Antici... pation

Well, not to leave you all in suspense, last night's test went well. We use scan-tron forms, which frankly I hate with a burning passion. See, I'm normally one of the first ones done. So I go back over the test, making sure I read the questions correctly, that my writing is legible, didn't make simple mistakes, etc. However, with scan-tron (fill in the circle kind of forms) it's a real pain in the tush to do that. So, while I wasn't the first one done, I was second or third. Then again, I also intentionally went slow.

There were only four questions I didn't have a quick answer for. One was an answer of "yes, well, the process you mention doesn't specifically need Oxygen, however the process before this, of which this process uses the function/by-product, does require O2. So for this answer, it really should be "no", but if O2 isn't present, this process won't be engaged because the previous process couldn't work, so it's "yes." (So that's how I ended up answering the questions, and for those of you in the need to know, the question was about Chemiosmosis, which itself doesn't require O2 to function, however the Electron Transport Chain - and by extenuation the whole cellular respiration - does require O2 as a final receptor to keep the 2e- flowing down the receptors and pumping H+ into the intermembrane space in the Mitochondria, of which then Chemiosmosis uses ATP Synthase to allow the H+ back into the innermembrane space and makes a tremendous amount of ATP - your cell's major energy carrier - in the process).

We should have our grades today (or that was the plan). As soon as I see them posted I'll update this post with the final. As of now, with a total possible points in the class at 770 (I thought it was 760), I have earned 669.5, which gives me 86.9%. The two grades missing are the second article/paper (20 possible points) and the final (100 possible points - with 110 questions or 10 bonus points).

edit Christ on a pogo-stick, it's now past 1pm local. We took the test on scan-tron so it could automatically be graded. Technology. You know, faster? (yes, I know, I have my own thoughts about how tech has actually slowed us down). So, still no news on the grade front.

edit 07-01-2010 3pm Finally posted our final exam. I scored 107 out of 100 (those bonus points). So without the paper being scored (but included in the overall GPA calculation), I have a 100.84%. I blame my over intensive studying early on in the class to help get all the info through my thick skull. If we cut the crap of "bonus points" (ie. divide the total points acquired by the total possible points), I have a 97.3% before we include the second paper.

Huzzpah Chutzpah (for Nathan)

So, Karl Rove on Hannity just admonished the Obama Administration on being too arrogant, and how that's a horrible thing.

So, uh, how's "The Math" working out for you Karl? Good thing there's enough sycophantic love out there, and a welcome crutch, to keep you in kibble.

Or, "Hello, Kettle? Yeah, Pot calling here..."

The Dangers of Too Much Math

First some major head desking going on.

So. Uhm, the Triumphant Decline of the Wasp. Yeah. Really. Hmm. Okay. Well, see, I was actually here for the later end of this, I don't seem to remember it that way at all. Here is the all too easy response. This is very rich, especially after the 41st anniversary of Stonewall. Next up, Custer intentionally lost at Little Big Horn, and while Avatar has nothing to do with white-man's guilt, it's good we didn't have too many "singing songs of slavery" scenes in there. Privilege, it's a difficult set of goggles to remove.

And then this to get us back on topic.

Next, well, it happened. Someone in class last night mentioned just how many points we were to have overall in the class and my brain could no longer ignore the siren song to check my progress against the over all total. The good news is, even if I trashed the second paper (we don't have back yet) and get the gout and can't make it to the final tonight, I'll get a B in the class. And not a low B, a solid middle B. Of course, since you know of my love for math, I had to figure out just how many more points I needed to make an A (this school doesn't do plus or minuses). Yeah. Depressingly low. I only need 26 or so more points. The paper we don't' have back yet is worth 20 points right there (and that's what I got on the first one). So let us not count our chickens not yet delivered back. Yeah. I only need to make 26 points out of a hundred tonight (well, 110 with bonus).

This is why I didn't want to know. Before this I was all, "I have to get a 100%." But now I'm "Pffffth. Screw it." It's an old habit, and one I'm sorry I still have. Last night instead of moving mountains to get time to study, I just read through my notes and past tests. I should be pouring through notes right now. But instead I'm writing this. This is why I didn't do these calculations in the first place.

But now I should review for a little. Must. Review. Ooo, shiny.

Future is so bright, I gotta wear shades

Because, as a writer (or even a human) you should look ahead and be prepared as possible (okay, maybe it's the latent boy scout in me or something that I do this), some posts about a part of the writer career I haven't made it to, yet.

An article on book bloggers and their gaining influence in marketing books. This is the one step beyond, "OMG, bloggers are destroying the newspaper book review," mantra of several years ago. So, if they are, doesn't it make sense for the publishers to pay them attention? Hell, many of my successful friends hold out ARCs to get bloggers to review them. And here I'll give a shout out to my friend the Lycan Librarian who posts reviews (although she's been kinda quiet for a few weeks). Oh, and she actually is a librarian (which is now excuse to give my semi-annual Librarians Rock! shootout). And you also have John Scalzi's Big Idea on his Whatever. And there are, quite literally, hundred of others. My guess is the next big push by "self-publishers" (the scam kind) will be to get the name of your self-published book on many "blogs" for a fee (and my guess is they'll set up most of those blogs and nobody will read them).

Cat Rambo talks about selling reprint rights. Which is where the money is really at, BTW. This much I've learned so far, if all you're doing is selling First NA Rights, you're only making half (at most) of your potential. Other countries have wonderful reading audiences. And they pay. No, seriously, as the next semi-successful author about secondary right and foreign right sales. As a poet I met once told me, making the first sale is just the toe in the door (well, for poets resale and grant gathering, which the first sale is just like a calling card, is were you make the money). As someone else once said, I have two hobbies; writing (which I do because it's fun and for me) and submitting (which I do for the money).

A Station Break for WTF

Here's a link to a Newsweek article on how many of those Climate-gate stories are being retracted for lack of actual, you know, facts. You're liberal media at work. Fire first, then go out and actually get the real story. And yes, in case you can't tell, I'm being sarcastic about the "liberal media." Unless you want to talk about the well known liberal bias of reality.

Because it's easier to shout "j'accuse!" than it is to do actual reporting (which takes time, even more so now that people have a hard time thinking beyond "1 fish, 2 fish, red fish, blue fish"). Yeah, for those of us who said, "tempest in a teapot and a bunch of misunderstandings of how science is done," who were shouted down about how "No! This proves it's all a scam," we're ready to accept the apologies. Anyone. Bueller. Bueller. (Grokked from Jay Lake)

Spending the weekend foolishly

By resting, healing, and oh, putting in about 8 hours of freelance work. Sigh. So me going to be scarce on these here interwebbies today. Hope you're having a great weekend.

Things to do today:
Register and book hotels for conventions
More freelance
Rewrite on novel or write out more on "Grace"
Scrub everything

That should be enough, my guess is something else will come along and soak up my time.

Well, that wasn't fun

For the past two weeks I've been dealing with some ear pain. It started as just a bunch of extra wax production, and then early this week moved on to having pain and drainage. The pain went up and down. If I could keep my ear clear, the pain was less.

Then last night on the way home, the twinges started. Plus it had been a little difficult to close my jaw and to chew. So went into the urgent care and got diagnosed with swimmers ear. Job forever. So now on antibiotics and with ear drops.

In other news, last night was our last exam before the final (on Tuesday). Subjects covered RNA transcription and protein translation, Mendelian Genetics, Punnett Squares, and human genetic problems. Was worried about the exam going in, but I think I aced it. So far in the class, I have a 100% average, and am carrying an extra 16 or so bonus points. If I did ace the exam last night, that'll put me at 21 bonus points. All that's left is the second report and the final. The final is comprehensive, so in addition to working freelance and trying to rest to get better, I'm also going to be studying my ass off. Why should I with a 100% average going into the final? Because that's how I roll. See, it's not so much needed to "get a grade" in the class, or keeping your semester GPA up. No, my task is not only the whole degree program, but my competition in the job market. That includes those who graduated 20 years ago, and those who will graduate for the next 15 years. That's who I need to score better than.

Also, this class should be easy for me. It's a basic 100 survey course in the subject matter my wife has a masters and PhD in. And has taught for 20 years. I should be getting an A in it. Now starting next Thursday I'm in "Medical Terminology." I don't have as much a head start here, so I'm going to be on more even ground with my other students. I've been thinking of getting a voice recorder for the class. About ready to pull the trigger for it. I'm thinking for this class and Anatomy & Physiology in the fall, being able to review lectures will be a good thing. A&P will be my litmus test. If I can pass there, I'll be good for the coursework.

The other good news is that we're now done with the highly ridiculous schedule of getting up at 6am, getting ready and commute, work 8-5, drive like a madman to class, in class from 6 to 10, then home before 11pm (hopefully). And then do that Monday through Thursday. Yeah, I know I'm old now because I'm pretty sure this ear thing is because of this. Next week we begin the "merely mad" schedule of class Tuesday and Thursday from 6-9. However, I think there will be more homework.

So, how's your summer shaping up?

Do you think you can tell?

"So, so you think you can tell Heaven from Hell?"
Slushpile Hell A humorous tumbler of agent queries and how the agents really wish they could respond. More than likely these chaps got the form letter instead. Pity them. (Grokked from Cat Rambo)

"Blue skies from pain?"
In the vein of "you're entitled to your own opinion, but not your own facts," here's an interesting little blog post. It shows some of the economic changes brought about by the Reagan Revolution. While I think there's a little post hoc ergo prompter hoc going on there, it would be a stronger criticism if the same decline didn't show over several sections of the economy. One chart he doesn't show (and the one I keep kicking myself for not linking to when I found it) can be summed up by the reversal of economic discussion vis a vis the growth of GDP. Before Reaganomics 6% growth was expected. During the 80s that was restyled as 3% (or less) was better economically, as it was "more sustainable" (ie. we wouldn't have recessions every six or so years - say, how's that been working out for us anyway?).

"Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail?"
Janiece and a satellite picture of the oil spill. I haven't said much about this disaster. What more is there to say? Have you noticed how larger corporations have farmed our responsibility? No less than eight contractors may be on the hook for this (besides BP, and at the end of that chain is Halliburton, go figure). And don't get all emotional here, but this isn't the only oil spill going on. It isn't the only large oil disaster of its type in North America (Mexico had their own spill about a decade ago that is very comparable). The conservatives seem to be self-imploding over it (let's not forget before Joe Barton's apology, there was John Boener's "BP shouldn't pay for this" comment that he had to roll back). So, Sarah Palin, how's that "Drill, baby, drill"-ee thing working out for ya? Also don't fail to miss this NPR story on how tight LA is with the oil industry, even to the physical and mental detriment of their own citizens. The price of carbon is currently hidden away, but we're still paying it through our taxes. This is why I support cap and trade, it shifts the cost into the open.

A smile from a veil?
Jim Wright's take on the Gen McChrystal (US Army, Ret.) thing. Um. What he said. As I said in Jim's comments, McChrystal demonstrated "an appalling lack of situational awareness."

Being Dangerous

As a writer (I feel confident now I am beyond, if just barely, the "wannabe" stage), I struggle with priorities and how to allocate those precious moments I do get to write. And here we give a shout out that if you're one of those lucky people who can write on a schedule, by all means do so. I've found when I can I am more productive. However, I often find I can't keep to such a schedule because of other commitments. And as a further digression, some I can't change, those I can I'm working on (1.5 more years on council, although They are trying to sabotage that plan).

There are number of short story ideas I've had, some even started, that I've dropped. Only later I wonder if I should have finished them. Were those the stories that would have been noticed? The ones that break out of the norm and get an editor excited?

I don't know. And then there are the others, the dangerous ideas. Those ideas that you think, "If this gets published, the hate mail will flow." And I have to admit, I've let a few of those go too. I shouldn't. As someone who has publicly stated I want to write the novel that sticks a finger in the eye of the pre-Millennial dispensationalists, all while saying, yes, you're correct about some things, being on the outs shouldn't bother me. But sometimes it does.

The latest short story (that I linked to the story bone yesterday) is a dangerous story. And it's fun as all get out (well, for me the writer, the reader maybe not so much). I get to use the word "folderol." And you just can't pass up that opportunity. And it's another run at my favorite bogey man, modern organized religion (sans spirituality). This time on what it means to be religious.

And I'm writing it, damn it. It's a dangerous idea (especially in these times). Some people will be hurt by it and I may never find a market to take it (even if my writing is spectacular). But this is the first time in a long while I like writing it. Ask Dan. I've been plaguing him with snippets since we discussed it. I'm giggling like a little girl as the most excellent lines come out.

"Haven't you ever heard of a metaphor," (redacted) asked as they trudged, the itinerate priest and his madness, into the gathering night. And behind them both, Grace (a donkey) slowly went lame.

That just wrote itself in the proper place yesterday. And I frigin' love it (especially if you knew what they were talking about, the nature of faith as it happens).

There's also been some writing I've wanted to try for over a year now, and I've not had the guts to. I'm not sure I can share it here. But I'm going to research it instead of saying, "No, I shouldn't do that." I'll probably need a pseudonym for it, but I have a few of those handy.

So I rededicate myself to tilt at those windmills. To gore the sacred oxen. To wear the jester's hat and dance as fast as I can. I give myself license to do this. And invested in that authority, I give you that license as well.

Listen, do you smell that?

The maddening of the crowds.

No, I really can't explain. Just go and watch the embedded video.

Okay, I can explain a little. It seems the vuvuzela has become that thing in our culture that everybody hates. Except those that have them.

It's the adult version of the noisy Xmas Toy. Starts out charming, but then add a few hundred of them together, and a child's intensity to do the same thing over, and over (and over…)… well, you get the picture.

And as I said when Apple released Quicktime 5 which also became the standard for MP4. The revolution has begun, and it will be streamed live.

Add in the somewhat envious contempt some quarters hold for the Lord of the RIng movies (even though they all own both the theatrical box set and the extended versions) and this is the result.

If you're not giggling inside by the time of the Moria footage (or at least suffering from internal eye-rolling of epic proportions), I'm not sure we can be friends. Surely, you laughed at the Rivendale footage.

Story Bone

And this one I'm using myself. Don't worry, I'm sure my story is different than yours.

Here's the springboard. (Grokked from Jay Lake).

It's an article talking about how there is an iPad app which is your Catholic Missal (order of service, over the liturgical calendar). Seems the same priest had already made an iPhone app that was a book of daily prayers. It's pretty interesting. The glow of candles, the dressings of the altar, and the glow from the iPad screen. Heck, it would be perfect for a resurgence of illumination on manuscripts (which, frankly, I love). And the article points out that the current Pope loves his iPod.

Seriously, this gets my creative juices flowing. My story ties into the next novel I want to (re)start (the post-rapture-romantic-comedy), but only through themes, not by actual content (although this kind of app may make an appearance in the novel, it already had an iPhone like device).

And here I'd like to make a shout out to Dan (::waves::) who provided the spring in the diving board I jumped off of. It's good to have smart friends you can joke around with. After about 6 exchanges I went from a vague "That's kinda cool, I'll need to use it sometime" to "Holy Frack, that's such a cool idea for a story." And yes, the donkey will be in it, Dan.

The hint to my story? Here's one of my comments to Dan. "Feeling very 'Canticle for Liebowitz'y about it."

So have at. There's no longer any excuse to not include the Church in your SF.

Four Things Make a Post

First of all, let's give some link love to Todd Wheeler and his 4th (or is it 5th) Summer Reading Program. Todd's prize packages are always excellent. And I know most of you are avid readers. Plus, money to The Children's Literacy Foundation (CLiF). What more could you want? Heck, on a 10 minute walk over lunch I discovered a nice picnic bench where I might be able to get some reading done during lunch times.

Only a few more days to get your applications in for Viable Paradise. VP XIII feels so long ago, it's difficult to reconcile that feeling with the knowledge that it's been less than a year. I wish I could remember more. Yeah, I was that tired (see earlier comment about how work conspires against me) that it all seems a dream

There are things you can stand for, and things you can't. A blog post on typography and e-readers (specifically Apple's). Yeah, what he said. I'd really hate to pay so much for such a device only to heave it against a wall for such effrontery against good typography practices.

Hmm, here's a little article on the tea party. An interesting take on whose being duped and by whom. I think this goes back to an early comment I made about the tea party when they had their organizations first Washington protest. They had brought a truck full of tea bags that supporters we're going to dip into the reflecting pool on the Mall. Seems nobody had actually gotten a permit for either the protest and the truck. There was hemming and hawing and eventually it all broke up into chaos. Silly. If this is an actual protest, screw the permits. Can't get people to move the tea bags to the reflecting pool? Back the damn truck up to the pool (turfing the lawn) and shovel the bags out the back. Instead we hear about how "polite" they are. Lookie, 1/10th of the crowd as the inauguration and they didn't make a mess. If you're going to protest what you feel is an injustice, then protest. Yes, you'll go to jail more than likely. Isn't what you believe in worth it? Instead, it's like the title of that article goes, "tea parties are for little girls." I think it gives voice to something I've harbored inside and part of why I have contempt for the movement (yes, the individuals are different, I know many of them honestly believe in what they're doing and feel very strongly about it, and everybody has their own "pain level", not everybody can be a martyr for the cause, but at least some can be). Also, this is different than committing violence against people, and different than the "racial slurs" controversy during the voting on HCR. This is more like, if you felt it was so terrible, block the damn entrances to congress and have the Capital Police haul you away. Don't need to shout, don't need to hit anybody, just a human chain across the entrances. Easy peasy. (Grokked from Jay Lake)