Live Blogging Midterm Grading
Some folks do it for the debates. I’m doing it for my midterm grading extravaganza. Basically just to keep myself entertained.

7:35 – First thought: Holy Crap is a stack of 130 or so blue books a big stack. I predict the temptation to have more than the one beer I’ve had with dinner will be a strong one.

7:58 – Herbie Hancock’s Watermelon Man is currently the leading candidate for best grading song. Smooth enough to relax you, peppy enough to keep you grooving.

8:15 – Look. I used to be a lawyer. I spent more than enough time with people who say a lot without saying anything at all, so God bless the kids who just admit the don’t know the answer. I wish I could give them bonus points for not making me read some pile of foolishness.

8:17 – And God bless those with good handwriting. I can’t imagine how much more I’ll love them when I start grading the essay.

8:38 – two short questions down. 8 to go. Ugh. I gotta get faster than this.

9:12 – Three questions down. Take 5 makes a strong move into second place on best grading songs, but can’t overtake Watermelon Man. Coffee calling, but I will resist for one more question.

9:24 – We’ve just passed the Law Firm point – the time at which, were I billing at my approximate law firm rate, I’d have already earned all the money I’ll get for grading these papers.

9:25 – No, student X, the U.S. did not use napalm in the 1920s.

9:26 – Did we use napalm in the 1920s?

9:27 - No, says Google, thankfully confirming my belief since I'd already marked it in pen.

9:28 – Ah, the old gorilla war. Has anyone ever figured out how the rebels gets the gorillas to fight for them?

9:36 – Horace Silver’s Song for My Father takes second place on the Songs to Grade to top ten.

10:05 – 4 questions down. I call a hasty retreat to plan a sneak attack tomorrow. I fear a Gallipoli.

- posted by Tom Sawyer @ 10:06 PM