"New" Immigration

For the past few weeks in class, we've been discussing the Gilded Age in American History. A huge part of the Gilded Age was the fact that millions upon millions of folks left their homes and migrated the United States in hopes of finding a better life here.

I'm always on the lookout for new tidbits of interesting information but I never thought I would glean something from Food Wars on The Travel Channel. In the best pastrami sandwich feud, they went to New York City, where David Sax, author of Save the Delicatessens, went over the history of Jewish-influenced food like pastrami. During the Gilded Age alone, somewhere around 2.5 million European Jews came to New York City and because of the prejudices against them, they all settled in their safe enclaves in NYC. This was where they established their delis, firmly entrenching their wonderful food into the American stomachs. What I found most interesting about this was the fact that during this time period (the 1890's), the Jewish section of NYC was the most populous area in the entire world!

Wow! That's a lot of deli sandwiches! A Reuben would be REALLY good right now... remind me not to watch Food Wars when I'm hungry...

Attn: Monday Night Class- Test #1 Curve

Happy Tuesday morning Monday night folks. Hope you all survived the first test and the Wild West shootout that followed. I think Becca walked out of class with a whole list of one-liners she's going to be using from now on :)

Speaking of Becca, I'm excited to say that there were 3- count 'em 3!!!- perfect scores on the test. I'm doing the teacher happy dance right about now. Let's all take a moment to brag on Becca B., Treasure C. and Gina F. Great job!

And even though we have 3 examples of perfection, there is a curve. In this case it is a 1 point curve. Be sure to thank Jacob D. and Janelle P. for your extra point.

As far as the bonus, thanks to all of you who donated. Just about everybody in class gave and we took in a total of $195.10 (Carter, where did the dime come from?) I know that Zipperhead Productions will be so happy to receive the donation. All of you who donated went all in for the full $5/5 point deal. Thanks to the 3 of you who donated above and beyond. Even though it doesn't get you any extra in terms of points, it is greatly appreciated.

For those of you who missed the test, you can still make the donation but last night was the last chance for the extra points. Also, if you missed the test and have a legitimate reason, you need to make connections with me to set up a make-up exam.

Attn: Columbia Class- Test #1 Curve

OK so those of you who are new to my classes can take a deep breath and give a sigh of relief. You made it through the first test. And nobody ran out the door screaming and pulling out huge tufts of hair. (That's never actually happened but in the back of my mind I'm always just waiting for it).

The class average on test #1 was a very respectable 84. Good job folks.

The curve was 1 point, thanks to Helenka K. (Kudos to Helenka!)

I'll give the sheets back to you guys tomorrow. If you didn't make as high as you had hoped, don't despair. It's the first test and there will be plenty more chances to move up the grade ladder. But now you know what to expect.

Muse @ the Grammys

I'm just not really a big fan of awards shows (sorry Rainy- I know you go all out for the Oscars!) but I have to admit that I was looking forward to last night's Grammy Awards. I was excited and surprised when I heard that my favorite band, Muse, would be performing and had also been nominated for 3 awards. The awards thing didn't go completely in their favor- they came away with the trophy for Best Rock Album for The Resistance- but it was great to see that they are starting to get the recognition that they deserve on this side of the Pond.

I'm a little biased but I have to say that their performance of "Uprising" was the best performance of the show. The Bugs and I went to see them live 3 times last year and seeing them on TV gives you that same little shiver that you get when they start the song in the stadium. And Matt's hair...fluffier AND pointier than usual! Two thumbs up!

For those of you scratching your head and going "Muse? What's a Muse?" don't make me smack you! Head right on out to the closest music store and pick up all 5 of their albums. Start saving your money for the next round of US concerts. Believe me, it will so be worth it. Definitely the best band of the new milennium, hands down!

Happy Valentine's Day (redux)

***For those of you who are reading this and having deja vu, yes it is an old post. But for my bestie Dawn and all her crazy L'burg folks, I'm bringing back the history of V Day. Hope you guys enjoy!***

Smooches and roses, chocolates and cards, here we go once again celebrating the day dedicated to love. Every year, the florists, candy and card companies make a killing off of couples celebrating St. Valentine's Day. But who was Valentine and why is his day associated with love?

In the year 496 A.D., Pope Gelasius I dedicated February 14 as the day to honor several Christian martyrs named Valentine. They were canonized as St. Valentine by the Catholic Church and Valentine's Day was a day to celebrate the love they had for their faith.

It's not until the 14th century that there was a shift in what kind of love was being celebrated on Valentine's Day. This was a time of courtly love, knights and their ladies fair. King Richard II of England wrote a poem to his then-fiance Anne of Bohemia describing how Valentine's Day was a celebration of their love for each other. Geoffrey Chaucer, author of The Canterbury Tales, described two love birds who nuzzled with each other on V-Day (he really was talking about birds, not peeking in somebody's bedroom window).

Exchanging cards on Valentine's Day became popular in Britain and America in the late 18th century. During Victorian times, these cards became quite racy- which is ironic because the Victorian times were known for being very prudish. By the 20th century, the custom once again shifted a bit. Typically, men were supposed to present their lady loves with the traditional card plus other gifts like roses, chocolates and jewelry. In the 1980's, diamond brokers started promoting the diamond ring as the perfect V-Day present. Needless to say, lots of marriage proposals came on Valentine's Day.

Since I don't have a significant other to celebrate the day with, I'll just consider you all my valentines. The card at the top is for you. Have a happy one!

President's List and Dean's List

I just saw the newly released President's List and Dean's List awardees on the Columbia State website and I was so excited to see a lot of names that I recognize...

2 of my former/current students made the President's List while somewhere around 30 made the Dean's List. Major kudos to you guys! I'm really proud of you. You all put a lot of effort into your studies last semester and now you can pat yourselves on the back. You deserve it!

Super Hero Mania

I usually get all into the Super Bowl, mainly for the commercials rather than the actual football. Sadly, this year, I was bogged down in writing lectures, grading tests, all the detritus that comes with being a teacher and I completely missed it. Thank goodness for IMDB because I got up this morning, all bleary eyed after last night's class, and blinked my way through the commercials and movie previews. Little Vader was the coolest thing, wasn't it! (Usually it's the Bud Light commercials that make me roll in the floor but VW topped everybody this year).

But if I have learned nothing else from the highly overpriced ads, 2011 is going to be the Year of the Superhero. Geek that I am, I am so completely alright with that!

First and foremost, I know the info is about a week old but 4 little words- HENRY CAVILL IS SUPERMAN!!! Hence the pic above. Holy moly, I'm still fanning myself. If you don't know who this god among men is, check out The Tudors. He plays King Henry VIII's brother-in-law and bestest bud Charles Brandon (and you get to see his bare booty in the first episode. Num yummy). I've always been a Batman kind of girl but I might be having to migrate over to Metropolis!

There were also all sorts of plugs for X-Men First Class, Thor and Captain America. Do you know how bad this sucks? This summer I'm going to be movie watching rich but money poor! Still, I can't wait. I hope all these live up to the hype. I've enjoyed the comics and cartoons over the years so it will be great to have live action versions.

And even though he might not be a real superhero- unless you count making my heart go pitter patter- Johnny the Great made a guest appearance in the ads. Prequels usually suck but the new Pirates movie looks like it might break the mold. Who am I kidding, Johnny's in it; I'd be watching it even if it was 2 1/2 hours of him trying to fix that nappy hair!

I'm going to be living at the movie theater this year. Think we can move classes to the lobby? It would make life so much more convenient for me.

Attn: Monday Night Class

Since we had so many folks AWOL last night because of the weather or other commitments or other various and sundry reasons, I thought I would run over the highlights for everyone.

Next Monday, test #1. Be ready. Study, study, study!!! It will be over lectures 1-4 and the included textbook readings. Don't forget to bring a pencil- you'll need one since it's a Scantron test. We'll be having a study session in the classroom at 5:00 for those of you who want to get in a little last minute Q&A. And as always, email me if you have any questions while you are studying.

After the test, we'll be watching the quintessential 80's classic Young Guns. Who better to tell us all about the wild, wild, West than Jack Bauer and Uncle Charlie? If you have already started researching for your review and are wondering what I'm looking for in terms of writing style, etc., check out the older post section here on the blog. I have 2 old reviews posted you can use a guideline. Both of them were A+++ level work so they are worth a look.

And if you are interested in the bonus points, don't forget to turn in your money for Zipperhead Productions. Monday night is the last time I'm taking it and this will be your only chance for a bonus on test #1. It needs to be in an envelope with your name and the amount ($1-5) on the outside.

Attn: Friday Franklin Students- The Curve

What is wrong with you guys?!?!

Don't you know that college students are supposed to be SLACKERS?!?

Seriously, though, I can't tell you how proud I am of you guys. With a 92 class average on test #1 (and that's before the curve and bonus points), you guys rock. I'm wondering if I need to make harder tests for you next time, to test that magnificent brain power.

To make it even more impressive, there were two perfect scores. Major kudos to Sabina Y. and Taylor H. Pat yourselves on the back. You deserve it!

For all you newbies, even if somebody makes a 100, there is always a curve. I go to the next highest score for it. In this case- drum roll please- the curve is 2 points. Everybody thank Dallas P., James H. and Deirtra H. for your extra 2.

Great job!!!! I expect nothing less on test #2.

P.S. If you are worried about how to word your movie reviews, check out some of the older posts here on the blog. I have 2 old reviews posted from the last couple of semesters. Both of them were A++'s so read over them to get an idea of where to go from here.