Kelly in Kansas

Day 3 began with my teaching-focused panel with my colleagues Cary Wintz and David Gerwin. We discussed teaching techniques and technology related to teaching African-American history. David focused on slavery in the Chesapeake while Cary talked about the behind-the-scenes work that went into his book, Harlem Speaks.

Then, I discussed how we have gradually increased the technology we use with teachers in our Teaching American History grants dating back to 2001. We also discussed our delivered master's degree and the struggles of the approval and implementation of off-campus programs. Here's the link to the PPT.

Lunch brought a meeting with Cengage (formerly Houghton Mifflin) about the current edition of Making America now in preparation. Other meetings with colleagues followed along with more time in the expansive book exhibit. I headed to an afternoon session but the main speaker that interested me was unable to attend.

Dinner was with a history/techie colleague (there aren't many of us) and then more drinks with the St. Louis crew. They are _always_ fun.

Labels: AHA, Berkin, Cherny, conferences, Making America, NYC, Petrik, TAH, Teaching American History

Glamour Still Rules, but With Fewer Debutantes

Subtle signs of the recession were on display at the International Debutante Ball at the Waldorf-Astoria.

Labels: NYC, recession

It was another good weekend at the lake with the only negative being the lack of central air and having to share the portable ac now that it is hot enough that even Sam admits there needs to be more cool air flow. Blackwater Jack's didn't close so the crab rangoon is still some of the best I've eaten. Plus their signature frozen drink isn't bad.

I was able to get out twice in the pedal kayak. Yesterday morning I managed to misalign the pedals and had to wait until I got back home to get some small tools to get it back into the right position - it was jammed every which way but the right one and I'm still not sure what worked exactly to get it back into the right spot to work again.

I had some more time to read Robert Caro's Power Broker. It is an interesting study of how Robert Moses gained the power to get things done in New York City and how getting elected to public office wasn't the way to get it done. And having walked around the main city offices with David earlier in the week made it seem more alive. Now to go to the Tenement Museum to complete at least that part of the experience.

This will be an interesting week. I turn another year older and celebrations will ensue. And then an overnight trip to Kansas City to hear Doug Hurt and meet with folks at the KCPL again about grants.

Labels: lake, NYC, pedal kayak, Robert Caro

I had a great time this week in the Big Apple. First, dinner with Carol - which is always fun. We ate at a great French restaurant in her neighborhood. Then, it was off to the Embassy Suites to join the TAH groups form Colorado and New Mexico with my friend Rich and his family.

I made my first trek to Ellis Island as an adult - and called Mom while I was there given that she is the family genealogist. I then headed up to watch one of David's grants in action at CUNY. Quite interesting- how similar yet how different teachers in the NYC boroughs are in comparison to the teachers I work with in Missouri and Kansas.

Boeing, Boeing was a lot of fun - especially getting to see it from the 4th row. Wednesday was busy with a meeting with a grant partner and with a publisher. I met up with David again that evening in Tribeca and even found some unique clothing - plus, it was on sale. Then, I met back up with Rich and family.

The flight home was delayed a bit but I made it home just in time to see Molly.

I caught up with several colleagues today when I arrived at the Lake of the Ozarks - ran into some downpours on the way down but at least it cooled it off a bit for sleeping tonight.

Molly is clearly getting more comfortable here. Because of the heat, it's probably the last visit until Labor Day. But at least Sam has the jet skis out this time and I already have my pedal kayak hauled down and will take it out in the morning.

Labels: grants, lake, New York City, NYC

Happy Easter! We did a family mass last night that was the longest any of us has been to - 2 1/2 hours. We definitely celebrated the season. I like the new priest but would prefer one hour increments. ;-)

I am gradually catching up. I hit a melting point on Friday morning and will have to work on how to manage the stress of returning to a pile of work much better - esp. when I sense things are out of control when there was no way I could control them in the first place.

I made good progress on course prep for the online class - now if the grading fairy would just appear!

New York City is just on the horizon and I am definitely looking forward to this week.

Labels: Easter, New York City, NYC, OAH