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Hurray for Spring
We've finally got some spring-like weather: cloudy but warm, with temperatures in the mid- to high-50s all weekend, which enabled us to get outside and do some long-anticipated yard cleanup. Plus, Ben's always happier when he can run around outside. You can only make so many laps around the house before you start seeing the same things over and ( Read more... ) -
You Suck (A Reading Story)
The universe has a strange way of rewarding me. At least, I think it was rewarding me.
I did spend a hefty portion of the last three days in an unpleasant state of illness, but in the true spirit of silver linings, it did prevent me from getting on my scheduled flight to Baltimore yesterday morning... and allowed me to drag my butt to the bookstore ( Read more... ) -
Have I Been Bad?
I recently was "elected" (in an unopposed race) as an officer of the local section of the American Chemical Society. What did I win? An all-expense paid trip to Baltimore this weekend for a meeting of ACS leaders. Which sounds like fun, I suppose, in an 'I don't get to the east coast much, and it'll be interesting to hear what I'm supposed to be ( Read more... ) -
New Year's Bullet Points
I have nothing coherent or particularly wise to say, but I think a few things need saying, so:
- A very nice holiday season, less of an orgy of greed than I feared, and Ben seemed to really enjoy his second Christmas. He got three gift opening extravaganzas, after all. What more could any kid ask for?
- Lots of family around, which is always nice. And ( Read more... )
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Shiny Happy Moment
Yesterday, I had one of those moments that I think every true teacher lives for.
In my biochemistry course, I have my students look through the "mainstream media" for biochemistry-related articles, research the science involved and critically assess the mainstream media's representation of it in a shortish paper. I give a fair amount of leeway on ( Read more... ) -
Mixed Blessing
To remind all three of you reading this, I currently teach general chemistry (Chem 101), to mostly freshmen, and biochemistry, to mostly seniors.
Next semester, I am teaching neither of these classes. I was going to teach the second semester of the general chemistry series (which, at Gonzaga, is the first semester of organic chemistry, but that's ( Read more... ) -
Hey Santa!
I'm going to break my rule of not talking about Christmas before Thanksgiving, but I think I'm warranted here. I have just seen what I want for Christmas...
http://www.printshop.co.uk/toys.asp?siteid=100&prodcatid=142
Kenya believe it? -
Great White North
I woke up this morning to a reminder that I do indeed live just a scant couple hours south of the Canadian border. It's not even November yet, and we had a dusting of snow on the ground. The low tonight is supposed to be in the high teens. Yikes ( Read more... ) -
What's That You Say?
I am amused, in a black humor sort of way, by the fact that it's 9pm the night before I am to lecture on covalent bonds in my 9am general chemistry course, and I'm well into the process of completely losing my voice ( Read more... )