Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Comps continued...
I was supposed to start yesterday, but I didn't get my first question until today. It's from the lone classical plant breeder on my committee. I actually have four questions from him, but I get two days to answer. Hello, all-nighters (again). The 4th question had 8 parts and involves describing in specifics how I would go about establishing a breeding program with three specific objectives (improved yield, herbicide resistance, and insect resistance. The first two shouldn't be too bad. I just wish it hadn't been 4 1/2 years since I took a breeding course. Good-bye for a few days, world.
Even though I'm hating this, it is somewhat encouraging to be taking another concrete step towards finishing. Let's just see if I stay on the steps or if I slide off due to ice.
I guess I'll just ignore the MLK party controversy raging on campus around me.
No, that's not a black guy in the last picture.
Anyway, if you like FREE, LEGAL music downloads, Ruckus dot com is making its catalog available for download to anyone with a .edu email address.
Even though I'm hating this, it is somewhat encouraging to be taking another concrete step towards finishing. Let's just see if I stay on the steps or if I slide off due to ice.
I guess I'll just ignore the MLK party controversy raging on campus around me.
No, that's not a black guy in the last picture.
Anyway, if you like FREE, LEGAL music downloads, Ruckus dot com is making its catalog available for download to anyone with a .edu email address.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
School stuff
Next week I start my comprehensive exams. I'll receive written questions from my advisory committee members and be given 24-48 hours to answer. If I successfully complete those, I will have two weeks in which to put together an NSF-style grant proposal. Upon turning it in, the committee will take two weeks to read and critique the grant proposal. If they deem it acceptable, then I will have to defend said proposal as the oral portion of my comps. This next month is really, really going to be horrible. (M.R.S., stop reading right here.) If I fail... Hey, I've reached the point where a Master's wouldn't be so bad. Not bad at all...
If I pass, then I'm officially a PhD candidate, and all that'll be left will be to finish my research, write my dissertation, and "Ease on down, ease on down the road!"
If I pass, then I'm officially a PhD candidate, and all that'll be left will be to finish my research, write my dissertation, and "Ease on down, ease on down the road!"
Race Matters
A couple of years ago I read W.E.B. Du Bois' essay "Of Our Spiritual Strivings" in his classic The Souls of Black Folk and found in his theory of "double consciousness " an explanation for a feeling I've known since my teen years.
Du Bois wrote of double consciousness as a “sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity”, and of a two-ness, of being "an American, a Negro; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder..."
"...The history of the American Negro is the history of this strife, -- this longing to attain self-conscious manhood, to merge his double self into a better and truer self. In this merging he wishes neither of the older selves to be lost. He does not wish to Africanize America, for America has too much to teach the world and Africa; he does not wish to bleach his Negro blood in a flood of white Americanism, for he believes -- foolishly, perhaps, but fervently -- that Negro blood has yet a message for the world. He simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and an American without being cursed and spit upon by his fellows, without losing the opportunity of self-development."
There is an internal conflict between being African-American and American simultaneously. Double consciousness is an awareness of one's self as well as an awareness of how others perceive that person. The danger of double consciousness resides in conforming and or changing one's identity to that of how others perceive the person. Looking back, I can see how I conducted myself in such a way as to be seen in a positive light by whites with whom I came into contact, and how I did likewise to "keep it real" and not be a "sell-out" to my own ethnic group. However, not only was it impossible to be all things to all people, the attempt to do kept me from knowing who Michael P really is. When the lights went down and I was alone, WHO EXACTLY WAS I? I think the desire to be true to the race and reject all things white is a serious problem in the Black community, particularly in poorer enclaves, as is the opposite extreme - shedding oneself of one's "Blackness" and forgetting that we are, after all, family. This is the reason Clarence Thomas is hated so much in the Black community, and what Condi & Colin are accused of (unfortunately so, considering their historic achievements). As an aside, Barack Obama's rising star has brought to light the question of what it means to be black. Does one have to have ancestors who were slaves to qualify? Does one have to be raised in "the hood" to be authentic? Do we all have to vote Democrat? Be able to dunk a basketball? Love hip-hop? Hate Country & Western?
As Black History Month approaches I hear the familiar refrain, "Why do we need a Black History Month? There's no such thing as a White History Month!" I think this question is asked because white people , if they look at themselves through the eyes of others at all, look at themselves through the eyes of other white people. The thought of being judged through another group's eyes, and perhaps being considered inferior, is foreign to them. I don't know how history is being taught now, but when I was learning US history, Crispus Attucks, Benjamin Banneker, Nat Turner, and Frederick Douglass pretty much summed up Black contributions to this great country of ours - the land of the free; the home of the brave. Of course, then, as now, most Black history is relegated to the mention of MLK, Malcom X, and occasionally Marcus Garvey. Black history is still thought of by many as a collection of "first-Black-to-do-this-or-that", as opposed to having our contributions woven into the fabric of the country. Other than being slaves, it's almost as though Black people existed outside of the country until the Civil Rights movement of the 50s & 60s. I think that it would be unnecessary to have Black History month if our contributions to society were woven into the historical fabric (I need to stop using 'woven') of this country, but until The Black Wall Street, Percy Julian, Charles R.Drew, Denmark Vesey, the Tuskegee Airmen, the Tuskegee Syphilis study, George Washington Carver, and Toussaint L'Ouverture are as well known as 50 Cent, Michael Jackson, and Michael Jordan I think the month is beneficial to ALL Americans.
* Rather than going back to find page numbers in the original essay collection, the Wikipedia entry on Double Consciousness served as the source of the included quotes.
Du Bois wrote of double consciousness as a “sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity”, and of a two-ness, of being "an American, a Negro; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder..."
"...The history of the American Negro is the history of this strife, -- this longing to attain self-conscious manhood, to merge his double self into a better and truer self. In this merging he wishes neither of the older selves to be lost. He does not wish to Africanize America, for America has too much to teach the world and Africa; he does not wish to bleach his Negro blood in a flood of white Americanism, for he believes -- foolishly, perhaps, but fervently -- that Negro blood has yet a message for the world. He simply wishes to make it possible for a man to be both a Negro and an American without being cursed and spit upon by his fellows, without losing the opportunity of self-development."
There is an internal conflict between being African-American and American simultaneously. Double consciousness is an awareness of one's self as well as an awareness of how others perceive that person. The danger of double consciousness resides in conforming and or changing one's identity to that of how others perceive the person. Looking back, I can see how I conducted myself in such a way as to be seen in a positive light by whites with whom I came into contact, and how I did likewise to "keep it real" and not be a "sell-out" to my own ethnic group. However, not only was it impossible to be all things to all people, the attempt to do kept me from knowing who Michael P really is. When the lights went down and I was alone, WHO EXACTLY WAS I? I think the desire to be true to the race and reject all things white is a serious problem in the Black community, particularly in poorer enclaves, as is the opposite extreme - shedding oneself of one's "Blackness" and forgetting that we are, after all, family. This is the reason Clarence Thomas is hated so much in the Black community, and what Condi & Colin are accused of (unfortunately so, considering their historic achievements). As an aside, Barack Obama's rising star has brought to light the question of what it means to be black. Does one have to have ancestors who were slaves to qualify? Does one have to be raised in "the hood" to be authentic? Do we all have to vote Democrat? Be able to dunk a basketball? Love hip-hop? Hate Country & Western?
As Black History Month approaches I hear the familiar refrain, "Why do we need a Black History Month? There's no such thing as a White History Month!" I think this question is asked because white people , if they look at themselves through the eyes of others at all, look at themselves through the eyes of other white people. The thought of being judged through another group's eyes, and perhaps being considered inferior, is foreign to them. I don't know how history is being taught now, but when I was learning US history, Crispus Attucks, Benjamin Banneker, Nat Turner, and Frederick Douglass pretty much summed up Black contributions to this great country of ours - the land of the free; the home of the brave. Of course, then, as now, most Black history is relegated to the mention of MLK, Malcom X, and occasionally Marcus Garvey. Black history is still thought of by many as a collection of "first-Black-to-do-this-or-that", as opposed to having our contributions woven into the fabric of the country. Other than being slaves, it's almost as though Black people existed outside of the country until the Civil Rights movement of the 50s & 60s. I think that it would be unnecessary to have Black History month if our contributions to society were woven into the historical fabric (I need to stop using 'woven') of this country, but until The Black Wall Street, Percy Julian, Charles R.Drew, Denmark Vesey, the Tuskegee Airmen, the Tuskegee Syphilis study, George Washington Carver, and Toussaint L'Ouverture are as well known as 50 Cent, Michael Jackson, and Michael Jordan I think the month is beneficial to ALL Americans.
* Rather than going back to find page numbers in the original essay collection, the Wikipedia entry on Double Consciousness served as the source of the included quotes.
Monday, January 22, 2007
True Life: I'm in an Interfaith Relationship
I was watching True Life on MTV a few days ago. The show is a documentary detailing true life experiences (allegedly) of people in various situations. The only other time I watched the show it dealt with 3 families coping with poverty. That was a good show - sad, but good. The episode I watched the other day followed two married couples of differing faiths. One couple was Jewish/Protestant (Ira & Sasha), and the other was Lutheran/contemplating-becoming-a-Jehovah's-Witness (Travis & Jasmin).
In both cases, the (Jewish & Lutheran) guys were clearly less religious than the ladies; Sasha was a pretty rock-solid in her beliefs, and Jasmin was really excited about the things she was learning about the Jehovah's Witnesses. Ira tried to compromise and gain more understanding about whatever denomination Sasha belonged to (I'm not sure which denomination she belonged to. It was clearly Protestant, but her church also observed fasted for Yom Kippur), but Travis was openly hostile to all things JW. He accused Jasmin of changing and of becoming a different person than the girl he married, but, to his credit, did indicate that he would love her regardless. He made it quite obvious that the kids would be celebrating Christmas and having birthday parties though - no matter what Jasmin had to say about it. At the end of the show, Jasmin was still studying to become a JW, but she was (unhappily) helping Travis decorate the house for Christmas.
Ira came across as being henpecked, but he and Sasha appeared to be finding a middle ground. They were determined to raise their upcoming child as a "Jewstian". Ole boy got himself in some trouble when he snuck out to eat on Yom Kippur and got busted, when they were supposed to be fasting together and breaking the fast together. Sasha was clearly ticked off. At the end of the show the couple had moved to New York city and were searching for a church that would accomodate the both of their beliefs. Good luck with that.
I'd like MTV to give an update on these two families in a year or so. By that time Ira & Sasha will have had their child, and Jasmin will have completed the studies required of her to become a JW. I wonder how their marriages will hold up. It seems to me that it's easier for an interfaith marriage to survive if neither of the spouses are really seriously religious, or if they're serious, then their beliefs have to make the allowance that spouses religion provides a valid path to salvation, whatever that is.
Oh yeah: Down to 223 this morning.
In both cases, the (Jewish & Lutheran) guys were clearly less religious than the ladies; Sasha was a pretty rock-solid in her beliefs, and Jasmin was really excited about the things she was learning about the Jehovah's Witnesses. Ira tried to compromise and gain more understanding about whatever denomination Sasha belonged to (I'm not sure which denomination she belonged to. It was clearly Protestant, but her church also observed fasted for Yom Kippur), but Travis was openly hostile to all things JW. He accused Jasmin of changing and of becoming a different person than the girl he married, but, to his credit, did indicate that he would love her regardless. He made it quite obvious that the kids would be celebrating Christmas and having birthday parties though - no matter what Jasmin had to say about it. At the end of the show, Jasmin was still studying to become a JW, but she was (unhappily) helping Travis decorate the house for Christmas.
Ira came across as being henpecked, but he and Sasha appeared to be finding a middle ground. They were determined to raise their upcoming child as a "Jewstian". Ole boy got himself in some trouble when he snuck out to eat on Yom Kippur and got busted, when they were supposed to be fasting together and breaking the fast together. Sasha was clearly ticked off. At the end of the show the couple had moved to New York city and were searching for a church that would accomodate the both of their beliefs. Good luck with that.
I'd like MTV to give an update on these two families in a year or so. By that time Ira & Sasha will have had their child, and Jasmin will have completed the studies required of her to become a JW. I wonder how their marriages will hold up. It seems to me that it's easier for an interfaith marriage to survive if neither of the spouses are really seriously religious, or if they're serious, then their beliefs have to make the allowance that spouses religion provides a valid path to salvation, whatever that is.
Oh yeah: Down to 223 this morning.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Indy 28 - NE 28
I am missing a great game.
edit: Indy 38, NE 34.
I made it home just in time to see the final 54 seconds. I'm not a huge Peyton Manning fan, but I'm glad to see him finally play well in a big game. Forget playing well - he played almost perfectly in the 2nd half, and led the game-winning drive. Look out Miami - it's Soul Bowl I in two weeks!!!
edit: Indy 38, NE 34.
I made it home just in time to see the final 54 seconds. I'm not a huge Peyton Manning fan, but I'm glad to see him finally play well in a big game. Forget playing well - he played almost perfectly in the 2nd half, and led the game-winning drive. Look out Miami - it's Soul Bowl I in two weeks!!!
Old Virginny
So who's going to Winchester, VA during the days of UB? I'm strongly considering it... I've told several brethren from that area that we'd visit eventually, as I've got family in Va. Beach and Norfolk. Plus, Nick's future wife is up there as well... Annette, does your dad plan to be there?
The hitch is $$$, of course. We're planning on heading to KC a few weeks after that for a wedding. How do I pull off both? Hmmmm......
The hitch is $$$, of course. We're planning on heading to KC a few weeks after that for a wedding. How do I pull off both? Hmmmm......
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Go figure
As I contemplate (again) changing career paths, I took an online test to match my personality with a career, hoping it would steer me in a different direction than the one in which I'm headed. I click on the results and what are the strongest hits? Biologist, Real Estate Agent, Waiter. Crapola. I'm currently doing two of those jobs. I want a recount.
B-ball recap
Last night was fun. I had the pleasure of watching two of my boys play rec basketball - Nick in the 8-and-under league, and Jalen in the 14-and-under league. The games were about 30 miles apart, but c'est la vie. Luckily Jalen's game got underway about30 minutes later than it was supposed to, so we were able to see the entire game. Nick's team lost, but they had a great time doing so. I saw a couple of budding shooters on Nick's team last night who may be pretty good down the road.
Jalen's game was a bit more competitive, actually going into overtime. The behavior of the parents and one of the coaches was not as stellar. I don't know why people feel the need to verbally assault referees in a personal manner, even if they are screwing up the calls. The attitude trickles down to the kids, and nary a call is made that isn't vehemently protested by the offending player, my son included. We'll be working on that. A few years ago he brought out a "sack dance" while playing little league football. While the crowd loved it, that behavior got nipped in the bud pretty quick. He had an OK game last night, but he turned the ball over at the end of regulation as his team was trying to score the go-ahead basket. Luckily, he redeemed himself in OT by completing a crucial 3-point play with under a minute left and his team down by three. Jalen is quite Shaq-like when it comes to free throws, and the one he made touched the rim, backboard, and then every part of the rim again before finally falling. The outcome of the game was sealed when the opposing team received a technical foul for calling a timeout after they'd used them all. It'd be nice if they blew a team out once in a while. My heart can't take this pressure twice a week.
Jalen's game was a bit more competitive, actually going into overtime. The behavior of the parents and one of the coaches was not as stellar. I don't know why people feel the need to verbally assault referees in a personal manner, even if they are screwing up the calls. The attitude trickles down to the kids, and nary a call is made that isn't vehemently protested by the offending player, my son included. We'll be working on that. A few years ago he brought out a "sack dance" while playing little league football. While the crowd loved it, that behavior got nipped in the bud pretty quick. He had an OK game last night, but he turned the ball over at the end of regulation as his team was trying to score the go-ahead basket. Luckily, he redeemed himself in OT by completing a crucial 3-point play with under a minute left and his team down by three. Jalen is quite Shaq-like when it comes to free throws, and the one he made touched the rim, backboard, and then every part of the rim again before finally falling. The outcome of the game was sealed when the opposing team received a technical foul for calling a timeout after they'd used them all. It'd be nice if they blew a team out once in a while. My heart can't take this pressure twice a week.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Monday, January 08, 2007
Transformation
Gerald Ford has made a remarkable transformation. He became President when I was four, and lost to Jimmy Carter (the first President I really remember) when I was six. Over the course of the next 30 years, the mental image I had of Pres. Ford was of a well-meaning, clumsy, bumbling joke of a man. How did I come by this mental image? Via the media, of course. Comedians,sitcoms, and even serious journalists perpetuated this image. Now, with his death, I've heard and read tributes that lauded his dignity, his wise stewardship of the country through the difficult period following Nixon's resignation, and his willingness to do what was right for the country without regard to the damage inflicted upon his political future. I hope the recent media coverage is more indicative of the type of man he was rather than the tripe I was fed for the previous 30 years. Rest in peace, Mr. President.
Seattle 21, Dallas 20
Now THAT ending was a kick to the nether regions.
RIP playoff victory. At least the Clemson men's basketball team is the lone undefeated team in the country.
Yesterday we had almost 24 hours of rain. Am I the only one who likes to drive around the day after and look at the swollen creeks and ponds? I passed one near my home on the way to work, and I'll probably go driving around and check out a few more on my lunch break. Weird, I know, but hey - that's me.
Oh, I saw a wondrous thing today as I was walking to my building. A huge brown hawk swooped down and captured a squirrel about 30 feet from me. Seeing things like that on Animal Planet doesn't do them justice. The hawk almost seemed to be putting on a show just for me as it took it's time killing the squirrel and then lifted off in slow motion to its perch in a tree to devour its meal. Wow. Animals are soooo cool.
RIP playoff victory. At least the Clemson men's basketball team is the lone undefeated team in the country.
Yesterday we had almost 24 hours of rain. Am I the only one who likes to drive around the day after and look at the swollen creeks and ponds? I passed one near my home on the way to work, and I'll probably go driving around and check out a few more on my lunch break. Weird, I know, but hey - that's me.
Oh, I saw a wondrous thing today as I was walking to my building. A huge brown hawk swooped down and captured a squirrel about 30 feet from me. Seeing things like that on Animal Planet doesn't do them justice. The hawk almost seemed to be putting on a show just for me as it took it's time killing the squirrel and then lifted off in slow motion to its perch in a tree to devour its meal. Wow. Animals are soooo cool.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Alright techies...
My PC sends jobs to the printer, but they won't print. I reset the computer once and then was able to print, but that's not working now. Other people in my office are connected to the same printer, but they aren't having any problems. Any suggestions?
*Edit: I'm able to print Word docs now, but not PDFs.
*Edit: I'm able to print Word docs now, but not PDFs.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Charlotte
The 2.5 hour ride to Charlotte for the Family Dance was uneventful, and the Crowne Plaza Hotel was pretty easy to find. Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to see so many of the singles I knew from various places. I was expecting most of the singles to bypass Charlotte for KC’s dance. My thoughts were on the Family Dance, and I’d completely forgotten about L4T. The room in which services were held was packed and quite hot. I had to leave the room twice and towel off because of the sweat pouring down my face. They must’ve eventually gotten the AC squared away, because the temp was tolerable by the middle of the sermon. Mr. Lambert Greer gave the sermonette about the L4T program, and Mr. Meredith gave a sermon directed toward the young people in the church. After services I got the chance to catch up with some folks I hadn’t seen in a while, and the fellowship was great. I also got to chat with the Westons, who pastored in my area back before my time. He remembered pretty much everyone, and was pleased to get updates on his former charges.
The dinner was surprisingly good. The grilled chicken breasts with mushroom gravy, potatoes au gratin, and the dinner rolls were quite tasty. The sweet tea left a lot to be desired though. They must have been looking out for the Yankees and diabetics in the crowd. The Wells’ band from Baton Rouge did a good job at the dance. To my amazement, they even did a Soul Train line. If you don’t know what Soul Train is, then educate yourself. I also got to meet Karl of The Secret Life of Karl fame.
I actually got the chance to play a little 3-on-3 basketball before we left Sunday. I found out that Jason from Penn/NJ is tall, and that Jake (IA) is a deadly shot. The Lyons boys and Mase (Walterboro, SC) are chock full o' energy. Mr. Heykoop played well also, especially considering he was playing barefoot on asphalt. I think the other player’s name was Darren (Raleigh). We played a couple of games before I had to leave to meet my brother and parents to celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary. If anyone out there who reads this talks to Juan (NJ) or Jamal (MD), tell them I said “If you’re scared, say you’re scared!” I missed out on a game of Ultimate being put together by Miss Moluf due to my having to leave around noon Sunday. Sunday was the folks' 37th anniversary, so I met them, my brother, and my sister-in-law for a celebratory dinner. In short, the weekend was good. I'm tired of typing. Bye.
The dinner was surprisingly good. The grilled chicken breasts with mushroom gravy, potatoes au gratin, and the dinner rolls were quite tasty. The sweet tea left a lot to be desired though. They must have been looking out for the Yankees and diabetics in the crowd. The Wells’ band from Baton Rouge did a good job at the dance. To my amazement, they even did a Soul Train line. If you don’t know what Soul Train is, then educate yourself. I also got to meet Karl of The Secret Life of Karl fame.
I actually got the chance to play a little 3-on-3 basketball before we left Sunday. I found out that Jason from Penn/NJ is tall, and that Jake (IA) is a deadly shot. The Lyons boys and Mase (Walterboro, SC) are chock full o' energy. Mr. Heykoop played well also, especially considering he was playing barefoot on asphalt. I think the other player’s name was Darren (Raleigh). We played a couple of games before I had to leave to meet my brother and parents to celebrate their 37th wedding anniversary. If anyone out there who reads this talks to Juan (NJ) or Jamal (MD), tell them I said “If you’re scared, say you’re scared!” I missed out on a game of Ultimate being put together by Miss Moluf due to my having to leave around noon Sunday. Sunday was the folks' 37th anniversary, so I met them, my brother, and my sister-in-law for a celebratory dinner. In short, the weekend was good. I'm tired of typing. Bye.
Operation Get Fine
I was down to 213 pounds before we headed off to the Feast in October. I got in some treadmill work early on before the hustle and bustle of the Feast put an end to that. I’ve been consciously averting my eyes from the scale in our bathroom for the past few months. Well, Monday night I gathered myself and finally stepped on. At first glance it looked like I was still at 213. I knew that couldn’t be right, as my pants (particularly my dress pants) no longer fit comfortably. I was about to die by the end of the dance in Charlotte last weekend as my pants struggled to keep my expanding gut in check. I think one more electric slide would’ve split my pants – and that’s not an impression I want to leave 250 people with. I looked down again and realized the scale read 231. Two hundred thirty-one and 0/100 pounds. Whoa. So today I began Operation “Get Fine”. I started dieting today, and plan to restart the Couch-to-5K plan. By the time it’s warm enough for me to run outside I hope to be up to running 5K nonstop. I was up to 2.5 – 2.75 miles when the Feast hit. I’ve got to go to New Orleans next week for a few days – now that’s gonna be a test. *Sigh*
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
The Fiesta Bowl
I just saw the college football game of the year. If it comes on ESPN Classic this week, watch it. Boise State came to play, and didn't buckle when it appeared they would lose to the Sooners. OK, they might've buckled, but they didn't get knocked out. The playcalling by the BSU coach in overtime and at the end of regulation was inspired. Great, great, great game.
None of the other Jan. 1 bowls held my interest... The ACC and SEC teams are not having a banner bowl season. At least FSU took care of business.
None of the other Jan. 1 bowls held my interest... The ACC and SEC teams are not having a banner bowl season. At least FSU took care of business.
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