. Fortunately no one else was there, so I may still pretend to be dignified in front of my class.
Oh, OK, one complaint: I have to bring my own dry-erase markers for the dry erase board.
Monday, June 26, 2006
oh the humanity!
I've been chatting with people, in person and via the Internet, about the visions our new Presiding Bishop-elect will bring to the position and how she might choose to implement them. Most people seem generally positive about Jefferts Schori's qualifications - having an airplane pilot and oceanographer for a bishop delights me - though inevitably the discussion turns to the unity of the greater Anglican Communion.
The Church of England can't seem to decide where it stands on the current arguments. The United States has more than a generation of ordained women within our experience, and if we can ordain women, why not have them as bishops and presiding bishops? Other areas of teh church, the Africans in particular, still oppose the ordination of women and have urged all sorts of penalties for homosexuality, whether among the clergy or otherwise. As I see it (in my own biased way) if a split does happen, the big question will be and is: on which side will the Church of England chose to ally its self?
In discussing this with one person, the conversation moved on to the subject that the African Episcopal clergy are still grappling with trying to eliminate polygamy: the acceptance of homosexuality, however grudging, is unthinkable there due to the social/ cultural/ economic situation. The other person then commented that his concern with Jefferts Schori is that she wants to continue working with AIDS/ HIV issues in Africa. "This is pouring good money down a sieve. I see no point in sending them drugs or working toward curing them with the various therapies available in the West until they change their culture. Why throw away our efforts on people who refuse to change their behaviors? Until the beliefs about the sexual availability of women..."
I almost burst into tears.
The Church of England can't seem to decide where it stands on the current arguments. The United States has more than a generation of ordained women within our experience, and if we can ordain women, why not have them as bishops and presiding bishops? Other areas of teh church, the Africans in particular, still oppose the ordination of women and have urged all sorts of penalties for homosexuality, whether among the clergy or otherwise. As I see it (in my own biased way) if a split does happen, the big question will be and is: on which side will the Church of England chose to ally its self?
In discussing this with one person, the conversation moved on to the subject that the African Episcopal clergy are still grappling with trying to eliminate polygamy: the acceptance of homosexuality, however grudging, is unthinkable there due to the social/ cultural/ economic situation. The other person then commented that his concern with Jefferts Schori is that she wants to continue working with AIDS/ HIV issues in Africa. "This is pouring good money down a sieve. I see no point in sending them drugs or working toward curing them with the various therapies available in the West until they change their culture. Why throw away our efforts on people who refuse to change their behaviors? Until the beliefs about the sexual availability of women..."
I almost burst into tears.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
a shameless plug
Hey there! This is an official plug. Drew is finally back to blogging. As he's the person I generally describe as "most likely to successfully blackmail me" go read his blog. Now. Please read it six or seven times a day at the very least - please! Plus he knows the names of all of the presidential assasins, would-be and successful. 'nuff said.
Monday, June 19, 2006
movie meme
OK, I swiped this. It's increasingly common, so I jump on now. OK, OK, I am a lemming.
A. Pick 11 of your favorite movies.
B. Then pick one of your favorite quotes from each movie.
C. Post the quotes on your blog.
D. Have commenters guess what the movie is.
E. Either strike out the quote once it has been correctly identified or place the guesser’s user name directly after the quote.
F. Extra points for knowing the actor or character’s name.
1) By god I have had this congress!!!
Alison 1776 - credit to Drew, too!
2) I was sorry that our aquaintance would be so short.
Joe Kind Hearts and Coronets
3) Let's strike a flint and see.
Hugh, but it's not Anthony Hopkins, Lion In Winter
(I remember it as Geoffrey, but I suppose it could be AH)
4) I've seen better organized riots.
Alison and Harriet Chariots of Fire
5) Your son is alive!
Jason Gosford Park
6) It is a truth universally...
Harriet Pride and Prejudice
7) Jewel, my jewel...
Joe & the Internet Betrayal
8) We met at work.
JasonLove, Actually
9) Dad, I was the next man.
Brownie IJ and the Last Crusade
10) A skating instructor??!
Drew with bonus points for Gaston
11) Your mother was a hamster!
Sumo MP and the Holy Grail
Jason officially qualifies for additional reproductive organs for his excellent (and correct) guesses.
A. Pick 11 of your favorite movies.
B. Then pick one of your favorite quotes from each movie.
C. Post the quotes on your blog.
D. Have commenters guess what the movie is.
E. Either strike out the quote once it has been correctly identified or place the guesser’s user name directly after the quote.
F. Extra points for knowing the actor or character’s name.
1) By god I have had this congress!!!
Alison 1776 - credit to Drew, too!
2) I was sorry that our aquaintance would be so short.
Joe Kind Hearts and Coronets
3) Let's strike a flint and see.
Hugh, but it's not Anthony Hopkins, Lion In Winter
(I remember it as Geoffrey, but I suppose it could be AH)
4) I've seen better organized riots.
Alison and Harriet Chariots of Fire
5) Your son is alive!
Jason Gosford Park
6) It is a truth universally...
Harriet Pride and Prejudice
7) Jewel, my jewel...
Joe & the Internet Betrayal
8) We met at work.
JasonLove, Actually
9) Dad, I was the next man.
Brownie IJ and the Last Crusade
10) A skating instructor??!
Drew with bonus points for Gaston
11) Your mother was a hamster!
Sumo MP and the Holy Grail
Jason officially qualifies for additional reproductive organs for his excellent (and correct) guesses.
Friday, June 16, 2006
the toll paid
Yesterday the tally of dead American service personnel officially reached 2500. The number of Iraqi civilian casualties is far higher. Tonight on "The Evening New With Jim Lehrer" the names and photographs of twenty dead soldiers were shown.
I do not pretend to have answers, whether easy or difficult. I do know that something has got to change, for all of our sakes.
I do not pretend to have answers, whether easy or difficult. I do know that something has got to change, for all of our sakes.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
another useful saint
Today is the feast day of St. Vitus. He is the patron saint of comedians, dancers and Sicily. He can be invoked against choera, epilepsy, lightening, snake-bite, wild animals and, my personal favorite, over-sleeping.
My saint guide observes that while his "cult is very old... credible details about his life are few, nor can we be certain of his connection with the debilitating medical condition of rheumatic chorea called St. Vitus's Dance." Vitus's life includes last minute escapes from lions and immersion in boiling oil, and at least one instance of dancing angels distracting a would-be executioner.
The guide makes no mention whatsoever of why he is associated with over-sleeping.
Historical note: I am reasonable confident that I am one of a very few Indiana bloggers ever to use the word "chorea" in an entry.
My saint guide observes that while his "cult is very old... credible details about his life are few, nor can we be certain of his connection with the debilitating medical condition of rheumatic chorea called St. Vitus's Dance." Vitus's life includes last minute escapes from lions and immersion in boiling oil, and at least one instance of dancing angels distracting a would-be executioner.
The guide makes no mention whatsoever of why he is associated with over-sleeping.
Historical note: I am reasonable confident that I am one of a very few Indiana bloggers ever to use the word "chorea" in an entry.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
country roads (and not)
I managed to get myself quite thoroughly lost yesterday, Brown County is a lovely place at any time of year, but Interstate is Interstate after a while.
Though I've never been much interested in urban history, the many varieties of strip mall I saw yesterday might actually insprire me to do a little reading in Wikipedia. There's an incredible range in design and lay-out among them, and the degree of upkeep seems to vary wildly.
Whether driving past them once or three times, I still think all strip malls are ugly.
Though I've never been much interested in urban history, the many varieties of strip mall I saw yesterday might actually insprire me to do a little reading in Wikipedia. There's an incredible range in design and lay-out among them, and the degree of upkeep seems to vary wildly.
Whether driving past them once or three times, I still think all strip malls are ugly.
Monday, June 12, 2006
your dimple, your snoring, how dear
I had no idea that JQA's ideal lemonade would attract such interest. Against my will, I have come to find blogging and its world great fun, in part because I never know what random bits of my thinking might actually be interesting. #1 Reason why blogging is like and yet unlike a cocktail party...
To ressurrect an old rant, why the @)&*^#$$@@**$&*(*$%^$#%^ is Indiana now on Eastern time? Maine is on Eastern Time. Boston, NYC, etc - and so why are we, a grudingly Midwesterm location, pretending to be Maine??!!
To ressurrect an old rant, why the @)&*^#$$@@**$&*(*$%^$#%^ is Indiana now on Eastern time? Maine is on Eastern Time. Boston, NYC, etc - and so why are we, a grudingly Midwesterm location, pretending to be Maine??!!
Friday, June 02, 2006
suggestion for the weekend
In 1835, John Quincy Adams attended a party and thoroughly enjoyed the lemonade served. He liked it so much that he recorded the recipe in his diary.
Add to one gallon of water:
a bottle of Jamaican rum
a bottle of cognac
a bottle of champagne
a pound of sugar
optional: a pint of lemon juice
Source: Paul Nagel, John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, A Private Life , page 351
Add to one gallon of water:
a bottle of Jamaican rum
a bottle of cognac
a bottle of champagne
a pound of sugar
optional: a pint of lemon juice
Source: Paul Nagel, John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, A Private Life , page 351
Thursday, June 01, 2006
History, Ancient and Modern
I had an odd dream last night involving dinosaurs. I've never been a huge dinosaur buff, really. It's incredible to me that, millions of years ago, some dinosaur built nests in the same area where Sam and I now take our evening constitutionals, but I've never done any research into which varieties inhabited the Midwest. I suspect that there's probably an eight year old in my neighborhood who could tell me all about it. (Precocious Neighborhood Child didn't know but was amused that I asked.)
Let's just say that the interview went very very well and I suspect that I am going to have a truly lovely fall semester. Several of the aspects of my work cited as great weaknesses by the Gang of Four (tm) were praised today as my greatest assets. Oh for a video camera... Where's Big Brother when you need him?
Let's just say that the interview went very very well and I suspect that I am going to have a truly lovely fall semester. Several of the aspects of my work cited as great weaknesses by the Gang of Four (tm) were praised today as my greatest assets. Oh for a video camera... Where's Big Brother when you need him?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)