One of my students almost passed out in class today. I was busy helping someone when I heard a persistent "Professor! Professor! Umm, professor!" The urgency in the tone got to me so I turned to find her labmate supporting her; she was limp, pale, and bug eyed. We walked her out, got her some sugar water, and had her sit for a while. It most likely was just low blood sugar; she hadn't eaten because her dad was coming to take her to lunch. Still, it was scary for a few minutes; that is some excitement that I can do without!

Perhaps the most alarming part of it all, however, was when the paramedic asked the girl "Birthdate?" And she responding somemonth someday "…nineteen ninety."

AGH! When did I get so old? I was a first year student in college in 1990! Someone almost had to catch me as I swayed in alarm.

Anyway, she went off to get some food and rest and I went back to lab, to see a few of the others gagging. No, not more sickness: they saw the bloodworms defecating. It is rather nasty. Strapping jocks gagging in disgust… amusing, but worrisome; I don't know who would support them if they passed out!