| (no subject) |
[Nov. 6th, 2008|07:36 am] |
You know what? I could have been at the Presidential Inaguration in January.
$%^#$%^#$ student teaching. |
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| (no subject) |
[Oct. 16th, 2008|07:26 am] |
So, we got TV on Tuesday.
On Wednesday night, I almost broke the TV.
Why, you ask? Well, I was watching the debate, and talking to some people, when John McCain said this little gem:
"MCCAIN: We need to encourage programs such as Teach for America and Troops to Teachers where people, after having served in the military, can go right to teaching and not have to take these examinations which -- or have the certification that some are required in some states."
Now....please tell me he didn't say what I think he said. Please tell me I am taking this the wrong way, because no one, NO ONE, can be this stupid.
If we have an educational crisis on our hands, and we need better teachers, more effective teachers, why give the soldiers free passes to be teachers, without the tests and certifications needed?
I am all for helping out the veterans. I fully support giving them the tolls to become teachers. HOWEVER, just because you can shoot a gun, give or receive orders, or have traveled for 4 years of your life, you are NOT qualified to become a teacher.
I am in a teacher preparation program. It is a lot of work, and requires a lot of training to become a teacher. Student teachers say they get overwhelmed with the work, and I can see how they would feel that way.
Another point. Since I want to be a Social Studies teacher, is Mr. McCain saying that instead of learning how to teach, instead of spending tens of thousands of dollars on my education and ensuring that I could be an effective teacher, all I had to do was sign up for the military, go to Iraq or Afghanistan, get paid for it, come home, and have a job waiting for me?
Mr. McCain, there was a point years ago when I would have voted for you. You had been center of the aisle, which was refreshing. Maybe I moved to the left. I am sure you have moved to the right. But this stance on education, I just lost a lot of my respect for you.
I can't wait to watch you get stomped on November 4th. |
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| (no subject) |
[Sep. 20th, 2008|05:05 pm] |
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Hooray for my wifi card for my phone. Hooray for free internets. |
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| (no subject) |
[Aug. 3rd, 2008|08:18 pm] |
Sometimes, Summers are nice here in Potsdam.
Here is an instance, after a break in the rain.
 |
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| (no subject) |
[Jul. 21st, 2008|08:37 pm] |
Dear SUNY Potsdam bookstore, textbook realtors, paper mills, ink makers, professors, and anyone else involved in the blood trade known as textbooking.
There is no reason I should be paying $80 for a used textbook for a three week course. No excuse. Make the god damned textbooks on reserve at the library (whoops, that's closed, you have to request it!). Rent them out for the three weeks. Forcing summer students to buy textbooks for three weeks at that extortionist price? Ridiculous.
There is no reason, no excuse. If I want the damned book after I use it, then I will buy it. But forcing me to buy it first, and then offering me 1/12 of the price I paid for it when I return it?
Go fuck yourselves, you slime. |
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| (no subject) |
[Jul. 3rd, 2008|07:21 am] |
Nobody panic!
Just a mere 23 hours after my last post, I felt the need to let you know that gas prices have risen once again to a NEW record high!
That is right folks, now you can expect to pay $4.098 a gallon (national average) compared to the mere $4.092 yesterday!
=O
Newsworthy. |
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| (no subject) |
[Jul. 2nd, 2008|07:53 am] |
Since my June 10th post, gas prices have gone up from $4.04 a gallon to $4.09 a gallon.
And every single day, numerous news sources have told us "Gas prices at record high today"
Let us do some math.
22 days. Price difference per gallon: $0.05 (That is five cents)
Just a thought.
There CANNOT be a RECORD HIGH EVERY DAY. Our economy does not work in thousandths of a dollar ($0.001 for those keeping score at home). If you want to tell us it is a record high, fine. But not when prices climb $0.004 a gallon.
Which means, at the most, there should have been 5 (FIVE!) days where they can say "gas is at a record high blahblahblah we don't have anything else to talk about." Not for 22 days straight.
I hate the news media. |
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| (no subject) |
[Jun. 10th, 2008|07:59 am] |
Dear news media:
We, as consumers, are painfully aware that gas is at record prices. You do not need to tell us every day that gas has reached a new high by one penny. Trust me, we know.
Therefore, please stop posting every penny increase. Maybe let us know when it goes up a dime or a quarter. Or better yet, when it goes down.
But seriously, stop cluttering my RSS feed with "Gas a record at $4.04 agallon"
We know. |
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| (no subject) |
[May. 18th, 2008|11:41 pm] |
I am proud of all of us who graduated today.
I am proud of all of the accomplishments we have made.
I am proud of myself, of my family, and of the long line of my family who have never gotten the chance to do what I have just done, and received my Bachelor's Degree.
Yes, I am proud.
My family tells me how proud they are of me. But it is more than pride. It is something deeper, something you have to listen to the inflection in their voice, to see the look in their eyes, to see that smile.
More than pride. I cannot think of a word right now.
Yet, I worry. Yes, I know they are proud. I have worked hard, they have worked hard putting up with me, and supported me every step of my life. If not for my family, I would be nowhere. Without the support of my mother and father, I would be nobody, nowhere, period. So what do I worry about?
I want to keep that look in their eyes. I want to keep that smile on their faces, to have that inflection in their voice. Yes, it was there to a degree at High School Graduation, but today...today was different. It was more powerful.
As I write this, I find I am bringing myself to tears. I don't know why. Why am I so blessed, to be surrounded by such good people, and to have the loving, caring support of two wonderful people in particular, my mother and father.
They work so hard for not only their children, but for children they never get to see or know, the children of strangers, the children of friends. It is not the same love they show to their own children, but it is definitely love.
For my hard work, I received a Bachelor's Degree. For their hard work, they get lawsuits and stress. I am celebrated, but it is these unsung heroes who deserve all of the praise, all of the support, and every positive in the world.
So while I may have just done something no member of my family has done to date, do I really still deserve to be praised?
It is my parents who should be praised. Mother and Father of the Year? Try "Mother and Father of a lifetime."
On the off chance, I write a letter.
Dearest Mother and Father,
Words cannot express my thoughts right now. You both work so hard, and give your total love and support. You have no idea how much that means to me. I cannot even express it.
My only hope is that I can continue to make you proud of me. I wish to show that you did everything right in raising me.
The looks in your eyes, the tones of your voice, and even the sadness as you departed this evening really knocked me back. I expected it, and I assure you, these thoughts have been in my mind for a long time, but I did not expect to be this strongly moved.
Dad, you said something like "My son is a College Graduate now. The worst part is, he isn't coming home."
You are only partially right. I may not be coming to the physical home just yet, but I promise you (and as cheesy as it sounds), my home is and always has been with you guys. With my family.
This Bachelors Degree is just as much both yours and mine. I will contact the Registrar on your behalf and get two more Degrees printed and sent home posthaste.
I am glad you were proud of me today. Remember that I am, and always have been, Proud of you two.
Your loving and ever grateful son,
Bryan |
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| Coming to the Crossroads. |
[Apr. 12th, 2008|11:14 am] |
In a little more than a month from now, I will (finally!) have that piece of paper saying "Good work, you survived College." But the question still remains on what to do once I reach that point where the path splits.
I think I have lost track to the amount of jobs I have applied to (but thanks tot he wonders of the Internet, the number should be somewhere around 14, between LI and D.C.). I have gotten positive results from 2 of them (and both at Financial institutions where I will be selling insurance, investments, and the like for 100% commission), as well as semi-positive results (Office of the Architect of the Capitol and a Park Ranger position at Governors Island), and a few rejections (Park Ranger at Ellis Island, Fire Island, and something else). That leaves a lot of no responses.
So, with my future uncertain as to what I am doing (which, I assure you, is a very scary thing), I am going to apply for the MST program at Potsdam. This is actually kind of funny, because when I came to Potsdam 6 years ago, I wanted to be a High School History Teacher. That dream changed, but I could still end up doing it anyway for a bit. Teachers are always needed, but it is difficult to find a job as a historian with just a bachelor's degree.
Beth and I have looked at apartments, both down at home (thanks Bubba) and started looking up here for our new found goal of getting into the MST program. We could both end up going to Social Studies (though she would probably be lower grades than me).
Looking back to when I graduated High School, I had about a million path's open to me. I chose College, because I thought it the best way for me, and ignored the other avenues. This time, I am well aware of the other avenues, but there are a lot less than there were before, thanks to the amount of debt I am in due to schooling. Getting rid of that debt is goal numero uno.
There, I told Beth I was updating this journal. I think she just died of a heart attack, as many others will.
Ha. |
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| A rant which has been done before |
[Jan. 22nd, 2008|09:49 am] |
I understand the need for new editions of textbooks. Really, I do.
However, it is inexcusable when the new edition of a textbook comes out Two years after the previous edition. For teaching a college course at a state school on a subject which does not change too much, 5 years sounds about right for a new edition.
Having borrowed Spanish textbooks from Callie, it was much to my dismay that we were in fact using the new edition, and it was required for us to use it. Checking the copyright in the book, the second edition was new in 2005. So why do we need a new edition in 2008?!
Furthermore, the Book comes bundled with a pocket dictionary, like 4 CDs and apparently a soap opera in spanish. All for the low low cost of $150.00.
How is a student supposed to afford this? I understand it is good for all 3 years of Spanish. However, it means that students who have taken 101 and 102 in previous years, now taking 103, need to buy a new book!
I understand language is always changing, always evolving. But academic spanish? The basics? The language cannot have changed that much in 3 years.
I do not understand why there are not restrictions in place on publishers from screwing the students like this. It is bad enough we barely get anything back upon returning textbooks. But requiring new editions every 2-3 years? Inexcusable.
Professors are to blame for this as well. Use the old edition. You do not need every new edition, especially with all these 'goodies' packaging with them to make them more expensive.
Cut the students a break. We are poor enough as it is. |
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| (no subject) |
[Dec. 17th, 2007|01:46 pm] |
home.
updating.
updated.
see ya in a few weeks. |
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| (no subject) |
[Nov. 13th, 2007|12:40 pm] |
So, apparently some think of me as "Harmless as a Kitten."
Well, I can assure you, Kitty has claws. I may not have the overwhelming physical presence some people have, but I do have the ability to argue with the best of them.
Especially when I believe in what I am arguing. In this case, I have 100% confidence that this person is in the wrong, in both thought, word, and deed.
If you think contrary to my arguing abilities, then please, by all means, try and argue with me.
Also, remember that threats of physical violence (breaking kneecaps, calling a 'hit' on someone, ect.) is a sign that you have lost the argument, and have to resort to primitive means to attempt to prove you are right (which, in the end, only go to show you are further in the wrong, that you cannot back up your claims with words).
Bring it on. |
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| (no subject) |
[Oct. 21st, 2007|07:26 am] |
(you don't want to know where I found that...or the context)
Has it really been 7 weeks since I last posted?
Wow.
Alright, let's see if I can break this down nicely.
===TABLE OF CONTENTS===
I. Classes
II. Tests/Graduate School
III. Girlfriend
IV. Friends
V. Games
VI. Hockey
VII. Other assorted goods
=====================
I. Classes
Right now, it is a tossup between classes. No early alerts, which is a very good thing. However, they do keep me a bit busy. I have papers in both Philosophy of Religion and Ancient Philosophy, which are a bit difficult, since the philosophers I have to read are...well...impossible. Tough to understand what they are saying. Politics is a load of fun, I am learning a lot about political campaigns, the offices, and things like that. Bryan for Congressman 2023? Latin...well...I am amazed I am leaning as much as I am as quickly as I am. I really do not have an ear for language (at least I don't think I do), but through constant studying, I am doing pretty good (my average is above a 90 ^_^).
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II. Tests and Grad School
I took my GRE the first weekend of October. Scores are as follows: Verbal: 520 (or was it 540...or in the higher 400? I forget >_>) Math: 640 (woo), and a 3.3 on the essays (-_-).
I plan on applying for the Masters program at 4 schools (in no particular order): SUNY Binghamton, Boston College, Fordham University, and UC Berkeley (sorry dad, they have a great program there).
Of course, this process starts after I talk to my adviser. I should do that soon, ne?
------------------------------------
III. Girlfriend
Beth is well. Beth and I are well. We are very happy together ^_^ There is nothing better than just curling up and reading together (though we don't do that too often...we are both rather busy), or curling up and watching the Rangers together. She is a hockey fan ^_^
I like knowing that I bring a smile to her face every day. It makes me feel good, and I can assure her, that she brings a smile to my face each day as well <3
Sadly, not everyone is happy that her and I are happy, and there is at least 1 person who is actively trying to split us apart. But, despite any efforts he tries to throw at us, he will not succeed. I can promise that. I find it rather appalling that a person would act in this manner, going so far as to say that my friends would 'side' with him (which, I would like to point out, there are no sides. Jealousy is not a side).
I loves my bethiechu <3<3
-----------------------------------
IV. Friends
I don't see them enough. The only people I interact with on a day to day basis are Beth, Ryan, Scott, and AJ (when she is not overwhelmed with work from her blocks). I miss having a lot of friends =\
Though there is no one really to blame. People drift apart, but while we are not as close friends as we used to be, friends we still remain, which is a good thing.
Which reminds me, I havn't spoken to Devan in a week or two...better fix that.
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V. Games
Get the Orange Box. Aquire Portal. I don't care how you do it, but play Portal. Ridiculously fun.
...but I miss my Weighted Companion Cube ;_;
Also, since i'm such a geek, I changed all of my computer sounds to ones from the game. Nothing is cuter than shutting my computer off, and hearing the turret voice say "Shutting Down"
:3
-----------------------------------
VI. Hockey
$^#?%^#%^#$%^# Rangers. Get your damned chemistry going. We should be ripping through teams such as the Thrashers WTF. Sather better not have signed Gomez and Drury for nothing. The King is the one keeping hte games relatively close!
>:|
Still a fan though.
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VII. Other assorted goods
I messed up my sleeping schedule somethin' fierce. Probably something to do with the crappy change of weather we have been having. How the hell is my body supposed to respond when it is in the 40's one day, and 70 the next? Make up your mind, nature. Also, FYI, it is OCTOBER. Not just October, but on the LATTER end of it. Cooler temperatures pls. Tree color change pls. And where is the rain? It doesn't feel like Potsdam without a rainy October.
I applied for a job at the Verizon place (Wireless World) in town. Let's hope they hire me...because I need money BADLY!
Obligatory LOL to the Brentwood Board of Education here.
My right knee hurts. I should move around more.
...anyone want to donate cans or bottles to me? I'm very very poor.
So poor I can't post anymore.
They charge my by the word (not really)
See ya in 7 weeks? |
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| (no subject) |
[Aug. 30th, 2007|04:07 pm] |
This semester is shaping up to be PHENOMENAL.
Classes will be challenging, which is good. I may fall behind a bit in my Philosophies (they seem tough), but they are interesting.
Latin will be my favorite class though, and not just because of my classmate ^_^
The townhouse is going well, I think it might be easier than the 5-man last year.
Beth and I are doing VERY well =D (Psyyaiyai >_>), and everything is going wonderful in general.
^_^ |
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| (no subject) |
[Aug. 13th, 2007|02:52 pm] |
I went to the Renaissance Fair yesterday with my parents.
Prince Raldrami, except in Blue? >_>
I also got pressed by one of the Sheriff of Nottingham's men. Before Trial and Punishment, we were sitting on a bench, when he approached me, patted me down, and proceeded to make me dance to prove I was sober.
While patting me down, he even checked my hair =P |
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| (no subject) |
[Aug. 10th, 2007|03:26 pm] |
Azuris had a GREAT idea.
Adult-sized ball pits. Like those at McDonalds...tubes, rope ladders, slides, ball pit, the whole shebang.
Maybe even an inflatable part for bouncy goodness.
Someone needs to totally do this. I am all for helping. Anyone interested in donating to the cause, or helping build such a masterpiece? |
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| (no subject) |
[Aug. 1st, 2007|04:57 pm] |
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I just made some very yummy Baked Potato Soup. |
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| (no subject) |
[Jul. 17th, 2007|12:35 pm] |
Whoever it was that figured "Hey, $140 for a student to take a test is a rather reasonable sum" needs to be drawn and quartered.
Of course, that is $140, not counting the price of gas, and the fact that Watertown is about an hour+ away.
I better be making upwards of 100k/year when I become a professor. These costs to take tests are ridiculous.
Add to the fact that I am not taking any preparatory course for the GRE. I have a friend who is taking a course which costs $1000. Yes, a THOUSAND dollars.
All of this produces a financial barrier for Graduate School. If you want to do well on the GRE and get into a top notch Graduate school, you need to take the courses. Courses are expensive. By not taking the courses, the students who HAVE taken the courses already have an advantage of you.
My friends, this system is nothing more than discrimination. Financial Discrimination. By setting up these barriers for taking tests and preparatory courses which many schools REQUIRE, it prevents students who have already struggled through paying for undergraduate work from attempting to get into a graduate school. This bases nothing on merit, only on the pocketbook. Yay for Capitalism? The Rich get rich, and the poor stay poor.
At this point, I barely have enough money to fill my tank so I can get to work. Thankfully this week is when I get paid (at least I think it is). but this is ridiculous. Perhaps this is the only way that the American Elite can keep the 'unclean' out from their ranks. Preventing them from receiving an education, obtaining that paper which says they are qualified to X, and keeping them from the ranks already occupied by the snobbish elite.
Maybe that is not a fair assessment of the situation. But right now, when I look at my nearly empty bank account, and then look at my friend who's parents are paying for the GRE course AND test, it rather seems like reality.
Struggle on my friends. Struggle on. Maybe we will maintain our Middle Class lifestyle. Maybe. |
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prince_raldrami's journal