M and M
Yesterday before choir practice I met with my friend V in Shadyside to review mitosis and meiosis concepts. She was firm, making me draw and explain each step of M & M, with the number of chromosomes, whether they are replicated or not, (sister) chromatids, and pairs of chromosomes. I did not look at the pictures and photos even once whilst doing this exercise. Then, she gave me a spoken exam with photos. Prophase was difficult to determine, but she said to look for the chromatin condensing into chromosomes to find that step.
Dinner and choir practice followed. Don started right on time and made us go through our paces, followed by an ordering of music in our folders. We were all psyched up in time for snacks, provided by Nancy C.
Labels: art, biology, Choir, friends, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Visiting the Library
This morning I went to work to print out my email attachments from my bosses. I ran into Paul C, and we chatted (as I did with Melanie and Zuzana last time I was there). Upon request, I sent Zuzana an email about Christmas choir Mass times this year.
Stopped at the Carnegie Library, where I visited with my friends there, and picked up a reserve book I saw recommended. I said hi to Cathy L, who will be retiring as the head of the Music Department at the end of the year (she said to say hello to my friend S and to ask him when he will be coming to Pittsburgh), Don W, and Lisa R (with whom I sat down and chatted with), and Sheila.
Headed to Mom and Dad's, whence I brought some of my papers home in the rain, and then settled down for a long winter's nap.
Dad called, and asked me to store some food in my freezer. I came over to their home, to find it empty of them.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, Choir, Christmas, food, friends, library, St. Paul Cathedral, teaching, travel, work
13/18 finished grading
After returning from Beata's dance class and after dinner I graded some more practical finals. I am 13/18ths finished grading (but not yet scoring). I am, however, adding page scores as I go...
Labels: biology, teaching, tests, work
"Hail, Our Alma Mater..."
Wednesday late afternoon (after our Jeopardy! class for Introduction to Arts and Sciences) Jenny CD and Linda I arrived from the airport and from Cleveland, respectively. After dropping off Jenny's luggage, we headed to Victor's new restaurant, where we enjoyed 2 lamb dishes, a shrimp dish, a salmon dish, and a vegetarian dish with Amanda MS and Charles. It was great to see everyone again, and to have a photo....
We all stood outside, Jenny and I in thin sweaters as the temperatures had dipped from the 60s Fahrenheit to the 40s to 50s as the sun went down. Jenny drove Linda and I back to my parking lot, where we bid Linda a fond goodbye and safe trip. Jenny and I tucked into our respective beds by 23.30, and I awoke about 6.30 Thursday.
Thursday Jenny and I visited St. Paul Cathedral and my workplace. We walked to get eggs over easy, Lyonnaise potatoes, bacon, and wheat toast as well as croissant French toast (and coffee for Jenny). We then headed to the Cathedral of Learning, touring the higher floors before the lower floors of Nationality Rooms first. We then toured the Frick Arts Building (the library, the Jello courtyard exhibit, and the U Pitt Museum Studies Class's exhibit SLAG: What's left after industry?), and the Carnegie Library and Institute. As we left the Carnegie, we opened the door for Marissa and Solomon, and Beatrice and Les.
After loading Jenny's bag into the car, we departed; I for work and she for lunch with her husband's former intern.
Labels: art, Beatrice, biology, Carnegie, dining, international culture, library, Marietta, mountains, organ, organizing, painting, photos, Pittsburgh, reunion, school, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Flu Shot Week
I received my flu shot this Monday, received a request for a letter of recommendation for pharmacy school from a former student on Tuesday, and today I went with Marissa and the children to the Hallowe'en party at the library. We played card games afterwards with Marissa's parents, and then I went to a work meeting.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, family-Marissa, games, health, library, meeting, recommendation, seasons, work
Morning Mass, the Living Church
I attended First Friday Mass this morning (celebrated by Fr. Jacques from South Africa, with John serving, Matt H. lectoring, and Ken playing the portative organ). Before Mass I had left a message for Fr. Breier that there are two plants growing near one of the statues on the front facade of the Cathedral building (next to a statue missing a right hand and part of an arm). Even though some of the stone artwork is missing, the plants signify to me the Living Church---the living stones of the Church (as Peter wrote in the Gospel). I will take a photo and then visit with Father Breier this morning.
Labels: biology, Church, Faith, Mass
Snackberry
Yesterday evening I introduced (for the fifth time this semester) the term "Snackberry" to a group of my students...this was in my Frosh Studies class, and they found the term humorous. I've already introduced my term to my four sections of biology laboratory.
"Snackberry," I said, "describes the device you use to retrieve and send little snacks or snippets---not whole emails." Amanda, my teaching assistant, noted that the class liked the term.
Labels: biology, computer, phone, student, work
Labor Day Weekend and Week
It was fun to go to a potluck cookout for Sunday before Labor Day. There was "really good Corn," too.
Labor Day I renewed my library books due the following day (Tuesday, today).
Today I met with a student, M, to make-up the first lab. I then walked to get a Blue Bunny ice cream cone and to meet with my friend and discuss various things, including some recent writing I have been doing. Also had an appointment. I helped Mom with the laundry, and then we had dinner, which Dad joined us for after his Bible study. We also watched America's Got Talent, as well.
Labels: biology, Carnegie, dine, Faith, laundry, library, TV, work
First Day of Fall Semester 2010
Today was the first day of fall semester, and I taught a 9.00 Monday morning laboratory.
Mom, Dad, and I ate at the Japanese and Chinese buffet on the way to the Waterfront. We ran into their friends from medical missions, as well.
Maureen and I went for smoothies at the Asian restaurant just a short while ago.
Labels: biology, dining, family, medical mission, neighbors, Pilipino culture, Songs, work
Pre-semester preparations
Thursday we had our instructor's meeting, and Friday was the College of Arts and Sciences First Year Orientation / Convocation. I also worked on administrative problems for the upcoming semester, mostly computer work.
The instructor's meeting Thursday went smoothly. We have a new curriculum developer, Jean, and new functions of various rooms. We also have a new addition to the stockroom, Greg.
A&S Orientation on Friday requested Frosh Programs instructors to stand and be recognized. I sat in the second section from the floor of Petersen Events Center, and noted that there were sections 102 through 112 packed with new students. Dean Manfredi spoke, as well as a professor of Atlantic History.
Labels: biology, computer, work
Goin' for a Spin!
I met up with Marissa and Beatrice and Solomon for a bike day yesterday! I went for a short 3-circle ride before they came, then Beata and Marissa biked to the end while Solomon and I "ran to Beebee and Momma."
"We'll tell stories there," Solomon informed me. We did, and while Marissa got the camera they learned about sycamores ("which have spotted dotties of green, yellow, and brown on the branches,...and BIG leaves shaped like [hands]." We also saw a locust tree as we left, which Beata pointed out has "smaller leaves" and the leaves were shaped differently.
A fun-filled day that we all enjoyed.
Labels: Beatrice, bicycle, biology, exercise, family, niece and nephew
Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
I met other people whilst waiting for the shuttle to the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Kristen, who had done this before, and who sat in my row, and Stephen, who was handing out parking stickers for validation.
Francois sat next to me, and we chatted on the way to and from the food bank. Philippa directed us. I was partnered with Kathy, and we directed people to appropriate areas. I had to sit at regular intervals to rest my po' little body. Keith stopped by to say hello, and to talk about past landscapes.
There were about 40 of us, and we wiped down the stainless steel counters afterwards. Four hundred thirty families/groups were served approximately 25000 pounds of food in that session.
Labels: biology, dine, economy, personal finance, school, transportation
Othello
I went to see Othello with the Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre at the Stephen Foster Memorial. Absolutely Powerful, riveting, and produced and performed with a sense of the historical place of the play in theatrical history. Natalie had recommended that I see it, and I noted that she was the dialect coach for this production.
Andrew S. Paul's director's notes make a point: It turns out that there has been a spate of productions of this piece since the election of Pres. Obama. One production even set the play in the present, and "switched" the casting of Othello and Desdemonda's father (the Duke of Venice)---with her father portrayed by an actor who is a look-alike for Mr. Obama.
The play was viewed by about 43 others and myself during a Tuesday morning production for school groups. The group today was from, I believe, Mt. Lebanon.
Javon Johnson portrayed Othello, with Desdemona portrayed by Allison McLemore. The complex character of Emilia was portrayed by Shelley Delaney.
Iago was portrayed exceedingly well by Michael Hanrahan, presenting a valid reason for folks "not to lie, not to tell untruths."
~~~
14.40 Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Folk Dancing, May 2010
I went folk dancing yesterday evening in my neighborhood. We danced a number of Hungarian dances, Israeli, Turkish, Kurdish, Zemer Atik (Israeli), Black Nag (English Country dance), and other dances. It was great fun. We also enjoyed Ellen's blowing out her birthday cake!
I hurried home to watch the finale of "Dancing with the Stars" with Mom. Nicole and Derek won over Evan and Anna. It was fun to watch contestants from the whole season perform, as well.
Labels: biology, Birthday, dance, dancing, international culture, Pittsburgh, school, theater, work
Ascension Thursday 2010
Last night I helped Maureen write letters for her school. We had fun looking at Facebook afterwards.
This morning I went to morning Mass for the Ascension, and did my winter laundry/wash.
This afternoon, I met with a student to look over the final results, went home for a nap, and will have a snack.
~~~~~
21.15
Maureen and I walked to the burgers and fries joint for dinner after she attended six o'clock Mass. We enjoyed our meal, walked back in the cool dusk, commenting on how this is what it would be like an hour later in London at midsummer. I met up with Mom and Dad, spent some time chatting with them, and then they are attending Mass nearby.
It's quiet here in Mom and Dad's place, now. I think I'll have a glass of juice. (Red).
Just got in touch with Pratima at the top of the hour. Ellen's been wanting to talk to her, as well.
Labels: biology, blogs, celebration, dine, dining, friends, Mass, sleep, student, work, writing
Post-Nasal Drip, Post-Practical Questions
I have post-nasal drip Thursday right after the semester ended. I've been sleeping propped with pillows.
Thursday a student stopped by to have a second look at the exam.
Labels: biology, health, school, student, work
Grades Posted at 17.00, Spring 2010
William, Dad, and I drove to "thirty one-derful flavors" for their 31 cent scoops. Dad, Mom, and I got Jamoca Almond Fudge, and William got German chocolate cake, and cherries Jubilee for Beatrice and Solomon. Donations will be made today to the Fire Fighters fund.
After, I headed home for dinner, to say hi to Mom and Dee Dee P., and to answer emails after the grades were officially posted to the central computer on campus at 17.00 h.
~~~
Went grocery shopping with Maureen at ~21.00.
Labels: biology, dine, email, friends, ice cream, school, shopping, work
And Here Begins My Summer Break 2010
I met with Carole and Meredith at about 12:45 today to take care of administrative tasks for my four laboratory sections. We had a productive meeting. I then spent the next two and a half hours taking care of the paperwork to leave them a copy of our work. I left work after leaving a copy for them.
I walked back home, toting my less-heavy bag with me, and showered and took a nap to about 16.30. I went to Mom and Dad's, visiting, toting stuff from their home, bringing dinner makings from my house (for a lovely Surf N Turf dinner), and emailing my students that I'd posted their grades. Mom and I watched Dancing with the Stars, and I just spoke with Stacey, a colleague who is home grading.
I think I'll turn in early tonight.
Labels: biology, dance, dine, family, meeting, school, sleep, work
Grading Update, Spring 2010
So, I officially finished grading all questions for all my students in all my sections on all assignments at 9.49 this morning.
Now, I just need to:
Add the scores from the subtotals
Calculate the score for the final
Calculate the percent right on the final
Enter the final grades in the grade spreadsheets
Calculate course scores/grades
Calculate course letter grades (with + or -)
Much of this can be done with calculators, spreadsheets, and grade break/cutoff information.
I'll take Mom and Dad out for lunch today to celebrate!
Time for a little relaxation before choir practice.
Labels: biology, celebration, Choir, dining, relax, school, St. Paul Cathedral, work
Up Early for Grading, the Home Stretch, Spring 2010
I'm up early on a Sunday for the grading home stretch. I'm on the last portion of the exam!!! I've put feelers out for meeting with one of my supervisors early next week to discuss grades. My students will be happy if I can post grades before graduation (sooner than later, before the scheduled time).
Labels: biology, early, school, work
Up Early to (finish?) Grading, Finals Spring 2010
Sprung up early this morning to get my papers in order and to (finish?) grade. Just checked my email, checked my withdrawals from class...ready to go!
8.26 am
2/3rds + finished grading...I took a break after the 2/3rds mark to make cinnamon bread French toast and eggs for the folks and me.
10.12 am
7/9ths finished grading. Taking a break to write more to this blog entry...
12.02 pm
5/6ths finished grading. Time to grade to the bottom of page 7 for one section, then lunch, then clean-up, then watching Mother's Day on Ice (figure skating) on television, then an hour-long nap.
17.06
8/9ths finished grading.
18.11
17/18ths finished grading.
I'm in the home stretch now!
Labels: biology, dine, school, sleep, sports, TV, work
