Ok, I think I've mentioned some of my pet peeves about school before but this one just kills me! My online class (big surprise that that's where the biggest problems are - always!!) is "taught" by a mostly-absentee professor who also happens to be a big jerk. His syllabus is full of comments like "it's frustrating when students don't keep pace" and the like. He in fact makes quite a point about how students who don't do their work just tick him off. 

For discussions he wants one type written page per original comment and 1/2 page per response and of course you must respond - with unique ideas and comments - to at least 2 people every week.  Little side note here, if you were in a classroom you would NEVER pose a comment or question that would equal a full page of text. But this is online and excuses the professor from having to be involved in any way whatsoever. But I digress...  It's not impossible but that's just one of his assignments that are more like busy work than anything. 

He does not have due dates on his syllabus just approximate dates. He doesn't even have places for us to turn in all of our work. I emailed him and asked him where we are to submit an assignment that was due (I think last week) - it took him 10 days to respond. Ten days! He finally replied that he would like it emailed to his personal email account. Um, isn't that a little weird? Yes. It is. 

Then he graded me down because my first discussion was not two pages long. (I don't like to have Bs so this is really bothersome to me.)  I emailed him and asked him to clarify because the syllabus states very clearly ONE page and that's what I submitted. I can do two pages but only if I know that's what's required. Perhaps I'll hear back by the end of February.

Discussion 3 is due and there's no where to post it. (The prof has to create a discussion board or assignment module to submit work.) How shall I do my work?  I just hate when teachers don't keep pace! It makes the whole process very frustrating. Oh wait! Isn't that what he hates about students?  I've learned over the years that when teachers go on and on about something they hate in their syllabus - they are very often the worst offenders on that exact issue. It makes me want to scream.

Bad Comparison

If I see Obama compared to Abraham Lincoln one more time I'm going to scream!! (So, get ready, I'm sure I'll be screaming very soon...) There's no reason on this green earth to compare the two! What exactly has Obama done yet besides make a series of really bad cabinet and secretary picks and name several czars to regulate things that, really, the government should not so much be involved in? (Are we Russia now by the way?) And, which oppressed people is the new King going to set free? The comparison makes me sick every time I see it. 

I would rather crawl into a hole on coronation day than have to see and hear all day how our savior is here at last. And I just hate to think where we might be in a year or four from now since everyone is so wrapped up in his majesty rather than thinking about actions and consequences. But hey, let's just take one thing at a time and let the man become our all before we worry about what it might mean.

Seriously though, he is NO Lincoln and will never be! So Cut. It. Out. 

The Question

The question that is currently driving me batty is "Would you like that in a bag?"  Oh. My. Gosh. YES. I would like a bag. Call me a planet killer but I am not going to carry my [x-many] oddly shaped items out in the snow in my arms. 

Oh, no thanks. I'll just shove some of this in my pockets, some in my purse and some in my arms. No problem.

Sometimes it's only one item and not such a big deal but seriously people if I have more than that, put it in a bag. I will fully admit that I am not on the green bandwagon. I believe in taking care of our planet because it was a gift from Heavenly Father, however, that does not mean we must throw common sense out the window. 

So, the next clerk that says "Would you like a bag with that?" beware - I've been shopping for days on end and I'm tired and really tired of that nonsensical question. 

OH, and just print a stupid gift receipt unless you are prepared to accept a return without it without arguing! If you make stupid rules then play fair. 

Excuse my little Christmas rant. I'm almost done shopping and I'm sure I'll happy up soon. :)