Obsessed?

What a week.  Happy Wednesday!

First: heard a few things on NPR today that I really appreciated.

One economic feature from ATC... hmm, can't remember that one right now. 

The second, in News & Notes, an interview of Columbia University Sociology professor and author of "Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets", Sudhir Venkatesh. Find it here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=67830288

I will definitely play this for my sociology class on Friday, in association with a reading on field research in sociology.

My free will horoscope for the week warns me to be aware that people are changing around me, and I shouldn't necessarily expect them to be the same person I remember them to be.  WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

Also listening to scientists tickle rats and chimpanzees on RadioLAb from WNYC (episode: Laughter).

I'm trying desperately to catch up on my grading.  I feel as though I am walking very slowly up a long, steep incline that slides and crumbles away under each step.  Whew!  At least I'm no longer sick.

Two VERY encouraging conversations today: one, with the new teacher, regarding the importance of teaching, and of trust in the classroom; the other, with a former student who is considering a career in education.  I feel very motivated to spread the joy of teaching, even as I attempt to stay afloat amidst the grading deluge (which I acknowledge having brought upon myself).

Laugh a little, even if you have to imagine a really silly moment to do so.  And get some sleep! I'm standing on the soapbox, now: SLEEP IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER, so says many medical studies.