A torch passes - Tech_Space - USATODAY.com: "The Creative Commons movement is lawyered up. Creative works with a CC license are genuinely part of the promise of user-generated content, because CC-specifying copyright owners have taken care to say exactly how their works can and cannot be remixed, reused and reproduced.
That, to me, is a strong and healthy foundation for Web 2.0, or user-generated content, or what you will."
Linked to this post from Lessig himself (the guru and founder of the Creative Commons org). Article on 'torch passing' is about new chair of CC, and a bit of comparison between hype given to MySpace and YouTube (and their inherent difficulties with respect toward intellectual property) and the soundness of Creative Commons.
Which reminds me...I really need to look into adding a CC designation for my own darn blog here. Put my money where my mouth is...metaphorically and literally I guess.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
A Technical Guide to Anonymous Blogging
A Technical Guide to Anonymous Blogging: "In April of 2005, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) posted its How to Blog Safely About Work and Anything Else. While the guide is rich in tips to ensure you don't reveal too much personal information while blogging, it doesn't look very closely at the technical issues associated with keeping a blog private. I decided to write a quick technical guide to anonymous blogging, trying to approach the problem from the perspective of a government whistle-blower in a country with a less-than-transparent government."
I think in my previous blogging life I linked to that EFF post. Good guide, good tips-- worth reading further when I have more time.
I think in my previous blogging life I linked to that EFF post. Good guide, good tips-- worth reading further when I have more time.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
LISNews.org | This Week in LibraryBlogLand (December 17, 2006)
LISNews.org | This Week in LibraryBlogLand (December 17, 2006)
Some great links to other blogs and web posts on digital reference, search engines, blogrolls of those doing digital ref, more about library blogs (including a tag cloud analysis), news about Google's latest attempts to digitize the world (apparently journal back runs).
Some great links to other blogs and web posts on digital reference, search engines, blogrolls of those doing digital ref, more about library blogs (including a tag cloud analysis), news about Google's latest attempts to digitize the world (apparently journal back runs).
Wired News: Pluggd: A Google for Podcasts
Wired News: Pluggd: A Google for Podcasts: "Pluggd has found a way to index podcasts, talk shows and other spoken-word content. The company's service then allows users to search the audio files for specific words."
Holy cow!! What a development in information retrieval if this works. Speech--to-text searching, in context (later part of article says) searching, and the use of concept mapping and other visual representations of terms and term relationships-- wow these are all pretty big. Have to follow this one and share news with others in my grad community who work on similar things.
Here's a link to the Pluggd demo.
Holy cow!! What a development in information retrieval if this works. Speech--to-text searching, in context (later part of article says) searching, and the use of concept mapping and other visual representations of terms and term relationships-- wow these are all pretty big. Have to follow this one and share news with others in my grad community who work on similar things.
Here's a link to the Pluggd demo.
Monday, December 18, 2006
'Digital black hole' threatens your documents | Tech News on ZDNet
'Digital black hole' threatens your documents | Tech News on ZDNet: "The European Union is funding a project involving national libraries and digital preservation groups aimed at fighting off a looming 'digital black hole.'
The black hole in question is the potential future loss of data as file formats become obsolete and inaccessible."
I think I blogged on this earlier this year and have to go find that post for a cross link. Story here is about efforts in Europe to fight growing problem (at least they're aware of it!!) of digital documents not being accessible in the future.
I've said it once, I'll say it again...just because you save something digitally doesn't mean it's been PRESERVED. Doesn't mean it won't, or can't, disappear or otherwise become unusable.
The black hole in question is the potential future loss of data as file formats become obsolete and inaccessible."
I think I blogged on this earlier this year and have to go find that post for a cross link. Story here is about efforts in Europe to fight growing problem (at least they're aware of it!!) of digital documents not being accessible in the future.
I've said it once, I'll say it again...just because you save something digitally doesn't mean it's been PRESERVED. Doesn't mean it won't, or can't, disappear or otherwise become unusable.
Friday, December 15, 2006
More largely accurate web memes
While wasting yet more time online, ran into another quiz/meme thing, this one on learning styles. Fairly darn accurate...more so than some of the stuff on those other 'make a quiz' sites.
I really need to stop playing around and doing silly quizes and finish my work for the term.
I really need to stop playing around and doing silly quizes and finish my work for the term.
| Your Dominant Thinking Style: Modifying |
 Super logical and rational, you consider every fact available to you. You don't make rash decisions and are rarely moved by emotion. You prefer what's known and proven - to the new and untested. You tend to ground those around you and add stability. |
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Havin' fun with stereotypes
Ha!
This little quiz wasn't so far off...good capture of the confusion and dichotomies of my youth. I'm hard to stereotype...or was. And that confusion sometimes still lingers, although now days its more humorous and good for conversation fodder.
(course some of that may be the humor that others have at even imagining me as ever being a Jock...or a wannabe Jock. For the record I did letter in 3 sports in H.S. But I also lettered in academics and theater. See? I'm a Jock and a Geek...does that make me a Jeek, or a Gock??!)
This little quiz wasn't so far off...good capture of the confusion and dichotomies of my youth. I'm hard to stereotype...or was. And that confusion sometimes still lingers, although now days its more humorous and good for conversation fodder.
(course some of that may be the humor that others have at even imagining me as ever being a Jock...or a wannabe Jock. For the record I did letter in 3 sports in H.S. But I also lettered in academics and theater. See? I'm a Jock and a Geek...does that make me a Jeek, or a Gock??!)
| What stereotype do you belong to? Your Result: Jock plays all types of sports, has a lot of trophies, playing sports has made grades suffer, always active, has a cheerleader/football player bf/gf. bullies nerds/ geeks | |
| No stereotype | |
| geek/nerd | |
| Preppy | |
| Punk | |
| Loner | |
| Emo | |
| Gamer | |
| What stereotype do you belong to? | |
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Endofterm-itis
It's that time of year again...nearing the end of a term and my brain is shutting down early. Why is it that my mental faculties never seem to match up to the calendar or last as long as the work of the term? And whatever will I do once out in the 'real world' of academia as a prof...having to teach and keep up for a whole semester??!! aaaaiieeee
Seriously...I do wonder somedays if this just isn't some form of adult ADD or related to what I saw mentioned in another blog about "conference ADD". And just to prove that particular point, while I'm reading the post mentioning that, it has this list of things that happen at conferences-- which I agree with way too much!-- and links to several other academic bloggers I wasn't familiar with. So off we go on a tangent... thanks so much to my pitiful attention span!
This one also has a post on things that can go 'wrong' or 'bad' at a conference. And that led to a post on academic job searches, and then another (gee, someone feels more down on themselves then I think I have been in quite some time...and if I actually read all of these posts right now I'd seriously be depressed!)-- interesting note in the post about a "dissertation seminar" and help with job searching. Gee, what's that?? Something Metro isn't going to be offering I'll bet.
I'm in one of 'those' moods re: Metro. Probably because LooseGoose (and I'm assuming Majesty) want us to fill out some form describing our impressions of our first year or so of the program, did it meet our expectations, and what we want them to do for us next. Now you're saying 'why the complaining, see how interested they are, how much they care for their students, what's the bitching about?!' Well...it's never that simple, or as clear as it looks on the surface. Academic politics are much more complicated. And this form is all about politics I think. Reports are due to our funding agency and they need to look good to them. Talk up how they're going to help us, support we'll get, and make it all look so slick and good.
sigh...I'm such a cynic.
All part of endofterm-itis...
Seriously...I do wonder somedays if this just isn't some form of adult ADD or related to what I saw mentioned in another blog about "conference ADD". And just to prove that particular point, while I'm reading the post mentioning that, it has this list of things that happen at conferences-- which I agree with way too much!-- and links to several other academic bloggers I wasn't familiar with. So off we go on a tangent... thanks so much to my pitiful attention span!
This one also has a post on things that can go 'wrong' or 'bad' at a conference. And that led to a post on academic job searches, and then another (gee, someone feels more down on themselves then I think I have been in quite some time...and if I actually read all of these posts right now I'd seriously be depressed!)-- interesting note in the post about a "dissertation seminar" and help with job searching. Gee, what's that?? Something Metro isn't going to be offering I'll bet.
I'm in one of 'those' moods re: Metro. Probably because LooseGoose (and I'm assuming Majesty) want us to fill out some form describing our impressions of our first year or so of the program, did it meet our expectations, and what we want them to do for us next. Now you're saying 'why the complaining, see how interested they are, how much they care for their students, what's the bitching about?!' Well...it's never that simple, or as clear as it looks on the surface. Academic politics are much more complicated. And this form is all about politics I think. Reports are due to our funding agency and they need to look good to them. Talk up how they're going to help us, support we'll get, and make it all look so slick and good.
sigh...I'm such a cynic.
All part of endofterm-itis...
Friday, November 24, 2006
The $100 laptop: What went wrong - MSN Money
The $100 laptop: What went wrong - MSN Money: "I personally would love to see these laptops save the world, as some people have suggested they might. But those holding that opinion tend to view the world from the window of a five-star hotel.
In fact, this is a massive exercise in futility. And it's a shame."
No, not the happiest of Thanksgiving Day posts...but since technically it's not Turkey Day anymore, here it is! Besides, this is on target with a, ummmm...'discussion' I was having with Astro while we were out of town at a conference. Afraid I was on the same side largely as this writer Dvorak. I too think there are lots of other, better ways to spend the time, brainpower, chartible giving, and money that is going into this $100 PC project. Things that can make a more lasting difference in these developing countries. And how do you get around the fact that in most of these places the infrastructure is so poor? How does it help a village with no electricity, no running water, no reliable communication means to have laptops? Laptops that can only talk to each other (maybe!) and not to any greater network (because...well, see the point about 'no electricity'!)??
In fact, this is a massive exercise in futility. And it's a shame."
No, not the happiest of Thanksgiving Day posts...but since technically it's not Turkey Day anymore, here it is! Besides, this is on target with a, ummmm...'discussion' I was having with Astro while we were out of town at a conference. Afraid I was on the same side largely as this writer Dvorak. I too think there are lots of other, better ways to spend the time, brainpower, chartible giving, and money that is going into this $100 PC project. Things that can make a more lasting difference in these developing countries. And how do you get around the fact that in most of these places the infrastructure is so poor? How does it help a village with no electricity, no running water, no reliable communication means to have laptops? Laptops that can only talk to each other (maybe!) and not to any greater network (because...well, see the point about 'no electricity'!)??
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Techdirt: Will Digital Archiving Difficulties Wipe Out Important Elements Of Our History?
Techdirt: Will Digital Archiving Difficulties Wipe Out Important Elements Of Our History?em>
Even if you can store the data perfectly forever, without the right applications, it's meaningless. Matt Sullivan writes in with yet another article on the topic, this time from Popular Mechanics, that suggests we could be facing a "digital ice age" as plenty of data from this era of history are lost to bad archiving capabilities.
(Original article noted above is from Dec, 2006 issue of Popular Mechanics magazine.)
Well....yes. D'uh, I guess in a way. See, this issue apparently is now getting play in the slightly more popular press (I hedge and hate to take out the qualifier of "slightly" since PM is not exactly TIME or Newsweek in terms of its scope or readership...but is obviously vastly further reaching than all the academic stuff). And it's a known and researched topic in the archival, library and information science fields for quite some time. Apparently we've just been preaching to the choir and talking amongst ourselves until now. And even now, it's probably not someone from one of those disciplines doing the writing here. But he does reference some of the most famous examples of digital data obsolescence-- including the Navy's Aircraft Carrier, Nimitz.
Perhaps moral of this story/rant is to do research that has practical applications, work with practitioners on the research, and then get results published in both academic publications (cause I gotta go out and work on tenure someday, somehow) and more popular ones, outside my own field.
Even if you can store the data perfectly forever, without the right applications, it's meaningless. Matt Sullivan writes in with yet another article on the topic, this time from Popular Mechanics, that suggests we could be facing a "digital ice age" as plenty of data from this era of history are lost to bad archiving capabilities.
(Original article noted above is from Dec, 2006 issue of Popular Mechanics magazine.)
Well....yes. D'uh, I guess in a way. See, this issue apparently is now getting play in the slightly more popular press (I hedge and hate to take out the qualifier of "slightly" since PM is not exactly TIME or Newsweek in terms of its scope or readership...but is obviously vastly further reaching than all the academic stuff). And it's a known and researched topic in the archival, library and information science fields for quite some time. Apparently we've just been preaching to the choir and talking amongst ourselves until now. And even now, it's probably not someone from one of those disciplines doing the writing here. But he does reference some of the most famous examples of digital data obsolescence-- including the Navy's Aircraft Carrier, Nimitz.
Perhaps moral of this story/rant is to do research that has practical applications, work with practitioners on the research, and then get results published in both academic publications (cause I gotta go out and work on tenure someday, somehow) and more popular ones, outside my own field.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
HA! So there...
I do NOT have an accent, and according to this, not the one I have sometimes been accused of having, and which I swear I don't.
See, that makes no sense in an online world without audio, and with a blogger trying to stay anonymous! But trust me when I say that when people ask me where I'm "from" (and that's a loaded question with no easy answer) and if I give them my birthplace, they then go "oh, of course, I thought you had a southern accent".
Well...dammit...I don't! And I've never lived anywhere where strong southern accents are the norm.
Hmmmph. Take the quiz yourself.
See, that makes no sense in an online world without audio, and with a blogger trying to stay anonymous! But trust me when I say that when people ask me where I'm "from" (and that's a loaded question with no easy answer) and if I give them my birthplace, they then go "oh, of course, I thought you had a southern accent".
Well...dammit...I don't! And I've never lived anywhere where strong southern accents are the norm.
Hmmmph. Take the quiz yourself.
| What American accent do you have? Your Result: The West Your accent is the lowest common denominator of American speech. Unless you're a SoCal surfer, no one thinks you have an accent. And really, you may not even be from the West at all, you could easily be from Florida or one of those big Southern cities like Dallas or Atlanta. | |
| The Midland | |
| North Central | |
| The South | |
| The Inland North | |
| Boston | |
| The Northeast | |
| Philadelphia | |
| What American accent do you have? Take More Quizzes | |
Meme mania
Followed a link from Elle, ABD to Seeking Academia for a different post, and then while reading, came across this one on one-word answer meme.Seeking Academia: The one word meme is harder than I thought it would be Came from elsewhere.
Fascinating. May have to do this...ok, WILL do this..
...feeling like channeling Yoda..."there is no try, only do"
So thanks, for yet another diversion, and reason I'm not asleep. Cool reason...but sleepy nonetheless.
· Yourself: enigma
· Your partner: steady
· Your hair: cinnamon
· Your Mother: collector
· Your Father: reticent
· Your Favorite Item: laptop
· Your dream last night: convoluted
· Your Favorite Drink: bourbon
· Your Dream Car: fast
· Your Dream Home: island
· The Room You Are In: study
· Your Ex: distant
· Your fear: rejection
· Where you Want to be in Ten Years? respected
· Who you hung out with last night: classmate
· What You're Not: disloyal
· Muffins: blueberry
· One of Your Wish List Items: motorcycle
· Time: 1995
· The Last Thing You Did: quiz
· What You Are Wearing: black
· Your favorite weather: nippy
· Your Favorite Book?: repeated
· Last thing you ate?: steak
· Your Life: bumblebee
· Your mood: sleepy
· Your Best Friends: soul
· What are you thinking about right now?: time
· Your car: sexy
· What are you doing at the moment: this
· Your summer: open
· Relationship status: stationary
· What is on your tv?: sports
· What is the weather like: unpredictable
· When is the last time you laughed: tonight
Fascinating. May have to do this...ok, WILL do this..
...feeling like channeling Yoda..."there is no try, only do"
So thanks, for yet another diversion, and reason I'm not asleep. Cool reason...but sleepy nonetheless.
· Yourself: enigma
· Your partner: steady
· Your hair: cinnamon
· Your Mother: collector
· Your Father: reticent
· Your Favorite Item: laptop
· Your dream last night: convoluted
· Your Favorite Drink: bourbon
· Your Dream Car: fast
· Your Dream Home: island
· The Room You Are In: study
· Your Ex: distant
· Your fear: rejection
· Where you Want to be in Ten Years? respected
· Who you hung out with last night: classmate
· What You're Not: disloyal
· Muffins: blueberry
· One of Your Wish List Items: motorcycle
· Time: 1995
· The Last Thing You Did: quiz
· What You Are Wearing: black
· Your favorite weather: nippy
· Your Favorite Book?: repeated
· Last thing you ate?: steak
· Your Life: bumblebee
· Your mood: sleepy
· Your Best Friends: soul
· What are you thinking about right now?: time
· Your car: sexy
· What are you doing at the moment: this
· Your summer: open
· Relationship status: stationary
· What is on your tv?: sports
· What is the weather like: unpredictable
· When is the last time you laughed: tonight
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Comments on changes to/in ALA
Information Wants To Be Free » Blog Archive » ALA through my eyes: One year later
Blogger had vented a year ago about why not to join, or re-up with ALA (American Library Association) and wondered if things were ever going to change. She now thinks things have changed enough that she will indeed re-up. Nice summary in post about changes ALA has made, what they mean.
Also on this topic is a post from someone I know (sorta) about the academic library side of things and changes in ALA--and what it takes to make ALA/ACRL better. Comment thread may be most interesting part.
Blogger had vented a year ago about why not to join, or re-up with ALA (American Library Association) and wondered if things were ever going to change. She now thinks things have changed enough that she will indeed re-up. Nice summary in post about changes ALA has made, what they mean.
Also on this topic is a post from someone I know (sorta) about the academic library side of things and changes in ALA--and what it takes to make ALA/ACRL better. Comment thread may be most interesting part.
Fave Children's Book
Saw this post from Catalogblog that says there's a 'viral posting' going around (is that like a meme?) in honor of Children's Book Week, to name your fave kids's book. I'm guessing they mean fave from your own childhood, and not one you teach with, or read to kids in a library or school, or to your own kids. But I also guess it could be one of those too...
I'm not sure I can narrow it down to one. Several come to mind. Much more readily right now since about a month or so ago I was out buying favorite kids' books for a friend's baby shower. (everyone was to bring one or two of their favorites to start the family/baby's library-- naturally, having that Lib Sci degree, I didn't stop at one...or two!)
So...here's a quick Fave Five:
Uncle Wiggly-- loved those escapades with him and Nurse Jane Fuzzy Wuzzy. This is a suprisingly hard to find book in bookstores...at least in the brick-n-mortar world anyway. Original stories were written in 1920s I think, and re-released in 1970s, and again in the '80s. Some are in collections such as the one in the link, others are found separately.
Richard Scarry-- any...all! Love Huckle Cat, Lowly Worm... "Cars and Trucks and Things that Go", and the one with the story of the "Pie-rats".
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day--because sometimes days are just like that...still.
Amelia Bedelia-- love the puns, the word play. It's silly when you read as a kid, and still cracks me up as an adult, now reading to a new generation of kids.
The Little House series-- american classics. So many kids grew up learning to read with these books, and learning history and not even realizing it.
Well, that was a fun diversion. Everybody, go read a book. Better, go read a book to a child!
I'm not sure I can narrow it down to one. Several come to mind. Much more readily right now since about a month or so ago I was out buying favorite kids' books for a friend's baby shower. (everyone was to bring one or two of their favorites to start the family/baby's library-- naturally, having that Lib Sci degree, I didn't stop at one...or two!)
So...here's a quick Fave Five:
Uncle Wiggly-- loved those escapades with him and Nurse Jane Fuzzy Wuzzy. This is a suprisingly hard to find book in bookstores...at least in the brick-n-mortar world anyway. Original stories were written in 1920s I think, and re-released in 1970s, and again in the '80s. Some are in collections such as the one in the link, others are found separately.
Richard Scarry-- any...all! Love Huckle Cat, Lowly Worm... "Cars and Trucks and Things that Go", and the one with the story of the "Pie-rats".
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day--because sometimes days are just like that...still.
Amelia Bedelia-- love the puns, the word play. It's silly when you read as a kid, and still cracks me up as an adult, now reading to a new generation of kids.
The Little House series-- american classics. So many kids grew up learning to read with these books, and learning history and not even realizing it.
Well, that was a fun diversion. Everybody, go read a book. Better, go read a book to a child!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Wired News: A Sneak Peek at a Fractured Web
Wired News: A Sneak Peek at a Fractured Web: "Internet censorship is spreading and becoming more sophisticated across the planet, even as users develop savvier ways around it, according to early results in the first-ever comprehensive global survey of internet censorship."
Early release of data on big study from OpenNet Initiative looking at matters of cyberlaw, freedom of speech, and censorship of the web, on a global basis. Interesting points are countries that are less than forthright in their censorship tactics. The info age only comes to some of us, and the digital divide is global.
it's our job to bridge that gap...
Early release of data on big study from OpenNet Initiative looking at matters of cyberlaw, freedom of speech, and censorship of the web, on a global basis. Interesting points are countries that are less than forthright in their censorship tactics. The info age only comes to some of us, and the digital divide is global.
it's our job to bridge that gap...
Monday, November 13, 2006
InformationWeek Weblog: How Trustworthy Is The Web?
InformationWeek Weblog: How Trustworthy Is The Web?: "When I did a reality check last Friday on some Wikipedia data my daughter had dug up about an obscure early French explorer, I found something interesting. Curious to see how Wikipedia information jibed with that from other sites, I did a--what else?--Google search, only to find that most other sites had simply copied the Wikipedia entry. Word for word, in many cases. In short: even if eventually corrected, erroneous information put into Wikipedia had already been propagated throughout the Web. "
Trust. Big issue for me, particularly in my research. I'm also a strong proponent of Information Literacy development and work implementing it at every level of our education system. Big part of Info Lit is about teaching critical thinking skills, including evaluation of ALL types of resources. Naturally, this is a BIG concern for everything web-based. Scary world out there. Research coming out just points out the obvious-- people trust easily--probably too easily. Still assuming that if it's on the web, and if from some bigtime name site, it must be true, or accurate.
Oh boy....lot of work to do...
Trust. Big issue for me, particularly in my research. I'm also a strong proponent of Information Literacy development and work implementing it at every level of our education system. Big part of Info Lit is about teaching critical thinking skills, including evaluation of ALL types of resources. Naturally, this is a BIG concern for everything web-based. Scary world out there. Research coming out just points out the obvious-- people trust easily--probably too easily. Still assuming that if it's on the web, and if from some bigtime name site, it must be true, or accurate.
Oh boy....lot of work to do...
ABC News: Berners-Lee, MIT Developing 'Web Science' Field
ABC News: Berners-Lee, MIT Developing 'Web Science' Field: "Nov. 2 Thursday morning, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT and the University of Southampton announced The Web Science Research Initiative (WSRI), basically a group designed to set a research agenda for understanding the scientific, technical and social challenges underlying the growth of the Web.
WSRI will be headquartered at the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) at MIT and at the School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) at the University of Southampton. Initial plans call for joint research projects, workshops and student/faculty exchanges between the two institutions. "
Initiative with Tim Berners-Lee's name attached, as well a folks from the W3C. Talk about 'going beyond computer science'...but seems to ignore that much work is already beign done in this area by Information Science discipline. Once again, academics, pundits, journalists, those in the main-stream, all seem to think the only folks who can study, build, research and improve on computer-based technology must be the computer scientists, or software engineers. If you want to get serious about computing, technology and in the information age we live in , try concentrating first and foremost on the USERS!! The LIS field has a pretty damn long history in this area, as well as extensive experience in technology, and in playing nicely with other disciplines. Maybe you should look into it...
WSRI will be headquartered at the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) at MIT and at the School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS) at the University of Southampton. Initial plans call for joint research projects, workshops and student/faculty exchanges between the two institutions. "
Initiative with Tim Berners-Lee's name attached, as well a folks from the W3C. Talk about 'going beyond computer science'...but seems to ignore that much work is already beign done in this area by Information Science discipline. Once again, academics, pundits, journalists, those in the main-stream, all seem to think the only folks who can study, build, research and improve on computer-based technology must be the computer scientists, or software engineers. If you want to get serious about computing, technology and in the information age we live in , try concentrating first and foremost on the USERS!! The LIS field has a pretty damn long history in this area, as well as extensive experience in technology, and in playing nicely with other disciplines. Maybe you should look into it...
Saturday, November 11, 2006
DigInit :: digital initiatives
DigInit :: digital initiatives: "So, I’ll be attending and presenting at Internet Librarian later this week which has got me thinking about the circles we, librarians, travel. It seems we’re awfully comfortable talking to each other and that’s a good thing in small doses. But, we have to ask ourselves, “Who is listening?”"
Intro to a piece from this blogger, who is very heavily into digital library work, especially the back-end, code side of things it would appear. Next bit goes on to quote several online pieces about "need for modern libraries", responses, call for change in the library world--at many levels. Not so much a new thread, but always intersting to see more takes on it, get more ideas on what to actually "DO" about it.
Intro to a piece from this blogger, who is very heavily into digital library work, especially the back-end, code side of things it would appear. Next bit goes on to quote several online pieces about "need for modern libraries", responses, call for change in the library world--at many levels. Not so much a new thread, but always intersting to see more takes on it, get more ideas on what to actually "DO" about it.
CogSci Librarian
CogSci Librarian: "Heard another *terrific* TED Talks podcast (and no, I have NO affiliation with Technology, Entertainment, and Design (TED) at all -- I should be so lucky!) about the value of choice in our lives. From the TED Blog: 'Barry Schwartz is a sociology professor at Swarthmore College and author of The Paradox of Choice. In this talk, he persuasively explains how and why the abundance of choice in modern society is actually making us miserable.' "
I'm pretty sure I was already aware of the book, and have read other exceprts. But this is a nice reminder, a tie-in with current coursework, and a way to link to this blog so I can find it later.
Hmmm...thoughts on memory...more relation to coursework. I have a harder and harder time remembering things these days...or, more precisely, I have issues with "recall" and not so much with "recognition".
But in true grad student, supreme nerd fashion, I turned my fitful memory, and my forgetfullness about things like, oh say, my ASSIGNMENT, into a creative, well receive essay. TA-DA!! Ha!
I'm pretty sure I was already aware of the book, and have read other exceprts. But this is a nice reminder, a tie-in with current coursework, and a way to link to this blog so I can find it later.
Hmmm...thoughts on memory...more relation to coursework. I have a harder and harder time remembering things these days...or, more precisely, I have issues with "recall" and not so much with "recognition".
But in true grad student, supreme nerd fashion, I turned my fitful memory, and my forgetfullness about things like, oh say, my ASSIGNMENT, into a creative, well receive essay. TA-DA!! Ha!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Reassigned Time: Mentoring
Reassigned Time: Mentoring: "I've been thinking a lot about mentoring lately, in no small part because so many people have been posting about it lately. (I'm sure there are links I'm missing, too, but those are the ones that immediately jump to mind. Edited to add: Here's another link that I think participates in this conversation that seems to be cropping up all around.) Oh, and I also read something about mentoring on the CHE forums in the context of junior faculty needing mentors."
Off on a new tangent..."mentoring".
worthwhile one. ought to add all the links from this Dr Crazy, and others. Good advice for the down road, career planning, getting ready to hit job market. Course I'm a ways off from there, but better to start worrying...I mean planning...now.
And this blog changed addresses, was supposed to be a link up there about mentoring, but it got lost in the move apparently. But ProfGrrrrl is worth following none the less. Like her style, wit, frequency of posts, brevity at times.
The last embedded link from the blog on mentoring, seems to refer to a story from a grad student who 'got stuck' with their advisor. Glad that's not me, glad to have Advocate. But am worried b/c I heard that at least one of the Newbies we just got (and there are TOO many of 'em given small size of college, not enough faculty, note enough resources, not enough structure...need I go on?!) has been given Advocate as advisor to start with. Major mismatch. MAJOR. Nothing in common. Why did the College do that to either of them? And now this Newbie doesn't think terribly much of Advocate, and I hate that gossip or bad mouthing is going on about Advocate, when it's not her fault she was assigned someone whose background, interests, research topics, and everything else are a total mismatch.
AAARRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHH.
Yes, yes...being overly defensisve and protective here no doubt. But considering the luck I've had with advisors, even my great ones, and the overall issues within dept. at Metro U...I do NOT need any more hassles, hurdles or the like. And I see any hassles of Advocate as becoming potential hassles of me. Grrrrrr....
Off on a new tangent..."mentoring".
worthwhile one. ought to add all the links from this Dr Crazy, and others. Good advice for the down road, career planning, getting ready to hit job market. Course I'm a ways off from there, but better to start worrying...I mean planning...now.
And this blog changed addresses, was supposed to be a link up there about mentoring, but it got lost in the move apparently. But ProfGrrrrl is worth following none the less. Like her style, wit, frequency of posts, brevity at times.
The last embedded link from the blog on mentoring, seems to refer to a story from a grad student who 'got stuck' with their advisor. Glad that's not me, glad to have Advocate. But am worried b/c I heard that at least one of the Newbies we just got (and there are TOO many of 'em given small size of college, not enough faculty, note enough resources, not enough structure...need I go on?!) has been given Advocate as advisor to start with. Major mismatch. MAJOR. Nothing in common. Why did the College do that to either of them? And now this Newbie doesn't think terribly much of Advocate, and I hate that gossip or bad mouthing is going on about Advocate, when it's not her fault she was assigned someone whose background, interests, research topics, and everything else are a total mismatch.
AAARRRRRRRGHHHHHHHHH.
Yes, yes...being overly defensisve and protective here no doubt. But considering the luck I've had with advisors, even my great ones, and the overall issues within dept. at Metro U...I do NOT need any more hassles, hurdles or the like. And I see any hassles of Advocate as becoming potential hassles of me. Grrrrrr....
Monday, October 30, 2006
The Carnival of GRADual Progress
The Carnival of GRADual Progress
"Carnivals"... one of those Web2.0 things in the blogosphere I 'thought' I knew about, or knew what they all meant...but maybe not afterall.
At least here's one that might have some direct relevancy to my current state, and status. Now if I can just figure out the semantics, culture...and oh, for pete's sake, stop using academic words...if I can wrap my head around WTF these are, maybe someday I'll contribute.
Or just keep lurking...
"Carnivals"... one of those Web2.0 things in the blogosphere I 'thought' I knew about, or knew what they all meant...but maybe not afterall.
At least here's one that might have some direct relevancy to my current state, and status. Now if I can just figure out the semantics, culture...and oh, for pete's sake, stop using academic words...if I can wrap my head around WTF these are, maybe someday I'll contribute.
Or just keep lurking...
How Many of Me - Front Page
How Many of Me - Front Page
Saw this on one of the few blogs I read that isn't hosted by an anonymous blogger. She was complaining about the 30 or so others sharing her name, granted a somewhat more unique name than my own, but still...try having more than 600 some odd people with your same combination of first and last names! And yes, I admit to occaisionally going ego-surfing and Googling myself...hell, in this day and age it's only prudent to do so. Any job interviewer or such would do the same.
And the problem naturally comes in that there are so many others with "my" name...and so many of them are all online it seems. How would any potential future employer, or other important person, know which one is the "real" me??
Will any such searchers really remember to use my middle initial? Will they even know what that is? What does this all mean in terms of 'identity'?
And exactly how do they come up with the data for this little online toy?
Interesting questions from a random tangent and time-kill.
Saw this on one of the few blogs I read that isn't hosted by an anonymous blogger. She was complaining about the 30 or so others sharing her name, granted a somewhat more unique name than my own, but still...try having more than 600 some odd people with your same combination of first and last names! And yes, I admit to occaisionally going ego-surfing and Googling myself...hell, in this day and age it's only prudent to do so. Any job interviewer or such would do the same.
And the problem naturally comes in that there are so many others with "my" name...and so many of them are all online it seems. How would any potential future employer, or other important person, know which one is the "real" me??
Will any such searchers really remember to use my middle initial? Will they even know what that is? What does this all mean in terms of 'identity'?
And exactly how do they come up with the data for this little online toy?
Interesting questions from a random tangent and time-kill.
Digital History Hacks: On N-gram Data and Automated Plagiarism Checking
Digital History Hacks: On N-gram Data and Automated Plagiarism Checking
another link while i'm in this 'fight plagiarism, respect intellectual property' rant or mindset.
and potentially another blog worth adding to the blogroll...if just for the title...have to check it out further.
another link while i'm in this 'fight plagiarism, respect intellectual property' rant or mindset.
and potentially another blog worth adding to the blogroll...if just for the title...have to check it out further.
A Culture of Expectation Among Today’s Students « The Redneck Librarian
A Culture of Expectation Among Today’s Students « The Redneck Librarian: "None so far have placed the blame on technology."
From a discussion, review of other blog posting on rise in plagiarism. The rant from an educator in the UK says that profs are to blame for coddling today's indulgent students who have grown up without learning, without challenge and that profs give them everything they want. This second blogger, Redneck Librarian, comments that none of the reasons and excuses or whatever about rise in plagiarism has pointed to technology as a cause.
Why not?
Is there really only a small subset that sees the darkside of the Net and 'technology' that goes along with all the wonders? That perhaps this 'indulgent'nature or 'culture of expectation' comes from the instant gratification world of the Web. The Web has made access to resourcs and documents easier, faster, cheaper-- yes, we all know that and love it-- but it also means that everything is, easier, faster and cheaper--including 'bad' information and a student's inability to distinguish 'good' from 'bad'. We're all inclined to do what is easy and fast--human nature. (Hey, I'm just spouting some unfortunate eternal truths--don't have to like 'em) And the Net most definitely makes what used to be hard, onerous research, often much easier, faster and cheaper. And with students gowing up with computers and the Net, they may not know any other way. Doesn't absolve them...hell no...just means we all face a bigger responsibility to teach information literacy, credibility of sources, critical thinking, and respect for intellectual property.
Granted, a tough sell for teens and young adults, but one we should be making as educators, parents, librarians, guides, mentors-- well before they hit college, or even high school.
From a discussion, review of other blog posting on rise in plagiarism. The rant from an educator in the UK says that profs are to blame for coddling today's indulgent students who have grown up without learning, without challenge and that profs give them everything they want. This second blogger, Redneck Librarian, comments that none of the reasons and excuses or whatever about rise in plagiarism has pointed to technology as a cause.
Why not?
Is there really only a small subset that sees the darkside of the Net and 'technology' that goes along with all the wonders? That perhaps this 'indulgent'nature or 'culture of expectation' comes from the instant gratification world of the Web. The Web has made access to resourcs and documents easier, faster, cheaper-- yes, we all know that and love it-- but it also means that everything is, easier, faster and cheaper--including 'bad' information and a student's inability to distinguish 'good' from 'bad'. We're all inclined to do what is easy and fast--human nature. (Hey, I'm just spouting some unfortunate eternal truths--don't have to like 'em) And the Net most definitely makes what used to be hard, onerous research, often much easier, faster and cheaper. And with students gowing up with computers and the Net, they may not know any other way. Doesn't absolve them...hell no...just means we all face a bigger responsibility to teach information literacy, credibility of sources, critical thinking, and respect for intellectual property.
Granted, a tough sell for teens and young adults, but one we should be making as educators, parents, librarians, guides, mentors-- well before they hit college, or even high school.
The History Enthusiast
The History Enthusiast
Blog to add to the blogroll, or RSS feeds.
PhD student in history; teaching, researching, angsting like the rest of us. But good link to a mind in a field I'm only going to be dabbling in.
Blog to add to the blogroll, or RSS feeds.
PhD student in history; teaching, researching, angsting like the rest of us. But good link to a mind in a field I'm only going to be dabbling in.
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Post-PhD Blues: Grasping at Straws
Post-PhD Blues: Grasping at Straws
Someone who has been down the path, made it to the other side, and still is uncertain. Honest, refreshing, a bit depressing, and yet cautiously optimistic. A blog worth following. [good grief...how many times have I said THAT in a post?? better yet, how many times do I actually follow up? hmmm, could it be that making posts about blogs of interest is NOT the best way to 'follow' them? D'UH!! sheesh, some "info pro" I am...]
Someone who has been down the path, made it to the other side, and still is uncertain. Honest, refreshing, a bit depressing, and yet cautiously optimistic. A blog worth following. [good grief...how many times have I said THAT in a post?? better yet, how many times do I actually follow up? hmmm, could it be that making posts about blogs of interest is NOT the best way to 'follow' them? D'UH!! sheesh, some "info pro" I am...]
Friday, October 20, 2006
InformationWeek Weblog: Deleted: What's Not Up To Snuff For Wikipedia
InformationWeek Weblog: Deleted: What's Not Up To Snuff For Wikipedia
Link from here to original NYT article on how Wikipedia decides which entries stay, which go (what...you didn't think every little bit of drivel someone, or some group, writes stays up in perpetuity?? c'mon!) and who decides. Interesting research implications and behind the scenes look at social networking. We already know there are tons of politics in play at Wikipedia and that communal editing has been abused in the past, and will likely be again. Always helpful to have a bright spotlight flashed at any problem spots or weaknesses-- afterall, that is part of the point of social software, no?! That the community of writers makes changes based on what is brought to its attention-- the glaring mistakes, obvious and not so obvious omissions, the here-to-fore unknowns...
Question is...where is the fine line between editing, fixing mistakes and crossing into misinformation or censorship. The world is not black and white, but many shades of grey-- wikis and other social software should reflect that too.
Link from here to original NYT article on how Wikipedia decides which entries stay, which go (what...you didn't think every little bit of drivel someone, or some group, writes stays up in perpetuity?? c'mon!) and who decides. Interesting research implications and behind the scenes look at social networking. We already know there are tons of politics in play at Wikipedia and that communal editing has been abused in the past, and will likely be again. Always helpful to have a bright spotlight flashed at any problem spots or weaknesses-- afterall, that is part of the point of social software, no?! That the community of writers makes changes based on what is brought to its attention-- the glaring mistakes, obvious and not so obvious omissions, the here-to-fore unknowns...
Question is...where is the fine line between editing, fixing mistakes and crossing into misinformation or censorship. The world is not black and white, but many shades of grey-- wikis and other social software should reflect that too.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
The future isn’t what it used to be - The Practical Futurist - MSNBC.com
The future isn’t what it used to be - The Practical Futurist - MSNBC.com: "excellent new book “Follies of Science: 20th Century Visions of Our Fantastic Future” (Speck Press, $19) is a lavish visual compendium of art work, advertisements, cartoons, magazine covers and government documents, all depicting just how wonderful, or occasionally terrifying, the future will be. Virtually all of the visions, of course, are also dead wrong. "
Love reading things like these! Even better if someone's done the actual research and can back up their claims about quotes and predictions, and it's not just folklore or urban legend. May have to go pick this up.
Love reading things like these! Even better if someone's done the actual research and can back up their claims about quotes and predictions, and it's not just folklore or urban legend. May have to go pick this up.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
juggling teaching and dissertating (revisionspiral.blog-city.com)
juggling teaching and dissertating (revisionspiral.blog-city.com)
Keep this handy for 3rd Year, when hopefully I can manage teaching and research/dissertation work. And hopefuly have a life.
hopefully...
really...I do hope...just a glimmer of hope...
all I need....
hope
;-)
Keep this handy for 3rd Year, when hopefully I can manage teaching and research/dissertation work. And hopefuly have a life.
hopefully...
really...I do hope...just a glimmer of hope...
all I need....
hope
;-)
Easily Distracted
Easily Distracted
Is this one in my blogroll?? If not, it ought to be...if just for the name!! That's so up my alley...hell, i'm distracted even now...should be doing something else... like maybe sleeping, working, etc!
Is this one in my blogroll?? If not, it ought to be...if just for the name!! That's so up my alley...hell, i'm distracted even now...should be doing something else... like maybe sleeping, working, etc!
NPR : Failure Is a Good Thing
NPR : Failure Is a Good Thing
I'll have to try and remember this more often as I go through grad school, do research, try and get published, and attempt tenure track some day!
May need many reminders like this along the way since I have a near pathological fear of rejection...
...yeah, THAT's gonna go over well in this new profession of mine! Cuz academia is just known for being so accepting and supportive. HA! I crack myself up...
I'll have to try and remember this more often as I go through grad school, do research, try and get published, and attempt tenure track some day!
May need many reminders like this along the way since I have a near pathological fear of rejection...
...yeah, THAT's gonna go over well in this new profession of mine! Cuz academia is just known for being so accepting and supportive. HA! I crack myself up...
Friday, October 06, 2006
Some youth rethink online communications - Yahoo! News
Some youth rethink online communications - Yahoo! News: "Though he's not anti-technology, Bugeja often lectures students about 'interpersonal intelligence' � knowing when, where and for what purpose technology is most appropriate."
Interesting trend worth watching and studying further. Are teens and young adults realizing that much of the social-networking phenomena is a superficial connection or relationship? Are they craving the more intitmate or authentic interactions of face-to-face encounters and friendship time?
Or is it just part of 'growing up' that leads you this more mature point of view-- seeing that there is a time and place for certain types or formats of communication and that not every interaction fits every available medium? Or to paraphras the quoted professor, 'there's a time and a place for everything'-- learn it.
Interesting trend worth watching and studying further. Are teens and young adults realizing that much of the social-networking phenomena is a superficial connection or relationship? Are they craving the more intitmate or authentic interactions of face-to-face encounters and friendship time?
Or is it just part of 'growing up' that leads you this more mature point of view-- seeing that there is a time and place for certain types or formats of communication and that not every interaction fits every available medium? Or to paraphras the quoted professor, 'there's a time and a place for everything'-- learn it.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Hop on and ride
It's all begun again...the school year, the grind, academic pressures and the race to the doctorate. A slow race at that...but it always feels like a competition.
While I'd love to tell myself, and anyone who's listening (yah right...who am I kidding, the only one reading these ramblings is me!) that I'm going to be less down, less bitter, less of a cynic and a ranter.... that's just a pipe dream. I may have good, or noble, intentions, but let's be real--this is grad school, a doctoral degree...and I will be miserable...often! Isn't that part of the point of the whole degree process? I'm sure some schools even count on it to weed students out. Not Metro U though, not my department...that would mean a loss of dollars, a loss of prestige and less to puff themselves up about. On the other hand, if they really gave a good damn about the health, well-being and progress of students, wouldn't there be more support??
Granted, gotta give it to 'em, they are making some strides there...or at least making it more visible that staff is in place to help support the students--we just have to ask for more help, cause they can't give what they don't know about. Fair. True. But I haven't had complaints about the staff...more about the Faculty. Maybe it's just that I keep chafing at being a square peg amongst round holes.
And now you're wondering what the hell am I doing in this U, in this dept. if I'm so out of place. For most disciplines, most fields, that's a very fair question and someone might be nuts to have gone somewhere they knew might make them miserable, and didn't completely support them...couldn't. But my field is unique (and no, I'm not just saying that). There just aren't many places that practice it, teach it, let alone have a PhD program. And I'm not some young 'kid' right out of college, with no commitments tieing me down, able to move anywhere in the country based on who has the best program, or the best fit for me. I had to go with what was available locally...and the funding support I'm getting is a huge piece of it too. Won't lie about that. Doubt I'd go for my PhD right now if it wasn't for that. Although sometimes the constraints it puts on me, the extra demands, the extra hoops, and the feeling of being someone else's damn experiment are just too much and I want to tell them all to just 'chuck it', they can shove their funding where the 'sun don't shine' just leave me alone.
but I'm all talk and no action......
On a good note, I like my classes. One is a nice change of pace, not as hard or demanding it seems (probably because it pulls many Masters students) and with a prof with a sense of humor, a bit of a rebel, non-conformist. I like that, I really do.
The other course is more methods, and will hopefully give me real hands-on experience and move me that much closer to my disseration topic, questions, and proposal. Advocate is teaching it, and also thinks my ideas on research so far are quite good and promising. It's such a relief to hear that. And a good bit of confidence bolstering.
Now if I can just get through a session of hoop-jumping coming up with Majesty, Loose-Goose, Pudding-Head and others. Astro, Mambo, Flash and I all have to jump the same firey hoops. I'm just more worried than they are. I think they did more this summer, have more concrete to show in this circus than I do. I copped out, I wussed, I ran, I got distracted, and didn't get enough concrete stuff done. I have great ideas, great readings and a direction for my own research...but not the concrete project I so hoped for, wanted to achieve. Because it was hard...too hard I think I determined...and I didn't feel I had the skills to do it justice. And I should've faced that down, but I took a more cowardly way out. And now I'm ashamed and scared.
I'm an ostrich. And sticking your head in the sand and hoping the trouble will blow over never works, no matter how often I do it. So why do I keep doing it? Why am I more afraid of rejection, of messing up, of some kind of failure...on smaller scales (becuase face it, if I had accepted the fear or the failure earlier it would still be small..not bigger like it always gets when you avoid it).
So the merry-go-round is back up and running and I'm trying not to get dizzy.
While I'd love to tell myself, and anyone who's listening (yah right...who am I kidding, the only one reading these ramblings is me!) that I'm going to be less down, less bitter, less of a cynic and a ranter.... that's just a pipe dream. I may have good, or noble, intentions, but let's be real--this is grad school, a doctoral degree...and I will be miserable...often! Isn't that part of the point of the whole degree process? I'm sure some schools even count on it to weed students out. Not Metro U though, not my department...that would mean a loss of dollars, a loss of prestige and less to puff themselves up about. On the other hand, if they really gave a good damn about the health, well-being and progress of students, wouldn't there be more support??
Granted, gotta give it to 'em, they are making some strides there...or at least making it more visible that staff is in place to help support the students--we just have to ask for more help, cause they can't give what they don't know about. Fair. True. But I haven't had complaints about the staff...more about the Faculty. Maybe it's just that I keep chafing at being a square peg amongst round holes.
And now you're wondering what the hell am I doing in this U, in this dept. if I'm so out of place. For most disciplines, most fields, that's a very fair question and someone might be nuts to have gone somewhere they knew might make them miserable, and didn't completely support them...couldn't. But my field is unique (and no, I'm not just saying that). There just aren't many places that practice it, teach it, let alone have a PhD program. And I'm not some young 'kid' right out of college, with no commitments tieing me down, able to move anywhere in the country based on who has the best program, or the best fit for me. I had to go with what was available locally...and the funding support I'm getting is a huge piece of it too. Won't lie about that. Doubt I'd go for my PhD right now if it wasn't for that. Although sometimes the constraints it puts on me, the extra demands, the extra hoops, and the feeling of being someone else's damn experiment are just too much and I want to tell them all to just 'chuck it', they can shove their funding where the 'sun don't shine' just leave me alone.
but I'm all talk and no action......
On a good note, I like my classes. One is a nice change of pace, not as hard or demanding it seems (probably because it pulls many Masters students) and with a prof with a sense of humor, a bit of a rebel, non-conformist. I like that, I really do.
The other course is more methods, and will hopefully give me real hands-on experience and move me that much closer to my disseration topic, questions, and proposal. Advocate is teaching it, and also thinks my ideas on research so far are quite good and promising. It's such a relief to hear that. And a good bit of confidence bolstering.
Now if I can just get through a session of hoop-jumping coming up with Majesty, Loose-Goose, Pudding-Head and others. Astro, Mambo, Flash and I all have to jump the same firey hoops. I'm just more worried than they are. I think they did more this summer, have more concrete to show in this circus than I do. I copped out, I wussed, I ran, I got distracted, and didn't get enough concrete stuff done. I have great ideas, great readings and a direction for my own research...but not the concrete project I so hoped for, wanted to achieve. Because it was hard...too hard I think I determined...and I didn't feel I had the skills to do it justice. And I should've faced that down, but I took a more cowardly way out. And now I'm ashamed and scared.
I'm an ostrich. And sticking your head in the sand and hoping the trouble will blow over never works, no matter how often I do it. So why do I keep doing it? Why am I more afraid of rejection, of messing up, of some kind of failure...on smaller scales (becuase face it, if I had accepted the fear or the failure earlier it would still be small..not bigger like it always gets when you avoid it).
So the merry-go-round is back up and running and I'm trying not to get dizzy.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
"Zotero - is this what we’ve been waiting for?"
Information Wants To Be Free » Blog Archive » Zotero - is this what we’ve been waiting for?
Interesting reference management tool and worth checking out further. Although I personally use RefWorks, and like the way it integrates into Word. Granted, I don't know how to use half of its features either, and I'm more patient on learning tools, watching tutorials and such than any undergrad would be. Ok, and to be 100% honest, I haven't logged my latest research citations into my RefWorks account because of the time and effort entailed when you find something outside of a library-sponsored database that links to RW. I.E. any resource or citation found in average web surfing, or through Google Scholar. So...maybe this would do the trick.
Except I too don't use Firefox... that's a whole other rant and lashing with a wet noodle.
Interesting reference management tool and worth checking out further. Although I personally use RefWorks, and like the way it integrates into Word. Granted, I don't know how to use half of its features either, and I'm more patient on learning tools, watching tutorials and such than any undergrad would be. Ok, and to be 100% honest, I haven't logged my latest research citations into my RefWorks account because of the time and effort entailed when you find something outside of a library-sponsored database that links to RW. I.E. any resource or citation found in average web surfing, or through Google Scholar. So...maybe this would do the trick.
Except I too don't use Firefox... that's a whole other rant and lashing with a wet noodle.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
What is the worth of words? - The Practical Futurist - MSNBC.com
What is the worth of words? - The Practical Futurist - MSNBC.com: "The obsessive measurement of long-form literacy is once more being used to flail an education trend that is in fact going in just the right direction. Today’s young people are not able to read and understand long stretches of text simply because in most cases they won’t ever need to do so.
It’s time to acknowledge that in a truly multimedia environment of 2025, most Americans don’t need to understand more than a hundred or so words at a time, and certainly will never read anything approaching the length of an old-fashioned book. "
OH. MY. GOD.
You have to be kidding me right? This is a piece of futurist satire, a joke, right?
He can't be serious in stating that reading isn't a vital skill, that no one needs to know how to read more than 100 words of text, that technology 'does it all' for us, and that reading isn't even a real 'ability'????
ARE YOU NUTS??!!!!
I'm not just saying this because I'm a student of information, I believe in technology and computers as whole heartedly as books, magazines, newspapers and other printed texts. I say this as someone who values the freedom, independence, self-reliance, and self-worth that come from being literate-- being able to READ. And I'm not talking about 100 words here or there, a few paragraphs, sounds bites, text snippets, text labels. I mean a whole news article, a commentary in a magazine, the recap of a sports event, a popular novel, a children's classic or part of the latest non-fiction best seller.
In our sound bite, quick clip, headline only driven world, this author seems to think that if our already ridiculously short attention spans can't digest it in a few words, than it must not be worth reading or knowing to begin with.
I'm so shocked, surprised, and pissed off at this view I can hardly think straight.
It’s time to acknowledge that in a truly multimedia environment of 2025, most Americans don’t need to understand more than a hundred or so words at a time, and certainly will never read anything approaching the length of an old-fashioned book. "
OH. MY. GOD.
You have to be kidding me right? This is a piece of futurist satire, a joke, right?
He can't be serious in stating that reading isn't a vital skill, that no one needs to know how to read more than 100 words of text, that technology 'does it all' for us, and that reading isn't even a real 'ability'????
ARE YOU NUTS??!!!!
I'm not just saying this because I'm a student of information, I believe in technology and computers as whole heartedly as books, magazines, newspapers and other printed texts. I say this as someone who values the freedom, independence, self-reliance, and self-worth that come from being literate-- being able to READ. And I'm not talking about 100 words here or there, a few paragraphs, sounds bites, text snippets, text labels. I mean a whole news article, a commentary in a magazine, the recap of a sports event, a popular novel, a children's classic or part of the latest non-fiction best seller.
In our sound bite, quick clip, headline only driven world, this author seems to think that if our already ridiculously short attention spans can't digest it in a few words, than it must not be worth reading or knowing to begin with.
I'm so shocked, surprised, and pissed off at this view I can hardly think straight.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Ch..ch..ch..changes...
Now see, given the number of little thingies I checked, I can't believe I'm this much the same. Damn.
Still mulling over how good or bad this is....hmmmmmm.....
Still mulling over how good or bad this is....hmmmmmm.....
| You've Changed 48% in 10 Years |
 You've done a good job changing with the times, but deep down, you're still the same person. You're clothes, job, and friends may have changed some - but it hasn't changed you. |
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Being an Atheist in America Isn't Easy - Newsweek Society - MSNBC.com
I find myself "off-topic" quite a bit in my postings. So maybe I need to revise my personal goals and objectives for this blog, or just give myself continued permission to write about whatever the hell interests me, riles me, moves me or confuses me.
It's not really like I'm writing for an audience afterall, as I'm fairly certain I'm the only one reading this! But in case not, and someone out in the Internet Ether was expecting more on grad school life-- 'sorry'...I've ventured away again.
I'll recap school in another post. In the meantime, something that strikes me, and should rattle a great many cages and upset readers. Good. Get out of your personal bubble, be willing to entertain new ideas, be ready to be challenged, and be ready to change your mind and not just blindly follow along. So click the link to the Newseek story and read...
Being an Atheist in America Isn't Easy - Newsweek Society - MSNBC.com
Brilliant, well-written commentary. Discusses Sam Harris's book "The End of Faith", a book that should be read by many, (but likely won't be because it challenges the 'status quo' and the very notions that are the heart of many people's personal beliefs. All the more reason to read it--we should challenge ourselves more often.)
It's not really like I'm writing for an audience afterall, as I'm fairly certain I'm the only one reading this! But in case not, and someone out in the Internet Ether was expecting more on grad school life-- 'sorry'...I've ventured away again.
I'll recap school in another post. In the meantime, something that strikes me, and should rattle a great many cages and upset readers. Good. Get out of your personal bubble, be willing to entertain new ideas, be ready to be challenged, and be ready to change your mind and not just blindly follow along. So click the link to the Newseek story and read...
Being an Atheist in America Isn't Easy - Newsweek Society - MSNBC.com
Brilliant, well-written commentary. Discusses Sam Harris's book "The End of Faith", a book that should be read by many, (but likely won't be because it challenges the 'status quo' and the very notions that are the heart of many people's personal beliefs. All the more reason to read it--we should challenge ourselves more often.)
Monday, August 28, 2006
Rebel without a clue
Well, isn't this interesting....
I'm really not so sure about this one. Yes partly, I'm the "rebel"...or more like 'rebel wannabe'. but other times....hell no, I'm conformist all the way.
Course as a learned member of the academy (ok, ok, no yet, but trying dammit..) I shouldn't put much stock in silly web quizzes like this.
but they're so much fun, and so often are scarily accurate.
I'd also be curious to take the same quiz on different days, or weeks apart to see differences..especially given the visceral nature of the experiment here....hmmm
I'm really not so sure about this one. Yes partly, I'm the "rebel"...or more like 'rebel wannabe'. but other times....hell no, I'm conformist all the way.
Course as a learned member of the academy (ok, ok, no yet, but trying dammit..) I shouldn't put much stock in silly web quizzes like this.
but they're so much fun, and so often are scarily accurate.
I'd also be curious to take the same quiz on different days, or weeks apart to see differences..especially given the visceral nature of the experiment here....hmmm
| Your Hidden Talent |
 You have the natural talent of rocking the boat, thwarting the system. And while this may not seem big, it can be. It's people like you who serve as the catalysts to major cultural changes. You're just a bit behind the scenes, so no one really notices. |
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Luck of the Blarney..
Ha! And the computer gets one right, despite the serious desire for the Ferrari it still turned up this--not bad...
| Your Inner European is Irish! |
 Sprited and boisterous! You drink everyone under the table. |
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Every Executive Needs a Limit--Slate Magazine
Judge Taylor got it right on wiretapping. By Erwin Chemerinsky - Slate Magazine
Once again I'm "off topic", as the topic of this blog was/is supposed to be about my grad school and PhD travails. Nonetheless, some things are too well written, too important, and too relevant to ignore. I'd like to have a link to this for a while--it's so perfectly on point as to why the current executive branch has no right to the limitless powers it keeps exercising, by definition of the Constitution.
Anyone who thinks we need to do 'whatever it takes' and that the President has the power to do so, needs to read this. Anyone who thinks current security measures don't infringe on our civil liberties, needs to read this. Anyone who thinks 'the ends justify the means', needs to read this.
Too damn bad none of them will.
Once again I'm "off topic", as the topic of this blog was/is supposed to be about my grad school and PhD travails. Nonetheless, some things are too well written, too important, and too relevant to ignore. I'd like to have a link to this for a while--it's so perfectly on point as to why the current executive branch has no right to the limitless powers it keeps exercising, by definition of the Constitution.
Anyone who thinks we need to do 'whatever it takes' and that the President has the power to do so, needs to read this. Anyone who thinks current security measures don't infringe on our civil liberties, needs to read this. Anyone who thinks 'the ends justify the means', needs to read this.
Too damn bad none of them will.
"So long, and thanks for the Ph.D!"
A graduate school survival guide: "So long, and thanks for the Ph.D!"
Obviously I'm still on the same theme here (i'd say it's like a 'broken record' but that dates me a bit, since i must be the last of my generation to remember what the f--k a 'record' actually is! some kid looked at my mother-in-law funny tonight when she mentioned the word 'record'--he's never seen one, never heard one. oh boy...).
But this is a very well written piece, and doesn't focus too much on his CS field, and isn't even that dated--amazing given that this guy earned his doctorate over a decade ago in a very techie area. So certain truisms still apply, and the field is close to mine--sorta-- and one of his committee members is someone whose work I've studied a bit and is quite revered by many in my program/department. And more hints, sage advice and good stories about grad school can't hurt. Hell, I need all the help I can get in surviving grad school!
The truest part is the one that echoes what Astro told me the other day and which has precipitated this whole introspective rant and questionably productive blogging and linking.
"You don't have to be a genius to do well in graduate school. You must be reasonably intelligent, but after a certain point, I think other traits become more important in determining success."
Damn.
True. But still a bit bothersome.
See, intelligence is one thing I apparently have in spades, and one my more marketable skills. Likewise, the one I am most proud of being recognized for. At the same time that is all a bit silly since how intelligent I am (or not!) is/was mostly a chance determination of genetics-- luck of the draw, good parental genes, good parental options for schooling and nurturing. None of it particularly of my own damn doing, or control. And yet, it remains the skill or trait I most want to use, achieve 'fame' for, etc.
And realistically, in the long run, that isn't a good enough reason for anything, let alone for pursuing a damn doctorate and a teaching career.
It also doesn't seem to be modest or humble in any way, and yet I'm mostly both-- never boastful, and more down on myself really than anything. So why this pride in my IQ? Because I'm not really thrilled, happy or proud of any other of my skills, traits or hallmarks?
So I have to start finding ways to make other skills work, to balance things out, use more than mere little braincells if I really, truly want to get that PhD at the end of the rainbow.
Obviously I'm still on the same theme here (i'd say it's like a 'broken record' but that dates me a bit, since i must be the last of my generation to remember what the f--k a 'record' actually is! some kid looked at my mother-in-law funny tonight when she mentioned the word 'record'--he's never seen one, never heard one. oh boy...).
But this is a very well written piece, and doesn't focus too much on his CS field, and isn't even that dated--amazing given that this guy earned his doctorate over a decade ago in a very techie area. So certain truisms still apply, and the field is close to mine--sorta-- and one of his committee members is someone whose work I've studied a bit and is quite revered by many in my program/department. And more hints, sage advice and good stories about grad school can't hurt. Hell, I need all the help I can get in surviving grad school!
The truest part is the one that echoes what Astro told me the other day and which has precipitated this whole introspective rant and questionably productive blogging and linking.
"You don't have to be a genius to do well in graduate school. You must be reasonably intelligent, but after a certain point, I think other traits become more important in determining success."
Damn.
True. But still a bit bothersome.
See, intelligence is one thing I apparently have in spades, and one my more marketable skills. Likewise, the one I am most proud of being recognized for. At the same time that is all a bit silly since how intelligent I am (or not!) is/was mostly a chance determination of genetics-- luck of the draw, good parental genes, good parental options for schooling and nurturing. None of it particularly of my own damn doing, or control. And yet, it remains the skill or trait I most want to use, achieve 'fame' for, etc.
And realistically, in the long run, that isn't a good enough reason for anything, let alone for pursuing a damn doctorate and a teaching career.
It also doesn't seem to be modest or humble in any way, and yet I'm mostly both-- never boastful, and more down on myself really than anything. So why this pride in my IQ? Because I'm not really thrilled, happy or proud of any other of my skills, traits or hallmarks?
So I have to start finding ways to make other skills work, to balance things out, use more than mere little braincells if I really, truly want to get that PhD at the end of the rainbow.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Goal Setting - Time Management
AKA "getting your shit together part 2"
Goal Setting - Goals - Planning - Achievement - Graduate Students -Graduate School Admissions and Survival - Graduate Life
In case I didn't know why I keep procrastinating... (but I largely do)
Procrastination Research from Carelton
It's all about balance. Help from UCSD.
And about being a "good student" ...whatever that means!
More links on balance, getting through, 'being good'.
Mind Tools, time management
U Minnesota time management
Ah yes, and some tips on making CVs. Where was this a few weeks ago when I needed it?
And more things to distract me, all in the name of keeping my spirits up.
The Professor Translator
Grad School vs. Hell--what's the difference?!
The "real" meaning of PhD
this almost makes up for the lovely little post I was writing, getting stuff outta my system last week when "poof!" I hit some damn key on my laptop and all the text mysteriously disappears. (No, numnutz, I did not hit the damn delete key! sheesh)
And maybe instead of just writing about being upset, or off kilter, or whatever, i've taken a few first steps towards working on my, ummm, "issues".
So thanks Astro. I know I needed the kick in the ass, and maybe it will get me moving. (although I think really, the motivation for that has to come from ME...no one else really. but that's another post) And at the least introspection is always good, right? yah, sure.
Goal Setting - Goals - Planning - Achievement - Graduate Students -Graduate School Admissions and Survival - Graduate Life
In case I didn't know why I keep procrastinating... (but I largely do)
Procrastination Research from Carelton
It's all about balance. Help from UCSD.
And about being a "good student" ...whatever that means!
More links on balance, getting through, 'being good'.
Mind Tools, time management
U Minnesota time management
Ah yes, and some tips on making CVs. Where was this a few weeks ago when I needed it?
And more things to distract me, all in the name of keeping my spirits up.
The Professor Translator
Grad School vs. Hell--what's the difference?!
The "real" meaning of PhD
this almost makes up for the lovely little post I was writing, getting stuff outta my system last week when "poof!" I hit some damn key on my laptop and all the text mysteriously disappears. (No, numnutz, I did not hit the damn delete key! sheesh)
And maybe instead of just writing about being upset, or off kilter, or whatever, i've taken a few first steps towards working on my, ummm, "issues".
So thanks Astro. I know I needed the kick in the ass, and maybe it will get me moving. (although I think really, the motivation for that has to come from ME...no one else really. but that's another post) And at the least introspection is always good, right? yah, sure.
Manage Your Time: Time Management Tips
Manage Your Time: Time Management Tips
Maybe this will help me to get my act together.
In the latest in grad school rantings and bitchings I'm apparently 'off track'. My words actually. Words from Astro, meant in all good care and with my best interests in mind (no, I'm being serious not sarcastic) were that I have "no drive". "You may be the most brilliant student I've ever met, but you also have the least drive". Not good, eh.
And also likey true. The truth hurts like a bitch.
So I have to make better use of my time, make better plans, and take action.
ANY action, just do something...do more...do any small bit that moves me forward and toward my goals.
Just as soon as I straighten out in my head what those goals are, eh?!
Damn...
Maybe this will help me to get my act together.
In the latest in grad school rantings and bitchings I'm apparently 'off track'. My words actually. Words from Astro, meant in all good care and with my best interests in mind (no, I'm being serious not sarcastic) were that I have "no drive". "You may be the most brilliant student I've ever met, but you also have the least drive". Not good, eh.
And also likey true. The truth hurts like a bitch.
So I have to make better use of my time, make better plans, and take action.
ANY action, just do something...do more...do any small bit that moves me forward and toward my goals.
Just as soon as I straighten out in my head what those goals are, eh?!
Damn...
Monday, August 14, 2006
Quindlen: Safety Is a Modern and Ultimately Vulnerable Illusion - Newsweek Anna Quindlen - MSNBC.com
Quindlen: Safety Is a Modern and Ultimately Vulnerable Illusion - Newsweek Anna Quindlen - MSNBC.com
This is in no way related to my academic life, and I don't generally do peronal or political screeds, but this is too important and resonant a piece to pass up.
We all want to feel "safe" and have given our government a blank check in the name of ensuring our "safety" from those who might do us harm. But it is an illusion. There is no such thing as really being "safe". You can take precautions to the best of one's abilities but nothing is an absolute. And we have been sold a program and a line about "absolutes". Witness the latest efforts at air travel safety...
Personally I think it is ludicruous that an explosive method that chemists have known of for years is only now a matter of concern and awareness regarding travel and screenings. And while I am not a chemist, I can feel fairly safe in saying that I don't think lipstick, mascara, hair gel or lip balm are means of bringing down a plane. So banning these items is an exercise in making us all feel "safer" even though we aren't. We can't ever really by "safe" and we need to just get used to that. Not used to acts of terror, but used to being aware, mindful, and respectful of the fact that no measure of security is 100% effective.
So let us reclaim our lives, and our civil liberties and stop trying to pretend that all that is being done is keeping us "safe".
This is in no way related to my academic life, and I don't generally do peronal or political screeds, but this is too important and resonant a piece to pass up.
We all want to feel "safe" and have given our government a blank check in the name of ensuring our "safety" from those who might do us harm. But it is an illusion. There is no such thing as really being "safe". You can take precautions to the best of one's abilities but nothing is an absolute. And we have been sold a program and a line about "absolutes". Witness the latest efforts at air travel safety...
Personally I think it is ludicruous that an explosive method that chemists have known of for years is only now a matter of concern and awareness regarding travel and screenings. And while I am not a chemist, I can feel fairly safe in saying that I don't think lipstick, mascara, hair gel or lip balm are means of bringing down a plane. So banning these items is an exercise in making us all feel "safer" even though we aren't. We can't ever really by "safe" and we need to just get used to that. Not used to acts of terror, but used to being aware, mindful, and respectful of the fact that no measure of security is 100% effective.
So let us reclaim our lives, and our civil liberties and stop trying to pretend that all that is being done is keeping us "safe".
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Interesting morsels
Most of the time I write here in a very personal way about my attitudes, emotions, reactions, etc to various events and happenings in my life as a grad student.
But I've run across some interesting tidbits and morsels on the web, from other blogs, sites, etc and wanted to put them here (rather than a blog I've kept off and on for much that purpose. why the change?? who the hell knows?!!)
Link to article from President of Princeton, in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. She's talked elsewhere (WSJ ?)about women and tenure. Need to find that article...
Found the link on this blog about women in science.
Too damn bad that this blog doesn't look active anymore. Probably some great links to work that is badly needed on issues of digital access for disadvantaged persons. Wonder who else will take up this mantle?
Hmmmm. Well known blog...may be worth following the "Free Range Librarian". (and apparently I'm too darn lazy at the moment to add it to my blog roll, so it goes in post instead)
But I've run across some interesting tidbits and morsels on the web, from other blogs, sites, etc and wanted to put them here (rather than a blog I've kept off and on for much that purpose. why the change?? who the hell knows?!!)
Link to article from President of Princeton, in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. She's talked elsewhere (WSJ ?)about women and tenure. Need to find that article...
Found the link on this blog about women in science.
Too damn bad that this blog doesn't look active anymore. Probably some great links to work that is badly needed on issues of digital access for disadvantaged persons. Wonder who else will take up this mantle?
Hmmmm. Well known blog...may be worth following the "Free Range Librarian". (and apparently I'm too darn lazy at the moment to add it to my blog roll, so it goes in post instead)
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Eureka!
i may have stumbled my way (well, just a bit) to my dissertation topic!
Well....I'll be damned!
I know the general area I wanted to research and had narrowed the topic some, but it still didn't seem like a "research question", or I couldn't figure out where that question was in the topic. Still having trouble with that aspect of scholarly work.
Anyway...I was trying not to keep chasing distractions in terms of assigned work, projects, papers, etc and to focus on what I want to do, not what someone else wants, or what they need a warm body for. I'm already doing this Summer Project and want to get something 'researchy' out of it, or at least have it move me forward toward my own damn dissertation work.
And voila...now maybe it has! I'm still not completely sure if the questions I have are "research questions", but they seem worth exploring, and a way to tie into the more broad area of interest I've had the past 6 months or so (and to the Big Picture Topic I had when I started the PhD) and make the Summer Project worthwhile (well, outside its own interests...).
This came from a brainstorming talk I had with Advocate today...a sort of transition meeting to her more offical capacity as "Advisor" now. We brainstormed how this interest could potentially be researched, what kind of qualitative research to do, what to ground it in, what I will still need, and the types of contacts I need to start cultivating to get me an "in" with practitioners and subjects I would want to work with. [A bit of a major issue since this is not something I have direct experience in exactly, nor a field I came from originally. Hell, this whole PhD and MS field is new to me and not what I started my professional life in...course that's part of the whole point!! anyway...it's not like I just have some former colleagues to call up to ask if I can come study 'em...]
I feel pretty excited and pretty good. Now have to figure out how to make it happen-- both from a general, sorta philosophical point, and a nitty-gritty technical kind of thing--like, literally, what steps do I take next! Yikes.
I know this is vague as s**t but I'm still trying not to identify myself or my narrow field, or school, too much out here on the blogosphere. Treading lightly...
So this probably only makes sense in my own little head, and I hope it can remind me of my thought process and emotional state later, since I sure doubt it will much good other than that. But that's ok. I never set out to do this primarily for an audience. [and I seriously doubt I have one, thanks to my sporadic, cryptic posts and lack of links]
Hope I got all the notes down from our fast and furious bull session.
Wish me luck with taking the bull by the horns and running with it!!!
[enough metaphors mixed there, ya think?!!]
Well....I'll be damned!
I know the general area I wanted to research and had narrowed the topic some, but it still didn't seem like a "research question", or I couldn't figure out where that question was in the topic. Still having trouble with that aspect of scholarly work.
Anyway...I was trying not to keep chasing distractions in terms of assigned work, projects, papers, etc and to focus on what I want to do, not what someone else wants, or what they need a warm body for. I'm already doing this Summer Project and want to get something 'researchy' out of it, or at least have it move me forward toward my own damn dissertation work.
And voila...now maybe it has! I'm still not completely sure if the questions I have are "research questions", but they seem worth exploring, and a way to tie into the more broad area of interest I've had the past 6 months or so (and to the Big Picture Topic I had when I started the PhD) and make the Summer Project worthwhile (well, outside its own interests...).
This came from a brainstorming talk I had with Advocate today...a sort of transition meeting to her more offical capacity as "Advisor" now. We brainstormed how this interest could potentially be researched, what kind of qualitative research to do, what to ground it in, what I will still need, and the types of contacts I need to start cultivating to get me an "in" with practitioners and subjects I would want to work with. [A bit of a major issue since this is not something I have direct experience in exactly, nor a field I came from originally. Hell, this whole PhD and MS field is new to me and not what I started my professional life in...course that's part of the whole point!! anyway...it's not like I just have some former colleagues to call up to ask if I can come study 'em...]
I feel pretty excited and pretty good. Now have to figure out how to make it happen-- both from a general, sorta philosophical point, and a nitty-gritty technical kind of thing--like, literally, what steps do I take next! Yikes.
I know this is vague as s**t but I'm still trying not to identify myself or my narrow field, or school, too much out here on the blogosphere. Treading lightly...
So this probably only makes sense in my own little head, and I hope it can remind me of my thought process and emotional state later, since I sure doubt it will much good other than that. But that's ok. I never set out to do this primarily for an audience. [and I seriously doubt I have one, thanks to my sporadic, cryptic posts and lack of links]
Hope I got all the notes down from our fast and furious bull session.
Wish me luck with taking the bull by the horns and running with it!!!
[enough metaphors mixed there, ya think?!!]
Saturday, July 08, 2006
what a relief...
Gee, thanks to the wonders of Blogthings, I have confirmation (of a sort) of my career choice and graduate pursuit.
Whew. Was gettin' worried there....
Whew. Was gettin' worried there....
You Should Get a PhD in Liberal Arts (like political science, literature, or philosophy) |
 You're a great thinker and a true philosopher. You'd make a talented professor or writer. |
Friday, July 07, 2006
I'm baaaaaaack
Another legit break from blogging as the term ended, I was away with DH and family on vacation, without computers or the Web ("Horrors!!"), and dammit, it was supposed to be vacation afterall.
Not that I wouldn't have loved to vent and blog my way through the vacation, but since they don't know I do this, and I'd like to preserve some privacy, anonymity, and oh yeah, my SANITY, I was NOT going to chance it. Again, not like I could anyway, without Net service; and I just didn't feel like writing it long-hand and then transcribing and uploading later. Besides, it wasn't Academic related, so I feel like it really doesn't belong here. Although this was supposed to be a place to vent in general, so maybe the intersection of my personal and so-called-professional lives earns air time here. hmmmm.....
So vacation time was short, not so restful (and rest was so dearly needed and wanted), but quite interesting...and alas, over. Done. Finito. (Wellllll....I did get to hop away for the holiday weekend with DH and play golf-- pretty course in central PA near MD. But really....it's over...back to work...no more play time...)
Classes started up again, and so thusly, the stress. But really trying not to stress so much over class this term, and I think it may be possible to have a semblance of a life along with my scholar-grind. Eeep. I hope I didn't speak too soon!
Said good-bye to my Advisor last week, as the last packing of offices was done, books gone from shelves, pictures taken down, and generally the space was left looking forlorn, denuded, generic. It really hit home that Dear Advisor won't be around whenever I'm on-campus, can't pop in to chat, and that I'm sort of on my own a bit here. Yes, Advocate will take over the advising duties, and may actually help kick my ass in gear more. Yes, I love Advocate too and look forward to working together.
But still....
However, as much of a downer as that is, I take the parting words to heart..."get it done. finish"
Not that Advisor was truly worried I think that I would quit, or wind up ABD. But more that the track record of my dept. at Metro U isn't so hot at turning out PhDs in my field, or my specialty. So much disfunction it isn't even funny. So more worried that the resources aren't there behind me to get me done, finished, out-- and in some kind of reasonable time frame.
But I WILL "get it done". No matter how much I whine, complain, bitch, moan, whatever-- I refuse to lose sight of what I feel I'm meant to do, meant to be, and what I have to do to get there. (i.e. if I want to teach in my field apparently I MUST have the magic letters, so therefore I will get the PhD) And I will not let my buddies drop out, quit, end up ABD, or anything else short of 'finished' and graduated either. Mambo and Astro are keys to my sanity, and hopefully me to them, and so we have to push each other, pull each other, and do whatever it takes to 'get it done".
And so the next step begins...
Not that I wouldn't have loved to vent and blog my way through the vacation, but since they don't know I do this, and I'd like to preserve some privacy, anonymity, and oh yeah, my SANITY, I was NOT going to chance it. Again, not like I could anyway, without Net service; and I just didn't feel like writing it long-hand and then transcribing and uploading later. Besides, it wasn't Academic related, so I feel like it really doesn't belong here. Although this was supposed to be a place to vent in general, so maybe the intersection of my personal and so-called-professional lives earns air time here. hmmmm.....
So vacation time was short, not so restful (and rest was so dearly needed and wanted), but quite interesting...and alas, over. Done. Finito. (Wellllll....I did get to hop away for the holiday weekend with DH and play golf-- pretty course in central PA near MD. But really....it's over...back to work...no more play time...)
Classes started up again, and so thusly, the stress. But really trying not to stress so much over class this term, and I think it may be possible to have a semblance of a life along with my scholar-grind. Eeep. I hope I didn't speak too soon!
Said good-bye to my Advisor last week, as the last packing of offices was done, books gone from shelves, pictures taken down, and generally the space was left looking forlorn, denuded, generic. It really hit home that Dear Advisor won't be around whenever I'm on-campus, can't pop in to chat, and that I'm sort of on my own a bit here. Yes, Advocate will take over the advising duties, and may actually help kick my ass in gear more. Yes, I love Advocate too and look forward to working together.
But still....
However, as much of a downer as that is, I take the parting words to heart..."get it done. finish"
Not that Advisor was truly worried I think that I would quit, or wind up ABD. But more that the track record of my dept. at Metro U isn't so hot at turning out PhDs in my field, or my specialty. So much disfunction it isn't even funny. So more worried that the resources aren't there behind me to get me done, finished, out-- and in some kind of reasonable time frame.
But I WILL "get it done". No matter how much I whine, complain, bitch, moan, whatever-- I refuse to lose sight of what I feel I'm meant to do, meant to be, and what I have to do to get there. (i.e. if I want to teach in my field apparently I MUST have the magic letters, so therefore I will get the PhD) And I will not let my buddies drop out, quit, end up ABD, or anything else short of 'finished' and graduated either. Mambo and Astro are keys to my sanity, and hopefully me to them, and so we have to push each other, pull each other, and do whatever it takes to 'get it done".
And so the next step begins...
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Life gets in the way
Great, I can't even stay on the blog-wagon a full month!
but legit reasons... first was mental-health-escape week with best friend to Warm, Sunny Beach place; then it was hell of last week of term, followed on heels by go-to-a-conference-same-week-as-finals-due, which ended 2 days before go-on-vacation-with-in-laws.
See, very valid reasons not to get my thoughts committed to cyber-paper. Hell, it's a wonder I even know what my thoughts ARE right now.
Beach week was the absolute best, but won't get into it here--not PhD related.
Conf, well that might be too identifiable, so we'll leave that too for now.
Oh, did I mention how the farewell party for Advisor was the other night, the night after I got back from conf.? yeah, so life just sometimes seems to get in the way of the rest of stuff.
but legit reasons... first was mental-health-escape week with best friend to Warm, Sunny Beach place; then it was hell of last week of term, followed on heels by go-to-a-conference-same-week-as-finals-due, which ended 2 days before go-on-vacation-with-in-laws.
See, very valid reasons not to get my thoughts committed to cyber-paper. Hell, it's a wonder I even know what my thoughts ARE right now.
Beach week was the absolute best, but won't get into it here--not PhD related.
Conf, well that might be too identifiable, so we'll leave that too for now.
Oh, did I mention how the farewell party for Advisor was the other night, the night after I got back from conf.? yeah, so life just sometimes seems to get in the way of the rest of stuff.
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
You get one shot
I pretty much took the weekend off from school work.
Given the amount of work I have to do, the tardiness of a good deal of it, and the degree of anxiety I currently feel-- not bright. Brave, perhaps, but not bright.
But dammit, necessary.
Because you only get one shot at life and you have to live it right the first time. No matter what movies and tv shows may lead us to believe, time travel is not (perhaps, "yet") possible, and I don't get a magic 'do-over' at some point. And would I even 'waste' it on going back to do more homework in grad school??? I think not!!
So I'll manage somehow, and pull something out of my butt, like usual. And whatever happens, happens. In the meantimeI enjoy the time I have and how I use it, and the people I spend it with.
Maybe this is all part of hopefully turning a corner on the bleakness I've been feeling amid the stress and frustration of my life. Which I often don't feel entitled to bitch about since all of this is of my own choosing. Of course, I feel that doesn't absolve the situation from complaint-- not that everyone agrees with me on it. Just because I chose to go back to grad school, that I chose this is as my career change and career path, and just becuase it is hard work (as expected), doesn't mean that I lose the right to moan, bitch, whine and complain. Yes I must try and do a bit less of that, and yes I must try and just get my ass in gear and get some of this crap done rather than merely complain about it. But dammit, i still get to complain sometimes.
Maybe lessons learned today away from school work (on the golf course actually) can be applied to rest of life too. See, I had a very frustrating half hour or so warming up, trying to get ready to play golf with DH for first time in many weeks. Hadn't touched a club in weeks. And all of a sudden it's like I forgot how to play the whole damn game. Like I was a whirling monkey or something, flailing away at the sod. Not good. So very not good. Ready to chuck it all, toss the clubs in a lake, not even pay to play, and go crawl under a rock.
Thankfully DH wouldn't let me do that just yet, and valiantly reminded me to stay positive and take it one shot at a time. Yes, so cliched, and yet so true. Besides, DH says, it's a great day out, we're hanging out together, and you never know what might happen. Remember the good stuff. And actually playing wasn't nearly as bad as the practice-- maybe I got all the crappy shots out of the way on the range.
Sooooo..... in the rest of my life, I need to get more positive, and rememer that just because one part sucks, the rest doesn't have to; to stay positive and remember the good stuff and what I do right, stop dwelling on mistakes; stop being so damn hard on myself (god, I'm my own harshest critic by far!); and be open to what comes next. I hope I can actually make half of that stick.
I have to. I only get one shot at life and it shouldn't be spent being miserable so often.
Given the amount of work I have to do, the tardiness of a good deal of it, and the degree of anxiety I currently feel-- not bright. Brave, perhaps, but not bright.
But dammit, necessary.
Because you only get one shot at life and you have to live it right the first time. No matter what movies and tv shows may lead us to believe, time travel is not (perhaps, "yet") possible, and I don't get a magic 'do-over' at some point. And would I even 'waste' it on going back to do more homework in grad school??? I think not!!
So I'll manage somehow, and pull something out of my butt, like usual. And whatever happens, happens. In the meantimeI enjoy the time I have and how I use it, and the people I spend it with.
Maybe this is all part of hopefully turning a corner on the bleakness I've been feeling amid the stress and frustration of my life. Which I often don't feel entitled to bitch about since all of this is of my own choosing. Of course, I feel that doesn't absolve the situation from complaint-- not that everyone agrees with me on it. Just because I chose to go back to grad school, that I chose this is as my career change and career path, and just becuase it is hard work (as expected), doesn't mean that I lose the right to moan, bitch, whine and complain. Yes I must try and do a bit less of that, and yes I must try and just get my ass in gear and get some of this crap done rather than merely complain about it. But dammit, i still get to complain sometimes.
Maybe lessons learned today away from school work (on the golf course actually) can be applied to rest of life too. See, I had a very frustrating half hour or so warming up, trying to get ready to play golf with DH for first time in many weeks. Hadn't touched a club in weeks. And all of a sudden it's like I forgot how to play the whole damn game. Like I was a whirling monkey or something, flailing away at the sod. Not good. So very not good. Ready to chuck it all, toss the clubs in a lake, not even pay to play, and go crawl under a rock.
Thankfully DH wouldn't let me do that just yet, and valiantly reminded me to stay positive and take it one shot at a time. Yes, so cliched, and yet so true. Besides, DH says, it's a great day out, we're hanging out together, and you never know what might happen. Remember the good stuff. And actually playing wasn't nearly as bad as the practice-- maybe I got all the crappy shots out of the way on the range.
Sooooo..... in the rest of my life, I need to get more positive, and rememer that just because one part sucks, the rest doesn't have to; to stay positive and remember the good stuff and what I do right, stop dwelling on mistakes; stop being so damn hard on myself (god, I'm my own harshest critic by far!); and be open to what comes next. I hope I can actually make half of that stick.
I have to. I only get one shot at life and it shouldn't be spent being miserable so often.
Friday, May 26, 2006
It's always the little things
...that come back to bite you in the a$$.
I'm on the College's shit list because I have some forms missing from my erstwhile file apparently. I thought everything was in there and all was copacetic...but no....
Frustrating and very embarassing because this Black List goes to all the faculty and it will be discussed at the next College Faculty Mtg in a few weeks and I so do not need more crap raining down all over my head right now. Yes, it's probably mostly my fault somehow, and resubmitting the forms isn't so bad (rewriting other parts ARE a pain in the a$$), so i guess my whining is mostly about the embarassment at being called out, pointed to, shown up as a 'bad student'.
There are so many more important things both for me, and the College, to worry about really. sheesh.
Part of the reason at least one form is incorrect (and it IS in the file, and it WAS done on time) is because they have clued in to the fact that I need a new advisor now. This is one of the things causing me the most frustration, headaches, and heartache truly. Prof S, my Advisor, is leaving Metro U to go to Big Better U. And while I honestly, truly wish Prof S well and think this is the absolute best professional move, I am personally devastated.
Prof is not just my Advisor, but my Mentor and friend. The person who is the buffer between me and the insanity of the petty fiefdom of the rest of the College-- cause Prof S 'don't take no shit' (being tenured helps!!). Prof S can help me cut through the crap, figure out what is really important, and find ways to get done what I WANT to do--not just what others want me to do. I have known Prof S since my return to grad school for MS (waaaaay before I ever thought about staying for the PhD) and while I think I knew for the past year or so that this move was possible (because the crap going around in my College is enough to drive anyone nuts--and sometimes you just can't take it anymore), I still hoped it wouldn't really happen. And now everything is going at warp speed and before summer practically starts, Prof S will be gone.
I'm so damn busy and swamped right now, and end of term is crashing down, that I can barely deal with it all, let alone process this new blow. It's like grieving in a way. All I really want to do is curl up in a ball and wail for a while. And I think I better do just that for a while soon, cause Prof S's farewell party is coming up in a few weeks, and if I don't want to wind up bawling in front of the whole damn College, I gotta get some of this out BEFORE then. oh man.
I want to write Prof S a letter (and get a really kick ass nice gift!) to really say how much our relationship has meant to me. Prof S is the educator I strive to be-- who does research not just because it is what will get some grant or published in a particular journal, but because it's what's needed in the field-- by the practitioners. Prof S wants the best from students and pushes to get it, and we all are so much better for it. Prof S wants students to be prepared for entering the field, and to give back, to see the big picture. I learned more in Prof S's classes than in maybe any class-- EVER. I know I learned more about myself and what I wanted to do with my life-- no, what I was MEANT to do with my life-- from Prof S. Way before I started reading blogs like ABD Mom, Bitch PhD , ArticulateDad, PhDMe and so many others, Prof S was my role model for balancing academia and family life. For knowing when to say 'when', to give it your all in the classroom, to do great research, and to still be a real person with a real life. And I'm sure it took many hard years, and much blood, sweat and tears to make that happen. Still, that's what I aspire to. And while I can continue our relationship from a distance, and still receive wisdom and guidance via email and phone calls, it won't be quite the same. As much as I love Advocate (who will be my likely new advisor), A isn't Prof S. Different, wonderful, inspiring too-- but not the same and not the same connection and not the same protection from of the cruelties of academia.
In the long run it will help me more in my career that Prof S is at Big Better U, it will make Prof S much happier, and that makes me glad.
But in the meanwhile...I can't deal well with it. I'm sad, depressed and floundering a bit. Not sure how things play out (in my studies and in how we really continue our relationship).
In the meanwhile...
like a giant vortex... a black hole in the academic cosmos...a personal tidal whorl...
...this sucks.
I'm on the College's shit list because I have some forms missing from my erstwhile file apparently. I thought everything was in there and all was copacetic...but no....
Frustrating and very embarassing because this Black List goes to all the faculty and it will be discussed at the next College Faculty Mtg in a few weeks and I so do not need more crap raining down all over my head right now. Yes, it's probably mostly my fault somehow, and resubmitting the forms isn't so bad (rewriting other parts ARE a pain in the a$$), so i guess my whining is mostly about the embarassment at being called out, pointed to, shown up as a 'bad student'.
There are so many more important things both for me, and the College, to worry about really. sheesh.
Part of the reason at least one form is incorrect (and it IS in the file, and it WAS done on time) is because they have clued in to the fact that I need a new advisor now. This is one of the things causing me the most frustration, headaches, and heartache truly. Prof S, my Advisor, is leaving Metro U to go to Big Better U. And while I honestly, truly wish Prof S well and think this is the absolute best professional move, I am personally devastated.
Prof is not just my Advisor, but my Mentor and friend. The person who is the buffer between me and the insanity of the petty fiefdom of the rest of the College-- cause Prof S 'don't take no shit' (being tenured helps!!). Prof S can help me cut through the crap, figure out what is really important, and find ways to get done what I WANT to do--not just what others want me to do. I have known Prof S since my return to grad school for MS (waaaaay before I ever thought about staying for the PhD) and while I think I knew for the past year or so that this move was possible (because the crap going around in my College is enough to drive anyone nuts--and sometimes you just can't take it anymore), I still hoped it wouldn't really happen. And now everything is going at warp speed and before summer practically starts, Prof S will be gone.
I'm so damn busy and swamped right now, and end of term is crashing down, that I can barely deal with it all, let alone process this new blow. It's like grieving in a way. All I really want to do is curl up in a ball and wail for a while. And I think I better do just that for a while soon, cause Prof S's farewell party is coming up in a few weeks, and if I don't want to wind up bawling in front of the whole damn College, I gotta get some of this out BEFORE then. oh man.
I want to write Prof S a letter (and get a really kick ass nice gift!) to really say how much our relationship has meant to me. Prof S is the educator I strive to be-- who does research not just because it is what will get some grant or published in a particular journal, but because it's what's needed in the field-- by the practitioners. Prof S wants the best from students and pushes to get it, and we all are so much better for it. Prof S wants students to be prepared for entering the field, and to give back, to see the big picture. I learned more in Prof S's classes than in maybe any class-- EVER. I know I learned more about myself and what I wanted to do with my life-- no, what I was MEANT to do with my life-- from Prof S. Way before I started reading blogs like ABD Mom, Bitch PhD , ArticulateDad, PhDMe and so many others, Prof S was my role model for balancing academia and family life. For knowing when to say 'when', to give it your all in the classroom, to do great research, and to still be a real person with a real life. And I'm sure it took many hard years, and much blood, sweat and tears to make that happen. Still, that's what I aspire to. And while I can continue our relationship from a distance, and still receive wisdom and guidance via email and phone calls, it won't be quite the same. As much as I love Advocate (who will be my likely new advisor), A isn't Prof S. Different, wonderful, inspiring too-- but not the same and not the same connection and not the same protection from of the cruelties of academia.
In the long run it will help me more in my career that Prof S is at Big Better U, it will make Prof S much happier, and that makes me glad.
But in the meanwhile...I can't deal well with it. I'm sad, depressed and floundering a bit. Not sure how things play out (in my studies and in how we really continue our relationship).
In the meanwhile...
like a giant vortex... a black hole in the academic cosmos...a personal tidal whorl...
...this sucks.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Just because
More time-sucks....
...after finding the 'gay childhood icon quiz' this too was a hoot. and unsettingly close to reality. hmmmmm...
I really must do some actual work at night instead of surfing, reading, and goofing. I am never going to get anywhere if I keep this up.
My, what would Bert do?
...after finding the 'gay childhood icon quiz' this too was a hoot. and unsettingly close to reality. hmmmmm...
I really must do some actual work at night instead of surfing, reading, and goofing. I am never going to get anywhere if I keep this up.
My, what would Bert do?
| You Are Bert |
 Extremely serious and a little eccentric, people find you loveable - even if you don't love them! You are usually feeling: Logical - you rarely let your emotions rule you You are famous for: Being smart, a total neat freak, and maybe just a little evil How you life your life: With passion, even if your odd passions (like bottle caps and pigeons) are baffling to others |
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
News flash...I was wrong
Ok...quick post cause I'm already up way too damn late...again.
Anyway, I think it only fair to 'apologize' for trashing Majesty in anticipation of the appearance as sub for my stats course on Monday night. Granted, I should've figured that ANYONE other than Prof. Lame-duck could have taught a better class.
It's not that he's evil, or mean, or harsh---he's actually quite nice-- just clueless and not a very good prof, certainly not of stats. Bad methods. Feel sorry really. Except that I'm the one getting screwed cause now I really don't know how to do all those complex statistical analyses that I will one day have cause to use in my own research. How on earth do I write a research proposal and defend it when I still have no clue as to the best approach for gathering data, and what to do with it after I've got it?? Oh, so not good....
Anyway, I had dreaded Majesty's appearance in stats, cause as I said, what could be worse than my two least favorite things colliding at once? As I told Astro tonite, it wasn't like I was expecting a 'Reece's cup' kind of moment (oh, dear-- is anyone else old enough to remember the introduction of that candy, and the brilliant ad campaign-- 'you got chocolate in my peanut butter...well you got peanut butter on my chocolate'-- hmmm, must go find that).
Surprise! I got more out of that class with Majesty teaching than any other stats class of the last 6 months. Clear, easy to follow, great notes, direct correlations to real work in our field, good examples. All of it. It made all of it make sense. So at least I had the decency to tell M that I appreciated the class, 'it really helped and all'. Went over a bit like a lead balloon--but that's not my problem.
So I can't believe it, but I'd rather have M teach me stats.... it's a little late for that. But wonder if i can get the notes M has for the rest of the stats concepts that M obviously taught at one point?? Hmmmm, could score suck-up points (sorely needed at this stage) and figure out stats-- a true win-win.
Anyway, I think it only fair to 'apologize' for trashing Majesty in anticipation of the appearance as sub for my stats course on Monday night. Granted, I should've figured that ANYONE other than Prof. Lame-duck could have taught a better class.
It's not that he's evil, or mean, or harsh---he's actually quite nice-- just clueless and not a very good prof, certainly not of stats. Bad methods. Feel sorry really. Except that I'm the one getting screwed cause now I really don't know how to do all those complex statistical analyses that I will one day have cause to use in my own research. How on earth do I write a research proposal and defend it when I still have no clue as to the best approach for gathering data, and what to do with it after I've got it?? Oh, so not good....
Anyway, I had dreaded Majesty's appearance in stats, cause as I said, what could be worse than my two least favorite things colliding at once? As I told Astro tonite, it wasn't like I was expecting a 'Reece's cup' kind of moment (oh, dear-- is anyone else old enough to remember the introduction of that candy, and the brilliant ad campaign-- 'you got chocolate in my peanut butter...well you got peanut butter on my chocolate'-- hmmm, must go find that).
Surprise! I got more out of that class with Majesty teaching than any other stats class of the last 6 months. Clear, easy to follow, great notes, direct correlations to real work in our field, good examples. All of it. It made all of it make sense. So at least I had the decency to tell M that I appreciated the class, 'it really helped and all'. Went over a bit like a lead balloon--but that's not my problem.
So I can't believe it, but I'd rather have M teach me stats.... it's a little late for that. But wonder if i can get the notes M has for the rest of the stats concepts that M obviously taught at one point?? Hmmmm, could score suck-up points (sorely needed at this stage) and figure out stats-- a true win-win.
Monday, May 22, 2006
Chronicle Careers: Academic Web logs
Nice list of academic oriented blogs. Some personal, some professional-- some anonymous, others named. Beware, some links and blogs are NOT active, no recent posts or have 'gone off air'.
Few worth pursuing (and not otherwise linked to or added to blogroll) are:
Epistemographer, Blogscholar (also a collection of academic blogs/news), Barely Tenured, College Freedom (academic freedom), InBetween (publishing, open access, lib tech), Just Another Day in Paradise, Piled Higher and Deeper (PhD comic strip), etc.
Chronicle Careers: Academic Web logs: "All of the Web logs listed here feature occasional discussions about academic life, careers, and the job market."
Few worth pursuing (and not otherwise linked to or added to blogroll) are:
Epistemographer, Blogscholar (also a collection of academic blogs/news), Barely Tenured, College Freedom (academic freedom), InBetween (publishing, open access, lib tech), Just Another Day in Paradise, Piled Higher and Deeper (PhD comic strip), etc.
Chronicle Careers: Academic Web logs: "All of the Web logs listed here feature occasional discussions about academic life, careers, and the job market."
Ahh, sleep is overrated
I've always been nocturnal, but grad school is making things a bit crazy and extreme. This is nuts, I'm not even really doing work right now, or for the past few hours, to keep me up this damn late. Doesn't help that DH is outta town, but to be real, I've been staying up this late for a long time now. Not real good for the social life, my awareness level the next day, getting things done during so-called 'normal business hours', or my relationships. But that's probably all fodder for my MIA shrink. oh well
I still should be working on 'real' work, getting something constructice done. Or more than merely printing out the article I should be reading, and notes on stats (yuck!). Hmmmm, how about reading the bloody article??!! aaaaaaaarrrrggghhh. this burn out just keeps progessing.
On a good front though, and probably part of why I'm slacking off so badly, is that I think I finaly found a way to turn the awful Summer Project into something meaningful and workable....and hey, perhaps into something my real research...and Dissertation...could be about. Whoo hoo! Major step.
Now I just have to put it together all nice and pretty like and sell it up the line, across the line, over the line, wherever. Oh dear, something tells me that's gonna be harder than having had the idea in the first place. crud.
And oh joy, Class tomorrow/today will feature the 'substitute' stylings of none other than.....
Majesty.
Fan-bloody-tastic!! I already dread the Class, am getting nothing out of it, and now that material gets the spin from the 'expert' (actually Majesty IS an expert in one area of this application) and I can't sit and coast or veg out or work on something else. Focused attention should be a good thing-- it's what I'm supposed to be doing and all, but this is going to be painful.
No wonder I don't want to go to sleep-- it just brings the next day, and the next set of headaches.
Yes, yes-- the grounded part of my self is quite aware that tomorrow will come, whether I sleep or not, the stresses of the day will be there too-- but I might be able to handle them better if I had a nice 8+ hrs of sleep. So why the hell am I sitting here typing instead of upstairs crashing??!!
Enuf.....
I still should be working on 'real' work, getting something constructice done. Or more than merely printing out the article I should be reading, and notes on stats (yuck!). Hmmmm, how about reading the bloody article??!! aaaaaaaarrrrggghhh. this burn out just keeps progessing.
On a good front though, and probably part of why I'm slacking off so badly, is that I think I finaly found a way to turn the awful Summer Project into something meaningful and workable....and hey, perhaps into something my real research...and Dissertation...could be about. Whoo hoo! Major step.
Now I just have to put it together all nice and pretty like and sell it up the line, across the line, over the line, wherever. Oh dear, something tells me that's gonna be harder than having had the idea in the first place. crud.
And oh joy, Class tomorrow/today will feature the 'substitute' stylings of none other than.....
Majesty.
Fan-bloody-tastic!! I already dread the Class, am getting nothing out of it, and now that material gets the spin from the 'expert' (actually Majesty IS an expert in one area of this application) and I can't sit and coast or veg out or work on something else. Focused attention should be a good thing-- it's what I'm supposed to be doing and all, but this is going to be painful.
No wonder I don't want to go to sleep-- it just brings the next day, and the next set of headaches.
Yes, yes-- the grounded part of my self is quite aware that tomorrow will come, whether I sleep or not, the stresses of the day will be there too-- but I might be able to handle them better if I had a nice 8+ hrs of sleep. So why the hell am I sitting here typing instead of upstairs crashing??!!
Enuf.....
Sunday, May 21, 2006
Stay on target...stay on target
Red Leader to Gold Leader.... drifting off target...stay on target!
Oh crud, it is fast approaching the end of the term and already my brain has gone on vacation. Oops, a few weeks too soon.
Have been crunching so hard at this PhD thing for many months (ok, it seems like longer than it has been-- but still!), and that coming straight off the MS, that my brain is boling. I can't concentrate and I can't stay focused to get my work done. It's like there is so much of it to do, or that should be done, that I don't even know where to start. Instead of digging in somewhere...anywhere...I just seem to be 'pulling an ostrich'. See, here I am late at night, writing on this blog instead of doing my reading, working on an overdue paper and/or planning my next research project. There, that's the problem-- too much to do, too many places to start, can't prioritize well.
Hell, I'm probably qualified for clinical depression at this point. [sigh] and no therapist in sight--- she left for another practice and I haven't gotten it together to work something out with her for payment or for finding a new shrink. really need to do so.
Been talking with Astro about how stressed we are and how to get the Profs to cut us some slack. We tired of reading the same thing 6 different ways. " I get it already!!" Yeah, yeah, I know the PhD is supposed to be hard and grueling. But sometimes the expectations are just unrealistic. It would be one thing if we were buried under research-- but no, that isn't what has us scurrying around like crabs avoiding the gulls.
In my department at Metro U, certain faculty, Majesty in particular, seem to have decided that our time as students is best spent in meetings. Meetings that have nothing to do with my Coursework, or my Research, or any potential Dissertation. Thought seems to be that we'll go and absorb and see the brilliance of these other researchers, be in awe, and go off and be just like them. Whoopee. What if their work is nothing like what I want to do? What if i'd be better off actually doing research instead of just hearing about it? There are many ways to learn-- respect that. Respect me. You obviously thought I was a smart, capable adult when you gave me this opportunity-- so treat me like one.
Meanwhile the work piles up, projects are due, there's a Big Group Project making life a nightmare, my social life is in flux, my BF (Best Friend) is in trouble, and I really wish I had a real break coming up for the summer.
Enough whining for now. Must stay focused. Hell, first I must get focused!
Oh crud, it is fast approaching the end of the term and already my brain has gone on vacation. Oops, a few weeks too soon.
Have been crunching so hard at this PhD thing for many months (ok, it seems like longer than it has been-- but still!), and that coming straight off the MS, that my brain is boling. I can't concentrate and I can't stay focused to get my work done. It's like there is so much of it to do, or that should be done, that I don't even know where to start. Instead of digging in somewhere...anywhere...I just seem to be 'pulling an ostrich'. See, here I am late at night, writing on this blog instead of doing my reading, working on an overdue paper and/or planning my next research project. There, that's the problem-- too much to do, too many places to start, can't prioritize well.
Hell, I'm probably qualified for clinical depression at this point. [sigh] and no therapist in sight--- she left for another practice and I haven't gotten it together to work something out with her for payment or for finding a new shrink. really need to do so.
Been talking with Astro about how stressed we are and how to get the Profs to cut us some slack. We tired of reading the same thing 6 different ways. " I get it already!!" Yeah, yeah, I know the PhD is supposed to be hard and grueling. But sometimes the expectations are just unrealistic. It would be one thing if we were buried under research-- but no, that isn't what has us scurrying around like crabs avoiding the gulls.
In my department at Metro U, certain faculty, Majesty in particular, seem to have decided that our time as students is best spent in meetings. Meetings that have nothing to do with my Coursework, or my Research, or any potential Dissertation. Thought seems to be that we'll go and absorb and see the brilliance of these other researchers, be in awe, and go off and be just like them. Whoopee. What if their work is nothing like what I want to do? What if i'd be better off actually doing research instead of just hearing about it? There are many ways to learn-- respect that. Respect me. You obviously thought I was a smart, capable adult when you gave me this opportunity-- so treat me like one.
Meanwhile the work piles up, projects are due, there's a Big Group Project making life a nightmare, my social life is in flux, my BF (Best Friend) is in trouble, and I really wish I had a real break coming up for the summer.
Enough whining for now. Must stay focused. Hell, first I must get focused!
Saturday, May 20, 2006
You may not be the person you think you are
You may not be the person you think you are: "We all have a picture in our head of who we are and what we are capable of. What if that picture is wrong? What if your story of yourself is missing key facts and evidence? "
Wow.
Wow. As one of the comments said, the hallmark of a great writer is that you feel they are telling "your story". So much of this incredibly well written post resonated so deeply with me.
At many times in my life I think I too listened to my own 'stories' (and to the ones parroted back to me) and believed them-- in all their flaws and limitations. Interestingly it is also with the unconditional support of a spouse, and in finding the library profession that I have come to be comfortable in my own skin, so to speak. [ well, I'm trying at least-- there are good days and bad days in that regard!] And at about the same point in life as well.
While I don't, or didn't, have the debilitating fear of public speaking (somehow the 'child actor' in me survived the tidal wave of self-doubt), so much of the rest rang true. This may be one of the few times I HAVE to make a public comment on a widely read blog-- to thank Meredith for laying bare this private moment and giving so many the courage to do the same. Kudos to her, good luck to all who take her heed.
Wow.
Wow. As one of the comments said, the hallmark of a great writer is that you feel they are telling "your story". So much of this incredibly well written post resonated so deeply with me.
At many times in my life I think I too listened to my own 'stories' (and to the ones parroted back to me) and believed them-- in all their flaws and limitations. Interestingly it is also with the unconditional support of a spouse, and in finding the library profession that I have come to be comfortable in my own skin, so to speak. [ well, I'm trying at least-- there are good days and bad days in that regard!] And at about the same point in life as well.
While I don't, or didn't, have the debilitating fear of public speaking (somehow the 'child actor' in me survived the tidal wave of self-doubt), so much of the rest rang true. This may be one of the few times I HAVE to make a public comment on a widely read blog-- to thank Meredith for laying bare this private moment and giving so many the courage to do the same. Kudos to her, good luck to all who take her heed.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Muted madness
The first rumblings of a personal nature from a severly distracted, over-worked, over-wrought academic wannabe. While I've tried maintaining a blog the past year with more professional leanings, and to attempt to collect my scattered 'thoughts', I've since found better ways (read: cool new tech toys) to organize my digital self.
Well, attempt to in any case...
But an outlet for my personal musings and mumblings, haven't done that. And as I get further into the black hole that is academia and a PhD program, I NEED an outlet. Besides, what's one more distracted PhD to the blogosphere! It's not like this is "new"-- oh gracious no, I haven't done anything original. Damn, I've never caught a trend at the beginning.
That's why I'm in academia now...not the so-called 'trendy' career I once had. Let's face it--I'm a geek.
(gasp!)
Yah, like that's a surprise... good grief, my damn blog title is in latin for heaven's sake! (well, that maybe pidgin latin-- cause I know that "cranium" isn't really "brain"... it just sounded better than "cerebellum in absentia"-- cut me some slack)
So let the madness begin, let the winds swirl, and the fog creep back across my brain. Cause it's "in absentia" and I don't know where to find it...
Well, attempt to in any case...
But an outlet for my personal musings and mumblings, haven't done that. And as I get further into the black hole that is academia and a PhD program, I NEED an outlet. Besides, what's one more distracted PhD to the blogosphere! It's not like this is "new"-- oh gracious no, I haven't done anything original. Damn, I've never caught a trend at the beginning.
That's why I'm in academia now...not the so-called 'trendy' career I once had. Let's face it--I'm a geek.
(gasp!)
Yah, like that's a surprise... good grief, my damn blog title is in latin for heaven's sake! (well, that maybe pidgin latin-- cause I know that "cranium" isn't really "brain"... it just sounded better than "cerebellum in absentia"-- cut me some slack)
So let the madness begin, let the winds swirl, and the fog creep back across my brain. Cause it's "in absentia" and I don't know where to find it...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
