P.M. Forni, professor and author

Five Things I Have To Have Now

November 11, 2007

P.M. Forni is a professor of Italian literature at the Johns Hopkins University, where this semester he is teaching a course called "Italian Matters Italian Manners." A native of Italy and a former resident of Los Angeles, where he received his Ph.D. at the University of California Los Angeles, he has lived in Baltimore for the last 21 years. Since co-founding the Johns Hopkins Civility Project 10 years ago, he has spoken to local, national and foreign audiences on the benefits of fostering civility in the workplace. His 2002 book Choosing Civility is out in paperback and his new book The Civility Solution is scheduled for publication in the spring. He is co-author of a recent study with the University of Baltimore's Jacob France Center called "The Terrible Ten," which identifies the list of the 10 rudest behaviors, according to Baltimore respondents. The list is featured in the current online edition of Johns Hopkins Magazine.

1. 30 minutes with Oprah

"I want to let her know about the most recent developments at the Civility Initiative at Johns Hopkins."

2. An Italian or Dutch 17th-century landscape painting

"Stereo equipment, cars, clothes or electronic gadgets leave me rather indifferent. Paintings, on the other hand, are quite a different story. "

3. Jobs for my students

"I'd like a good, tenure-track job as assistant professor of Italian studies for each of my graduate students who are now looking for one. That would be cause for celebrating."

4. The new translation of War and Peace by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky

"I have heard that it's outstanding."

5. A soccer star

"I'd like a 15-goal per season striker for the soccer team of my beloved hometown, Treviso, currently in danger of being relegated to Division Three."

[LIZ ATWOOD]