Sunday, February 29, 2004
usabilitygarage.com ? Top 10 Reasons to Not Shop On Line
Friday, February 27, 2004
Teaching American History Grant Program
Teaching American History Grant Program I'm still working on this ... with the help of many other talented people.........
Monday, February 23, 2004
ScrappleFace: Frisco Mayor Ousts Schwarzenegger
ScrappleFace: Frisco Mayor Ousts Schwarzenegger: "Frisco Mayor Ousts Schwarzenegger
(2004-02-21) -- San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom today ousted California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger after the governor tried to order the mayor to stop violating state law by granting marriage licenses to homosexual couples.
'I have impeached Gov. Schwarzenegger and found him guilty,' said Mayor Newsom. 'He must vacate the governor's office and residence immediately.'
In related news, the mayor replaced the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals with a panel of federal judges who are committed to accomplishing from the bench what liberals have failed to do through Congress and state legislatures."
(2004-02-21) -- San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom today ousted California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger after the governor tried to order the mayor to stop violating state law by granting marriage licenses to homosexual couples.
'I have impeached Gov. Schwarzenegger and found him guilty,' said Mayor Newsom. 'He must vacate the governor's office and residence immediately.'
In related news, the mayor replaced the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals with a panel of federal judges who are committed to accomplishing from the bench what liberals have failed to do through Congress and state legislatures."
Grants and other things
Well, the deadline is finally near and I can't fuss over the details anymore. We are going to electronically submit the two Teaching American History grants before the weekend. I finally have my thoughts together on the one that is based around a wide variety of professional development opportunities for teachers. I always seem to forget that sometimes your best ideas come when you are not actively thinking of something - but it definitely helps to keep working through it bit by bit. Just like when you are writing papers. . .
The other is making railroad history more broadly linked to traditional American history. Primarily since this is aimed at elementary and middle school teachers, the railroad aspect will also give them something more tangible about US history to get their hands on - literally. One of the people at a local historical society asked how we could tie railroads to national history and ...............that is just the point - that's the limitations of thinkings of _some_ local historians that have never formally studied history. They have a unique and invaluable insight to their own collections but I'm glad I'm not managing all the personalities involved in this. They want money for their collection and don't understand that that is not how this works. We can help with the teachers developing materials but not for sustaining their museums, etc. So it gets quite interesting and I'm definitely glad I"m not doing it all by myself.
We meet with the dean late this afternoon to find out whom she has decided on as our new chair. Faculty members in the department have learned way too much about each other during this process and splits we didn't think were there are clearly emerging - of course by the people who say they don't want any splits - as is the case.
As Ms. Mentor points out in the Chronicle of Higher Education , academic politics are QUITE interesting.
I also hope to get to see some student teachers this week. I am so used to getting right out to see them but also realize I may drive myself into the grave trying to that this week when the grants are due and when we have our first spring colloquia with Project eHIKES and I'm hosting the speaker. Plus, of course, teaching a few classes.
Am looking forward to the SXSW meeting in Austin next month and the OAH in Boston later in March. Where did the winter go? We had another one of those years of 30 below mixed with 70 degrees. But at least we had two different really good snows. And it doesn't stay around long enough to get dirty - except that I had a meeting in KC and forgot how all the slush and melt-off is just quite the mess.
The other is making railroad history more broadly linked to traditional American history. Primarily since this is aimed at elementary and middle school teachers, the railroad aspect will also give them something more tangible about US history to get their hands on - literally. One of the people at a local historical society asked how we could tie railroads to national history and ...............that is just the point - that's the limitations of thinkings of _some_ local historians that have never formally studied history. They have a unique and invaluable insight to their own collections but I'm glad I'm not managing all the personalities involved in this. They want money for their collection and don't understand that that is not how this works. We can help with the teachers developing materials but not for sustaining their museums, etc. So it gets quite interesting and I'm definitely glad I"m not doing it all by myself.
We meet with the dean late this afternoon to find out whom she has decided on as our new chair. Faculty members in the department have learned way too much about each other during this process and splits we didn't think were there are clearly emerging - of course by the people who say they don't want any splits - as is the case.
As Ms. Mentor points out in the Chronicle of Higher Education , academic politics are QUITE interesting.
I also hope to get to see some student teachers this week. I am so used to getting right out to see them but also realize I may drive myself into the grave trying to that this week when the grants are due and when we have our first spring colloquia with Project eHIKES and I'm hosting the speaker. Plus, of course, teaching a few classes.
Am looking forward to the SXSW meeting in Austin next month and the OAH in Boston later in March. Where did the winter go? We had another one of those years of 30 below mixed with 70 degrees. But at least we had two different really good snows. And it doesn't stay around long enough to get dirty - except that I had a meeting in KC and forgot how all the slush and melt-off is just quite the mess.
Saturday, February 21, 2004
Yankee or Dixie quiz
Yankee or Dixie quiz: "71% (Dixie). That is a pretty strong Southern score!"
ScrappleFace: Poll: If Election Were Held Today, 95% Would Miss It
ScrappleFace: Poll: If Election Were Held Today, 95% Would Miss It: "Poll: If Election Were Held Today, 95% Would Miss It
(2004-02-19) -- A new CNN-USA Today poll reveals that if the presidential election were held today, most Americans would not vote for any candidate.
About 95 percent of a representative sample of 1,295 registered voters said that if the election were held today, they would not even go to their voting precinct.
Here's a breakdown of the results:
-- 48% said, 'I usually vote before work, and it's too late for that now.'
-- 32% said, 'I have not yet devoted enough study time to the issues and candidates.'
-- 15% said, 'I'm on the national Do-Not-Call registry, get lost.'
The other five percent were equally divided between George W. Bush and 'that Democrat named John.'
The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus nine months."
(2004-02-19) -- A new CNN-USA Today poll reveals that if the presidential election were held today, most Americans would not vote for any candidate.
About 95 percent of a representative sample of 1,295 registered voters said that if the election were held today, they would not even go to their voting precinct.
Here's a breakdown of the results:
-- 48% said, 'I usually vote before work, and it's too late for that now.'
-- 32% said, 'I have not yet devoted enough study time to the issues and candidates.'
-- 15% said, 'I'm on the national Do-Not-Call registry, get lost.'
The other five percent were equally divided between George W. Bush and 'that Democrat named John.'
The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus nine months."
The Geek Test
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Various
I'm busy working on two different Teaching American History grants - one that is my idea that builds on what we're already trying to do - and another that I was asked to rewrite that almost made it last year. It's been fun but the deadline is imminent - March 2.
I'm using a blog in my Techniques class - it's glitchy so far but I think that has more to do with not having the class for almost the first month of school (Enrollment, MLK, Jr Day, snow & ice). We'll see how it goes.
Our alumni from Olathe came down on Monday -despite the fact that he's leaving for duty within a week and is getting married on Saturday. The students always enjoy him and learn a great deal. He has an entirely different take on teaching at that level than I did and is much more successful so it's great to see them learn from his knowledge and experience.
I'd better get back to work. I'm going to see a student teacher in Chanute this afternoon and then visit with a teacher there about these grants.
I'm using a blog in my Techniques class - it's glitchy so far but I think that has more to do with not having the class for almost the first month of school (Enrollment, MLK, Jr Day, snow & ice). We'll see how it goes.
Our alumni from Olathe came down on Monday -despite the fact that he's leaving for duty within a week and is getting married on Saturday. The students always enjoy him and learn a great deal. He has an entirely different take on teaching at that level than I did and is much more successful so it's great to see them learn from his knowledge and experience.
I'd better get back to work. I'm going to see a student teacher in Chanute this afternoon and then visit with a teacher there about these grants.
Sunday, February 15, 2004
ScrappleFace
ScrappleFace: "Poll: Kerry Beats Bush in 1972 Presidential Contest
(2004-02-11) -- Vietnam veteran John F. Kerry will soundly defeat National Guardsman George W. Bush in the 1972 presidential election, according to a new poll commissioned by the Kerry campaign.
'This election is not about the future, or my legislative record,' said Mr. Kerry, 'It's about what George W. Bush and I did more than three decades ago. Today's issues pale in comparison to the relevance of my heroic service in Vietnam...and of course, Mr. Bush's valiant efforts in Texas and Alabama from time to time.'
The poll has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 32 years."
(2004-02-11) -- Vietnam veteran John F. Kerry will soundly defeat National Guardsman George W. Bush in the 1972 presidential election, according to a new poll commissioned by the Kerry campaign.
'This election is not about the future, or my legislative record,' said Mr. Kerry, 'It's about what George W. Bush and I did more than three decades ago. Today's issues pale in comparison to the relevance of my heroic service in Vietnam...and of course, Mr. Bush's valiant efforts in Texas and Alabama from time to time.'
The poll has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 32 years."
ScrappleFace
ScrappleFace: "Photo Proves 'AWOL' Bush Joined D.C. Peace Rallies
(2004-02-12) -- The Bush administration today released a photograph which it said verifies that a young George W. Bush was serving his country as a National Guardsman by attending 'patriotic anti-war rallies with Jane Fonda and John Kerry in Washington D.C.'"
(2004-02-12) -- The Bush administration today released a photograph which it said verifies that a young George W. Bush was serving his country as a National Guardsman by attending 'patriotic anti-war rallies with Jane Fonda and John Kerry in Washington D.C.'"
ScrappleFace
ScrappleFace: "Alleged Kerry Intern Scandal Sparks Clinton Endorsement
BREAKING...
(2004-02-12) -- A story on the Drudge Report, suggesting a scandal is about to break involving presidential candidate John F. Kerry and an intern, has inspired former President Bill Clinton to offer his eagerly-sought endorsement to the junior Senator from Massachusetts.
'Whether the Drudge story is true or not,' said Mr. Clinton, 'I finally see a candidate with whom I can identify. I was withholding my endorsement until I found a candidate who would resonate with mainstream Democrats the way I did. John F. Kerry is the man.'"
BREAKING...
(2004-02-12) -- A story on the Drudge Report, suggesting a scandal is about to break involving presidential candidate John F. Kerry and an intern, has inspired former President Bill Clinton to offer his eagerly-sought endorsement to the junior Senator from Massachusetts.
'Whether the Drudge story is true or not,' said Mr. Clinton, 'I finally see a candidate with whom I can identify. I was withholding my endorsement until I found a candidate who would resonate with mainstream Democrats the way I did. John F. Kerry is the man.'"
Saturday, February 14, 2004
The Cranky Professor
The Cranky Professor has lots of good discussion about the recent Horowitz push for "equality" in the ivory tower. More later on that.
Finished my first IDL workshop - this blog will be the perfect place to mull this over. It's an odd experience - something totally new and not comfortable but I have learned the hard way from people around me that I never want to only rely on what's comfortable - you miss out on way too much. . .. and get really cranky!!!! (those who quite trying new things, that is)
Finished my first IDL workshop - this blog will be the perfect place to mull this over. It's an odd experience - something totally new and not comfortable but I have learned the hard way from people around me that I never want to only rely on what's comfortable - you miss out on way too much. . .. and get really cranky!!!! (those who quite trying new things, that is)
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
The Chronicle: 2/13/2004: Patrolling Professors' Politics
The Chronicle: 2/13/2004: Patrolling Professors' Politics: "Patrolling Professors' Politics
Conservative activists and students press campaigns against perceived bias on campuses"
By SARA HEBEL
Gerald Wilson, a history professor at Duke University, says a student's question on the first day of class last semester caught him off guard: "Do you have any prejudices?"
Unsure what the young man meant, Mr. Wilson decided to reply with a joke. "Yeah, Republicans," he recalls saying. (He found out later that the student was asking about writing styles.)
"Everybody laughed," the professor says.
Well, not quite everybody.
-----------------
Horowitz's guidelines are more than even-handed and shouldn't threaten anyone who is interested in equal time for everyone's view. The most important thing here is allowing students to hear all sides and make their own decisions.
For more information,
go here.
Conservative activists and students press campaigns against perceived bias on campuses"
By SARA HEBEL
Gerald Wilson, a history professor at Duke University, says a student's question on the first day of class last semester caught him off guard: "Do you have any prejudices?"
Unsure what the young man meant, Mr. Wilson decided to reply with a joke. "Yeah, Republicans," he recalls saying. (He found out later that the student was asking about writing styles.)
"Everybody laughed," the professor says.
Well, not quite everybody.
-----------------
Horowitz's guidelines are more than even-handed and shouldn't threaten anyone who is interested in equal time for everyone's view. The most important thing here is allowing students to hear all sides and make their own decisions.
For more information,
go here.
Monday, February 09, 2004
Snowflakes and Snow Crystals
Snowflakes and Snow Crystals
it's snowing again here! yeah! The online Weather Channel doesn't show it but we're expecting 2-4 inches. If it's going to be cold, there needs to be snow!!!
it's snowing again here! yeah! The online Weather Channel doesn't show it but we're expecting 2-4 inches. If it's going to be cold, there needs to be snow!!!
Saturday, February 07, 2004
True confessions of a Gotham Book Girl
True confessions of a Gotham Book Girl: "Thursday, January 29, 2004
I really feel that with the lovely snow, and the quiet that envelopes the city during the winter, that I shouldn't launch into a full scale rant...but that's all just unfortunate--I NEED TO RANT.
Maybe some of you out there are familiar with what I've decided to call the Curse of Capability. It's a ruthless, merciless and relentless spell that can completely undo you.
Allow me to expound...It seems that over the last 6 months or so I've been given a lot of extra responsibility, larger tasks in addition to my regular editorial and other duties. I don't mind doing these things as I like to be a valuable member of a team and I like my work. It isn't even all that upsetting that I haven't received more $$$$ compensation for these extra duties (sure I'm not thrilled, but these days it's just good to have a good job!!) What bothers me, is that because I present myself as capable and willing, I get taken advantage of. SO BLATANTLY!!! And it isn't just work, it's relationships, family, everything.
At work I get extra duties because they know (a) I will get them done (b) that I believe in the book so I am a great champion for it. But some of these things I am doing ought to be done by another (fully staffed, I might add) department that whinges alot and makes noise that they have too much to do. So for my being capable and not a complainer...they end up getting relieved of duties they ought to be doing, and I end up with their work AND mine. Hmmmm...what's wrong with that picture????
In relationships...I have friend who are real ninnies. And I don't mean this in a mean way...they just don't seem to be able to do much for themselves. I on the other hand can manage most anything myself, maybe because I am an only child...I don't know. I'm also not very good at asking for help even when I do need it. That said, it seems that because again, I appear to be able to handle things (recent serious illnesses, family emergencies, etc) that everyone thinks I need no one to lean on. I never get to be weak or break into tears from sheer frustration. And it's the same with my family...there seems to be this attitude of "Don't worry, she can handle it. She's tough. She'll be fine". Well I'm not always fine, and I can't always just walk it off...ok? Things hurt me too, and I sometimes get tired of being the strong one. UGGHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Okay...how totally unattractive is that? I apologise, but I just had to see the words on paper so I didn't explode at someone and really make a mess. See I don't generally like messes, so I'm apt to take over just for the sake of order and peace, so I suppose I've brought this all on myself. I guess I just wish it wasn't sometimes so hard to be strong and independent...or at least to appear that way.
I stood outside on our balcony the night it snowed, and the city was so quiet. I could have been home in Minnesota and listening to the river next to my house as it gurgled and bubbled. (Yes, even in the winter I like fresh air and open windows...another sure sign I'm somehow unbalanced...but hey, where I'm from we build palaces of ice in the winter, so that tells you something!!) Anyway, it made me feel like home, and that's a good thing now and then.
be good out there, and enjoy the snow!!!
Cheers,
posted by moi | 29.1.04
Ditto GBG!!!
I really feel that with the lovely snow, and the quiet that envelopes the city during the winter, that I shouldn't launch into a full scale rant...but that's all just unfortunate--I NEED TO RANT.
Maybe some of you out there are familiar with what I've decided to call the Curse of Capability. It's a ruthless, merciless and relentless spell that can completely undo you.
Allow me to expound...It seems that over the last 6 months or so I've been given a lot of extra responsibility, larger tasks in addition to my regular editorial and other duties. I don't mind doing these things as I like to be a valuable member of a team and I like my work. It isn't even all that upsetting that I haven't received more $$$$ compensation for these extra duties (sure I'm not thrilled, but these days it's just good to have a good job!!) What bothers me, is that because I present myself as capable and willing, I get taken advantage of. SO BLATANTLY!!! And it isn't just work, it's relationships, family, everything.
At work I get extra duties because they know (a) I will get them done (b) that I believe in the book so I am a great champion for it. But some of these things I am doing ought to be done by another (fully staffed, I might add) department that whinges alot and makes noise that they have too much to do. So for my being capable and not a complainer...they end up getting relieved of duties they ought to be doing, and I end up with their work AND mine. Hmmmm...what's wrong with that picture????
In relationships...I have friend who are real ninnies. And I don't mean this in a mean way...they just don't seem to be able to do much for themselves. I on the other hand can manage most anything myself, maybe because I am an only child...I don't know. I'm also not very good at asking for help even when I do need it. That said, it seems that because again, I appear to be able to handle things (recent serious illnesses, family emergencies, etc) that everyone thinks I need no one to lean on. I never get to be weak or break into tears from sheer frustration. And it's the same with my family...there seems to be this attitude of "Don't worry, she can handle it. She's tough. She'll be fine". Well I'm not always fine, and I can't always just walk it off...ok? Things hurt me too, and I sometimes get tired of being the strong one. UGGHHHHHHHHHHHH.
Okay...how totally unattractive is that? I apologise, but I just had to see the words on paper so I didn't explode at someone and really make a mess. See I don't generally like messes, so I'm apt to take over just for the sake of order and peace, so I suppose I've brought this all on myself. I guess I just wish it wasn't sometimes so hard to be strong and independent...or at least to appear that way.
I stood outside on our balcony the night it snowed, and the city was so quiet. I could have been home in Minnesota and listening to the river next to my house as it gurgled and bubbled. (Yes, even in the winter I like fresh air and open windows...another sure sign I'm somehow unbalanced...but hey, where I'm from we build palaces of ice in the winter, so that tells you something!!) Anyway, it made me feel like home, and that's a good thing now and then.
be good out there, and enjoy the snow!!!
Cheers,
posted by moi | 29.1.04
Ditto GBG!!!
Crooked Timber
Crooked Timber: "Hell is Other Pupils
Posted by Kieran
I love America. Across its vast, extraordinarily diverse area, weird or stupid stuff happens all the time. And the media are usually there to make it into a national story:
A second-grade girl from Pittsburgh was suspended this week from her public elementary school for saying the word “hell” to a boy in her class. But 7-year-old Brandy McKenith says she was only warning the boy about the eternal comeuppance he could face for saying: “I swear to God.”
“I said, ‘You’re going to go to hell for swearing to God,’” Brandy was quoted as saying in an article that appeared on the Web site of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review on Wednesday. School officials were unavailable for comment. A Pittsburgh Public Schools spokeswoman told the newspaper that the student code prohibits profanity but does not provide a clear definition of what profanity is.
Lovely. Possible followups to this story: (1) Little boy also suspended for taking the Lord’s name in vain. (2) School issues statement saying, “It’s all been cleared up: We’ve explained to Brandy and the little boy that we were wrong to suspend them because, of course, Hell doesn’t exist and neither does God.” (3) President Bush issues statement that his No Child Left Behind Act will remedy “the unimaginative nature of profanity found in our public schools today.” (4) Brandy handed additional suspension for violating her school’s strict no-alcohol policy."
Posted by Kieran
I love America. Across its vast, extraordinarily diverse area, weird or stupid stuff happens all the time. And the media are usually there to make it into a national story:
A second-grade girl from Pittsburgh was suspended this week from her public elementary school for saying the word “hell” to a boy in her class. But 7-year-old Brandy McKenith says she was only warning the boy about the eternal comeuppance he could face for saying: “I swear to God.”
“I said, ‘You’re going to go to hell for swearing to God,’” Brandy was quoted as saying in an article that appeared on the Web site of the Pittsburgh Tribune Review on Wednesday. School officials were unavailable for comment. A Pittsburgh Public Schools spokeswoman told the newspaper that the student code prohibits profanity but does not provide a clear definition of what profanity is.
Lovely. Possible followups to this story: (1) Little boy also suspended for taking the Lord’s name in vain. (2) School issues statement saying, “It’s all been cleared up: We’ve explained to Brandy and the little boy that we were wrong to suspend them because, of course, Hell doesn’t exist and neither does God.” (3) President Bush issues statement that his No Child Left Behind Act will remedy “the unimaginative nature of profanity found in our public schools today.” (4) Brandy handed additional suspension for violating her school’s strict no-alcohol policy."
Crooked Timber
Crooked Timber: "No comment
Posted by John Quiggin
In the middle of a generally reasonable Newsweek article about the failure to find WMDs, I came across the following para
But if Saddam didn't have weapons of mass destruction, why didn't he come clean? After all, he could have given U.N. inspectors free rein; he could have allowed them to interview all of his scientists in private?even outside the country?and let them rummage through his palaces. Faced with war, wasn't that the sensible option?
But, but ...(lapses into stunned silence)"
Posted by John Quiggin
In the middle of a generally reasonable Newsweek article about the failure to find WMDs, I came across the following para
But if Saddam didn't have weapons of mass destruction, why didn't he come clean? After all, he could have given U.N. inspectors free rein; he could have allowed them to interview all of his scientists in private?even outside the country?and let them rummage through his palaces. Faced with war, wasn't that the sensible option?
But, but ...(lapses into stunned silence)"
Laura Bush
From today's Washington Post:
A First Lady Fiercely Loyal and Quietly Effective
By ELISABETH BUMILLER
Published: February 7, 2004
ASHINGTON, Feb. 6 — For three years, Laura Bush has been a decorous first lady who promoted causes like reading and women's health. But if anything makes her bristle, it is the idea that she's viewed as a 1950's-era first lady.
"Have you actually ever read that?" Mrs. Bush said sharply in an interview this week in her East Wing office. "Who wrote it? Some really good friend of mine? Somebody I'd interviewed with?"
The fact is Mrs. Bush is moving into a new role as a prominent surrogate for her husband in his re-election campaign. As the political pressures on the White House intensify, a popular first lady who creates almost no controversy has quietly raised $5 million for her husband's race, vigorously defended him against Democratic attacks — and showed herself to be more complicated and more immersed in White House policy than her public image suggests.
In a nearly hourlong interview with The New York Times on Thursday, Mrs. Bush called Democratic accusations that her husband was AWOL from the National Guard "obviously political," said Bill Clinton believed the same intelligence about Saddam Hussein's unconventional weapons that her husband did
A First Lady Fiercely Loyal and Quietly Effective
By ELISABETH BUMILLER
Published: February 7, 2004
ASHINGTON, Feb. 6 — For three years, Laura Bush has been a decorous first lady who promoted causes like reading and women's health. But if anything makes her bristle, it is the idea that she's viewed as a 1950's-era first lady.
"Have you actually ever read that?" Mrs. Bush said sharply in an interview this week in her East Wing office. "Who wrote it? Some really good friend of mine? Somebody I'd interviewed with?"
The fact is Mrs. Bush is moving into a new role as a prominent surrogate for her husband in his re-election campaign. As the political pressures on the White House intensify, a popular first lady who creates almost no controversy has quietly raised $5 million for her husband's race, vigorously defended him against Democratic attacks — and showed herself to be more complicated and more immersed in White House policy than her public image suggests.
In a nearly hourlong interview with The New York Times on Thursday, Mrs. Bush called Democratic accusations that her husband was AWOL from the National Guard "obviously political," said Bill Clinton believed the same intelligence about Saddam Hussein's unconventional weapons that her husband did
Sunday, February 01, 2004
What kind of blogger are you?
Here's my results:
OUR GUY NEXT DOOR:
You tell about your life and thoughts honestly and
without pretending. This might at times come
out pretty dull and boring. Never mind - those
who know you will be coming back day after day,
week after week.
What kind of blogger are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
OUR GUY NEXT DOOR:
You tell about your life and thoughts honestly and
without pretending. This might at times come
out pretty dull and boring. Never mind - those
who know you will be coming back day after day,
week after week.
What kind of blogger are you?
brought to you by Quizilla
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