I do keep wanting to blog; I really do. I’m going to blame my apparent inability to do so on my workload. The revisions for my Star Trek article are due soon, and I’m teaching four classes this summer. Thus, all of the things I’m about to mention deserve a full column on their own, but you’ll just have to settle for a brief mention here.
First, I want to congratulate Du for totally scooping me on reviewing Weird Al’s new album. Not only she did get around to it first, but she did it so well that I only have two small things to add. First, some of the harmonies on the last song (“Stop Forwarding That Crap To Me”) are actually very Carpenters-esque. Second, that song’s not my new favorite, like Du’s. “Party in the CIA” is. “CNR” would be, but since I’ve had it for months, I’m not counting it as new. Du’s review is here: http://www.matchflick.com/column/2418
Zach Weiner, web comic extraordinaire, will be lecturing in my Graphic Novel class this week and then heading over Bizarro World at 5 on Wednesday the 6th to sign and sell his brand-new collection. (See some samples of his genius here: http://www.smbc-comics.com/). Pass it on.
I told my 301 class on the first day that they’d get in trouble if I caught them on the phone or the computer. In my jocular spirit, I said something like, “I know you’re going to want to post every little thing I say on Facebook, but just write it down and post it after.” One of my students has apparently been doing just that. My firing is thus probably imminent. I mean, I sound bad enough in context sometimes.
As I’m sure you all know, Alexander has graduated from high school. A few days later, he started his college career with a few classes at SCC Davis. I am immensely proud. On Father’s Day, many of my friends surprised me with a party. Rae put it all together, with help from other lovely people. She even managed to sneak a mention of me into the paper. It was overwhelming and unexpected. Like Alexander. But both turned out to be amazing.
The party was also very necessary after graduation week, which happened to coincide with the last week of the quarter (lots of grading), my mom’s first visit out here in a decade, two birthday celebrations, a goodbye party, and planning for summer classes that started the second mom left.
Speaking of goodbyes, Tiffany has gone to Chicago. Book group is sadder and smaller without her. Luckily, though, I’m now on her dissertation committee, so I can remain fundamental in a way that relates to books for a little while longer.
I spent two glorious weekends at the French Film Festival this month; it gets better every year. Of course, part of the joy of the festival is being able to see Matt, Jo, and Melissa. This weekend, I got to meet one of their friends, author Jeff Gephart. All of M, J, and M’s friends are cool (which is why I consider it a compliment to be counted among them), but Jeff is extra cool because he’s my birthday twin and because he’s read my book.
I’m afraid that this may be one of the last posts at this domain name. Several months ago, I lost the ability to upload pictures to go along with my blogs. I’m unable to update the site tools (every installation fails), and sometimes the little tools like links and the ability to bold stop working as well. Any suggestions about where I could move to would be appreciated.
