People do not like to grade papers but I always find it interesting except when I did not create the assignment, do not agree with it, did not create the course goals, do not agree with these, do not find them feasible, do not know what they are, or am unsure whether there is any … More Reading for Work: Grades
So many people speak of the wonders of Interlibrary Loan and I do understand them, but nothing can substitute a library full of actual books. I just read an article to which I would not have had access had it not been for the Internet — but which could not have been written with only … More Reading for Pleasure Wednesday: Interlibrary Loan
It is of course Friday, so we should be wearing white, and it is the weekend, so we should sing. I sing that I used to be surprised at what was happening. Then I was shocked, and then angry. After that I was sad, and then I was ashamed for a long time. Next I … More How Long, Lord? How Long?
If during graduate school you lost a TAship at your institution; if you have now tried everyone’s patience here; if you are now being allowed to take certain classes so you can earn a professional qualification in another field; please do not address the professor who is kindly but painedly showing you how to register … More On Protocol
It is October 15, the traditional opening day of the job search season. I have a few suggestions for people going on campus visits — suggestions others may not have covered yet. 1. Good facilities are rare. Take note of the schools that have these. 2. Think of yourself as a colleague, not as an … More That Job Market: Suggestions for Interviewees
Any time is a good time to read Mercè Rodoreda. The Nation‘s review article on her is worth reading, too. I have never really studied Rodoreda’s life and I have not read all of her books. Having read the review, however, I am re-fascinated. At one point the writer says: It’s curious that Rodoreda is … More Reading for Pleasure Wednesday: Mercè Rodoreda
Tnis is one of those old-old posts. ON CERTAIN FALSITIES Perhaps it is for no reason related to me that people have always gone on at me how to be and work. So this is another piece of my counterargument against those who threw so much unnecessary time management advice at me — at me, … More Research Hours
“I am sorry I said the wrong thing. I am sorry to have upset you. I hope you can get over it.” Meaning: “I refuse to apply normal standards of behavior when dealing with you. I will say abusive and dismissive things, I will ask inappropriate questions, and I will make inappropriate remarks. “I am … More “I Said the Wrong Thing”
I As we know, I was always told not to be a professor. It was hard to make tenure because you had to publish. A girl, I would teach and not publish, so I would never make tenure. I heard this again and again. I would be on the street and have to get used … More Labor Day II, Some Very Old Notes
It appears that the eternal foodstuffs of artistic achievement are “discipline, fortitude, ambition and self-belief.” These were not allowed in Re/Education, and that explains my problems with it. It has been an entire weekend of rather boring work, frustrating in part because all of it must be done rather superficially, uninterestingly. I was tired and … More Gabo
