tests

I took two very different tests yesterday from my history professors, and I think I did ok. Multiple choice tests are supposed to be easier than long essay questions or other methods of testing, but some instructors like to entrap their students in a quagmire of guilt (for not studying) and indecision because all the answers look correct, or wrong all together.

First test was like this:

What happened when... ?

a. Correct answer
b. Even more correct answer
c. Almost correct answer
d. a and b
e. All of the above

Even if you think you know the right one to pick, there is always that lingering doubt in your mind that there was an even more correct answer, or that all of them fit the criteria. By the end of the test that "all of the above" answer begins to look like a cheat button.

The other test was like this:

Who was .... ?
a. Most Incorrect
b. Almost Incorrect
c. Very Incorrect
d. Possibly Incorrect
e. None of the above

This test makes you doubt every answer by the end of the test, even if you were confident on a particular question.

So both tests worked the opposite sides of my brain as I tried to deduce what each of my professors expected the answer to be. Even if I had a Magic 8-ball there to guide me, it wouldn't have been easier.

I hate tests like that, but I did ok.

follow up

As a follow up to my last blog:

Columbia University has invited Iranian President Ahmadinejad to speak at a Q&A session. This of course has some people calling for its cancellation.

White House deputy press secretary Tony Fratto said Friday that the Bush administration had no involvement with Columbia’s decision.
“This is a country where people can come and speak their minds,” he said, adding, “It would be wonderful if some of the countries that take advantage of that here allowed it for their own citizens there.”

When they aren't being tazered and pulled kicking and screaming from their places of learning. I don't think there's much difference between us and them.

tazer

I was going to blog about First Amendment rights after hearing about the student who was taken down by campus police in Florida. I couldn't believe the audacity of six police officers tazering a kid for just trying to ask a question (no matter how obnoxious he is). They cut his mic and dragged him out of the auditorium kicking and screaming.

Then I remembered that I like watching people being tazered. Oh well.

recipe thief

Milk Chocolate Cake

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup water
1 (11.5-ounce) package Milk Chocolate morsels
1 cup chopped nuts (probably walnuts)

Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in flour mixture alternately with water. Stir in 1 cup morsels and nuts. Pour into greased 9-inch-square baking pan.
Bake in preheated 350° F oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately sprinkle remaining morsels over warm cake; let stand for 5 minutes or until morsels are shiny and soft. Spread evenly over cake. Cool completely.
Makes 9 servings.

go

Some things that must go:

1. People that talk too loud on their cellphones.
2. Meteorologists.
3. Black and Pink emo clothes.



discuss.