Ah, Summer Schedule

Our spring teaching term has just wrapped up and Amy and I are slipping into our summer schedule — which is not to imply that things will be less busy. For instance, Amy will be off to Rome again soon — I’m not at all jealous. I’m expecting one or two Italia travel posts from [...]

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Another way to expand your vocabulary

Though the company has been around for quite some time, in the last year, marketing of Rosetta Stone language software has exploded.  Once confined to the pages of airline (“SkyMall”) magazines, advertisements for Rosetta Stone products are now on television and radio, in print media, and on Internet banners.  The makers of Rosetta Stone tout [...]

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The Lonely Celiac

I was one of those kids who was allergic to everything. And now I’m one of those adults. Over a year ago I was finally diagnosed with a kind of explanation to all these allergies — an autoimmune disorder called celiac disease, which is basically an allergy to gluten.
Living with a family, being the only [...]

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San Francisco: MLA Dispatch

Jen is back from the 2008 MLA Convention in San Francisco. This is my first year on the job market, and first MLA Convention, and I certainly feel initiated. Here are my impressions of the MLA “aura:” as you walked (or tried to without getting bulldozed by a profoundly distracted MLA member) through the lobby [...]

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Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays from the phdmamas. We hope all our readers enjoy a wonderful holiday season and safe travels. Pics of our holiday activities will follow; for instance, Jen is getting ready to do cut-out cookies with the boys this week, then travelling to the MLA convention in San Fran on Saturday. A challenge: see if [...]

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Fashion Friday: 12/19/08

 

 
At the end of last month, the beautifully-detailed window displays in Rome reflected the upcoming holiday season.  On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, I strolled the streets around Spagna with my camera and a 5 euro cone of roasted chestnuts, and admired the designer fashions.
 
 
 

 
 

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Food: Panna Cotta

While in Rome last month, Jen and I enjoyed Panna Cotta at the Hostaria da Nerone three nights in a row.  We also developed a crush on our charming waiter, Teo, but that is another story. Back to the Panna Cotta:  this dessert is a staple in my home–as it is both easy to prepare [...]

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The Rise and Fall of the MLA Job Search?

Here are a few more pics from the phdmamas’ recent trip to Rome. In fact, these pics represent the famous tension between forces contributing to both the rise/height and fall of the Roman Empire, namely: the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. I do not need to rehearse what each site represented in startlingly close physical [...]

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Roman Holiday

The phdmamas are in Rome this Thanksgiving week for a mix of research and recreation. We shall return next Sunday, November 30th. Stay tuned, as we will do our best to post some pics of our travels during the week.

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Fashion Friday: 11/21/08

Destination: ROMA
Lost luggage is no fun.  Neither is shlepping one’s luggage on and off planes and trains, and through narrow cobblestone streets.  I try to always abide by this mantra: “NEVER check any bags.” As such, I am bringing a small wheeled suitcase to Rome on Monday and a carry on bag (which will fit [...]

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