For a moment I thought I was back teaching at Etown, when I would get up at 3:30 am and start pouring coffee down my throat.
Well, last night was one of those. Nightmarish memories! Anyway, I couldn't get back to sleep, though I had no cases to prep or grade. The minutes slowly crawled by until daylight started showing its face around 7:30. By then I already had five cups of coffee. Now I am totally caffeinated. Almost time to head to campus.
I have not posted anything in the last little while, so I thought perhaps in my deeply caffeinated state I should provide an update. Yes, I'm still hanging in there, still LOVING this cold. Haha.
As you know, I've been thinking about what I'll do after I'm done with this degree thing. If all goes well, I should be done by May 2021. I know, it's only three years, and that's because they gave me enough credits etc. So I have been looking into options after that.
I thought about law school. But seriously, at 20K a year tuition, it seems kind of crazy to spend that kind of money on something for fun. I mean, I'd much rather go to the UK every year and stay at the Savoy and eat at Gordon Ramsay. EVERY YEAR FOR THREE YEARS!
Recently I came across a M Ed. degree they offer here at UOttawa. That's an option. Attended an online info session, and it sounded interesting. I might try for that.
Of course I can also consider another undergrad degree. Maybe this time in the social sciences. Sociology could be cool. I will look into that too.
I don't really have that many choices of graduate degrees to do at UOttawa, if I want to stay at the same university. Most of their graduate degrees require at least passive fluency (i.e. be able to read, etc.) in French if you take the English stream. And pardon my French, fuck that.
I could go to Carleton, but it's a bit far from me so I can't walk there. And besides, I really really really LOVE UOttawa. I think it's my favourite university so far. And that says a lot considering how many I've studied at.
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Taking this course on International Human Rights. The topic is interesting. But as I got into it, I note just how meaningless the whole thing is. Sure, it's better than not promoting human rights, I suppose. But realistically, it's kind of futile. I am a political realist. And the reality, at least to me, is that the major powers can do whatever they like, and if you don't like it, well, fuck you.
I don't need to recount all the human rights travesties that take place around the world. We all know them. But unless the shit happens in some tiny powerless country which no one has a vested interest in, nothing will ever be done about it. You can have all the human rights treaties you want, but unless there is real enforcement, what's the point. It's just those fucking cell phone laws in the US, except for NJ. No one enforces them. So why bother?
We have to write a term paper for that course. That's what I will write about. Probably not a good idea, since the prof will be expecting cheerleaders for international human rights etc. Not someone who says it's useless. So I am (again) gambling that this won't kill my grade, like it did in a history class a couple of semesters back (when you argue that Churchill was actually a peacemaker...). Oh well, as Stephen King said, "a man who's not true to himself gets constipated."
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But school is actually really fun. I learn so many things I didn't know about. Things that we should know as active citizens of the world. So, the adventure continues. Stay tuned!
Friday 31 January 2020
Tuesday 21 January 2020
Where did you go, Elvis?
Had a fun Rock Music & Society class today. We read some articles and broke into groups to discuss them, and then regrouped as a class for general discussions. I joined a group of people I didn't know (I don't know ANYONE in the class, for that matter), and was quite apprehensive about what I was getting into. But the discussion was lively and I learned a lot from and about my teammates.
First, the shocker. A lot of these people had no idea who Elvis was! No shit. When they read the articles, that was the first time some of them ever heard of him. Oh the things from our youth that we'd take for granted. Then of course I recognize that all of them were born some twenty years after his death... Really made me feel old right there and then.
What was a very pleasant surprise to me was that every one of my teammates had actually read the assigned articles. That's something like 70 pages of stuff. So I was pleased about that. And because of this level of preparation, we actually had a good conversation going. They were surprised to learn, for instance, that women had such a different role in society back then. How times have changed.
Unfortunately these were not sociology folks, so when I brought in Gramsci and hegemony, it drew a blank. But that's ok. They had their own insights.
In the general class discussion, I was surprised how few times someone said "like." I didn't expect that. But then I noticed another word that found a lot of usage. Honestly. One girl, for example, (not in my group, glad to say) interjected the word "honestly" into every sentence she uttered. Honestly. Is this a thing now? Naturally the word doesn't carry the same meaning it did, or else it made no sense. But has it become polysemic? Or has it morphed into something entirely different?
Progress, eh? Good thing she was not in a class I was teaching.
**************************
Dear Reader,
I know I have not posted anything for a while now. I have simply been way too busy. And I am very surprised by how busy I've been. This comes, too, after I had dropped a course so now I am only carrying four. How do people do five? The workload is quite heavy. I dare say on average I am reading 300-400 pages a week. And all these papers to write. The first week of February alone I have two research paper proposals and one book review due. Followed a midterm the following week. It's not easy to stay ahead of the game. My usual two-week ahead schedule simply isn't happening this semester.
Over the weekend I managed to get my readings for this week done, and did a first draft of my two paper proposals. And I am just starting the first book review (there are three) now. This is my busiest semester to date.
On a happier note, surprisingly enough I did manage to maintain a 10.0 GPA last semester! For what that's worth, since I don't get any additional merit scholarship than if I had maintained the threshold. But good for the ego, I suppose.
It's been quite frigid the last few days, and it really dampens the mood when you wake up to -20 every morning. And that's before the fucking windchill. Still, I count myself lucky that it's not -30 like we had last year. And so far there has not been a major ice storm.
Well, that's all the time I have today. Have to get back to my class prep and working on the book review. The fun never stops!
Down the (long) road, if and when you contemplate retirement, consider school. It's fun to learn things you never learned before. And interestingly enough, as we age we also benefit from my life experience and a lot of the stuff actually make sense and we can relate to them.
Au revoir!
Till next time,
Chunski
First, the shocker. A lot of these people had no idea who Elvis was! No shit. When they read the articles, that was the first time some of them ever heard of him. Oh the things from our youth that we'd take for granted. Then of course I recognize that all of them were born some twenty years after his death... Really made me feel old right there and then.
What was a very pleasant surprise to me was that every one of my teammates had actually read the assigned articles. That's something like 70 pages of stuff. So I was pleased about that. And because of this level of preparation, we actually had a good conversation going. They were surprised to learn, for instance, that women had such a different role in society back then. How times have changed.
Unfortunately these were not sociology folks, so when I brought in Gramsci and hegemony, it drew a blank. But that's ok. They had their own insights.
In the general class discussion, I was surprised how few times someone said "like." I didn't expect that. But then I noticed another word that found a lot of usage. Honestly. One girl, for example, (not in my group, glad to say) interjected the word "honestly" into every sentence she uttered. Honestly. Is this a thing now? Naturally the word doesn't carry the same meaning it did, or else it made no sense. But has it become polysemic? Or has it morphed into something entirely different?
Progress, eh? Good thing she was not in a class I was teaching.
**************************
Dear Reader,
I know I have not posted anything for a while now. I have simply been way too busy. And I am very surprised by how busy I've been. This comes, too, after I had dropped a course so now I am only carrying four. How do people do five? The workload is quite heavy. I dare say on average I am reading 300-400 pages a week. And all these papers to write. The first week of February alone I have two research paper proposals and one book review due. Followed a midterm the following week. It's not easy to stay ahead of the game. My usual two-week ahead schedule simply isn't happening this semester.
Over the weekend I managed to get my readings for this week done, and did a first draft of my two paper proposals. And I am just starting the first book review (there are three) now. This is my busiest semester to date.
On a happier note, surprisingly enough I did manage to maintain a 10.0 GPA last semester! For what that's worth, since I don't get any additional merit scholarship than if I had maintained the threshold. But good for the ego, I suppose.
It's been quite frigid the last few days, and it really dampens the mood when you wake up to -20 every morning. And that's before the fucking windchill. Still, I count myself lucky that it's not -30 like we had last year. And so far there has not been a major ice storm.
Well, that's all the time I have today. Have to get back to my class prep and working on the book review. The fun never stops!
Down the (long) road, if and when you contemplate retirement, consider school. It's fun to learn things you never learned before. And interestingly enough, as we age we also benefit from my life experience and a lot of the stuff actually make sense and we can relate to them.
Au revoir!
Till next time,
Chunski
Wednesday 15 January 2020
Chillin' between classes
Ah hour and a half between classes. Went in to see a prof for a dewy, but still a long wait ahead. So, downing some coffee and reading some articles. All right 'neath the indoors plant wall. So nice. No wonder this (the social sciences bldg) is rated Leed Gold.
Friday 10 January 2020
Done with First Week
Well, first week is over.
I decided to drop the British Empire history class, on account of several things. First, scheduling is not the best, and this class leaves a large gap between it and the next class. Also, it makes Wednesdays a very long day, and at my age I need more rest! Second, I hate the building the class is in. And third, the professor who I'm sure is brilliant, had actually introduced himself on day 1 as Dr. Connors. Not my cup of tea.
That's settled then. Now I'm down to four and I can't go back and make more changes. Let's hope I don't regret this :)
I got the official grades of three of my courses from last semester. And the fourth one (I dropped one last term as well) has posted all the component grades, so I am pretty confident what the overall is for it. Looks like it will be 10.0 semester for me. All A+! Yay! For the first time in my life! And probably the only time! I got lucky too. I am sure mathematically I didn't get an A+ in a couple of those courses. Maybe they curved it, I don't know. One prof (the one in popular culture and society) actually told me that mine was the only A+ in the class! Haha, I am grateful. I don't think it will ever happen again.
Got this very old prof in my demography class. I have no idea as to his age, but he looks like he's 15 years older than me. And acts like it too. He seems like a knowledgeable and kind gentleman, but so slow and oftentimes he loses track of what he's saying... Is that where I'm headed?
In my classical sociological theory class today, a student in the back said "I'm older and I've seen a lot of things. So I can see..." I almost choked. It's all relative, isn't it?
OK, time to rest my weary bones. Tomorrow is my volunteer day. Will see what duty they assign me to!
I decided to drop the British Empire history class, on account of several things. First, scheduling is not the best, and this class leaves a large gap between it and the next class. Also, it makes Wednesdays a very long day, and at my age I need more rest! Second, I hate the building the class is in. And third, the professor who I'm sure is brilliant, had actually introduced himself on day 1 as Dr. Connors. Not my cup of tea.
That's settled then. Now I'm down to four and I can't go back and make more changes. Let's hope I don't regret this :)
I got the official grades of three of my courses from last semester. And the fourth one (I dropped one last term as well) has posted all the component grades, so I am pretty confident what the overall is for it. Looks like it will be 10.0 semester for me. All A+! Yay! For the first time in my life! And probably the only time! I got lucky too. I am sure mathematically I didn't get an A+ in a couple of those courses. Maybe they curved it, I don't know. One prof (the one in popular culture and society) actually told me that mine was the only A+ in the class! Haha, I am grateful. I don't think it will ever happen again.
Got this very old prof in my demography class. I have no idea as to his age, but he looks like he's 15 years older than me. And acts like it too. He seems like a knowledgeable and kind gentleman, but so slow and oftentimes he loses track of what he's saying... Is that where I'm headed?
In my classical sociological theory class today, a student in the back said "I'm older and I've seen a lot of things. So I can see..." I almost choked. It's all relative, isn't it?
OK, time to rest my weary bones. Tomorrow is my volunteer day. Will see what duty they assign me to!
Monday 6 January 2020
First Day of Classes
Here we go again. I'm so not ready for this. Hell, even the heavens cried today, though the tears turned into snow given the temperatures. I must admit, for Ottawa, this is a rather warm spell, with lows only around -12 C. Normally it'd be -20 during the day, so I can't really complain about the weather.
Not feeling the most motivated so far. I had thought that once classes begin, I'd be back in the swing of things. But so far I can't get in gear. I want to drop a class, since I don't need to take five. But I can't decide which to drop. There are pros and cons about every one of my classes. Sigh.
Take my first class today. History of the British Empire. Sounds interesting. The prof is one of the most popular at UO. Very highly regarded. PhD from Cambridge and all that. But I hate the time and the building where the class is held. And one of the books we have to study is about India's role in the British Empire. I have always found India to be one big confusing mess. And the mid term is the Monday after reading week, but on that Saturday prior I am scheduled to write the LSAT. How would I prep for both?
Then this other one I attended today. I like the prof. But I'm not sure Human Rights and Conflicts is really my thing. Most of the people in the class major in it, and so they seem like a left wing bunch. I am not a conservative, but rather, a bit left of centre. I think the stuff may be a bit too far left for me. But it's timely, and important.
I have three more to go to before I can try out all of them. But if you ask me right now, I don't even feel like doing any of that. I think the holidays have done me in...
Or maybe it's the weather. Miserable, slippery, bone-chilling cold. Maybe I should transfer to Bermuda or something.
Guess I'll sleep on it and see how I feel in the morning.
**************************
Oh hey, I did my first shift at the Ottawa Mission on Saturday. Three hours manning the dishwasher. Brought back memories from when I worked in the caf at Oregon State. Doing dishes there too. But we had a much bigger machine then. Longer than a Chevy Suburban that was. This one is not bad, but nothing like that beast. It was hard work. Three hours nonstop because it was so busy. Didn't even have to have a drink. Imagine, no Diet Coke for three hours! Afterwards I was thoroughly soaked, despite the apron I had on. I felt so filthy afterwards that I hurried back and showered and laundered all my clothes.
Back again this weekend. Wonder what area they will put me in. I don't mind the dishwasher. It went fast and it was just physical work. We shall see.
Not feeling the most motivated so far. I had thought that once classes begin, I'd be back in the swing of things. But so far I can't get in gear. I want to drop a class, since I don't need to take five. But I can't decide which to drop. There are pros and cons about every one of my classes. Sigh.
Take my first class today. History of the British Empire. Sounds interesting. The prof is one of the most popular at UO. Very highly regarded. PhD from Cambridge and all that. But I hate the time and the building where the class is held. And one of the books we have to study is about India's role in the British Empire. I have always found India to be one big confusing mess. And the mid term is the Monday after reading week, but on that Saturday prior I am scheduled to write the LSAT. How would I prep for both?
Then this other one I attended today. I like the prof. But I'm not sure Human Rights and Conflicts is really my thing. Most of the people in the class major in it, and so they seem like a left wing bunch. I am not a conservative, but rather, a bit left of centre. I think the stuff may be a bit too far left for me. But it's timely, and important.
I have three more to go to before I can try out all of them. But if you ask me right now, I don't even feel like doing any of that. I think the holidays have done me in...
Or maybe it's the weather. Miserable, slippery, bone-chilling cold. Maybe I should transfer to Bermuda or something.
Guess I'll sleep on it and see how I feel in the morning.
**************************
Oh hey, I did my first shift at the Ottawa Mission on Saturday. Three hours manning the dishwasher. Brought back memories from when I worked in the caf at Oregon State. Doing dishes there too. But we had a much bigger machine then. Longer than a Chevy Suburban that was. This one is not bad, but nothing like that beast. It was hard work. Three hours nonstop because it was so busy. Didn't even have to have a drink. Imagine, no Diet Coke for three hours! Afterwards I was thoroughly soaked, despite the apron I had on. I felt so filthy afterwards that I hurried back and showered and laundered all my clothes.
Back again this weekend. Wonder what area they will put me in. I don't mind the dishwasher. It went fast and it was just physical work. We shall see.
Friday 3 January 2020
Another Year, Another Semester
Well, I guess the partying is over. Got back to Ottawa the other day. Now, there's stuff from last semester to clean up, new note pads to open, pencils to sharpen, textbooks to buy... a new semester cometh.
Classes start Monday. I am not really keen for that, I think because I'm still in a holiday mood. And besides, I haven't quite finalized my class schedule. Not exactly sure about some of the classes I signed up for, and the one for which I'm on the waitlist. I suppose I should review that and make up my mind pronto.
The grades for two of my courses came out over the break. Now still waiting for the others to come. Surprisingly, the two that came out were the ones I expected only an A- or A from, but I ended up with an A+ in both! Now I am gunning for the possibility of getting all A+ for last semester. That would be a hoot. :)
Was reading the UOttawa regulations on merit scholarship (that's the one I get). You need, for EACH semester, an average of at least 8.50 on a 10-point scale. It turns out that UOttawa specifies that they round to two decimal places. That means if a person has a 8.49 GPA for the term. she/he does NOT qualify for the scholarship! Wow, that's pretty bad ass. Well, I hope I won't be in that position.
Got a promotional email about a MEd program at UOttawa that focuses not on teaching etc but on broader social issues. Sorta my cup of tea. Attending an info session for that later this month. That could be something I do after this degree. Yes, always looking ahead, haha.
Okay, well, time for more coffee and to get settled so I can get my crap off the desk and the floor and be prepared for more stuff starting Monday.
Have a wonderful 2020, my friends. Till next time!
Classes start Monday. I am not really keen for that, I think because I'm still in a holiday mood. And besides, I haven't quite finalized my class schedule. Not exactly sure about some of the classes I signed up for, and the one for which I'm on the waitlist. I suppose I should review that and make up my mind pronto.
The grades for two of my courses came out over the break. Now still waiting for the others to come. Surprisingly, the two that came out were the ones I expected only an A- or A from, but I ended up with an A+ in both! Now I am gunning for the possibility of getting all A+ for last semester. That would be a hoot. :)
Was reading the UOttawa regulations on merit scholarship (that's the one I get). You need, for EACH semester, an average of at least 8.50 on a 10-point scale. It turns out that UOttawa specifies that they round to two decimal places. That means if a person has a 8.49 GPA for the term. she/he does NOT qualify for the scholarship! Wow, that's pretty bad ass. Well, I hope I won't be in that position.
Got a promotional email about a MEd program at UOttawa that focuses not on teaching etc but on broader social issues. Sorta my cup of tea. Attending an info session for that later this month. That could be something I do after this degree. Yes, always looking ahead, haha.
Okay, well, time for more coffee and to get settled so I can get my crap off the desk and the floor and be prepared for more stuff starting Monday.
Have a wonderful 2020, my friends. Till next time!
Wednesday 1 January 2020
In Memory of John Lennon
The Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal is celebrating the 50th anniversary of John and Yoko's stay at the QE, where they wrote "Give Peace a Chance."
Here's part of the exhibit at the hotel commemorating the occasion.
Here's part of the exhibit at the hotel commemorating the occasion.
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| The moving art display |
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| The Suite they stayed in |
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