It being the weekend, I bought German-Brazilian beer and put it in the freezer to chill. Each can cost $1. Prices now for most things here are more or less like U.S. prices, from what I can divine so far, although I think groceries are very slightly cheaper. A tank of butane costs almost $23 … More Notes from Zero International
People say professors lecture from ancient, yellowing notes, but mine lectured from drafts of their newest book manuscripts and invited their famous friends from other institutions to do the same. This is why, when I became a professor, the institutions I worked for seemed to me to be behind the times in terms of research … More On College Teaching, and on Paulo Freire
I have so many things to do that it is hard to know where to start. It is hard to know where to start because realistically, there is not enough time to accomplish it all — if there were, I could start anywhere. I would prefer to just start anywhere but I must first discern … More Straitjackets of Normalcy
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
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
It is the weekend, and we are singing by listening to Radio Almenara 106.7 FM in northern Madrid, which streams on the Internet and sends television as well. Axé.
My friend and I discussed our problems with the Blackguard. I fear the Blackguard, if unchecked, can become our infernal wind. I do not want to feed that. Rather than discuss him further I am posting brief notes on the ideas we developed here. Problems we can solve as individuals: dealing with someone who wants … More Dat Blackguard
If I put lime on anything I am instantly transported to Latin America, where Reeducation does not reach me. I think I shall put lime on everything, every day, in addition to expanding myself through yoga. I have said it before but it is ever clearer to me how Reeducation insisted on the establishment of … More Lime
coldhearted scientist وداد 