Monday, June 22, 2009

My spring 2009 finals week schedule   As of Monday, this is my final exam week schedule - subject to change as the week continues of course. Monday, June 22 9:30-10:20 Music 1A regular class meeting including re-take of quiz 10. 10:30-11:30 Music 1A regular class meeting including re-take of quiz 10. 11:30-12:30 Office hour (may be in A91 for part of the time) 12:30-2:10 Music 51 regular class meeting - including test #2. Tuesday, June 23 9:15-10:30 Final exam session for the 9:30 MTWTh Music 1A class. Session starts at 9:30, but you may arrive as late as 9:30. Tests will be collected at 10:30. Later I hope to provide a couple hours of open lab for electronic music students later in the morning or in the early afternoon. Watch the electronic music web site for more information. Wednesday, June 24 9:15-10:30 Final exam session for the 10:30 MTWTh Music 1A class. Session starts at 9:30, but you may arrive as late as 9:30. Tests will be collected at 10:30. 11:30-1:30 Final exam session for the MW Music 51: Intro to Electronic Music class. Final project playback Thursday, June 25 All day I have no final exams scheduled on Thursday, but I will likely be on campus at least part of the day. Please email me if you want to make an appointment ot meet. Friday, June 26 9:15-10:30 Final exam session for the Friday-only Music 51: Introduction to Electronic Music class. Final project playback and test #2. 11:30-1:30 Final exam session for the Music 8: Intermediate Electronic Music class. Final project playback (Posted 6/22/09; 6:40:45 AM #)

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Brick and Glass Building, Evening - San Francisco   Brick and Glass Buildings, Evening. San Francisco, California. May 26, 2009. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell - all rights reserved. (Posted 6/2/09; 8:57:30 PM #)

Monday, June 1, 2009

So, did you do your "participatory democracy" thing yet? :-)   See below for the details... (Posted 6/1/09; 9:29:48 AM #)

Sunday, May 31, 2009

A Critical Time to Speak Up About the California Budget   I cannot and will not tell you what point of view to hold or express regarding the current budget crisis in California. However, given the tremendously high stakes for all Californians and especially for students in California Community Colleges, if there was ever a time when it was important that you communicate your concerns and your position to the governor and legislative leaders that time is NOW. I urge you in the strongest terms to take a few minutes to craft a concise message briefly describing your position on the California budget and briefly mentioning who you are and why you care about how this issue is handled - and to then sent it to as many of the following as you think appropriate. Don't wait for someone else to do it! Legislative Leadership Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA  95814 Phone: 916.445.2841 Fax: 916-558-3160 E-mail link: http://gov.ca.gov/interact Assembly Speaker Karen Bass P.O. Box 942849 Room 219 Sacramento, CA 94249-0047 Phone: 916.319.2047 E-mail link: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/Speaker/ Assembly Minority Leader Mike Villines (until June 1) State Capitol, Room 3104 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916.319.2029 Fax: 916.319.2129 E-mail link: http://republican.assembly.ca.gov/member/29/?p=email Assembly Minority Leader Sam Blakeslee (after June 1) P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA Phone: 916.319.2033 Fax: 916.319.2133 E-mail link: http://arc.asm.ca.gov/member/33/?p=email Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg State Capitol, Room 205 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916.651.4006 Fax: 916.323.2263 E-mail link: http://legplcms01.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.aspx?district=SD06 (Responses to district constituents only) Senate Minority Leader Dennis Hollingsworth State Capitol, Room 305 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916.651.4036 Fax: 916.447.9008 E-mail link: http://cssrc.us/web/36/contact_us.aspx (Responses to district constituents only) Local Legislators Assemblymember Paul Fong (Capitol Office) State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0022 Phone: 916.319.2022 Fax: 916.319.2122 E-mail link: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a22/ Assemblymember Fong (District Office) 274 Castro St., Suite 202 Mountain View, CA 94041 Phone: 408.277.2003 Fax: 408.277.2084 Senator Elaine Alquist (Capitol Office) State Capitol, Room 5080 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916.651.4013 Fax: 916.324.0283 E-mail: senator.alquist@sen.ca.gov Senator Alquist (San Jose Office) 100 Paseo de San Antonio, #209 San Jose, CA 95113 Phone: 408.286.8318 Conference Committee on the Budget Assemblymember Noreen Evans, Chair State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0007 Phone: 916.319.2007 Fax: 916.319.2107 E-mail link: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a07/ (Responses to district constituents only) Senator Denise Moreno Ducheny, Vice Chair State Capitol, Room 5035 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916.651.4040 Fax: 916.327.3522 E-mail link: http://legplcms01.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.aspx?district=SD40 (Responses to district constituents only) Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0040 Phone: 916.319.2040 Fax: 916. 319.2140 E-mail link: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/MEMBERS/A40/ (Responses to district constituents only) Assemblymember Kevin de León State Capitol P.O. Box 942849 Sacramento, CA 94249-0045 Phone: 916.319.2045 Fax: 916.319.214 E-mail link: http://democrats.assembly.ca.gov/members/a45/ (Responses to district constituents only) Assemblymember Jim Nielsen State Capitol, Room 6031 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916.319.2002 Fax: 916.319.2102 E-mail link: http://arc.asm.ca.gov/member/2/default.aspx?p=email (Responses to district constituents only) Assemblymember Roger Niello State Capitol Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916.319.2005 Fax: 916.319.2105 E-mail link: http://arc.asm.ca.gov/member/5/?p=email Senator Robert Dutton State Capitol, Room 5094 Sacramento, CA Phone: 916.651.4031 Fax: 916.327.2272 E-mail link: http://cssrc.us/web/31/contact_us.aspx Senator Mark Leno State Capitol, Room 4061 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916.651.4003 Fax: 916.445.4722 E-mail: senator.leno@senate.ca.gov Senator Alan Lowenthal State Capitol, Room 2032 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916.651.4027 Fax: 916.327.9113 E-mail: senator.lowenthal@sen.ca.gov Senator Mimi Walters State Capitol, Room 3082 Sacramento, CA 95814 Phone: 916.651.4033 Fax: 916.445.9754 E-mail link: http://cssrc.us/web/33/contact_me.aspx (Responses to district constituents only) (Posted 5/31/09; 11:25:28 AM #)

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Altair Nouveau   Hey, I know this guy.  My favorite quote: "Huh. It sounds like they're trying to do minimalism, but they don't quite get it." :-) (Posted 4/28/09; 8:07:40 AM #)

Monday, April 20, 2009

Meadow, Hills, and Fence   Time for a new home page photograph, so something from spring here in Central California. Meadow, Hills, and Fence. Calero Hills, California. April 18, 2009. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell - all rights reserved. (Posted 4/20/09; 8:20:39 AM #)

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Welcome to the 2009 Spring Term   If you would like to know more about the courses I teach, click on the Intro to Music and/or Electronic Music links and visit the web sites for the respective classes. Music 1A: Introduction to Music MTWTh 9:30-10:20 in A11. SPACE AVAILABLE. All other De Anza College Music 1A sections are FULL at this time. If you are looking for a Music 1A class for the spring term... come to the first meeting of the 9:30 MTWTh class on Monday, April 6 and ask to add the class. Music 51: Introduction to Electronic Music Monday/Wednesday 12:30-2:10 in A91. THIS SECTION IS FULL.* Music 51: Introduction to Electronic Music - Friday 10:30-1:50 in A91. THIS SECTION IS FULL. Music 8: Intermediate Electronic Music Thursday/Thursday 12:30-2:10 in A91. THIS SECTION IS FULL.* * Since space sometimes becomes available in "full" classes, it is a good idea to check the online class list for the most current information. You may also come to the first class meeting to see if additional space is available. I will likely be able to add a few more students to all three of the electronic music classes. (Posted 4/5/09; 4:17:23 PM #)

Friday, March 20, 2009

My Winter 2009 Final Exams Week Schedule & Spring Registration News   SPRING REGISTRATION UPDATE (3/20) Regarding Music 1A: Introduction to Music There are still QUITE A FEW OPEN SEATS in my MTWTh 9:30-10:30 Introduction to Music section.* My MTWTh 10:30-11:20 Music Introduction to Music section is 90% FULL AS OF FRIDAY AFTERNOON. It is almost certain that this section will fill soon, so if you want to take this class you should ENROLL IMMEDIATELY. * Once the 10:30 section fills, the 9:30 section may begin to fill up much more quickly. While there is plenty of space in the 9:30 class now, that will likely change very soon. There are two other sections of Music 1A. The MW 12:30-2:10 section IS FULL and has been for a day or two. There is still some space in the distance learning section of Music 1A, if that mode of learning appeals to you. Music 1B: Intro to Music: Jazz meets on TTh at 10:30-12:10 and also fulfills your humanities/area C transfer requirements. There are still seats available in that class. Regarding my Electronic Music classes... There is still PLENTY OF SPACE in the Friday-only section of Introduction to Electronic Music, but it is likely that this will change now that the MW class is full. (Three more students joined the class today.) Enroll right away! The Monday/Wednesday 12:30-2:10 Intro to Electronic Music class is FULL. (Students who cannot get into this class should enroll right away in the Friday-only section! Some with sufficient experience/background may qualify to go straight into the Intermediate class - Email Dan Mitchell to find out more.) The Intermediate Electronic Music class is FULL - though the actual enrollment number suggests that there might be one more space.  Two of the three Electronic Music classes are full or virtually full at this point. What should you do? If you are trying to get into the Intro to Electronic Music class you should sign up for the Friday-only section right away! If you are trying to get into the Intermediate Electronic Music class you should try to sign up immediately. What if the Intermediate class is full when you try to sign up? You have three choices: If you have not already taken the Intro to Electronic Music class, sign up for the Friday section of Music 51 immediately. At least you'll have a spot in the EM program, and if nothing else you can fill in some gaps in your knowledge there this quarter and take the Intermediate class later when there are more openings. Keep checking back to see if additional seats become available in the Intermediate class. There are no guarantees and you should only consider this as a "fall back" position if you cannot enroll in the Friday Intro class. Come to the first class meeting in April and try to add. Again, this is a "last resort" strategy - it could work, but it would be better to get into a class now. Good luck - I hope you can find a way to get into the Electronic Music program. Email Dan Mitchell with questions. DAN MITCHELL'S FINAL EXAM WEEK SCHEDULE Monday, March 23: This is the last regular class meeting day of the winter term. My classes meet on this day as they do on all other Mondays this quarter. We have important work scheduled in all three of my Monday classes: Music 1A (9:30 and 10:30 sections): We'll look at some important information about minimalism and electronic music that is not covered in the text. The optional retake of quiz 10 is scheduled for the end of the period. Music 51 (Electronic Music): I'll review the past two take-home quizzes near the start of the class, and we'll take written test #2 during the period. Remaining time will be available for work on final projects. The Winter Quarter Final Exam Schedule begins on Tuesday, March 24. Classes typically meet for final exam sessions a different times and often on different days than they meet during the rest of the term. Tuesday, March 24: Final exam sessions are scheduled for two of my classes. The final exam session for my Monday-Thursday 10:30-11:20 Music 1A: Introduction to Music class is on TUESDAY, MARCH 24 at 9:15-11:15 a.m. The exam session will be used for test #3. The final exam session for my Monday-Wednesday 12:30-2:10 Music 51: Introduction to Electronic Music class is on TUESDAY, MARCH 24 AT 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. This exam session will be used to play back final projects. Wednesday, March 25: I have no final exam sessions scheduled. Thursday, March 26: Final exam sessions are scheduled for two of my classes. The final exam session for my Friday-only 10:30-1:50 Music 51: Introduction to Electronic Music class is on THURSDAY, MARCH 26 AT 9:15 a.m. - 11:15 p.m. This exam session will be used to play back final projects. The final exam session for my Tuesday-Thursday 12:30-2:10 Music 8: Intermediate Electronic Music class is on THURSDAY, MARCH 26 AT 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. This exam session will be used to play back final projects. Friday, March 27: I have one final exam session. The final exam session for my Monday-Thursday 9:30-10:20 Music 1A: Introduction to Music class is on FRIDAY, MARCH 27 at 9:15-11:15 a.m. The exam session will be used for test #3. Contact me immediately if you are unsure of the the final exam week schedule for your class. Also contact me immediately if a serious, unexpected, and unavoidable emergency situation interferes with your attendance at the last minute. (Photo: Blue Dicks Flowers. Almaden Quicksilver Hills, California. March 28, 2009. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell - all rights reserved.) (Posted 3/20/09; 12:22:01 PM #)

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Where's the remote?   (Posted 3/15/09; 11:03:43 AM #)

Monday, March 9, 2009

IMPORTANT: Factors to consider as you enroll for the next term   As you should know, all segments of education in the State of California are facing a very serious budget problem - many would call it a "crisis." Not only is the state facing a very significant deficit, but the state legislature and governor have been unable to come up with a plan to deal with this - finally settling on a "solution" that brings record-breaking reductions in education funding. As a result, many state programs are facing serious budget cutbacks - and these effects will likely be felt very soon... ... by you. The community college system has not escaped these effects, and you may have to deal with them when you register for the upcoming term. If history is a guide, some of the issues you may have to deal with include: cancellation of classes you need to complete your program. significant reduction in the number of sections offered for many courses. early cancellation of courses that do not fill before the start of the term. you may find that cancelled classes leave you with too few units to qualify for full time status. when classes are cancelled you may find that very few or no other classes are open to you to take up the slack. If there was ever a time to commit to registering for classes early this is it. If you wait to enroll in classes you may well find that they are not available. Register early! If you cannot get into your first choice class, register as soon as possible into another class that could work as an alternative. It may be better to "over enroll" to ensure that that you'll still have a full load should classes be cancelled. Registration starts now. Enroll in your classes early. Don't wait until later to sign up for classes you may want - they will likely be gone if you wait. (Posted 3/9/09; 12:43:04 PM #)

Did You Call?   A prospective Music 1A student left a voicemail on my office phone last Friday... but I cannot understand the person's name or telephone number. If you called and left a message and received no reply you need to call again. (Posted 3/9/09; 9:30:02 AM #)

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Redwood Forest, Morning   Redwood Forest, Morning. Muir Woods National Monument, California. February 28, 2009. © Copyright G Dan Mitchell - all rights reserved. (Posted 3/3/09; 10:31:07 PM #)

	Dan Mitchell's spring 2009 final exam week schedule. As of Monday, this is my final exam week schedule - subject to change as the week continues of course. Monday, June 22 9:30-10:20 Music 1A regular class meeting including re-take of quiz 10. 10:30-11:30 Music 1A regular class meeting including re-take of quiz 10. 11:30-12:30 Office hour (may be in A91 for part of the time) 12:30-2:10 Music 51 regular class meeting - including test #2. Tuesday, June 23 9:15-10:30 Final exam session for the 9:30 MTWTh Music 1A class. Session starts at 9:15, but you may arrive as late as 9:30. Tests will be collected at 10:30. Later I hope to provide a couple hours of open lab for electronic music students later in the morning or in the early afternoon. Watch the electronic music web site for more information. Wednesday, June 24 9:15-10:30 Final exam session for the 10:30 MTWTh Music 1A class. Session starts at 9:15, but you may arrive as late as 9:30. Tests will be collected at 10:30. 11:30-1:30 Final exam session for the MW Music 51: Intro to Electronic Music class. Final project playback Thursday, June 25 All day I have no final exams scheduled on Thursday, but I will likely be on campus at least part of the day. Please email me if you want to make an appointment ot meet. Friday, June 26 9:15-10:30 Final exam session for the Friday-only Music 51: Introduction to Electronic Music class. Final project playback and test #2. 11:30-1:30 Final exam session for the Music 8: Intermediate Electronic Music class. Final project playback The Eleventh AND FINAL Discussion Topic of the Quarter is Available. The final discussion topic has been posted: Week 11 Topic - Spring 2009. Yet another event added to the extra credit list. I have added on more event to the Extra Credit event list - an event that was not on the list when I spoke about it in class earlier this week: Tuesday, June 16 - De Anza Instrumental Groups. 12:30 p.m. in room A31. Free admission. Source: Music 1; Updated: 6/22/2009.

	Probable Open Lab Midday on Tuesday. It is my plan to open the electronic music lab for about two hours today (Tuesday) starting at around 11:30 or 12:00. Dan Mitchell's spring 2009 final exam week schedule. As of Monday, this is my final exam week schedule - subject to change as the week continues of course. Monday, June 22 9:30-10:20 Music 1A regular class meeting including re-take of quiz 10. 10:30-11:30 Music 1A regular class meeting including re-take of quiz 10. 11:30-12:30 Office hour (may be in A91 for part of the time) 12:30-2:10 Music 51 regular class meeting - including test #2. Tuesday, June 23 9:15-10:30 Final exam session for the 9:30 MTWTh Music 1A class. Session starts at 9:30, but you may arrive as late as 9:30. Tests will be collected at 10:30. Later I hope to provide a couple hours of open lab for electronic music students later in the morning or in the early afternoon. Watch the electronic music web site for more information. Wednesday, June 24 9:15-10:30 Final exam session for the 10:30 MTWTh Music 1A class. Session starts at 9:30, but you may arrive as late as 9:30. Tests will be collected at 10:30. 11:30-1:30 Final exam session for the MW Music 51: Intro to Electronic Music class. Final project playback Thursday, June 25 All day I have no final exams scheduled on Thursday, but I will likely be on campus at least part of the day. Please email me if you want to make an appointment ot meet. Friday, June 26 9:15-10:30 Final exam session for the Friday-only Music 51: Introduction to Electronic Music class. Final project playback and test #2. 11:30-1:30 Final exam session for the Music 8: Intermediate Electronic Music class. Final project playback Change to FRIDAY CLASS schedule only. Earlier I announced to the FRIDAY CLASS ONLY that our meeting plans for the last class meeting of the quarter before finals week might change. (The scheduled final exam session will take place as indicated in the class calendar.) On Friday, June 19 we will have a shortened class meeting that will last only two hours. The lab will only be open for those two hours on that date, and the session will be entirely devoted to work time on final projects. The actual meeting time on that date will be 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 a.m. Please note the following: This week's class on Friday, June 12 is not affected by this change. We will meet according to the normal schedule this week. Because of this change the test that would have been schedule for Friday, June 19 will instead take place during our final exam session, along with the scheduled playback of your final projects. This change has no affect on other classes - neither the MW Intro to Electronic Music class nor the TTh Intermediate Electronic Music classes are affected. More information during this week's class meeting on Friday, June 12. Source: Electronic Music; Updated: 6/23/2009.

	Bertrand Russell "The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts." - G Dan Mitchell (gdanmitchell@gmail.com) H. H. Williams "Furious activity is no substitute for understanding." - G Dan Mitchell (gdanmitchell@gmail.com) George Orwell "Every generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it." - G Dan Mitchell (gdanmitchell@gmail.com) Source: The Quote File; Updated: 6/12/2009.

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