Michele

You've convinced me. Now, what do you suggest we do about it? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The girl who was thrown out of the morning class is doing everything she can to get him fired...while I am trying to have her relax a little bit, and to reconsider her "demands." I'm advocating a suspension with evaluation (pychological if possible, other for certain) in the interim. He needs to take this seriously - he's made statements in class about the hatemail he recieves, and how it doesn't affect him, it's a waste of time, et cetera. His comments on ratemyprofessor.com show a pattern of indifference to students telling him that there are issues, and so perhaps he will listen if admin says something. That's what I'm hoping for, at least...well, that and keeping the girl from the morning class in check. I had her in my chemistry class, and she is both a good student and respectful to the instructors; while she does have a temper, it can be controlled. That's what I hope to do with my "adult" presence and our relationship. Irrespective of that, in the 12 ish hours I've had to research, I've discovered the professor's code of conduct and reasons for dismissal. I am writing up my verbal presentation, replete with examples I believe fit into those catagories, and will present that this morning to to Dean. To give you an example of the sort of fear he instills in his students, last Thursday (not yesterday) we had an unexpected, violent wind storm. Gusts over 50 mph knocked out power to the college at about 4 pm. A group of students - some 15 of us - were outside doing a preclass study group. We knew the power was out, as one of the engineers told us that the school had closed and classes were cancelled. The security guards came along, and cleared the building, posting a note saying classes were cancelled. We didn't leave. At 5:30, when class was supposed to start, we were still there. The dean of the department came out, on her way home, and told us to leave, as classes were cancelled...and still we remained. I put together a sign in sheet, and about 5:45, we left as a group. In talking to other students about why we didn't leave at 4, or 5, or 5:30, even being instructed to by security and the dean of the department, it was apparent that we were too scared to leave, as we thought he'd show up with Coleman lanterns and make us take the exam scheduled...and that if we weren't there, he'd fail us peremptorialy for not showing. That example, in and of itself, is telling of the way he runs his classroom. How can effective learning take place in that environment? How can we feel capable of asking him questions, when the common refrain is "he makes me feel stupid."? How do we learn when we are told that "C" students have no place in his classroom, and that we should drop because we're not fit to be in the medical industry? We shall see what happens...it's going to be interesting. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Interesting turn of events... This professor threw another student out of the morning class for challenging him on a question from the lab exam. Not only did he throw her out, he did so with armed security guards. Subsequently, some student from the morning class (her class) have walked out in protest... I was approached by this group yesterday before class, and asked if the evening class is experiencing the same sort of treatment. I indicated they were, at least to some extent, inasmuch as the general complaints go. While no one has been thrown out of our class (which, btw, is a violation of school policies...due process must be observed in removing a student from a classroom, and only in the most extreme cases does this actually happen), there is a huge air of intimidation and fear. While most people are too frightened to actually do something about it (or at least be heard in conjuction with other students to attest to the fact that this isn't simply a "morning" or "evening" class issue but rather a style of instruction pervasive in this professor's classroom...), I am going to go meet with the Dean of Students this morning with others from both the morning class and evening class. This will be very interesting. I do expect to have some issue in the coming weeks because of this, but I'm willing to stand up because it's the right thing to do; the attitude of contempt this professor has towards his students, the environment of fear of this professor, and the inherent issues attendant to that environment is in need of notice at the least, and correction. Just thought I'd update this thread...it's going to be an interesting meeting today... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Not sure if this really is the guy; reading through the comments, there seems to be some indication there was a post made, and then deleted... If it is the same guy, here's another page on LJ for him. And the ATF is saying he is not a student at the school; he used a .22 and a 9mm, with the serial numbers obliterated. Bomb scares of last week are being investigated for connection, as a "test" to see response times. God speed to all those murdered today; and may all your souls rest in peace. Ciels- Michele Edit Latest news is that he was a 24 y/o Chinese on a student visa, but not a student at VT. He shot himself in the face, disfiguging himself, and thus the identity is not easily confirmed. He apparently came into the country sometime last year. I am thinking that the linked LJ is NOT the shooter, as there is indication that he is a younger guy, a registered/licensed gun collector, and is not in the country on a student visa (I think he went to HS in this country, as far as I can fathom). ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Suuuuuuuuuuuuureeeee..... As for my dinner, not sure. I am not sure what I have that I can cook one handed...maybe I'll just make some eggs, waffles and sausages. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Cats! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I can't blame him, either. Not sure why I didn't realize how close to his treasures I was...but boy, he let me know. Really nice, sweet cat. Norweigan forest cat or Maine Coon, matted so badly that he couldn't turn his head to groom. I was taking swathes off him that were like lamb's wool - tight, tight, tight. He had just shown up at a friend's, not sure where he'd come from...my friend asked me to check his neck to see what was wrong...and it was fully matted hair, so badly matted that my friend thought it was tumors or something like that. Poor kitty. I've heard from my friend that he's doing much better, even though I didn't get to finish clipping/shaving him...she says his back fur is so soft and silky now, and while he still has the mohawk I gave him, he's grooming himself again, and seems really happy. It was worth it...besides, it's my own fault. I should've realized how close I was to his happy bits... Try the wet towel - I use a wet paper towel, as it's a fast clean up. It really does work; especially after a thorough brushing. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Cats don't necessarily need trimming; what's shedding is their winter coat, and even with a trim, it'll just be shorter - and it will still come out. Brush them, or wet your hand or a towel and stroke them. That will help them shed out, and you'll be able to control most of the hair that comes off them. They'll feel better, and you will, too. And just be aware; if you're trimming a male cat, don't get too close to his testicles, snipped or not. They have a pretty fierce reaction. This I know...badly bloodied palm, still healing. The cat I shaved feels much better, but I'm wearing scars of stupidity all over my left palm. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

What an angel - she is soooo pretty! Congratulations! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

What bothers me most is that Imus has not been forgiven. No, I'm not talking about forgetting; rather, I'm talking about true contrition being accepted and the act forgiven. Isn't that what Christians (like Sharpton and Jackson) are supposed to do? To forgive, and give the transgressor who shows true contrition forgiveness? There isn't any, as far as I can see. Those who were offended, the Rutgers BB team, say they accept his apology; but there's not been any comment about forgiveness. There isn't any coming from the Revs. Sharpton and Jackson. Rather, those two are crowing at the trangression, and playing it up (i.e. blackmailing) for all it's worth. Pity, that. But then again, I don't expect much from those two in regards to forgiveness. They seem to have missed a truly important lesson in their ministry...and no one will even realize it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

There is little one can say when the passing of an infant occurs. Know that Shaun knew he was loved - indeed loved very well and by many people. Know that Shaun knows now how you love him still. And know that now, after fighting hard and valiantly, Shaun rests in the hands of God. I am so sorry for your loss. You, Shaun, and your family will be in my prayers. May you all find peace with this as time passes. Hugs. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And now, CBS has fired Imus. Imus is now without a broadcasting venue at all. See my earlier post about how I feel. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Thanks, Mr. Vonnegut, for all the hours I spent exploring your worlds and mind...for all the times you brought a different view to me, and for all the thought you stimulated. Godspeed, and thank you for a wonderfully productive life. You had a good run; rest in peace now. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Because, apparently, that's a whole lot less fun than say, screaming names like children. [shrug]... I try to talk...but very few people actually answer; and while I've been known to author a PA or two, I often remember (before I post) that there are both reasons to not do so, as well as the fact that there are real people, with real feelings, on the other side of the computer. Even if they're not acting like it, I try to remember that and post accordingly. Granted, it's far more fun to fling feces...but in the long run, less rewarding. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Dude. I so feel your pain. It's microbiology for me...at least right now. Next semester it might be something totally different. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOLing...thought so. She's just missing Dad...and you're there to take it out on. Have him do the whole teeshirt thing, so she'll associate him and it. It's great when they get back to their old selves, isn't it? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Go, Linz. He's as proud of you as you are of him...with all the right reasons. Well done!! My Dad looked at me the other day while we were reading lines for his new play, and he said "let's do a play together." I nearly fell outta the chair...and am seriously considering it...once school's done for the summer. What a blast that would be, you know? What a blast. I'm envious, and thrilled for you, Linz. Hugs, you rock, and all that shit.

Why, thank you! I don't believe anyone else has ever sung/posted the SSB to me before. not sure how to react...so I'll choose to be pleased.

Don Imus was fired from MSNBC today... Not sure how I feel about all of this. On one hand, I realize that things can be said that are offensive to people. On the other, I've had some very nasty things said about me, and my position is let it ride. With rare exception, if a person is being deliberately provoking, I will generally cool the friendship or simply walk away from a stranger. And again with rare exception, my circle of friends can discuss anything and everything...and not worry about race and offensiveness. I have a few black friends that let me ask whatever I want about their "racial" issues; one is a dear lady, and we have had long talks about the differences in the black and the white "culture". One of my friends got extensions, and was complaining of a headache; we talked about "nappy-headedness", and discussed societal impacts on black women with hair styles. Some of their positions were decidedly odd; some I could readily understand. Other times we've talked about childbearing (see Lawrocket's post on this thread) and why the different races tend towards different types of families (i.e. young motherhood v. old motherhood). This topic came up when I brought up the statistic that african american women had fewer down syndrome babies than did caucasians, and wondered if it were more societal rather than genetic (i.e old v. young motherhood). We've talked about absentee fathers, relationships, interracial romance/sex, and educational opportunities. Perhaps because we are at the same school and in the same classes can we discuss this sort of thing as we are experiencing the same sort of roadblocks and accomplishments at the same time. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if something is offensive, there comes a point where one just walks away from the offense, rather than remaining involved in the controversy. I'm saying that while there are indeed racists, most people are simply ignorant (and I include all races in the ignorance quotient), and don't know any better. If they've been indoctrinated by parents and society to expect a certain thing, it takes some interestingly complex events to break them out of that thing. In re the topic at hand, Sharpton is a lying fuck, Jackson is a hypocritial fuck, and Don Imus is an ignornant fuck. I don't think this comment deserved Imus' firing; and am disappointed that it has, in fact occurred. Do I watch Imus? Nope - he's an ignorant fuck, and I have never watched/listened to him. But in the same vein that I live my life by, my talk is my walk...I don't listen, watch, care, or even register that some people are fucks after the initial assessment. They get no further attention from me...and I just go about living my life as I see fit... I wish other people could/would do that... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Picked over or not, I might as well go take a looksee tomorrow. Fry's being Fry's, I'm not always satisfied by their customer service. For instance, it took them 6 months to notify me that my monitor was under warranty, and that I could come choose one. By then, I had already gotten a new one; and it wasn't one of those covered. So wasted money and now a store credit (which reminds me.....).... It can't hurt to look. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

SuperKat, does that hold true if a black person called a white person a racial slur? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am assuming that stuff is on sale, yes? I am in need of a new monitor, and perhaps some external hard drive stuff...and some games...and the store in my neighborhood is closing...I think I have to go shopping tomorrow... ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Just as a point of reference... Armaggedon is not the end of the world. According to Revelation, armaggedon will usher in the 1,000 year reign of peace by Jesus. Not sure what happens after the 1000 years, though...the world might come to an end then. (climbing back on the horse, cantering off towards the west...) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Happy birthday, Dee. Good to hear that you had a great time. My love always- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Isn't homeostatis a range? With a bit of varience and still ability to maintain the system? It's not a precise point, a set single measurement. Rather, it's a balance struck, with extremes instigating feedback measures and the range reentered. At least, that's my understanding of it. If that's correct, how do we know we're out of homeostasis? Do we have enough data points over a long enough period of time to determine that the earth is out of homeostasis? I'm not sure we do, and I think that's the point Gawain is making. I'd also suggest that the shrill rhetoric from both sides is just that - and while steps can and should be taken to mitigate our impact on the earth and it's systems, knee-jerk reactions are not the answer. I don't know what the answer is, but I do know that kneejerk reactions generally create harm rather than good overall. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~