April 2
I prefer to read a paper and listen to a talk. Srsly.
1965
I feel sick today. It all started when, in Spanish class, we were discussing bullfights and how cows and pigs are slaughtered. Then I had gym and ran around a lot. By lunch time I was feeling downright lousy. I threw up when I got home, so I couldn't go babysitting.
By the way - I've been accepted as an aide at Camp Maria Pratt this summer.
1997
As it turned out, I did a bit last night. I really feel like sewing lately. But what? It is a gorgeous day today…still breezy but not gale force, and green and bright. I have things to do but nothing overwhelming. I did extra Jane today, needing to really get back in the swing. Now if I could only get a new bed.
Comment 2023
Jane = Jane Fonda. I had one of her VHS tapes, and used it pretty faithfully in the late 90s. The 1997 entry could have been written today. We actually did have gale force winds yesterday and today is green and bright. No sewing , though. I am still in my knitting phase, with two projects underway and about to start a third. I have offered to teach a few church friends how to knit and we start today, all working on the same pattern.
2007
Research: poking and prying with a purpose.
This presentation turned out to be a surprise. Now only was it longer than I thought was (I talked for about 50 minutes!), but it was very thought-provoking for me. (Can vouch for anyone else.) I think it would be interesting to turn it into two articles, one for teachers and one for students. It was very hard to develop this talk, with both audiences in mind. Key ideas to remember: changing the brain, penny hikes, real work.
Comment 2024
I gave that talk in Massachusetts, to a mixed audience of honors students and faculty on the occasion of their “undergraduate research day”. By then I had been spending years figuring out how to research methods and how to design good research projects. I never did write down and share my findings, beyond several talks and one article. My bad. The definition of research is from Zora Neale Hurston.
2009
George Mason U- Chesapeake American Studies Association conference. (Notes)
The second panel so far to use the term “neoliberal” Gawd, I hate academic jargon.
What is the relationship between satire and irony? Sibling? Parent-child? Kissing cousins?
It is a bad thing to leave the projector on when you’ve got nothing.
Who is “mainstream” anyway? Lazy labeling.
I prefer to read a paper and listen to a talk. Srsly.
Attending American Studies conferences only serves to make me feel less at home in American Studies. My goal right now is to teach 2009-2015, get another sabbatical as soon as possible, com back for a semester and retire in 2016 or 2017. This to do before then: (1) consider ideas for free-lance work (2) transition/deaccession the costume collection (3) save a whole lot of $$$. Getting promoted? Not sure it is possible, and may expose me to unwanted administrative positions.
Comment 2024
I managed to accomplish #2 and 3, and decided I did not care to transition into Gigland. I got promoted and retired before they could make me department chair.
2015
Like many visitors to the Big Easy, I checked into my hotel and immediately headed to the French Quarter to buy drugs.
2024
If I am very, very good this week, I will get to see TWO Indian movies. The options:
