That is the sound of someone who cannot get into the Xavier site where grades get posted. Yesterday I was told that my Xavier ID number (9 digits) and my numerical date of birth would do the trick.

It doesn't.

Midterm grades are supposed to be posted by today.

Mine aren't. And, judging from the frustration in the voice of the department chair, his may not be either. I called him to let him know about my problem. He sympathized, and agreed the world would not end. And told me he too was having problems logging on from home.

C'est la vie.

The majority of my day was pretty good. I got in to Tulane a bit after 7 AM, finished up with the grade calculations, then got back to seeing what is in this current group of files.

It showered several times during the day, but not when I had to be outside or driving. I'm sure the fact that I took a good-sized umbrella in with me kept the rain from falling while I was outside.

Drives in both directions had a minimum of idiots messing up traffic, and on the way home I saw about half the upward arc of a rainbow.

But the computer thing is definitely frustrating. I guess I'll make out a card or something for each student with their grade and the breakdown. More than half have an F. Only two of those who cut out early and had a zero for Wednesday's exam got above an F. They got low Ds.

There's plenty of time for them to improve dramatically--if they are so inclined. I have a very generous policy on make-ups.

I wonder how many will be waiting on my doorstep early tomorrow to find out what the score is.

By tomorrow afternoon I WILL have all my passwords in place and will be able to access not only the grade site but my Xavier mail.

Now to unwind with some mindless TV.