For some people, the words of Anne Frank say it best: "I am a bundle of contradictions". On the surface, that may appear to be true of a lot of people. In my case, people may say that regarding a whole host of opinions that I've given over the years. I prefer to think of the immortal Ralph Waldo Emerson and "a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds" when thinking politically. I don't subscribe to everything in the GOP Talking Points Manual** but for many in the liberal camp, to believe one conservative point is to believe them all (and I KNOW it works both ways, especially on the pro-life issue. Don't call it pro-choice--the baby doesn't GET a choice). And the Libertarians wonder why they don't make any headway.
So I think I talked previously about my work with my son's Boy Scout troop (We call it Boy Scouts here in the United States. The USA is the only country where Scouting isn't co-ed). On Monday, www.scouting.org had a statement regarding an issue that has been hotly contentious for many years. In it they acknowledged that the national organization is considering local options on whether gay Scouts and leaders may be active members. It would be up to the chartering organizations to determine standards for membership/leadership.
UPDATE: It's Wednesday and National is meeting this morning on this very issue. It'll be interesting to see how this goes. There are more than a few who are steadfastly clinging to the way things were and are, but I think in the end that it will be left up to the local chartering organizations, which will lead to the organization admitting anyone with a pulse after hundreds of lawsuits are filed. Personally, I think that the organization is missing the boat. There are thousands of worthy men out there who could help boys in myriad ways whose only offense is not being straight. Gonna make for one heck of a parent meeting.
UPDATE 2: It's Tuesday the 12th and the BSA decided to table their decision pending a national board meeting in May. Hope people can wait that long--or can be civil enough to allow Scouting to hash this out.
*--Tom Lehrer, Songs by Tom Lehrer, 1953.
**--published by Pagliacci Press, 4/1/2012 (note the date)
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Baby, It's Cold Outside* (but the job search is heating up)
With regard to temperature, this is our first time in the teens (Farenheit) this winter, and the wind chill is near zero. Certainly a good day to stay inside with a good book!
Yesterday there was a bit of activity on the job front. I had applied for the research library internship at Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square PA) and as part of the application process, had asked one of my professors to supply a letter of recommendation. She did, and it couldn't have glowed more if it was radioactive. Suffice it to say that I feel pretty good about myself right now.
But it continues: Early in the fall, I had applied for a position as "music library technician" at the Presser Music Library at West Chester University. Didn't even get a call. Disappointed, but carried on--I was busy with Management and Cataloging classes and didn't have time to brood. Yesterday I'm going through my email and I get a letter from the Presser Library saying that the job had re-opened and would you like an interview? Are you KIDDING ME, I thought to myself. Zipped a response back (I said yes, of course).There was much rejoicing! I don't have the job yet, haven't even scheduled the interview, but
Don't get me wrong; the public library world needs good people like my co-workers Kate and Lois. My goal is to work at the college/university/research level and be that go-to guy on which students can depend for help. Competent writing in the appropriate style is crucial for collegiate success, and if I can make it easier for them than it was for me, then I've done my job. Onward!
Cheers...
*--Frank Loesser, 1944; recorded by many, many artists of all stripes, but first performed by Mr. Loesser and his wife, Lynn Garland, as a reminder to party guests that it was time to go.
PS: Didn't get it--although I was heartened by the librarian who said he wished he had had two positions available so that he could hire me.
Yesterday there was a bit of activity on the job front. I had applied for the research library internship at Longwood Gardens (Kennett Square PA) and as part of the application process, had asked one of my professors to supply a letter of recommendation. She did, and it couldn't have glowed more if it was radioactive. Suffice it to say that I feel pretty good about myself right now.
But it continues: Early in the fall, I had applied for a position as "music library technician" at the Presser Music Library at West Chester University. Didn't even get a call. Disappointed, but carried on--I was busy with Management and Cataloging classes and didn't have time to brood. Yesterday I'm going through my email and I get a letter from the Presser Library saying that the job had re-opened and would you like an interview? Are you KIDDING ME, I thought to myself. Zipped a response back (I said yes, of course).There was much rejoicing! I don't have the job yet, haven't even scheduled the interview, but
Don't get me wrong; the public library world needs good people like my co-workers Kate and Lois. My goal is to work at the college/university/research level and be that go-to guy on which students can depend for help. Competent writing in the appropriate style is crucial for collegiate success, and if I can make it easier for them than it was for me, then I've done my job. Onward!
Cheers...
*--Frank Loesser, 1944; recorded by many, many artists of all stripes, but first performed by Mr. Loesser and his wife, Lynn Garland, as a reminder to party guests that it was time to go.
PS: Didn't get it--although I was heartened by the librarian who said he wished he had had two positions available so that he could hire me.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Leader of the Band*, part 2
Just a short note to congratulate Dr. Scott Boerma, soon-to-be former director of the Michigan Marching Band, who will assume his new duties as Director of Bands at Western Michigan University in the fall. Hail Sinfonia!
Cheers!
*--Dan Fogelberg, The Innocent Age, 1981.
Cheers!
*--Dan Fogelberg, The Innocent Age, 1981.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
The Chairman Dances*
First, to all my readers, I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.
This post has more to do with my work with charitable and other non-profit groups outside the library from where I'm typing this. Over the course of my adulthood, I've had opportunity to do a lot of paid and volunteer work for non-profit organizations, from Protestant and Catholic churches I've attended to the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, from the Chester County Library System to the Boy Scouts of America. I even taught the SCRABBLE badge to a bunch of giggly Girl Scouts at one of my daughter's troop meetings. I still can't understand why 10-year-old girls giggled when I made them say the last name of SCRABBLE's inventor--good and loud (google it).
Until recently, though, I've never been in a position to be in charge of a group, try though I might. Within the last month, I became what Rachel Singer Gordon refers to as an "accidental" manager--in this case, the acting committee chairman of my son's Boy Scout troop. (I'm also acting principal trombone of a local orchestra and its acting librarian--but I've never been much of an actor ;-)). The circumstances were to say the least, delicate. The health of the last chairman had been declining to the point where it became clear to all involved that his continued participation was going to be impossible. Papers needed to be signed, and the work of the troop needed to go on. In that spirit I offered to be the "co-chair" so that the boys could get their Eagle badges, and my offer was accepted. So far I've led two meetings, and while things have gone relatively smoothly at the meetings, there has been a palpable uneasiness on the part of some of our group.
I only made 2nd Class when I was a Scout nearly 40 years ago, and (for a variety of reasons) I have not taken what most would consider an active role in either my son's Cub Scout Pack or Boy Scout Troop. I helped out where I could--as a merit badge counselor, and on the annual Scouting for Food drive--but I left the weekly 'heavy lifting" to the uniformed leadership. I make no apologies for that. My son needs to get the perspective (if not wisdom) of adults other than his parents. I'm not an expert in everything--no parent is--but I'm appreciative of those folks who are in areas I lack knowledge.
Nonetheless, there are those who wear the uniform who are suspicious of those who haven't worn it, and I imagine that out loud, the questions might sound something like this:
"I've been a Scout leader for (years/decades/my whole adult life/Lord Baden Powell was in my troop) and now he's going to tell ME what to do?"
"What training does he have?"
"Why doesn't he wear the uniform?"
"Why is he just stepping up NOW?"
"He doesn't act/sound/look like his predecessor--why not?"
Answering these questions may shed some light on how this came to pass.
1) "I've been a Scout leader for (years/decades/my whole adult life/Lord Baden Powell was in my troop) and now he's going to tell ME what to do?"
Well, no. If you're doing your job the best it can be done and everyone who needs to be served is being served, then I may just give you an "attaboy" and be done with it. If I perceive that you're falling down in some aspect of your position or role within the troop, and I can do something about it or can pass on some knowledge, I will. I've been a firm believer in not fixing what isn't broken--but if something can be done differently that will benefit the organization I will explore it.
2) "What training does he have?"
While my BSA training is limited to "safe Scout" training that all adult leaders are required to have, I earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music (from the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University, respectively) and am in the process of completing a second graduate degree in Library and Information Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Part of the MSLS degree coursework involves management of nonprofit organizations, knowledge that I find immensely helpful in working with the Boy Scouts.
3) "Why doesn't he wear the uniform?"
No good reason. If enough people feel that it gives me added credence, then I'll wear it. Until then, I'll continue to do the work dressed in business wear.
4) "Why is he just stepping up NOW?"
This assumes that 1) there was no need up until now, and 2) that I had no previous experience. Wrong and wrong.
First, there is always a need for effective leadership in any organization. Life happens. People move, kids age out of the organization or quit, and in our case, our committee chair passed away after a long illness. Just because you're not in charge of the whole shebang doesn't mean that you aren't responsible for the good of the organization.
Second, nearly eighteen years of my life were spent teaching in some of America's poorest school districts. I have taught students who lived in the colonias on the Texas-Mexico border, in homes with dirt floors; many of my students in Plainfield NJ and Philadelphia PA were in similar straits. They sought nothing from me save a shot at a better life, and for me to come to work the next day/week/year. I made a point of telling my students on the first day of school that I would learn more from them than they did me. What I took from that experience was the knowledge that people mean well, people want to succeed, but that good intentions don't guarantee success. Love what you do, but do it (or learn how to do it) competently.
5) "Why doesn't he look/sound/act like his predecessor?"
Because I'm not my predecessor. I like a cartoon show called Camp Lazlo. The Scoutmaster (in this show about a fictionalized "Bean Scout" camp, Camp Kidney) is named Lumpus, an older, skinny moose (!) who reminds me (and numerous other Scouts and leaders) of people we've known in the organization. We recognize him as a stereotype (albeit a loving one) because we're not all like that.
In the 1980's, E.L Doctorow wrote a novel called Billy Bathgate which was a fictionalized account of the last days of the Dutch Schultz gang. In it, the title character recalled a conversation where he was asked who was a better shot--the gangster who sprayed every corner of the target, or the marksman who aimed carefully and hit precise marks on the target. The implication was that there was room in the organization for both--that both styles were vital to the success of the organization. He went on to say that the nature of the business was changing, that they would need "smart, quiet boys who had been to college" (rather than hardcore gangsters who learned on the job). We understand and appreciate and will certainly learn from the history of (and the hard work and dedication put in by) our predecessors, but while the organization's standards may not have changed, the method by which they are carried out may need to.
With that in mind, we move forward. Cheers.
(Obscure composer reference alert)
And I wasn't, wasn't, wasn't repetitive, repetitive, repetitive...
*--John Adams, Nixon In China, 1987.
This post has more to do with my work with charitable and other non-profit groups outside the library from where I'm typing this. Over the course of my adulthood, I've had opportunity to do a lot of paid and volunteer work for non-profit organizations, from Protestant and Catholic churches I've attended to the Bach Choir of Bethlehem, from the Chester County Library System to the Boy Scouts of America. I even taught the SCRABBLE badge to a bunch of giggly Girl Scouts at one of my daughter's troop meetings. I still can't understand why 10-year-old girls giggled when I made them say the last name of SCRABBLE's inventor--good and loud (google it).
Until recently, though, I've never been in a position to be in charge of a group, try though I might. Within the last month, I became what Rachel Singer Gordon refers to as an "accidental" manager--in this case, the acting committee chairman of my son's Boy Scout troop. (I'm also acting principal trombone of a local orchestra and its acting librarian--but I've never been much of an actor ;-)). The circumstances were to say the least, delicate. The health of the last chairman had been declining to the point where it became clear to all involved that his continued participation was going to be impossible. Papers needed to be signed, and the work of the troop needed to go on. In that spirit I offered to be the "co-chair" so that the boys could get their Eagle badges, and my offer was accepted. So far I've led two meetings, and while things have gone relatively smoothly at the meetings, there has been a palpable uneasiness on the part of some of our group.
I only made 2nd Class when I was a Scout nearly 40 years ago, and (for a variety of reasons) I have not taken what most would consider an active role in either my son's Cub Scout Pack or Boy Scout Troop. I helped out where I could--as a merit badge counselor, and on the annual Scouting for Food drive--but I left the weekly 'heavy lifting" to the uniformed leadership. I make no apologies for that. My son needs to get the perspective (if not wisdom) of adults other than his parents. I'm not an expert in everything--no parent is--but I'm appreciative of those folks who are in areas I lack knowledge.
Nonetheless, there are those who wear the uniform who are suspicious of those who haven't worn it, and I imagine that out loud, the questions might sound something like this:
"I've been a Scout leader for (years/decades/my whole adult life/Lord Baden Powell was in my troop) and now he's going to tell ME what to do?"
"What training does he have?"
"Why doesn't he wear the uniform?"
"Why is he just stepping up NOW?"
"He doesn't act/sound/look like his predecessor--why not?"
Answering these questions may shed some light on how this came to pass.
1) "I've been a Scout leader for (years/decades/my whole adult life/Lord Baden Powell was in my troop) and now he's going to tell ME what to do?"
Well, no. If you're doing your job the best it can be done and everyone who needs to be served is being served, then I may just give you an "attaboy" and be done with it. If I perceive that you're falling down in some aspect of your position or role within the troop, and I can do something about it or can pass on some knowledge, I will. I've been a firm believer in not fixing what isn't broken--but if something can be done differently that will benefit the organization I will explore it.
2) "What training does he have?"
While my BSA training is limited to "safe Scout" training that all adult leaders are required to have, I earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music (from the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University, respectively) and am in the process of completing a second graduate degree in Library and Information Science from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Part of the MSLS degree coursework involves management of nonprofit organizations, knowledge that I find immensely helpful in working with the Boy Scouts.
3) "Why doesn't he wear the uniform?"
No good reason. If enough people feel that it gives me added credence, then I'll wear it. Until then, I'll continue to do the work dressed in business wear.
4) "Why is he just stepping up NOW?"
This assumes that 1) there was no need up until now, and 2) that I had no previous experience. Wrong and wrong.
First, there is always a need for effective leadership in any organization. Life happens. People move, kids age out of the organization or quit, and in our case, our committee chair passed away after a long illness. Just because you're not in charge of the whole shebang doesn't mean that you aren't responsible for the good of the organization.
Second, nearly eighteen years of my life were spent teaching in some of America's poorest school districts. I have taught students who lived in the colonias on the Texas-Mexico border, in homes with dirt floors; many of my students in Plainfield NJ and Philadelphia PA were in similar straits. They sought nothing from me save a shot at a better life, and for me to come to work the next day/week/year. I made a point of telling my students on the first day of school that I would learn more from them than they did me. What I took from that experience was the knowledge that people mean well, people want to succeed, but that good intentions don't guarantee success. Love what you do, but do it (or learn how to do it) competently.
5) "Why doesn't he look/sound/act like his predecessor?"
Because I'm not my predecessor. I like a cartoon show called Camp Lazlo. The Scoutmaster (in this show about a fictionalized "Bean Scout" camp, Camp Kidney) is named Lumpus, an older, skinny moose (!) who reminds me (and numerous other Scouts and leaders) of people we've known in the organization. We recognize him as a stereotype (albeit a loving one) because we're not all like that.
In the 1980's, E.L Doctorow wrote a novel called Billy Bathgate which was a fictionalized account of the last days of the Dutch Schultz gang. In it, the title character recalled a conversation where he was asked who was a better shot--the gangster who sprayed every corner of the target, or the marksman who aimed carefully and hit precise marks on the target. The implication was that there was room in the organization for both--that both styles were vital to the success of the organization. He went on to say that the nature of the business was changing, that they would need "smart, quiet boys who had been to college" (rather than hardcore gangsters who learned on the job). We understand and appreciate and will certainly learn from the history of (and the hard work and dedication put in by) our predecessors, but while the organization's standards may not have changed, the method by which they are carried out may need to.
With that in mind, we move forward. Cheers.
(Obscure composer reference alert)
And I wasn't, wasn't, wasn't repetitive, repetitive, repetitive...
*--John Adams, Nixon In China, 1987.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Leader of the Band*
I just came home from my son's HS band concert. I'm not going to spend time here critiquing the performance--Mr. Trujillo, the band's director, did a fine job with his assembled forces. Rather, it was news that I received from a fellow band parent and Scouter--that Jeff Scott, longtime Troop committee chair, had passed away this morning. I blush to confess that I don't know how he became wheelchair-bound; I can only talk about how he kept coming to parent/leader meetings and quietly taking charge until he simply couldn't any more. He truly cared about the boys and about Scouting and I know he'll be missed. As troop committee co-chair (and now chair) I have big shoes to fill, but I'll find my way.
"The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old, but his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul;
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man, I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band".
Onward.
*--Dan Fogelberg, The Innocent Age, 1981.
"The leader of the band is tired and his eyes are growing old, but his blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul;
My life has been a poor attempt to imitate the man, I'm just a living legacy to the leader of the band".
Onward.
*--Dan Fogelberg, The Innocent Age, 1981.
No Man is an Island*
No Man is an Island
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
--John Donne, 1572-1631
I've been reflecting on the awful events of last Friday in Newtown, Connecticut. So much has been said, by so many, in so many corners of the American consciousness, that I will no doubt end up parroting what has been stated by those more prominent or those closer to the situation who were thrust into prominence through no fault of their own. I thank God that while Nancy and I have had a couple of health scares with the kids, they've been safe and secure, and we haven't received that phone call. I can't pretend to imagine how horrible that must be. I'm not sure I'll ever have the words, if words are ever sufficient, other than to say that if the United States of America ever heard a conversion call for individuals and families to embrace their Creator and follow Him more devotedly, this was it. For those who would curse God and ask, "Why did he allow this to happen?", I would offer that He gave us all free will and unfortunately some of us choose to abuse it. As a result, dozens of families and a community--indeed, our nation and the world--will never be the same.
Two issues at the heart of the issue have been mental illness and access to guns. Again, a lot of people have weighed in on many sides of the issue, and I am in agreement that mental illness is an issue that needs to be properly dealt with in this country. I'm going to quote (in part) from a message board to which I contribute (I'm the writer):
This isn't an easy issue for me (or anyone else for that matter), but I need to go further on the second issue--access to guns. Many have directed hateful diatribes at the National Rifle Association. Indeed, their decades-long pattern of lobbying and today's instant communication had me expecting a pre-packaged-sounding response from the group.
Five days and counting. Nothing. Not a word, in the media or on their website.
This morning it was announced that the NRA would have a press conference on Friday. Can't imagine how this will go, but I have a pretty good idea how it will be received.
*--Choral setting by Roy Ringwald [date unknown]. We sang it my freshman year in U-M Men's Glee Club. A powerful bit of music, especially accompanied by organ.
No man is an island,
Entire of itself.
Each is a piece of the continent,
A part of the main.
If a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less.
As well as if a promontory were.
As well as if a manor of thine own
Or of thine friend's were.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
--John Donne, 1572-1631
I've been reflecting on the awful events of last Friday in Newtown, Connecticut. So much has been said, by so many, in so many corners of the American consciousness, that I will no doubt end up parroting what has been stated by those more prominent or those closer to the situation who were thrust into prominence through no fault of their own. I thank God that while Nancy and I have had a couple of health scares with the kids, they've been safe and secure, and we haven't received that phone call. I can't pretend to imagine how horrible that must be. I'm not sure I'll ever have the words, if words are ever sufficient, other than to say that if the United States of America ever heard a conversion call for individuals and families to embrace their Creator and follow Him more devotedly, this was it. For those who would curse God and ask, "Why did he allow this to happen?", I would offer that He gave us all free will and unfortunately some of us choose to abuse it. As a result, dozens of families and a community--indeed, our nation and the world--will never be the same.
Two issues at the heart of the issue have been mental illness and access to guns. Again, a lot of people have weighed in on many sides of the issue, and I am in agreement that mental illness is an issue that needs to be properly dealt with in this country. I'm going to quote (in part) from a message board to which I contribute (I'm the writer):
"As a mental health patient (I'm bipolar), I can appreciate the need for access to quality mental health care. Over the years, I've benefited from medication and talk therapy to the point where I can live a relatively normal life. Is it easy? in a word, NO--but it beats the alternatives. I'm better served when I'm honest with myself and others around me regarding my condition. Does everyone with a mental health think as clearly? NO. That is where family and friends need to step up and be persistent advocates and protectors of the person in need of help, that tenacious "bug in the ear" for that person. Does it always work? NO. But that doesn't mean you quit trying. Ever. I've never been institutionalized, but there were times over the years when it would have been a viable alternative. Commitment isn't a decision made lightly or out of casual convenience. Further, the patient does have rights--and a whole system of legal advocacy of which they can take advantage.
"As for the gun issue--I imagine that there are those who read the third paragraph of this post and thought to themselves, "He doesn't get one". Whatever. I've never owned one; I'm not a hunter or law enforcement officer or competitive shooter so I don't really need one. Besides, I have Parkinson's and my aim is about as good as Gene Wilder's in "Blazing Saddles" ("See this hand?" "Steady as a rock" "Yeah, but I shoot with this one")" (The Trombone Forum, 15 December 2012).
This isn't an easy issue for me (or anyone else for that matter), but I need to go further on the second issue--access to guns. Many have directed hateful diatribes at the National Rifle Association. Indeed, their decades-long pattern of lobbying and today's instant communication had me expecting a pre-packaged-sounding response from the group.
Five days and counting. Nothing. Not a word, in the media or on their website.
This morning it was announced that the NRA would have a press conference on Friday. Can't imagine how this will go, but I have a pretty good idea how it will be received.
*--Choral setting by Roy Ringwald [date unknown]. We sang it my freshman year in U-M Men's Glee Club. A powerful bit of music, especially accompanied by organ.
Friday, December 14, 2012
For all the saints who from their labours rest*
A little under 24 hours ago I finished my Cataloging final. Eight questions, just like the Management final. Three of them were RDA-related (two of three right--missed the one on whether it was ever permissible to list both the copyright date AND the publication date for the same item). One question on bibliographic relationships (MARC field 130 on a listing for a particular edition of the Latin Vulgate--switched two of the subfields, otherwise nailed it); two on personal name entries (nailed one, slightly missed the other), one involving a committee report (messy), and the big one (60 of the possible 100 points) on a book on the subject of (wait for it) Turkish pottery (perfecto!). Dr. Maccaferri does go blotto for the Ottoman Empire!
I consider it a badge of honor to have earned an 87.2% on this test; that score fell just above the class average of 86. My current grade for the class stands at 86.27; it's 89.5 or better for an A. We're all sweating out what he gives us for class participation and extra credit, because according to my arithmetic he has not factored those numbers in. If I receive what I think I'm supposed to, I'll cross that 89.5 threshold, and there will be much rejoicing.
UPDATE: I ended up with a 92.04 for the semester. Not sure how, but I'll take the A.
I'm still awaiting the results of the Management final. If word count were everything, I'd get an A+++. As it is, I'll be happy with an 80--I'll still get an A for the semester (actually, a 70 will do likewise, but I already have one 70 on my record in that class and I don't want another. That seems to be the pattern for me in Dr. Harhai's classes--work like the devil and JUSSST make the grade.LOL. In fairness, both classes have a LOT of material to cover, and as I've discovered in the online world, you fail to buckle down at your own peril.
UPDATE: I ended up with a 92.94 for the semester. My 4.0 is intact. YIPPPPEEEEE!!!!
This morning's a very quiet Friday at the library. I retrieved My Indian Kitchen by Hari Nayak (Tuttle, 2011) for an upcoming potluck dinner at my son's Scout troop. I'll be cooking three dishes: corn and mushrooms in a spicy curry, stir-fried paneer cheese with peppers, and whole wheat flatbread (well, four, because I have to make the paneer cheese for the stir-fry, which isn't as hard as it sounds).
At home, between now and the 26th I can concentrate on cleaning the house, practicing for a Christmas Eve gig in Wayne, and getting ready for our trip to Michigan. More immediately, my youngest daughter is performing in her schools improvisational comedy group, LOL, tonight at the school. Fun times!
St. Jerome, Pray for us!
*--opening line to Sine Nomine by Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1905 (text by William Walsham How, 1864).
I consider it a badge of honor to have earned an 87.2% on this test; that score fell just above the class average of 86. My current grade for the class stands at 86.27; it's 89.5 or better for an A. We're all sweating out what he gives us for class participation and extra credit, because according to my arithmetic he has not factored those numbers in. If I receive what I think I'm supposed to, I'll cross that 89.5 threshold, and there will be much rejoicing.
UPDATE: I ended up with a 92.04 for the semester. Not sure how, but I'll take the A.
I'm still awaiting the results of the Management final. If word count were everything, I'd get an A+++. As it is, I'll be happy with an 80--I'll still get an A for the semester (actually, a 70 will do likewise, but I already have one 70 on my record in that class and I don't want another. That seems to be the pattern for me in Dr. Harhai's classes--work like the devil and JUSSST make the grade.LOL. In fairness, both classes have a LOT of material to cover, and as I've discovered in the online world, you fail to buckle down at your own peril.
UPDATE: I ended up with a 92.94 for the semester. My 4.0 is intact. YIPPPPEEEEE!!!!
This morning's a very quiet Friday at the library. I retrieved My Indian Kitchen by Hari Nayak (Tuttle, 2011) for an upcoming potluck dinner at my son's Scout troop. I'll be cooking three dishes: corn and mushrooms in a spicy curry, stir-fried paneer cheese with peppers, and whole wheat flatbread (well, four, because I have to make the paneer cheese for the stir-fry, which isn't as hard as it sounds).
At home, between now and the 26th I can concentrate on cleaning the house, practicing for a Christmas Eve gig in Wayne, and getting ready for our trip to Michigan. More immediately, my youngest daughter is performing in her schools improvisational comedy group, LOL, tonight at the school. Fun times!
St. Jerome, Pray for us!
*--opening line to Sine Nomine by Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1905 (text by William Walsham How, 1864).
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