Things I do when I should be doing something else

Technology in the Classroom

2010-03-10T07:26:00.000-08:00

I find recorded media of all kinds revolutionary and essential. All the worlds knowledge will soon be digitized and freely available and I would like to be a part of it. Youtube and Carrollslab.blogspot.com offer my students demonstrated biochemistry lab and lecture videos that help many (on and off campus) understand procedures, theory and results. I create my lectures outside the classroom discussion addressing salient points for their study...very inexpensively and of course for free. A little extra work but I love it. As educators we shouldn't fear our failures. Educators of all people should be receptive to learning from mistakes and improving...isn't this what we teach our students?

Who Dat...get crunk'd Saint!!

2010-02-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

The Storm is Heading South!! I like this!!

2010-02-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

FRANKENSTEIN: An Exhibition by National Library of Medicine

2009-11-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

If you didn't noticed the Frankenstein exhibit in the NCF it is now in the library on the 4th floor. Join me in a panel discussion of "Penetrating the Secrets of Nature" Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 4 pm in the NCF Room 105.

The Panel will be composed of Dr. Christina Colp-Hansberry, Department of Communications: Dr. Charles Gramlich, Psychology Department, Dr. Leslie Richardson, Department of English, Father Phillip Linden Jr., Department of Theology and Dr. Marion Carroll, Chemistry Department.

Come see your colleague...Ayanna Jackson, 2005 XU Grad

2009-11-09T18:56:00.000-08:00

Hi folks,

This weeks chemistry seminar speaker is a Xavier alumna, Ayanna Jackson. Ayanna is currently finishing up her PhD in analytical chemistry at Purdue. Her topic is "Analysis of Drugs of Abuse in Biofluids by
Low Temperature Plasma (LTP) Ionization Mass Spectrometry". Please come to the seminar and encourage your friend who may know her to come as well.

Dr. Joe Francisco..the New President!

2009-10-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

I was honored to have Dr. Joseph Francisco in my office to talk about the journey in chemistry that has brought him to this point. The Department of Chemisty here at Xavier invited him to come talk about his research and to encourage our students in their endeavors. Dr. Fransciso has had quite a journey bringing him to President Elect of the American Chemical Society. Listen in on our conversation.

Just want to touch the perfection!

2009-07-25T10:09:00.001-07:00

Sending from my E71x

Playing catch! She's pretty good.

2009-06-13T19:11:00.001-07:00

Sent from my Nokia.

2009-06-13T18:17:00.001-07:00

Trying to send a MMS message. Not working.

Rest in Peace Uncle!

2009-06-11T23:12:00.000-07:00

It's a shame and a blessing. Death brings friends and families together more quickly than promotions, baby showers or even weddings. The blessings lies ultimately in being able to come together "in spite of" and cheer each other. Death lowers the guard, softens the shock of seeing one another after years, sometimes decades of absence. Even decades later, in only a few minutes it seems like only yesterday we were chasing each other around the yard. We'll miss you Uncle Robert! Let's try harder not to miss one another for very long! MC

One more time...Congratulations!!

2009-05-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

Another beaming class of Xavier graduates fill the Lakefront arena in New Orleans May 9th. The address delivered by Donna Brazil to the graduates was meant to inspire with words and compelled by examples of her experience and history as a activist, organizer and motivator to city officials, CEOs and presidents. I as well as the wide eyed graduates were encouraged to do the best as what they love doing and never turn away a challenge.

My hope is that all the graduates can steal smiles like these throughout their life's journey!

My Coach...Chess Champion

2009-03-26T08:32:00.000-07:00

To pay tribute to a new acquaintance of mine I've posted the announcement below. Mr. Rene Phillips has demonstrated to me strength not only in his game play but in his character and view on life in general. I am honored to have him training and preparing my daughter to become one of the few Black female chess champions in this region and I dare say in this country. His dedication and discipline is priceless.

Click the title and listen in on some compelling blow by blow chess play. Start with "Old School vs Neo". You'll be hooked!

Saturday, March 14, 2009

The 2009 Louisiana G/30 Championship was held on Saturday, March 14 at the Baton Rouge Bridge Center. 34 players attended to make this the largest G/30 event in recent history.

Rene Phillips sweeped with a perfect 5/5 score and an incredible 2518 performance rating to become the new Louisiana G/30 Champion. In the final round, Phillips unsheathed his feared London Attack with the white pieces and defeated Adam Caveney to clinch the victory. Phillips is a noted player and chess coach in the New Orleans area; his website, The Chess Gym, provides training and lessons for players of all strengths.

Tied for 2nd place were Alex Steger, Keenan Olson, and newcomer Derek Planchet. Planchet, previously rated 1059, showed an astounding performance rating of 1992.

Other prize recipients:

2nd Place: Alex Steger (tied for 2nd overall)
U2000: Keenan Olson (tied for 2nd overall)
U1800: Derek Planchet (tied for 2nd overall)
U1600: Joshua Larcena
U1400: Jordan Pujol
U1200: Matthew Ussery

Hijab, a tenet of personal modesty for us all.

2009-03-20T19:54:00.000-07:00

Having the privilege to talk to people of diverse cultures is not something I can manage on a regularly basis. Although blogs and podcasts are a well establish medium for the exchange of ideas and opinions, it is still somewhat intimidating for candidates to interview spontaneously and openly. Today, however, I was graced with the privileged of a conversation with several young women of Arab descent who agreed to talk with me about their experience at Xavier, their culture and that all too familiar head-wrap called a hijab seen among some Muslim women on campus. It was an informative and inspiring conversation so start the player below and give a listen. Thank you ladies for your trust!

Its Girl Scout Cookie Time!!!!

2009-03-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

Yes, its Girl Scout cookie time!! If you've placed your order you can come by my office and pick them up...cash and carry! If you missed placing your order there is still hope for you. You can call the cookie hotline and order them directly at 504-733-8220.

How many chimps do you know are associated with a stimulus bill?

2009-02-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

Here we go!! Crap like depicting President Obama as a chimp is gonna start and racists are gonna fain ignorance of its reference and call all so called liberals and Black activists "thin skinned".

"...but we compared Bush to a chimp...what's the difference?"

Fools! check your history, then sit back and watch it repeated. Detroit and LA will burn again!

Congratulation New York Post for being one of the first to cast the racist stone at the first Black head of the free world! Now that the gloves are off and everyone's attention has been captured here comes the greedy hoard like myself running to capture some of the spotlight.

President Obama is a man who has experienced his share of disrespect and intimidation so it is not him that we should worry about. It is the out of work single moms, laid off auto and baggage workers and those bankrupted small business owners who we should fear. These have rallied behind President Obama's election and may take "personally" the unwarranted attacks on the only man in Washington who appears to understand their plight and is willing to stick his neck out to help.

The New York Post and Wall Street eat at the same diners and drink at the same pubs. Let's remember when you stop feeding the big dogs they will get angry and try to bite you before becoming weak and submissive to their owners...that would be you, me and President Barack "chimp" Obama!

Picture of the Year 2008, President Obama and Francis

2008-12-31T13:25:00.000-08:00

Two Icons in an Iconic place! Need I say more.

Her first elegant evening of dinning and dancing.

2008-12-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

Yes, slightly off topic but I couldn't resist documenting what is often a life changing event in a young lady's life. With two of the finest esorts she will ever have we head off to the Black and Gold Ball at the Marriott Convention Center on December 7th, 2008. Couldn't get her to dance!

Stand Up America...a New Era in American Life is born!

2008-11-08T18:11:00.000-08:00

Good to see you again Dr. Oppenheim!

2008-11-02T07:37:00.000-08:00

Dr. Joel Oppenheim pays another visit to Xavier's Department of Biology and stop by to talk with me in Chemistry about his MD/Ph.D. program at NYU Medical School. Give a listen to Dr. Oppenheim and think about going to New York for a summer research program. Come by my office and get some information.

Surviving my iPhone "jones"!

2008-07-13T12:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, I made it through the iPhone 3G launch of a couple of days ago. The sexy device I have been coveting all year has lower the front end price and introduced the "App store" in iTunes while raising the back end price with the required $30 unlimited network plan. My Nokia N76 is fitting the bill for now. I've upgraded its OS, downloaded new apps and got the unlimited network plan from AT&T for $20 more a month. Here's a little video that eases my pain:

How to Get Broke by Buying an iPhone

BTW, I did buy an iPhone silicone case...just in case!

Fairwell to the Boss

2008-06-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

I have had the honor of working with two pillars of the Xavier community, Dr. Deidre Labat and Dr. Elizabeth Barron. Dr. Barron is retiring after 25 years at Xavier and having taken the reins as VP of Academic Affairs from Dr. Labat after the storm. I am personally grateful to both for working with me and establishing my presence at Xavier and particularly for Dr. Barron's opportunity to begin a research program from day one. Happy retirement...but don't throw out your XU ID too quickly! Your expertise will no doubt be call upon.

Marching Forward to Lead and Serve!

2008-05-11T13:32:00.000-07:00

Dr. Tavis Smiley was the honored speaker at the 2008 Xavier Commencement, and what a honored speaker he was. With inspiring words by Dr. Benjamin Mays, Dr. Martin Luther King, William Cowper and Isaac Watts and with a tribute to our President, Dr. Norman C. Francis, the longest sitting president of any college or university in this country at 40 years, Dr. Smiley "went to church" and raised us to our feet more than once as he encourage the graduates and all present to move forward in hope to save one another by service to one another. A fitting end for many who were still feeling the ravages of the storm of 2005. It was an honor and privilege as well for me to serve and experience the Xavier University Class of 2008.

McGill-Toolen High School Reunion!!...oh the memories...huh?

2008-04-17T19:23:00.000-07:00

So its that time. After the semester wraps up, grades delivered and caps and gowns put away and after a little respite and lab prep, I'm off to my 30th high school reunion. Yes 30 years! Some of those faces I haven't seen in 28 years and well, more than a few I probably won't recognize.

Why do we subject ourselves to this? Few were real friends then so are now even more distant. Much of the hatred and love has been forgotten...what am I saying...I'm a dude...the love rarely is forgotten.

They say some memories are best to remain memories (remember Walken's line in "Click"). Never-the-less, presumably we've aged and have learned to be civil either voluntarily or as a consequence of living over the last 30 years. Two days sober or drunk among strangers who are all linked to the past. This was Mobile Al in the 70's. I am now in the middle of a desegregation order in Jefferson Parish and its 2008! Imagine the climate in Mobile before 1978. We survived...to become what? We shall see.

Oh, me...I haven't changed much. A little less hair, a little less trusting but looking forward to reminiscing. I know the music will be great!

Join me in donations...then come walk with me!

2008-04-01T07:21:00.000-07:00

Saturday, 4/26/08, 9:00 AM, LaSalle Park, Airline Dr. at Zephyr Field, New Orleans

The March of Dimes has changed the name of its biggest event to March for Babies. It's a great change because it makes it very clear exactly who I am walking for -- all babies. I am very excited to be a part of the “first” March for Babies; please support my participation.

We Need Your Data!!

2008-03-31T07:48:00.001-07:00

Are you a graduating senior or a alumni from Chemistry at Xavier? Please fill in the online survey. (click the title to be redirected)