Suki, on the other hand, is delighted by the children. Except when she tried to eat Spiderman. That's pretty mean for a Strawberry.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
every once in a while, those in-service torture sessions are interesting
The second song a bit nihilistic, so ignore it and just listen to the sound of it.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
THEY WON! ! ! FIRST PRIZE! ! !
My babies won! Christy the Stage Manager won best tech, and Jonathan won the All Star Actors something or other. And the play, First Place! Woo-hoo!
And yes, that's champagne.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
the obligatory Dumbledore rant
He's dead.
He's gay.
So what.
After being caught up in conferences and meetings, and real life for over a week, I'm finally getting around to the obligatory rant, mostly because I am just now reading what was said. I have to admit that like many people, I too, find JKR's declaration a bit suspect. Why now? Why at all? I don't think it necessarily helps "a gay political agenda" nor does it shed any light on the character himself.
Going back to deconstruct the series is a bit foolish, and I find the points highlighting his gay characteristics to be grasping at straws, with the possible exception that Dumbledore strove for tolerance of all marginalized folks. And yet, that isn't exclusively a "gay" character trait, unless we want to accept stereotypes.
We can't condemn stereotypes, and then use them when they are convenient.
In my opinion, JKR has spoiled an aspect of the series by interjecting a piece of information after the fact, and retroactively causing it to be a part of the canon. It's too bad because if her intent had really always been to show a gay character as a heroic figure, she could have done it in the series. Instead, she cowardly left it out, and now that it is commercially successful, etc., she springs it on us. I am disappointed in her artistically, but moreso because it all seems trendy, contrived, and manipulative.
To be fair, I did wonder if Dumbledore might be gay, and I did wonder at the relationship, given that JKR let little nuggets of info out that he had loved someone. Yet, I think the speculation made the character far more interesting. It gave him a side that was dark and unknown and conflictive. It made him tragic and flawed, not because he was gay, but because something in his past plagued him, and that makes for great literature. In short, it gave Dumbledore complexity, and we wondered if he had ever loved, or been loved. JKR's politically timed statement has taken away the potential for literary analysis--she answered any question that could have been debated, argued, and supported or destroyed.
Instead, it is reduced to something that JKR has brought up after the fact, and for those of us who are cynical, we observe that she revealed it after she has garnered about as much money as possible from book sales to a target audience, just in time to cater to another. It comes across as pandering, and I'm not fond of anyone pandering to me.
Because of that, I don't see how gay people could possibly welcome her declaration as anything other than promoting that it is best for homosexuals to suppress their nature and live in the closet. That is, until it becomes advantageous to "out" someone. How about that? She "outed" a character that she claimed to have loved. At any rate, I think this is very damaging on many levels.
It feeds into some of the meanest stereotypes of homosexuals in society--the purple cloak, the stylish air, the sensitivity--his interest in a young boy. Yes, that last one particularly bugs me. And well it should.
I'm annoyed that she has tainted the series with a contemporary political agenda (when literature is best used as a political voice through more subtle means). I'm annoyed that it will introduce a new round of criticism for what I consider to be a delightful and provocative series (in spite of the terrible decision to have an epilogue reminiscent of the equally lame and trite ending to Return of the Jedi). I'm annoyed (in advance) that people will misinterpret my objections as a form of homophobia or hate speech, instead of listening carefully that I think JKR violated some kind of unwritten writer's ethics not to mess with the work after it's completed.
I am sad.
That's all.
Well, there's more //smile//
JKR is working on an encyclopedia of backstories, so I suppose this, and who knows what else, will indeed become part of the canon. Interesting.
He's gay.
So what.
After being caught up in conferences and meetings, and real life for over a week, I'm finally getting around to the obligatory rant, mostly because I am just now reading what was said. I have to admit that like many people, I too, find JKR's declaration a bit suspect. Why now? Why at all? I don't think it necessarily helps "a gay political agenda" nor does it shed any light on the character himself.
Going back to deconstruct the series is a bit foolish, and I find the points highlighting his gay characteristics to be grasping at straws, with the possible exception that Dumbledore strove for tolerance of all marginalized folks. And yet, that isn't exclusively a "gay" character trait, unless we want to accept stereotypes.
We can't condemn stereotypes, and then use them when they are convenient.
In my opinion, JKR has spoiled an aspect of the series by interjecting a piece of information after the fact, and retroactively causing it to be a part of the canon. It's too bad because if her intent had really always been to show a gay character as a heroic figure, she could have done it in the series. Instead, she cowardly left it out, and now that it is commercially successful, etc., she springs it on us. I am disappointed in her artistically, but moreso because it all seems trendy, contrived, and manipulative.
To be fair, I did wonder if Dumbledore might be gay, and I did wonder at the relationship, given that JKR let little nuggets of info out that he had loved someone. Yet, I think the speculation made the character far more interesting. It gave him a side that was dark and unknown and conflictive. It made him tragic and flawed, not because he was gay, but because something in his past plagued him, and that makes for great literature. In short, it gave Dumbledore complexity, and we wondered if he had ever loved, or been loved. JKR's politically timed statement has taken away the potential for literary analysis--she answered any question that could have been debated, argued, and supported or destroyed.
Instead, it is reduced to something that JKR has brought up after the fact, and for those of us who are cynical, we observe that she revealed it after she has garnered about as much money as possible from book sales to a target audience, just in time to cater to another. It comes across as pandering, and I'm not fond of anyone pandering to me.
Because of that, I don't see how gay people could possibly welcome her declaration as anything other than promoting that it is best for homosexuals to suppress their nature and live in the closet. That is, until it becomes advantageous to "out" someone. How about that? She "outed" a character that she claimed to have loved. At any rate, I think this is very damaging on many levels.
It feeds into some of the meanest stereotypes of homosexuals in society--the purple cloak, the stylish air, the sensitivity--his interest in a young boy. Yes, that last one particularly bugs me. And well it should.
I'm annoyed that she has tainted the series with a contemporary political agenda (when literature is best used as a political voice through more subtle means). I'm annoyed that it will introduce a new round of criticism for what I consider to be a delightful and provocative series (in spite of the terrible decision to have an epilogue reminiscent of the equally lame and trite ending to Return of the Jedi). I'm annoyed (in advance) that people will misinterpret my objections as a form of homophobia or hate speech, instead of listening carefully that I think JKR violated some kind of unwritten writer's ethics not to mess with the work after it's completed.
I am sad.
That's all.
Well, there's more //smile//
JKR is working on an encyclopedia of backstories, so I suppose this, and who knows what else, will indeed become part of the canon. Interesting.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
from my sister, who understands me
UCLA STUDY
A study conducted by UCLA's Department of Psychiatry has revealed that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle. For example: If she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged and masculine features.
However, if she is menstruating or menopausal, she tends to be more attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth and a spear lodged in his chest while he is on fire.
No further studies are expected.
A study conducted by UCLA's Department of Psychiatry has revealed that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle. For example: If she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged and masculine features.
However, if she is menstruating or menopausal, she tends to be more attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth and a spear lodged in his chest while he is on fire.
No further studies are expected.
Monday, October 22, 2007
been busy at a conference
and will update later, but meanwhile, some disturbing entertainment.
Meat hats. That is, hats made of meat.
Why?
Meat hats. That is, hats made of meat.
Why?
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
October 12 of 12 v. 2.0
Check out Chad Darnell's brilliant project here. In a nutshell, everybody who is anybody is taking 12 pictures of their day, and in an international adventure, posting the pics for all the world to see. Check what we all did today, and join us next month with your own contribution!
7 am Suki has a bed. She'd just rather sleep in any other place. Even if it's next to it.
7:05 Some people are just grumpy in the morning.
10 ish Catching up on my favorite podcasts. Funny Buttons!
1 ish That is the back side of Stone Mountain. The sculpture is on the other side.
2:30 Returning phone calls while John runs errands.
2:45 Random artsy fartsy picture because I liked the angle and I wasn't driving.
3 ish. The best barista in town serving up his usual friendly smile. Go Moose!
3 ish Drinking the best coffee in town. See the little cup? He learned to make cortaditos!
3 ish-laterish after coffee Picking up Jonathan's suit for the homecoming dance tomorrow.
(Cheat--last weekish) The Missing One needs to make an appearance or she calls me on it--she's currently in Miami for the GT v. Miami game. Who will win?
Bonus: Orange. Couldn't bring myself to show the 'Canes given tomorrow's game, but go figure that John pretty much likes anybody that beats the Georgia Bulldogs.
7 am Suki has a bed. She'd just rather sleep in any other place. Even if it's next to it.
7:05 Some people are just grumpy in the morning. 10 ish Catching up on my favorite podcasts. Funny Buttons!
1 ish That is the back side of Stone Mountain. The sculpture is on the other side. 
2:30 Returning phone calls while John runs errands. 
2:45 Random artsy fartsy picture because I liked the angle and I wasn't driving. 
3 ish. The best barista in town serving up his usual friendly smile. Go Moose! 
3 ish Drinking the best coffee in town. See the little cup? He learned to make cortaditos! 
3 ish-laterish after coffee Picking up Jonathan's suit for the homecoming dance tomorrow. 
(Cheat--last weekish) The Missing One needs to make an appearance or she calls me on it--she's currently in Miami for the GT v. Miami game. Who will win? 4:30 Jonathan scarfing my leftovers.
6:30 The sibs on the way to the homecoming game. Jonathan sang the national anthem. We had no idea it was against the cross town rivals, so we saw his pretty self in the press box but couldn't pick out his sweet voice! The crowd was gigumbous!
Bonus: Orange. Couldn't bring myself to show the 'Canes given tomorrow's game, but go figure that John pretty much likes anybody that beats the Georgia Bulldogs. darwinism at work
Today's disturbing news and why I want to move to the Australian outback and take care of wild rabbits.
Today is 12 of 12--check back later!
Today is 12 of 12--check back later!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Updating...
...lest the Missing One decides to embarrass three generations of teachers in the family and fires off an ignorant email suggesting that she be given an extension on her term paper because she had to keep her nail appointment.
In other education news, I will be on leave next week to take an entry level education methodology class. I've only been teaching for 23 years.
I'm not sure I know what to make of that, but I'm not going with anyone entertaining, so I think I'll have to behave.
Shucks.
Perhaps I'll develop endless scenarios for classroom management. I'm afraid I won't have to make up any of them, and I imagine none of it will be covered in the manual. After all, how does one address a young lady in hip huggers when she ought not to wear anything other than a muu-muu, and gently suggest that she wear a tent because she is mooning the entire back row of students?
Or attempt to engage a Dolly Partonesque woman who has her name, in script, tatooed across her abundant cleavage?
Or try to understand a Flava Flave wannabe, who can't articulate past the grillz in his mouf.
Alas, all true incidents. None in the theory manuals. And that was just today.
In other education news, I will be on leave next week to take an entry level education methodology class. I've only been teaching for 23 years.
I'm not sure I know what to make of that, but I'm not going with anyone entertaining, so I think I'll have to behave.
Shucks.
Perhaps I'll develop endless scenarios for classroom management. I'm afraid I won't have to make up any of them, and I imagine none of it will be covered in the manual. After all, how does one address a young lady in hip huggers when she ought not to wear anything other than a muu-muu, and gently suggest that she wear a tent because she is mooning the entire back row of students?
Or attempt to engage a Dolly Partonesque woman who has her name, in script, tatooed across her abundant cleavage?
Or try to understand a Flava Flave wannabe, who can't articulate past the grillz in his mouf.
Alas, all true incidents. None in the theory manuals. And that was just today.
Monday, October 08, 2007
Well, it's Monday
That pretty much says it all. Most federal employees are celebrating Columbus Day today, but I am a state employee, so my butt is sitting behind a desk, working.
I've been decluttering a bit, around the house, in my head, my desk.
My email!
Of all the odious duties, I think email is the worst. There is no magical solution to that. If I knew it, I could retire, as I expect that all of you have the same problem.
I embrace the delete button. If only we could apply that to other nuisances in our lives.
Speaking of nuisances...today's gem from the classroom:
I've been decluttering a bit, around the house, in my head, my desk.
My email!
Of all the odious duties, I think email is the worst. There is no magical solution to that. If I knew it, I could retire, as I expect that all of you have the same problem.
I embrace the delete button. If only we could apply that to other nuisances in our lives.
Speaking of nuisances...today's gem from the classroom:
"Do I have to read the assigned chapters, or just skim them?"
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Friday, October 05, 2007
entertaining myself, cuz i can
Here's today's exciting project!I published a short story in lulu, for free download for those of you interested. Please be interested. It's lousy being a writer that no one reads.
Check it out here:
It's totally free, and I set it up so you don't even have to download it, just use preview.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
If my life had a soundtrack...Phantom of the Opera would be playing
Ok, that's because I am currently blaring it. It's one of those late nights when I am a sitting duck in anticipation of students and their needy questions. It's all about customer service, and I am here to serve the customers, um, or something. That's me in the stocks.I continue to be astounded by the nature of the questions. Really.
Meanwhile, the Phantom is bemoaning his existence. I have no Christine to sing for. It's a bleak evening.
Some highlights:
- I finished filing. That'll last until Thursday afternoon.
- I scored 10 million points on Pinball. I am a beast.
- The candy machine is stocking my favoritest candybar, Zero. Yummy. I bought one and scarfed it down. It took the edge off the questions.
- I am all caught up on grading (nevermind I haven't assigned anything yet).
- My nephew called to tell me he's coming over later. They live 700 miles away. [smile]
- I burned my bottom lip on a hunk of melted pizza cheese. I sat and watched youtube videos and peeled off the dead skin. That is sick.
- Decided to whine here, to give Laura an opportunity to tell me to suck it up.
That is all.
Monday, October 01, 2007
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