Today I cancelled my digital subscription to the Albany Times Union and un-followed them on Facebook (I haven't gotten the paper version in years). You have to do it on the phone, and the very nice customer service person asked why? So I told her that I have no choice, it's self preservation. I can't take it any more. I'm tired of all the articles grousing about restrictions, then today the final straw was when writer Chris Churchill called the governor out for allowing the Bills to have fans at their playoff game. I told her I've already stopped following CBS-6 WRGB for all their snark on pandemic issues. She laughed and thanked me for my honesty and said she found it refreshing, that she completely understood being offended by the hypocrisy. I also told her I hope the cancellation doesn't result in me getting nonstop hot room calls hawking subscriptions to the TU, as always happened in the past, and she laughed at that too. I forgot to add (but never fear, I'll have the opportunity when I get future sales pitches), that the comments on their Facebook posts are appalling and the toxic forum they encourage is a disincentive to following the newspaper.

PS Bob's birthday. He's 61. GrubHub & Amazon movie. Life during the virus!

 Happy New Year! I'm making this post because I want an increase in posting over last year - and this post does that!!

Today I concluded that the regular media news, print and television and radio are determined to undermine and harm us in any way they can, and justify it by claiming the moral high ground and proclaiming the purity of journalism's motives. I have always felt this way a little but now I am sure of it. It isn't social media -- it is regular media. The news outlet's social media administrator shares certain stories on social media and generates a forum of ignorance in comments, but social media is not the culprit (although the regular media glories in placing blame there). Today I noticed a headline "Vaccine rollout is more like a dribble so far. What went wrong?" I've seen or heard stories like that a lot recently. Anyone with a functioning brain knows it will take a long time to vaccinate everyone, assuming that's even possible, which it really isn't. Yet I know this is what reporters are going to be pushing, ginning up controversy, pointing fingers, starting fights, increasing drama, hoping for Congressional hearings, hoping for scandal and unrest.

This makes me sick. Also I have more respect for the small number of members (happy to know it's a bipartisan group) who are waiting until all front line workers and seniors have access.

Last week we watched the new season of Blue Bloods. I was surprised when they announced a season 11 after 10 was supposed to be the last. The show seemed "done" to me but I wondered how they would handle two major issues, the pandemic and civil unrest.Well, the answer is: badly. Seriously appalling in both cases, although I suspect the racial issue will be the subject of future episodes (but perhaps not). The pandemic story seemed like an aside so they could pretend COVID-19 was a minor incident in the past and not address public health or the huge, still unfolding cultural impact this long crisis has had and will have on our society. It would have been better if they didn't make another season IMO. The actors not wearing masks, not social distancing, not dealing with the subject in a serious way is pathetic and cowardly. Or maybe everyone connected to the show thinks it is a hoax. As if the dead son's surprise progeny is shocking or scandalous or likely or worthy of center stage treatment. What a crock! How about a real story line - grandpa battles the virus.

I am offended by the politicians, celebrities and all the famous elite people jockeying to get the vaccine first to allegedly set an example for us ig'nant plebes. Yesterday I heard young, healthy members of Congress got it and I was appalled. But, I do have a comforting thought. They can be the next wave of guinea pigs for the miraculous shot. The mutation is concerning. I suppose we should be paying more attention to 1918. There is still a long way to go no matter what the truly ig'nant, elite and otherwise, may say.

Obviously I am not happy about the global pandemic, but I hope some of the changes are permanent. I think more people should Zoom rather than travel for work and personally. I think people should think more about where they live - if loved ones are hours and hours away, requiring all sorts of carbon usage to be with them, maybe reconsider taking that job or going to that college. I think more administrative staff should telecommute, rather than sitting in conference rooms and work stations in office buildings. I think education should utilize synchronous remote approaches more. I hope significant investment is made in broadband and cell to enable this. I hope we never go back to shaking hands. I hope people learn to stay home when they are sick. I have not had even a sniffle since March! I like online shopping, online food delivery, online church, and telemedicine.

 

 

 

I noticed all semester that one of my Fall classes was very special. It is not that I never encounter outstanding students or teach classes that are great; both are common. But the fact is, in 20 years of university teaching, the number of classes that stand out as truly extraordinary is small.

At the end of the semester, during the grade slog made more hectic than usual because of an unrealistic turn around time that the university imposed, I listened to their final vlog assignment. The deadline was looming ominously; I was working feverishly to not miss it. Then I played their recordings, one after another, about what they had learned. I had to pause to take it all in. 

 

Fifteen years ago, during Spring 2006, I taught a class where hand-written journal entries in a notebook were assigned. Technology advocates could choose to use a word processor for composing instead, but either way, it was handed in as paper. The tenth vlog in my Fall 2020 class evoked a clear and very gratifying memory of the last entry in those paper journals thirty semesters ago. It was so strong I could remember the room, the number of students, even some of their faces and where they sat. I recall that when I reflected on that class afterwards, I thought maybe its vibe had been at least partially caused by the time slot (2:45-4:05). I had always taught earlier and wondered whether lunch time hunger was normally a distraction. 

 

I suspect some of what drove the class this Fall to sparkle is that one-third of the students had taken one or more of my classes in the past, and that cohort of Dr. G fans had significant impact on class aura. However, there were also excellent class members who I did not know before this semester. The topic, the setting, the time slot, the delivery method, the pandemic, were all different from 2006. And yet the outcome in terms of student and faculty takeaway was similar. When this happens, I so appreciate the gift. As soon as I submitted grades (and slept LOL), I wrote a thank you note to the class.

I think, or at least I hope, that the stress is making people unkind. I write "I hope" not because I want
people to be unkind, but because people seem unkinder, and I hope COVID-19 fatigue is the reason,
so that in a few years when this is over, niceness returns. But maybe people have always been mean,
and my perception is off -- or stress from the virus isn't the cause of the current nasty -- or it won't "go
back" and become kinder. I don't know. I have been called a coward (by a resident of my village in a
Facebook comment), told to stop hogging the floor (by a senior colleague in a Zoom private chat
message), that bad Karma would get me (in a Facebook message) and a neighbor is sending
me aggressive texts. All except the Zoom chat were related to my village board seat - which I lost by
two votes on 9/15, after an excruciatingly executive order delayed election. I know many mean things
were said about me behind my back and various untruths were gossiped, but that's politics. It's ugly
even at the local level. I never said an unkind or untrue word about anyone (publicly that is; I certainly didn't hide my assessment of the opponents from close friends or family, LOL), I didn't even ask for a
recount. Everyone of these bullying incidents was direct - to my personal accounts. And the bad Karma
note and the texts are after the election is long over! I made peace with the loss immediately,
and have moved on. Why can't I be left alone?

I was SO IRRITATED at snarky TV-6 WRBG last night. They had a "news" report by anchors Ann McCloy & Greg Floyd  & reporter Briana Supardi that was downright harmful. I understand dissenting from the government, but I follow every virus-related State press conference and press release, and at no point was it remotely suggested that the State or localities could, would or should aggressively enforce the 10 person gathering limit on private residences. The Governor cajoles and pleads about the law, but only a fool doesn't "get" that it is intended to encourage good sense; it's positive public health messaging at a time when we are seeing a huge spike and health care is being taxed. It is the bully pulpit, which is so needed with the holidays and the temptation to ignore guidance and party hearty with family and friends and spark a super-spreader event. Floyd & McCloy & Supardi and some moron local law enforcement making statements about non-enforcement and Constitutionality (DUH!) are encouraging bad behavior and they are empowering cretins (who can be clearly seen posting in comments on their and other local media's Facebook pages). I am disgusted by the irresponsibility. #shameonyou

 

 

We had the most beautiful basil this summer, and yesterday we cut it because of the threat of frost. It was bittersweet - but the yield was 8 cups of pesto, and that is awesome! Simple recipe from NYT: 10 c basil, 10 cloves garlic, 10 T walnuts, 2.5 c parm cheese, 2.5 c olive oil.

 

I turned 59 two days ago! I can retire in 6 months - or at least t the end of Spring semester 2021, but probably won't. Still, the thought is there.

The universe has started to send me cartoons again! 

I am not really a "hugger." I know some people proudly proclaim they are, and this pandemic has sorely tested them because they can't randomly hug. I've thought about my preference for not hugging acquaintances and I've concluded it stems largely from Donna. She insisted on being hugged long and often, while she cried with happiness or sorrow. This may seem terrib;e of me, but I always felt there was more than a touch of manipulation in those hugs. I can write that, now that she is gone. Regardless, today is a day when I would joyfully hug others in relief and celebration, if there was no COVID risk.

The appalling new logo has gotten some media coverage. I plan to give my annual donation to an animal welfare organization instead, and when UAlbany calls to solicit me -- I will tell them so.

I am feeling annoyed and disgusted that the university that employees me (and awarded me two graduate degrees and a teaching award) adopted a new logo for sports without consulting faculty or staff - a fierce-looking Great Dane with cropped ears. I am so pissed that they are promoting barbaric animal cruelty. The old logo had cropped ears too - but the new look is more realistic and severe and vicious - and this was an opportunity to embrace humane cultural change! Most of Europe, the AVMA, and enlightened vets in the USA do not condone the practice, and even the old fashioned, elitist AKC no longer prevents natural dogs from being registered or participating in events. Sign a petition opposing the abusive logo.

I am also pissed about the idiots in other states, and the dopes in my own, who refuse to wear masks. The big social gatherings alarm me too. Jerks. I have always known a large number of people celebrate ignorance and resent smart people. Unfortunately it is so in-my-face right now. Idiocracy = accurate.

A long time since I have written here. Still drinking from the work fire hose of email with barely a moment to spare. New York is doing fine, slowly re-opening. However other states, the ones populated by a-holes with bad leaders are now surging. I have dark thoughts on this that I won't share right now. I am still afraid to eat inside a restaurant and do not plan to do so. On Tuesday I got a haircut after 4 months! When I taught toleration (I don't any more, which says a lot), this would have been an awesome source for discussion. I wish I was "important" enough to sign -- because it reflects my views exactly.

I finished grades in my classes. It is a big relief. It was the most difficult evaluation experience I have
ever had to do. Afterwards I made the mistake of reading evaluations in one of my classes. Very few
students bothered to do it, and the evaluations were fine overall, but one student who was motivated
enough to complete it wrote extremely mean comments. What drives some people to be cruel? And why do I let it bother me?

I am in grading hell this week - deadline is Sunday night. We were told many times to be flexible and empathetic to students (I always am - and don't need someone to tell me this), but apparently faculty don't deserve the same courtesy.

I saw on FB that Greyhound racing closing for good in Florida - HOORAY. Another good thing about the shutdown and new normal. I assume that means this season or year, not forever - wish it meant forever - but regardless good news. May they all find loving forever homes.

I don't know whether to believe the news about violence and unrest. Really? Does media just gin this stuff up? What about no shirt, no shoes, no service? Isn't that an infringement on rights? I think I was controlled more in the before time. I was a slave to my job. Others were a slave to materialism. I am more free now.

YAY. Semester is over. Now - all grades all the time, starting Monday.