Michele

I generally do excellently overall, and with the same study techniques. I don't think I'm dumb, actually, but man, this class has got me twisted. Yes, in this subject, I'm as dumb as a rock; however, let me back in regular sciences class and the A is doable... It was like that in high school; there's just something about chemistry that I just don't get. And I'm not sure why, or what. But man, it's frustrating. The only thing I hold onto is that one B in a sea of A's won't kill me too bad. I hope. And I have no problems with the organic aspect of it - if I can see it, I can understand it. But atoms and electrons and protons and neutrons seem to slip from my grasp, skittering away like a scared, greased pig. Sigh... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No matter what else, I don't cheat. That's beneath me, and it's not even something I'd consider. I'll pass or fail on my own, and not by cheating. I wonder if he realizes that might be the reason one can't respond to his posts? Instead, he chalks it up to political buddies or something. Honestly? When I see a string of posts by him (or, frankly, anyone), and they're all kinda long and diatrib-ish, I tend to just overlook them. But then again, Linz, you might be right...he might just be on crack. Or bipolar and in a manic mood. Or something. On a different note, I spoke with the professor, and he showed me what I need to get on the final to get a B in the class. I'm not likely to get an A, but I **am** likely to get the B. So I'm outta here to study... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yes, and some good conversation has taken place. 'Scuse me? Why do you think I'm lucky to not have been flunked, because I disagree with a professor's political opinion? In a chemistry class? A basic chem class? A polticial discussion about the 200 election where he lost his temper, shut class down? Right-e-o. Yep, I'm "lucky" to not have been flunked. Oh, that's so full of bullhonkery that I don't even know where to start. 1. Please check your reading comprehension. I am NOT in danger of failing; rather, I am in danger of getting a C. The C will hurt my chances of acceptance when applying to other schools. I am considering taking a D or F so I can repeat/replace with a higher grade than a C, but that will cost me time. 2. Professor and I talked about how I'm studying for the exams. He has seen the pages and pages of practice exams. He has seen the correct, 100% scores on the practice exams. He has seen the pages and pages and pages of notes and practice problems taken from the web, the text, and his class. He has seen the callus and the blister on my fingers. He is completely aware of how hard I'm working...and also is completely aware that I have significant test anxiety when I have an exam involving numbers. Just to note: In a 5 week class, I have over 100 pages of notes. I have an additional 200 pages of practice problems. Lined, college ruled, front and back. I have spent hours and hours and hours studying. I am not shirking that whatsoever. Matter of fact, I **know** I put in far more time than the average student in that class. And I know I put in far more time than 75% of the class. Don't believe me? I don't give a flying rat's ass. He does; he's seen the evidence. He understands that I'm busting my ass, but when it comes time to prove it to him (via a test), I panick and don't do well. For whatever reason, for whatever freaking stupid shit that goes on in my head, I don't perform well on those parts of the exam. However, give me something that isn't math, and I get all available points. My exams have charts and notes on the back of them, all the stuff I've memorized and got into my head. I draw/write out the formulas, the strong acids, polyatomic ions, et cetera. And that doesn't help me pass the tests with the A I've studied for and worked for. So Jarrod, you can kiss my happy *$$, 'cause it's not a matter of not studying or not being prepared; rather, it's a whole different matter (which you can research by looking up a post by me called "Performance Anxiety" in Bonfire). And I'm not in danger of failing; I'm in danger of getting a C, and I believe that isn't going to cut the mustard later on. Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Yep, that was my description. And apparently, I can't even pass the class with a B no matter how I do on the final. So now I'm considering both how dumb I am, and how fucked this makes the whole situation. I can either stay in class, and perhaps manage a C, or deliberately fail the final and get an F...which would allow me to process "grade forgiveness" and replace the grade after repeating the class for a higher score. It's a gamble...but it's also a decision I need to make. No, I didn't do well on the exam. Not well at all. Matter of fact, I did very poorly. So I'm rather upset with everything now, and would appreciate the damned bickering stopped. Thank you. Fuck. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Kallend, are you suggesting that I am a "whacko" for having the concerns I stated in my original post? If so, you're rather far outta line. For all: Here's what I think the discrepancy is. In one instance, one is arguing that the interrelationships of all topics should be taught and discussed. That I will agree with. However, some are stating that personal political opinions (OPINIONS, not fact), are not appropriate in basic gened (or perhaps elsewhere). That I also agree with. While I can see some crossover happening in the upper division stuff, say, stem cell research ethics during a semester on embryo development or political aspects to global warming in a geology class or even in chem 200+ (i.e. what CO2 does and how it works, and how it's made and why it's important to understand)...that's fine. But at this level, Chemistry For Dummies, any discussion about the 2000 election is NOT relevant, not topical, and more than certainly diverted an entire class from working on the subject matter. And that's the difference. One is taught, and one is not. One is discussed with fundamental understanding of the subject matter, and one is learning fundamental subject matter and not ready for that sort of application. And last note, there is no chemistry correlation between the 2000 election and moles/liters conversions and pH balances. Not that I can tell...and while I'm not necessarily the sharpest tool in the shed, I am not the dullest, either. I've got to study for the final. I might be able to hold onto the B if I manage a B on the final, but that's going to take a ton of work. And so, I'm heading to my books to work it. For those who have sent me PMs of support, I thank you so very much. This was something which bothered me greatly, and has been generally worked out. He and I will not be running off to dinner any time soon, but we're back to joking and teasing each other about things... I've got a job to get done...and I will go get it done. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

ROFLMAO.... Great idea...but I wouldn't do that to Pengy. I love that cat, even though I've not touched her, and I wouldn't do that. Now, the rest of the herd? Rather possible. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Why, yes, yes it was. Funny, that. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Kallend, I'd really rather not get this thread locked. Suffice it to say that you have both stated that it's not appropriate to make specific political views known in the course I'm taking (somewhere in the first 30 post...iirc), and also that there are some instances where you believe that political commentary is appropriate. I hold a different view, especially in regards to this specific course, and the comments made specifically. I can't fathom a way that the 2000 election had any thing to do with the basic chemistry I'm currently taking; if you can explain that, I'd appreciate it. In re: general political commentary, yes, there are some comments that are appropriate; I've discussed GW (global warming) and stem cell research with two professors; the difference being that it was in the bio department. I would not expect my poli sci prof to comment on my math class's pertinence, and unless I was in economics, I wouldn't expect any political commentary from the maths professor on politics. Funnily enough, they didn't. In any event, there is no correlation between the 2000 election and Chemistry for Dummies... C'mon, Kallend, stop with the PAs. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I understand your point, Kallend, and I think that politics and chemistry do mix. Just not at this level. Especially on a winter intersession, where it's a total of 5 weeks, 5 hours a day, 5 days a week... I mean, it's the most basic chemistry class...we're discussing simple and basic things like balancing chem. equations, double replacements, conversion formulas, moles/molarity/molar mass, and things like that. If I were to equate it to an english class, it's less English 101 as it is learning the alphabet and reading See Jane Run. Sure, it'd be more exciting to see Jane run away from, say, Al Quaida, but if you don't know what running is, you'll have no concept, let alone introducing the complications of what AQ is, let alone the reason Jane would consider running from them. In the higher divisions of chemistry, fine; let's talk about how GW impacts thw world and what CO2 really does. Right now, we're just trying to figure out how O2 produces CO2... That's my position, at least. You might disagree, but that's all right. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Tone and content, Rehmwa, tone and content.. Thus the bingo. As for the edit...I'm not so sure you're right...I don't think I'd bother with any sort of legal action...if necessarily, I'd retake chemistry, and go from there on to the rest of my education. I don't want to do that...and am busting my bottom here this last week (Finals on Friday), so as long as I don't get dinged unfairly, then I should be fine. The conversation tonight will likely consist of both of us verbalizing apologies, and making nice-nice. As I said in the first post, I actually like this guy, and have many friends on different sides on the political fence. I was talking to a friend of mine, and he was surprised to hear I'm "republican," as he'd thought I was democrat. LOL, and he's a liberal democrat. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Bingo. As for politics being relevant to basic chemistry, it's not. I don't know enough Chemistry to understand the political ramifications of X or Y, and neither do those in my class. This is NOT a class wherein politics mixes well...perhaps in some of the upper level chem it would be appropriate, but basic chem in 5 weeks doesn't lend itself well to political discussions within the context of the classroom at this level. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I saved a wee Russian Blue kitten today; found him in the alley, wandering and fussing. Brought him around to the neighbors' homes who had their lights on, and no one knew who he owned. So I asked one of my favorite neighbors if she'd hold onto him overnight, so I could get flyers out about him in the morning. LOL, I set her up with a makeshift litter box, litter, food, and a few toys...and she's decided to keep him. His name is "Carpet Bagger". She is in utter love with this little guy - and he's a dear one, too. Not scared, about 4 months old, and just a contented lil guy once he had a belly full of kitty food and a warm sofa to snuggle on. Christy is totally in love. I love the fact that Carpet Bagger has a great home; and that Christy is so head over heels with him...and it's only been about 3 hours. LOLOL! That's my Good News contribution for this week! Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

We were taught how to make a suitcase nuke in Chemistry today...I don't think I'll go and make one, but still...interesting how easy it seems to be. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

So, there was a decidedly toned down Professor tonight...after the exam (which was decidedly tough!), he taught us how to pronouce nuclear correctly, and then proceeded to teach us how to make a suitcase nuke (who knew they were that easy??), fusion, fission, the different, the reasons for; went over E=MC2, and had us calculate a bunch of things in 14Carbon (and agreed that 14C was not useful in some circumstances...) and then dismissed the class. He sort of hung around me while I was packing up, and asked if I had gotten his response to his email. I told him, no, I'd been at school since about 2:30, and he said to read it when I got home. "Michele, I was going to talk to you today about this, but, because you opened the e-mail dialog first, I'll continue it. I also wanted to apologize to you about the events of last Friday. I ended the conversation because, to me, it seemed to be going in circles and I didn't want to waste either of our time or see it escalate any further. My comments to [other student] were not directed toward your academic work in any way. We had a "discussion" about the role of the Supreme Court vs. Congress and I was pointing out to her what the Constitution actually states, which is what I also showed you. In hindsight, perhaps I shouldn't have made the comment. But what is done is done and I am sincere in wanting to apologize and normalize things between us. I can discuss this with you later today or tomorrow if you choose. " I will be more than happy to have a conversation with him tomorrow...I think it will go well, at this point. I'm not sure there's altogether that much left to say, but...hey, why not. I emailed him I'd be happy to talk to him either during lab or after class, whatever was his preference. And I owe NC Climber a beer - thanks for the wording, and the gentle push. Now, I'm going to relax for a bit. It's amazing what making a sincere apology, and receiving one, will do to ease the stress. Now I'm going to have a drink. (Good lord, Lucky, thank you, too....I'm only singling out NC because he gave me the wording...something I needed. But THANK YOU, TOO! Geesh!) Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Meh. If he does that, and doesn't apologize to me, then the whole class will know what sort of a person he is (not that they don't know already...). Honestly? I'm more worried about the exam than his flashing my apology...I just want to get through that (I'm wrestling with one aspect; the other parts are just peachy), and get on to the rest of the week; the final is on Friday, so it's high pressure all week for me. That's what I'm worried about. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Is it wrong to feel bad for the poor moose? Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sprout, I have an 8 pack. It's well insulated, too. Buried under rather much protection, you know? LOL! Actually, the abdominal area is indeed set into 8 sections. Only the most fat-less, well developed people can show them off, but we all have them. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Worry not; it will be redacted so none of you will know who it is...or where it's from. He hasn't answered yet, so I'm not sure he will; I'm heading to school in about 30 minutes anyway, exam at 4:30, lecture and lab after that...so it's more likely at this point he says something to me personally rather than email anyway. 'Course, he might not say anything, and ignore the issue completely. That, too, will be telling. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Me too. I don't know if he will answer...but if he does, I'll post up the email. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

NC, thanks for that. You're right...and I went ahead and emailed him a moment ago. Here is what I sent over... "Hi, Professor: Friday's episode has been bothering me, and I wanted to take a brief moment to email you this morning. I thought we had a pretty good relationship and I want to apologize for any part I played in turning it into a confrontational one. It wasn't (and isn't) my intent to have a confrontational relationship with anyone, and again, I am sorry for any part I played in developing that. With that, I am back to studying, and I'll see you this afternoon. Regards- Michele" If he responds, I'll post it up. If not, well, we'll see what happens this afternoon in class. Thanks again for the wording, and for the suggestion. Let's see how this goes. And now, I have to review pH factoring and buffer identification... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sorry, I wasn't clear. What I meant was that at the level of chemistry I am at (the most basic level; consider it Chemistry for Dummies), there isn't much of a place for discussion of the political aspects of it. I am willing to hear about it - and indeed ask about it, but it has no bearing on pH factoring, how to read the Periodic Table, and molar mass. Again, this is basic chemistry... I don't shy away from the political/religious aspects of GW, WMD, evolution. But nor do I expect to be browbeaten from the lecturn about my personal politics or my (lack of) knowledge on topics that are not directly related to the topic at hand. Nor, frankly, was the conversation about the relations between chemistry and the above (excepting peripherially the carbon dating thing). It was about how Bush stole the election in '00, and how he stole it again in '04. Is there a place for the political stuff? Absolutely...but not at this level. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Not to chemistry, Lucky... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

As I stated earlier in the thread, I'd be just as displeased if he went off on a Republican rant on a student who was liberal, cut class short, and canceled the rest of class because he wanted to prove a point to that student that was unrelated to the class he was teaching. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Not in my experience. I was sitting here, thinking about this. I've never had a professor do what this one has, politically or personally. One professor who is completely pro-evolution kept his personal opinions out of his lectures; I got one of the 3 A's in that class, and busted my ass to get it. He's offered to write me a letter of recommendation, and is someone who I admire and respect; even though his politics are pretty different than mine (apparently), and even though he and I went toe-to-toe about something on an exam (and I didn't prevail). He and I have huge respect for each other. How interesting to compare that with the current professor. As for my poli sci professor, he was a liberal democrat, but never ever ever put down a student or belittled them for having a different view. Sure, he challenged us to explain why we had that view, and we engaged in discussion about it, but he never did it in a demeaning way. It was always done to encourage one to examine beliefs, and to reconsider other points; if we did that, and still came up with the same position, that was fine. And HE was a poli sci professor, too...and yes, I got an A there as well. And another professor, who is a dear one, has totally different belief systems than most western culture. She's from India, and an incredibly brilliant person. She didn't bring her views into the discussion (I found out about them when a classmate's father passed unexpectedly; she took up a collection from the class to get flowers and a card for the classmate, and we all signed it. And it was then that she shared her beliefs...). And yes, I earned an A there, as well. Not one professor cut a class short to prove a student wrong. Not one professor got their ego in a bind because someone disagreed with them. And not one professor took anything said in a classroom personally and allowed it to affect their positive interaction with a student. As to the consumer/other issue; I think it's a combination between consumer and something else. Not sure what, but there is a balance there. Yes, I am a consumer. I "hire" the school to give me an education. However, I have a huge part to play in that, as well. My job is to study and learn what is being taught; to do my best, and to get additional help when needed. Their job in this partnership is to make the learning available in a supportive, conducive atmosphere. If I could read a book and get a degree, I'd be papered already. So, if the teacher teaches, and the student learns, all is well. It's when a professor makes it uncomfortable for a student to learn (i.e. get additional help if necessary, give ample time to write down the power point information, et cetera), and not get into a contest of wills with a student, especially when they "back down", that the problem occurs. Not to put too fine a point on it, in thinking about it over the weekend, that really is the crux of the issue. That I feel unable to ask for help, and unable to ask questions in class, as they tend to trigger a political rant (i.e. the carbon-dating thing)....so what does one do at that point? Apparently, I am supposed to "suck it up, cupcake" and just suffer through it. But there has to be a different answer, you know? As to the poster who suggested that I might be talking behind his back, and that's doing the same thing he has done, you might be right. However, I look at it like this: the chance that you, the reader, will ever encounter this man in a classroom setting is slim to none (infinitesimal, in fact), and you are not his colleagues. Further, I have not named him. When I am talked about behind my back to a classmate with whom I will share an educational path which likely will cross in the (very near) future (after this class is over), and that serves to denigrate me...well, to me the difference is obvious. As to the comment that I don't really know what he said, you're right. He could've lied to me. And he likely didn't tell me the whole truth. However, I do believe he did say what he admitted to saying...at the very least. I'd rather believe that he told me the truth than to think he's a liar on top of the rest of the stuff...know what I mean? It would serve absolutely no purpose to lie at that point...so I don't figure he did. Again, he might'n't've told me the complete truth, but that was enough for me. In any event, I have an exam today to refresh for (after studying all weekend). We'll see how it goes; I am hoping that those who say chemistry is exact enough to know if he's dinging me unfairly, but my knowledge of chemistry is weak enough for me to not necessarily spot it. The situation is what it is. And we'll see what happens from here. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I've put in about 12 hours' study today...and tomorrow will be repeating the schedule. So I'm just trying to relax before I head to bed. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~