Waiting For Access

It is somewhat early, and no faculty has arrived at school yet. I'm sitting in the waiting room waiting for the doors to be unlocked so that I can begin my day.

The door pictured is the main door to our "school," a term that I now use loosely.

I hope today flows smoothly. Although, I hope I do have a confrontation with Freckalicious. I will try to get a picture of her (and a story) for future postings.

Student Lounge

At clinicals, in my down-time, I have become obsessed with our newly appointed student lounge. At first, it was a junk reservoir, but with some searching, some previously abandoned items have found a new home.

I like studying in here in the mornings before class. It's quiet, and no one bothers me. The majority of the class, which now consists of 25 students, thinks that it is out of the way. I'm glad they do because it provides me with more privacy.

I have a quiz today, which I believe will be incredibly simple. I hope I feel the same way about the test on Wednesday. This is a new class. We hope that it is not set up completely different.

If I have any readers left, I hope everyone is doing well. I may not post regularly, but I will try to put something up here and there to show I'm still alive.

School Pictures

Here's some pictures of the folks I see 5+ days a week. I got these pictures from a lady who walked around the first 2 weeks of school constantly snapping photos. I need to get some pictures of the people I make fun of...they are very interesting.

Look Into My Eye

Look at this swollen eyelid! I had some mild edema and tenderness, but this is what I saw in the mirror first thing this morning. It hurts a little more now. When I bend over to grab something, I feel that nice throbbing sensation in that area. Gosh...gotta love the body's inflammatory response.

The Daily Rain

It was raining pretty bad the other day. I was trying to get the picture of the water gushing up through the manhole. It almost looked like a hurricane passed through, but it was just a thunderstorm. My pictures would come out better if I actually stepped out of the car to snap shots.

Speaking of shots, I administered my first injections to patients on Sunday. Oh, I would liketo add that they were safe and successful.

Clinicals

Tomorrow is my first day of clinicals. Keep me, and my patients, in your thoughts and prayers!

Took A Breather

Saturday, I went out with some friends from school. We were celebrating Daniel's birthday. We went to a bar called Masquerades, which was inside Harrah's Casino.

I was impressed. The ceiling resembled a planetarium. There were stars, clouds, all in motion. The bar was circular. The giant blue thing was in the center of the bar, and it went all the way up to the ceiling. They also had an ice bar, which I had never heard of before. There was a frozen strip that traveled the entire length of the bar, where you could rest your beverage, to keep it ice cold.

It was a mixed crowd, and since it was in a casino, there was no one under 21 allowed, which was nice. The place was packed. I am pretty sure that it was from all the folks who attended the LSU/Tulane game.

I would definitely go back.

GSU president orders 'hanging photo' off Web

A recent incident at the elementary school on the Grambling State University campus that resulted in a noose hanging around a small child's neck has left university officials scrambling for answers.

Grambling State University President Horace Judson was driving to Dallas on Friday afternoon for the Saturday football game between GSU and Prairie View when his secretary called him, describing certain pictures that had been posted online by the student newspaper, The Gramblinite.

Among the photos immediately ordered taken down by Judson was one of a young girl in a school uniform, a noose around her neck, being hoisted by a woman who may have been a family member.

In the photo, the girl, a student at Alma J. Brown Elementary School at Grambling, appears confused and frightened. GSU oversees the school. The child apparently was taking part in a school lesson related to events surrounding the Jena Six, criminal defendants in that Louisiana town who stand accused of beating a fellow student into unconsciousness. Their arrests on adult charges have spawned organized protests by black leaders and national attention.

"At this point I'm starting a full investigation into what happened," Judson said in a phone interview from his car while en route to Dallas. "I will meet with all the people involved at 8 o'clock Monday morning."

The Gramblinite staff leaders could not be reached for comment on the incident.

According to an article in the newspaper written by Justin LaGrande, posted on the student newspaper Web site some time this week, and sent to The News-Star by Ruston Daily Leader publisher Rick Hohlt, "kindergarten and first-grade students at Alma J. Brown Elementary will always remember the day they marched for equality. The children marched in protest of the imprisonment of Mychal Bell, and the seemingly racial bias shown toward blacks in a small Louisiana town."

LaGrande wrote that while the students "marched," they actually only circled their playground with their teachers during the event.

"Before marching, the students were taught about racism," LeGrande wrote. "They also learned about the events surrounding the 'Jena Six' and their arrest."

According to the article, teachers "had a replica noose and explained why it is such a symbol of racism. They also allowed the children to carry chains and shackles."

The Gramblinite's Web site Friday included a comment from a woman who identified herself as Irene Booker. She said in her posted comment, "Yes, it was a rope around the little girl's neck. It was a (safe) demonstration as to what the rope symbolized to blacks. This was my granddaughter and she along with so many of the other students did not understand the intimidation of the noose. I held her in my arms and she knows that I would not harm her or put her life in danger. In order to understand racism one must experience it to make the connection."

Judson said Sean Warner, dean of the College of Education, has spoken with the principal of the elementary school about the incident.

"This is very serious. I will say that," Judson said. "I'll have a face-to-face meeting with everyone involved. We're going to find out what the facts are. At this point I don't know if my students were involved.

"These are minors at our school and this is a student paper that still must practice complete accountability," he said.

Given the nature of the situation, Judson said, "it was certainly my judgment to take those pictures down."

By Chris Day
cday@thenewsstar.com

Early, but not so Bright

I arrived at school a little early today. I study best in the mornings. Here is a view down Canal Street prior to sunrise. I enjoy views of the city. Well, I should rephrase that. I enjoy views of New Orleans.

Now I'm just sitting in the lobby anxiously awaiting for the cafeteria to open. It can't come soon enough for my stomach.

Quotes to Remember Edwin Edwards

"I did not do anything wrong as a governor, even if you accept the verdict as it is, it doesn't indicate that."

• On his indictment and verdict for racketeering
  

"I never speak ill of dead people or live judges."

• When asked for a statement while on trial for corruption

"I will be a model prisoner, as I have been a model citizen."

• On his way to prison in 2001

"The only way I can lose is if I'm caught in bed with either a dead girl or a live boy. "

• on his 1983 Gubernatorial election against incumbent David C. Treen
  

"My opponent and I have one thing in common we are both rumored to be Wizards under the sheets."

• On the Governor's Race: Edwards vs. Duke, in 1991
  

"If we don't get Dave Treen out of office, there won't be anything left to steal."

• on his 1983 Gubernatorial election against incumbent David C. Treen
  

Reporter: "What will it take to beat Duke decisively?"
Edwards: "For me to stay alive."

• During run-off election against David Duke
  

"Let the bastards freeze in the dark."

• Referring to Senator Edward Kennedy and Kennedy's political allies and constituents when they had Louisiana natural gas forcibly shipped out of state at artificially low prices during the energy crisis - causing shortages and price hikes of natural gas in Louisiana and an unprecedentedly cold winter for residents of the state.

“He’s so slow that he takes an hour and a half to watch 60 Minutes.”

• Edwin Edwards describing his opponent, Dave Treen in the 1984 Governor’s race.

The Sign

As a kid, ok up until two months ago, seeing the Superdome was an exciting event. The Superdome was the first sign that you were in New Orleans. Although, now traveling down I-10, there is a different sign to mark arrival in the city, which would be the water lines.

Nowadays, I see the Superdome on a daily basis. It's not such a big deal anymore. Every now and then, I sit back in amazement that I'm driving in New Orleans without white knuckles. The once foreign is slowly becoming more familiar. I'm just the same ole' country boy trying to make my way.

Perhaps a Plant

Today I called the property office for the fifth time to tell them that I have a problem with inner-apartment precipitation. Now, I'm just annoyed. In six weeks, they apparently cannot even begin to solve a problem. It rains just about everyday in New Orleans. I have to put a towel out daily to catch the rain. The rainfall today lasted a few minutes longer than the regular afternoon showers. I had to break out the big guns, the bucket and the skillet.

Now, I thought about just letting it rain. I mean, they are the ones that will have to fix the mess. However, I'm the one that's going to have to live with the black mold for months before it is fixed. It's bad enough that a cat lived in this apartment before me, and the carpet was never changed. In one spot, where the carpet meets the baseboards, the carpet was a little hard a clumpy. Yeah, that's right...it's left over cat feces from the old litter box.

Do I live in the ghetto? I thought I paid a decent amount of money for things to not be so deplorable. I may as well live on the Westbank.

I guess I should just make the best of the situation. I'll put a plant here. That way, the plant can grow and flourish with the natural rain sprinkling system that came along as a special amenity, courtesy of the Creeks.

Studying

I have been studying all day. Here is a look at some of the things that I have been doing. I like to catagorize things. It makes more sense to me that way. It would be nice if the information on my test were as basic as what is written on this board.

The View

When we are on short breaks from class, we go out into the hall for coffee and socializing. Here is the view I look into everyday. There is always something going on outside. We usually entertain ourselves with the cars parked on the top floor of the parking tower across the street. There is always one and only one. Interesting, huh? We're taking notes. Now this is only a hunch, but we think it is a drug deal. Don't worry, we're on it.

Early For Class

I'm early for school today. Actually, I'm early everyday. Today, I just don't have anything that I MUST do. When I get to school, I usually sit here, in the lobby of the hospital. I don't like to go to the class, sit on the hard chairs, and listen to the women cackle. I like to sit here on a padded seat. Those chairs in the classroom take a toll on a brutha after 6 hours.

Zen Wisdom

1. Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead.
Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow.
Do not walk beside me either.
Just pretty much leave me the hell alone.


2. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a broken fan belt
and a leaky tire.


3. Do not strive to be irreplaceable.
If you can't be replaced, you can't be promoted.


4. Remember always that you are unique.
Just like everyone else.


5. Never test the depth of the water with both feet.


6. Before you criticize others, walk a mile in their shoes.
That way, when you criticize them, you're a mile away and you have
their
shoes.


7. If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.


8. Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day.
Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all
day.


9. If you lend another $20.00 and never see that person again,
it was probably worth it.


10. If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.


12. A closed mouth gathers no foot.


13. Duct tape resembles 'The Force.' It has a light side and a dark
side, and it holds the universe together.


14. Two theories exist about how to argue with a woman.
Neither one works.

16. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.


17. Never miss a good chance to shut up.


18. Never, under any circumstances, take a sleeping pill and a
laxative on the same night.

Get out of my way

No matter what time I try to go, Wal-Mart is absolutely ridiculous. It's constantly crowded the way that it would be the day after Thanksgiving. I guess I just need to get used to living in a new area. This is supposed to be the largest Wal-Mart store in the United States, but I think it could be a little bit bigger.

The lines are NUTS, and there is NO self-checkout. I waited 30 minutes just to get some meat sliced in the deli. I need to do more online shopping.

Orientation

I had orientation today at the hospital that I will be working for after I graduate. I learned many new things about the program, but they are all good. Whew!

School starts on Tuesday. I'm nervous. We are going to be in class from 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday. It's going to be tough as nails, but I'm determined.

We were advised far ahead of time that we would not have time for much of anything besides school, especially for the first 3-4 months. If I become MIA, that's why.

Wish me luck!

I MOVED!

Well, I have been talking about it for some time now, but I have finally moved out of my parents' house. Let's face the facts, a three hour commute, in one direction, was never going to work for me, and commuting was not an option.

I found a one bedroom apartment in New Orleans, with help from one of my friends. I really like the complex, and the apartment is a pretty good size. Another great thing is that the friend that helped me find the place lives right across the street from me.

I need all the help I can get. I do not know how to navigate through the city. I know some things about New Orleans, but I do not know how to connect area to area. It is going to be a learning process for me. School does not start begin until August 14th, so I have time to become familiar with my surroundings.

Aurevoir Fezzo's

Well, today was my last day at Fezzo's. I have quit many jobs, and I just added this one to the list. My program at school does not allow me to hold down a job, and I do not plan on living in New Orleans and working in Lafayette. That just will not work. I will miss my co-workers at the restaurant. Of course, I'm pretty happy that I will never see some again.

Today I worked at a catering event. It was easy, but it was outdoors. It was SO HOT. It especially sucked to wear black in the South Louisiana heat.

I have not quit working at the hospital. The hospital that I will be working at when I graduate is part of the same company, and they are going to allow me to transfer. That way, I will have several years of continuous service.

I am thrilled that things are finally going my way.