Calm...
So it's been since Saturday night that the last threat has hit. As described in yesterday's posting, there has been no threat since then posted by the emergency notification system. Yesterday, a friend and I worked on grading (I got to a little less than halfway finished yesterday). My friend/ colleague actually travelled to a cafeteria on campus (!) for a takeout/ takeaway lunch. We worked for a total of about seven hours together.
I rode the bus with a neighbor of mom and dad's. Dinner was leftovers. I worked for a while longer, getting past the half-way mark of grading (not scoring).
Students are being calm (cautiously), as described in a particularly informative Post-Gazette article today.
I am now familiar with:
KEEP CALM
and
CARRY ON
~~~~
(on T-shirts sold on a campus corner:)
KEEP CALM
and
HAIL TO PITT
~~~~
(and the whole front page of the Pitt News yesterday was:)
KEEP CALM
and
IF SAFE TO DO
SO, PICK UP THIS
NEWSPAPER
~~~~
I think I'll "KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON."
~
Here is the latest from the Pitt News on the threats...withdrawal after withdrawal of the rewards...
Labels: work
End of the Work Week, end of March 2012
Met up with Megan and her friend M. after work yesterday. They were apartment hunting. Met Megan earlier this week in upper campus.
Weather has been cooler...in the 30s to 50s Fahrenheit during the night to day. Was in the 60s to 80s during the day for the two weeks earlier. The bulbs (tulips) in my neighborhood, forsythia in front of my work building, and other flowers are up, due to this. Students were arriving in shorts and sandals in lab two weeks ago, and I advised them that that week (Population Genetics laboratory week) was okay to wear non-lab togs, but they should be advised that it would not be okay for the rest of the labs.
Ah, to go from Autumn into late Autumn, into Spring into Summer! That is what this last half year has been like.
Labels: flowers, friends, seasons, weather, work
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
Thanksgiving Days 2010
Yesterday (Monday) Mom and I went to the resale shop then went to pick up Dad for lunch at the Japanese buffet. A two-hour nap ensued, then I went to Bible Study led by Frs. Josh and Steve at the Newman Center.
We used St. John Newman's text, PPS 3:44-53, "Early Years of David." When we were asked what made David different from the other prophets and holy men who preceded him, I asked whether he was filled with the Holy Spirit---the psalms were inspired, vs. Moses and Abraham, who occasionally went to separate places to communicate with God the Father. Fr. Josh reminded us of the presence of the Spirit (as in the Creed).
Later in the passage I said in response to this we read, a passage written by Newman, "[David] had power put into his hands, in a sense in which neither Moses had it nor Samuel. He was charged with a certain office": "David was empowered by God."
~~~
Today is a busy day. I started off the morning lectoring for morning Mass. Princess greeted me, as did Carol and Donna. Fr. Bill Dorner celebrated Mass, Ryan provided music ministry at the portative organ, and Linda was the server. We found out that Linda will be moving in a couple of weeks. The Mass was offered up for the soul of Margaret W., a friend and neighbor.
Later this morning I will meet with several of my students, one of whom will make up some work, (I will return the last of the written work they have given me) and then I have a couple of appointments before joining William and Marissa's children for Thanksgiving decoration preparations!
Labels: appointment, art, Bible, Faith, lector, Mass, meeting, sleep, St. Paul Cathedral, 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
Noon Mass, Nicole Constable, Heinz Chapel, and an evening walk
Yesterday after work I attended noon Mass, celebrated by Fr. Drew Morgan. He discussed the impact of the three archangels during the Michaelmas service.
I went to a lecture by Prof. Nicole Constable (A & S, Anthropology and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research). She spoke on "Telling Tales of Migrant Workers: Religion, Activism, and Women's Life Scripts." I zoomed from the post-talk reception to...
...Heinz Chapel for our class tour of Heinz Chapel (by Jackie), including my leading a discussion of how three out of four of the main nave windows refer directly to concepts of Academic Integrity.
Maureen and I went for a post-dinner walk in Shadyside.
Labels: diaspora, Faith, Mass, Philippines, Pilipino culture, school, walking, work
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
I spent the afternoon
Today I arose at 5, went back to sleep at 7, and took a little catnap just a little while ago.
After Dad ('d like to think inadvertently) deleted ALL my files from the family computer, I spent the afternoon recreating the files and emailing Mom some of the files for future reference. I failed to restore my CV. I can't believe that he did that after I expressly told him that they were important files, important in case of an emergency. I am almost at the point where I have lost hope in his ability.
Labels: computer, health, sleep, travel, work
This Week Sleep
3, 9, 5, 7
These are the times I have arisen this week...Today I arose at 7 (but awoke and went back to sleep at 5).
Monday Dad drove Mom and I to get our hair/s styled. We went shopping afterwards (I got a small calculator), and had lunch at the Chinese buffet.
Tuesday I spoke with my health coach in the morning. Mom, Dad, and I went to the Waterfront to update our cell phones. Maureen and I met Jeff to celebrate her birthday over BBQ chicken pizza. We had fun chatting.
Wednesday I had an orientation meeting with Laura D's office. I met with Stacy at 19.00 hours for smoothies. We also went to the Frick Fine Arts building to bask in the setting sunlight. Last night, Mom and Dad brought home summer sweet corn from Robert.
Labels: Birthday, computer, dining, hair, health, ice cream, phone, shopping, sleep, work
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
Walking Day
Walked to and from my appointment this gray cool morning. I enjoyed lunch with Mom and Dad, a nap, and job hunting. Also took care of some administrative correspondence.
Maureen and I saw the rainy scape right before we decided to walk. She's at dance class now, and I'll join her later this evening for writing correspondence for her school.
Labels: dine, sleep, volunteering, walking, work, writing
Pratima Visits, Spring 2010
Met Pratima and Ellen at Ellen's workplace this afternoon. We walked to get Middle Eastern cuisine for dinner. We dined on Mohomara, Baba Ghanooj, and Mujaddara for dinner. We walked to Pratima's vehicle, then went folk dancing afterwards.
It's always great fun spending time with Ellen and Pratima!
Labels: dancing, dining, friends, international culture, work
Pittsburgh Marathon, Pitt's Graduation, Pens Game, and Mass
The Pittsburgh Marathon is being run as I type. The University of Pittsburgh's graduation is today. The Penguins play at Mellon arena early this afternoon. And getting around the city by motorized vehicle will be a challenge today.
~~~
I saw the runners turning east onto Fifth Avenue from Craig Street this morning before Mass.
~~~
11.15am
I lectored in place of Betty at the last Mass. She has problems navigating all the obstacles today. So Carol and Fr. Bill D. helped me to get organized for the Sunday Mass. The major difference is carrying in the book of the Gospels, as well as stepping down for the cantor to sing the psalm, and putting away the lectionary and step before the Gospel reading. Also, there is no announcing the hymns, as during the weekday Mass.
Fr. Bill celebrated the Mass; Rachel, PJ, and Steve served, Linda O. cantored; Ken was the organist; and Donna S. and Carmella and Bob were among the Eucharistic Ministers. Mom and Dad attended the Mass, I also saw Sarah from choir there. I saw Jim L. and Dan before Mass as usher and greeter, respectively.
I chatted with Linda after Mass about vocal health (pending my incipient laryngitis) and the seminar two Thursdays ago, then Mom and I chatted with Gloria and Steve about building issues.
~~~
Labels: Mass, organizing, school, sports, St. Paul Cathedral, voice, walking, work
