micro xm1

Well, much to my dismay, there were NO A's or B's on the first micro exam! Class average was 65 and 13 students failed (below C). I know it is my fault, as it is always the professor's fault, right? If all students had made A or B, then it would have been because it is such a smart class! Bull hockey! This was a challenging exam, but by no means a difficult college level exam. Now I expected an average like this on my API exam in the morning, yes I have an 8 am Saturday class this trimester and two labs after that! We shall see. Don't tell anyone, but I may surprise the class and give them a 10 point curve! This would bring the class average up to 75, which is more respectable. Not that I worry about respectability, but I don't want to show up and fail all the students my first trimester on the faculty here! Maybe they will do better on exam 2 now that they know what I test like.

Later,

here we go again

There is something innately wrong with the population of the US, particularly that subset of the population that we elect to run the country. Now the awarding of bids to rebuild New Orleans is coming under increased scrutiny and criticism. Before, it was the response time and preparation after and before Katrina. Given that we knew days ahead of time that a "potential" monster hurricane was approaching the New Orleans area, why couldn't all those thousands of folks who became traped there have been moved out BEFORE the storm hit. After it hit, then a logisitical mess enused, blame was thrown around and the ever popular "race" card was played. Now, instead of hiring local workers and firms to help rebuild the area, bids are going to firms in Alaska, workers are being shipped in and of course, W's old rich pals are being given bids to get even richer off of our tax dollars! Clearly, had the folks at most risk in New Orleans and the ones that ended up trapped there had not been economically challenged, mostly not voting and predominately African-American, Bush and congress would have responded with proper aid in the "wink of an eye". But these weren't well-to-do members of an important voting block, as is often the case when hurricanes hit Florida, so the need to rush things through congress and move the military into place was not felt by the political entities that run our nation. This nation is heading toward a huge fall from grace. The resulting "mess" that came from Katrina revealed the ugly underbelly of our society. Racism is still rampant in the US, however, it is simply not as overt as it once was. Economical and educatoinal rifts are growing, separately the "haves" from the "have nots" to a much greater degree and guess who is in charge? The "haves" control the nations money and businesses and make the important decisions that have more impact on the "have-nots" than themsevles, since they are sheltered from the harshness of the real world. Oh well, what do we do the fix this mess, that is the question?

Friday

Our internet has been down for a couple days. No reason much to come to work w/out on-line access. First round of exams are this week, so I have been working on getting my micro and API exams ready. Done. Seem to be challenging, but cover only what we discussed. Mutilple choice all the way. I'll let you know how the classes do. I got a feeling that the average for the micro will be in the 68-72 range, but the API may dip to the low 60's range. I hope I am wrong on both cases, but we'll see. Have a great day. More later. I might even be ready to complain and observe some, as is my want!

day 2

still not sure why, but I am back. I guess this is sort of like a diary..... when I get warmed up though, I think I will COMPLAIN... not really complain, just share my very insightfull observations on human behavior.... well, just this morning, on Sept 28, someone in my class has already complained that it was cold this morning.... we have been suffering through sweltering heat for weeks and weeks and now that there is a break, it was 66 this morning, it is COLD! Can't please everyone any of the time, but jeeesss, 66 is not cold... My point is that humans are innately complainers and most never seem to be satisfied with anything. Maybe my perspective as a person that gets too hot easily sways my view on temp, but .... well never mind. Got to go to class and teach these youngsters some pathophysiology... oh yeah, my truck is heating up again and I need to replace a hose..... always something.....

day 1

First day as "blogger" coming to close. Out of office now and headed pet store, liquor store and home! Didn't get to workout today due to the lunch w/ Dr. Champion, but hope to take a good walk this evening. Don't know how long this will last. Got a phone call. later dudes

down time

Well, being a faculty member is not all fun and games. I am trying to upload a CD to access faculty resource materials, ie a test bank, and am getting a lot of red tape from the publisher. Apparently, so many students try to get faculty access to stuff online that there is a verification period and I will have to wait to make my exam! The nerve! (lol)

My new supervisor took myself and the other new faculty to lunch in downtown Memphis today. We ate at a German-American, family owened, restuarant... I had Goulash, a salad and some veggies w/ a diet coke. A good cold German draft beer would have been great, but alas, didn't want to drink at lunch w/ my super!

Well, down time over. Got to find some work to do for a couple more hours, then out the door! Home, a good walk and some cold beer awaits! Later

What's up

My first attempt at blogging and I am not sure if it is worth the effort. One of my previous students at the Medical University of the Americas sent me the site for hig blog and I thought I would give it a try. Not much happening in Memphis now. The 'canes have both come and gone from the gulf coast, but we still have a lot of folks that have relocated here. Always something happening on the weekends here tough. The fair is in town, U of M has a home football game this weekend and there is most likely a concert someplace. Beale street is always hopping and it is fun just to go there, get a "big ass beer" as they call them ($5) and "people watch". I really enjoy just watching people, how they act etc. Of course, there is always music someplace to enjoy and when you get hungry, plenty to eat (for $$$ of course)! I guess I will start using my blog to voice my varied opinions about the goings on in the US and world, but we shall see.