ewurgler

Yay! Someone who can ponder edward vs. Jacob with me! It is totally mindless, the writing sucks, but you will still skip dinner to read it

I have been calming myself with Iron and Wine, with some Frou Frou occasionally. But, I mostly listen to npr: I live for Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me!

I got in contact with a few, and had some very helpful and some not so helpful exchanges. (sociology) At a top program, after a few emails, one volunteered to put in a good word and check in with the committee in feb to make sure I was being considered. Another was helpful and nice, which I'm sure will be helpful if the adcom asks him if I am someone he wants to work with. The third was not as warm, but still helpful, and I've since been waitlisted there. Overall, I don't think it would hurt unless you say something like "i am hoping you can put in a good word," or something very presumptuous like that.

I wasn't a soc major, but I was political theory and gender studies, so I've definitely read marx. I do like it. Tonights: I know how problematic twilight was from a feminist perspective, but I cannot lie...I enjoyed reading the book. And, I feel that I have enough grounding in feminist theory to read the book without being poisoned. I really like vampires

I agree about suicide. I stopped reading 50 pages in. I'm not exactly sure why i hated it so much.

So, I am guessing you are doing something on migration? Just a guess COngrats!! You must be thrilled!

I'm re-reading some core social theory--right now Durkhiem (Elementary Forms of Religious Life) and Weber (Economy and Society). I am making sure I'm not super behind since I was not a soc major. Dorky--yes. Necessary--probably. But, In fall I did read the entire Twilight series in about a week. Seriously, if you want to get your mind off waiting, READ TWILIGHT. Super cheesy but very fun.

Congrats to whoever just posted acceptance to UCLA!!!!

I do like Sun. I am curious to hear more about her take over of her father's company. I also liked Analucia. I do also get the feeling that Farraday's mom is the Other chick. She does look familiar and they seemed to be building her up to play a major role in future episodes. I

OMG! I can't believe I forgot the wire on my list. Definitely my favorite drama. Does it make anyone else feel guilty about their choice of careers? Is it "ethical" for me to get a PhD when so many kids have the shittiest education ever! Season 4 made me feel so terrible.

...to discuss and make recommendations, as I'm sure we are all watching much more than usual in this anxious time. My favorites: 30 Rock How I Met Your Mother Lost Top Chef Others I enjoy but not playing new eps right now: Mad Men, Dexter, Project Runway.

Last night was pretty awesome...mainly because I am sick of Kate's storyline and last night was a nice reprieve. I am also sick of Charlotte...I hope she dies (in the nicest way possible).

Official Lost thread in "the lobby" section.

I applied to 8, which I think is a good number, but I wish I could cut 2 I did apply to and replace them with 2 that are a better fit. I just wish I would have done more research or had more time to mull over my choices before having to send packets with deadlines to Letter writers and such. Oh well, if I have to do it again, I will know.

You got into Wisconsin, right? That is weird you were waitlisted too! Did it seem to you in the letter that it is very funding-related?

No news on my end....I applied to UNC, Penn and Berkeley. UNC and berkeley have historically notified the first or second week of feb, but Penn is usually the first bit of march. I haven't seen any results on the page for PSU, UMD or Duke for religion, so they are probably still deliberating. Sorry!

Thank you. The letter made it seem as if they cut back admissions because of funding constraints. At least if I do eventually get an offer, they will most likely have funding for me! At least it wasn't a rejection to start off the season for me.

GOt my letter....I am the one waitlisted on the results page. Anyone else hear?

Academia, definitely. I am curious to know what non-academic stuff soc people would want to do.

I too really enjoyed milk and frost/nixon, but I liked The Reader and Slumdog Millionaire much more. That sucks to hear about revolutionary road...I was looking forward to the Titanic reunion. Also, I have been re-watching episodes Arrested Development and It's Always Sunny In Philadelphia on Hulu.com. THe humor takes my mind off the horrible wait.

I think it has to do with the fact that hard sciences don't have to read writing samples. And, it is probably easier for them to toss people off the pile...I can't imagine someone who got below 700 in math doing very well in physics or chem. But, I have seen interdisciplinary programs getting notices out....I think they just have fewer applicants (100 vs 300) than traditional disciplines (poli sic, anthro, soc). Oh well, I just want to get a nice offer and beautiful funding package from one school, and then I can start eating food with my wine again. (Mini hangover today--anxiety induced empty stomach + 3 glasses of wine

My live-in boyfriend is currently dissertation writing, so he will be moving with me and staying at least a year, and then trying to find a job nearby once he defends. Luckily his fellowship lets him be anywhere and still get paid. My dog will also be coming

I desperately miss school!! I have found myself watching a disgusting amount of television. It sucks.

One of mine too!! And when I email the graduate coordinator, she tells me they have lots of mail to go through. GRRRR

Slothy, Well, sociology itself is pretty institutionalized, so we all need to rethink it. Just kidding. Perhaps I am reading his column with all of my disgust for his past columns in the front of my mind. In general, I have a problem with him associating critical thinking with liberal individualism and selfishness, and categorically praising "institutions" as cornerstones of collectivism and selflessness. As an aspiring academic, I find it unsettling that an educated public figure is arguing against an aim to "unsettle presumptions, to defamiliarize the familiar, to reveal what is going on beneath and behind appearances, to disorient young people and to help them to find ways to reorient themselves."