Stories
Francesca visits Van Saun Park, which is featured in her book on traveling in New Jersey, with her son. © Photo by Rosaria Di Meglio
Consider this the coffee table in my living room, where you will find publications with highlights of the work I’ve had published — from news stories about getting into graduate business school to service pieces about what men look for in a girlfriend. Peruse these items while I step into the kitchen to make you a delicious Italian meal. Enjoy!
2013
About.com: Newlyweds Site
Discover the site that I maintain for About.com about the early stages of married life, which features scoop on issues, such as improving your sex life, deciding when to have a baby, meddling mothers-in-law, and money fights.
Bergen Health & Life – Shore Bets (see April 2013 issue)
Bloomberg Businessweek – Risky Business: Indiana U’s ‘Spine Sweat Experience’
Bloomberg Businessweek – College Startups: The ‘New Masters Degree’
Bloomberg Businessweek – Job-Hunting MBAs in D.C. Brush Off the Government
Bloomberg Businessweek – Former Biz Student Planned Florida School Attack, Killed Self
Bloomberg Businessweek – B-School Bling – The MBA Keepsake
Bloomberg Businessweek – Do Grades Matter to MBA Employers? Yes and No
Bloomberg Businessweek – Wharton Disinvites Controversial Keynote Speaker
Bloomberg Businessweek -XBA Aims to Fill a Hole Left By “Outdated” MBA Model
Bloomberg Businessweek – The MBA Show Must Go On
San Francisco Chronicle – UC Berkeley’s Haas school minds its manners
Bloomberg Businessweek – The “Free MBA”–Building Your Own Business Degree
Bloomberg Businessweek – Where MBA Means “Mighty Big Appetite”
Bloomberg Businessweek – The Super Bowl’s Armchair Marketing Quarterbacks
Bloomberg Businessweek – The Case for Concealed Weapons on Campus
Bloomberg Businessweek – How Some Students Make Ends Meet in Business School
2012
Fun with the Family New Jersey (Globe Pequot Press Travel, 2012)
A first edition! This opinionated, personal, and easy-to-use guide has hundreds of ideas to keep the kids entertained for an hour, a day, or a weekend! Fun with the Family New Jersey leads the way to historical attractions, children’s museums, wildlife habitats, festivals, parks, and much more. Geared towards parents with children between the ages of two and twelve, the guide features interesting facts and sidebars as well as practical tips about traveling with your little ones.
Admitted: An Interactive Workbook for Getting into a Top MBA Program (85 Broads, 2011)
“Admitted is a witty and accessible interactive guide to the entire MBA application process. Along with helpful tips and stories about successful applicants, Admitted breaks down the application journey from beginning to end. The heart of the book is its exploration of the leadership essays and helps student show their authentic selves through storytelling. It helps the applicant put words around questions about character, decisions, motivations, attitudes, and key strengths. Admitted not only helps applicants structure their campaigns, but it encourages them to explore aspirations, life experience, work style, emotional intelligence, and place in the world.”-Amazon.com
About.com: Newlyweds Site
Discover the site that I maintain for About.com about the early stages of married life — from improving your sex life to discussing money.
Bloomberg Businessweek: How to Handle MBA Admissions Anxiety
Clinical psychologist Edward A. Charlesworth shares four tips on surviving the stress of the B-school waiting game
Bloomberg Businessweek: Amid Ranking Scandal, George Washington Official Steps Down
Kathryn Napper, who heads the admissions office at George Washington University, announced Dec. 12 that she will step down at the end of the calendar year after 35 years at the institution. This news comes on the heels of a scandal that erupted when administrators admitted that GWU was significantly inflating admissions data, which cost the university its coveted ranking in U.S. News & World Report.
Bloomberg Businessweek: MBA Electives Offer Hands-On Learning
Business school electives have taken a turn for the creative, tackling everything from New York City’s problems to health care to humanitarian relief
2011
About.com: Newlyweds Site
Discover the site that I maintain for About.com about the early stages of married life — from improving your sex life to discussing money.
Health Monitor – Help Your Loved One Eat Healthy & Exercise (Psoriasis)
Here’s how to encourage your loved one with psoriasis to be more proactive about his or her health, while also helping yourself
Health Monitor – Help Your Loved One De-Stress (Psoriasis)
Here are a few suggestions on how to help a loved one with psoriasis minimize stress
Health Monitor – 6 Gift Ideas for People with Psoriasis
Looking for the perfect gift for a loved one with psoriasis? Here are six gift ideas to get you started.
Bergen Health & Life: Cool Pools
Ever dreamed of having your own swimming pool so you could splash your cares away on a whim? It’s easier than you think to make that dream come true—and with today’s “green” pool options you needn’t fear that energy sucking cleaning and heating equipment and harsh chemicals will make you an environmental bad guy.
Bergen Health & Life: Just Around the Corner: Spring
Spring cleaning isn’t only about your home’s interior. What’s outside—from your garden to your pool—needs to be properly awakened from its winter slumber.
Bloomberg Businessweek – Ready, Set, B-School: Final Preparations
Explore your options, size yourself up, polish your résumé, and hope for the best. Business school is right around the corner
Bloomberg Businessweek – Ready, Set, B-School: Tying Up Loose Ends
The final weeks before classes start are time to choose a new health insurance plan, hire movers, and make a graceful exit from work
Bloomberg Businessweek – Ready, Set, B-School: Hit the Ground Running
One of the biggest challenges new MBA students face is time management. But making a few key decisions in advance makes for a smoother transition
Bloomberg Businessweek – Ready, Set, B-School: Hitting the Books
For many, the toughest part about going to B-school is the lectures, case studies, and team projects-but a little preparation goes a long way
Bloomberg Businessweek – Ready, Set, B-School
The first part of our series explains the best ways for soon-to-be MBA students to prepare for their new life and get their financial house in order
Bloomberg Businessweek: For Part-Time MBAs, a Full-Size ROI
The return on investment for part-time MBA programs may be difficult to pin down, but graduates say the benefits are real
Bloomberg Businessweek: Reapplying to B-School – A Primer
To improve your chances when reapplying to an MBA program, make a few key improvements to your application, apply early, and have a backup plan
Bloomberg Businessweek: Making the Most of Business School Rankings
Choosing a B-School can be a gamble. MBA applicants shouldn’t rely on rankings alone, but the data they include are a valuable resource, admissions experts say
2010
GEICO Now: Hassle-Free Cyber Security
Recommended sites and software to help keep your computer safe and secure. (NOTE: There are also two versions of the feature story “Web Watch” written by Francesca Di Meglio in the Fall/Winter 2010 issues of GEICO Now magazine.)
Bloomberg Businessweek: How to Sink an MBA Application
Not all MBA applicants are models of sophistication-as evidenced by the crying, the handstand demonstration, and the occasional attempted bribe
Bloomberg Businessweek: Google Tops Grad Picks for Top Employers
The Big Four accounting firms round out the top spots and Apple and GM make the list for the first time in the latest Universum ranking by business students
Bloomberg Businessweek: Finance – Post-Crisis, Still a Hot Major
Finance jobs are disappearing, but the finance major isn’t. By tweaking credentials and casting a wider job net, finance students are making do
Bloomberg Businessweek: Campus Life – A Report Card
College Prowler rated the universities that house our top 50 undergraduate business programs on housing, nightlife, and more
ItaliansRus: Italy-Inspired Tattoos
Discover the body art that some people are wearing to prove their love to Italy, its people, and its language
ItaliansRus: Fourth of July in Italy
This Italian American is sure to bring America’s birthday to life, even when she’s staying on a small Neapolitan island without hamburgers and hot dogs
Bloomberg Businessweek: Top Cities for New College Grads
Good pay, affordability, and jobs made the South shine this year. Seven Southern cities, including five in Texas, joined the list, and Houston is No. 1
Bloomberg Businessweek: Best Cities for New College Grads Slide Show
Discover the top 30 cities on the list of best places for freshly minted college graduates to launch their careers
Bloomberg Businessweek: Viva Las Vegas – MBAs Catch the Gaming Bug
With jobs hard to come by, many MBAs are considering careers in gambling, where their skills are a good match for the industry’s challenges
Bloomberg Businessweek: Haas Launches New MBA Curriculum
To produce innovative business leaders, UC-Berkeley’s B-school is trying a new model that emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking
Bloomberg Businessweek: Dream Jobs – College Students Get Real
The tough job market has turned the famously idealistic Millennials into a generation of realists, a new ranking of favored employers shows
Bloomberg Businessweek: Summer Reading List
Don’t let the summer go to waste. Take a look at what B-schoolers will be reading poolside for enlightenment and entertainment
Bloomberg Businessweek: Public Policy Gains a Foothold at Business School
With government’s role in business and the economy expanding, MBAs are rushing to study everything from environmental policy to the lessons of the Depression
Bloomberg Businessweek: Co-ops – Launching a Career Before Graduation
Souped up internships known as co-ops may give graduates a competitive advantage in a tight job market, but taking five years to graduate isn’t for everybody
Bloomberg Businessweek: Explaining Blemishes on the B-School Application
For many prospective business school students, past indiscretions might mar an MBA application. The good news: There are ways to minimize the damage
Bloomberg Businessweek: For New Dean, Weaning NYU from Wall Street Won’t Be Easy
NYU Stern’s new dean aims to transform the B-school into one that is more global and less dependent on investment banking. He has his work cut out for him
2009
Bloomberg Businessweek and Yahoo: An MBA Christmas – The Holiday Job Hunt
The holidays are no time to give up the job search. Used wisely, experts say, the winter break can lead to a yuletide miracle: gainful employment in 2010
Bloomberg Businessweek and Yahoo: The MBA, a Little Less Taxing
Ignorance of the tax code can be costly for MBA students, who may be able to take advantage of educational deductions and credits to lower their tax bill
BusinessWeek: How to Write an MBA Admissions Essay
Be clear about your career goals and how business school can help you achieve them. But most of all be yourself
BusinessWeek: Make Your Leadership Case for B-School Admissions
More than ever, business schools want applicants with leadership skills. Here’s how to mine your past for compelling examples
BusinessWeek: Business School, with a Family in Tow
For applicants who have families, the B-school choice is complex. Geography, finances, and the job market all come into play
BusinessWeek: Extracurriculars: The Extras That Count
Impressing an MBA admissions committee is sometimes as simple as telling a good story about your interests, your activities, and yourself
BusinessWeek: The College Visit 101
There’s no substitute for a campus visit to help decide on a business school. Careful planning will make for a more productive trip
BusinessWeek: Five Years to Business School: The First Year
Typically, students enter business school five years after getting their undergrad degree. A new series takes a year-by-year look at positioning yourself for an MBA
BusinessWeek: Five Years to Business School: The Second Year
The path from college to B-school typically takes five years. By Year Two, would-be MBAs should have leadership experience, a growing network, and high-level math skills
BusinessWeek: Five Years to Business School: The Third Year
On the way to B-school, Year Three is a turning point. Prospective MBAs must show career progression and hit books to prepare for the GMAT
BusinessWeek: Five Years to Business School: The Fourth Year
D-Day is fast approaching. If you’re serious about business school, now is the time to stand out at work, line up your recommendations, and mentally prepare for the application process
BusinessWeek: Five Years to Business School: The Fifth Year
In a year you’ll be in business school. So wrap up things at work, finalize your list of top schools, and tackle those application essays
My Midwest: Teaching the Ropes
Get the most out of your interns by providing them with a positive learning and working environment
My Midwest: Location, Location…Timing
Knowing when to buy real estate has become as important as knowing where to buy
2008
About.com: Newlyweds Site
Discover the site that I maintain for About.com about the early stages of married life — from improving your sex life to discussing money.
Grandparents.com: 5 Great Jobs for Grandparents
Not taken with retirement? Check out these creative ways to rejoin the workforce
Go magazine: Kitchen Confidential
Three thriving chefs share some secrets about their success
My Midwest: Wide Open Spaces
Today’s high-energy work spaces are boundless, flexible and alive with color
Go magazine: Marketing to Moms
Moms have spending power. Convince them that what you’re selling is worth the cost
My Midwest: Home ECO-nomics
Environmentally sound improvements can increase your property’s value.
2007
About.com: Newlyweds Site
Discover the site that I maintain for About.com about the early stages of married life — from improving your sex life to discussing money.
My Midwest: Bossing Bad Apples
Stop poor performers from ruining office culture
Grandparents.com: Family Business I: Introducing the Grandchildren
When it’s time to let go of a family venture, will the kids be ready to step in?
My Midwest: Sterling Success
Two stay-at-home moms make their small business sparkle
Grandparents.com: Teaching Grandchildren the Benefits of Investing and Saving
Wish you had started investing earlier? Get your grandchildren started now
Will and Estate Planning for Grandparents
Consider this plan for drafting and maintaining your documents
BusinessWeek: The Basics of MBA Budgeting
Handling tuition and unexpected expenses can be draining for business school students. Here are some tips for managing your money
Go magazine: Pop Stars
As the corn continues to pop, the company’s doors are always open for suggestions.
Go magazine: Ecohome Improvement
Earth-friendly building materials and products are gaining popularity
BusinessWeek: I Was a Second Life B-School Student
Undergraduate programs already have a presence in this virtual world, but INSEAD is one of the first management programs to break ground
Go magazine: Snip-its of Success
It was motherhood that gave this entrepreneur her idea for a successful business
2006
Go magazine: Slumber in the City
MetroNaps is introducing the nation to the delights — and benefits — of regular siestas
BusinessWeek: Women Leading the Way in Startups
A report finds women still lag in the number of startups, but these entrepreneurs have important success stories to tell
New York Press: Best Place for a Seductive Kiss
Click on this link and scroll down to the item about the best place to smooch in the metropolitan area
BusinessWeek: Mr. Civil Servant Goes to B-School
Executive education programs are increasingly bringing private-sector techniques to public workers
2005
BusinessWeek: Zen and the Art of Ethics
New B-school workshops rely on poetry and comedy to teach self-awareness, and are preparing MBAs to be more responsible leaders
BusinessWeek: Even MBAs Deserve a Weekend Off
Check out these fun ideas for summer — from finding the best pizza on the Jersey Shore to indulging in a chardonnay sugar body scrub
BusinessWeek: What Women MBAs Want: Role Models
Experts say female students need more examples who can show them how to manage B-school, careers, and families
2004
Champion Mario Andretti © Courtesy of America & Italia Review
America and Italia Review: Driving the American Dream
Mario Andretti Arrived 50 Years Ago From Italy With a Passion That Made Him a Champion
America & Italia Review: UN: Italy Deserves More
UN Risks Excluding Italy from Security Council
ItaliansRus: Roberto Baggio to Retire
Recently, soccer star Roberto Baggio announced that he plans to retire at the end of the 2003-04 Serie A season in May, a decision that should have all of Italy crying
2003
ItaliansRus: Italian Men: Why Women Can’t Get Enough
The Italians I grew up with — from papà and my brother to my cousins and uncles — showed me that real men tell you that you’re beautiful and really mean it, feed you to show their affection, cry rarely but genuinely and work hard in honor of the woman they love
iVillage: 10 Traits Men Look for in a Girlfriend
We simply turned to Lisa Daily, syndicated relationship columnist and author of Stop Getting Dumped, who promises to help readers find and marry “the one” in three years or less
iVillage: 5 Ego Boosts Every Man Needs
While we can’t explain all male behavior, here are five sex secrets that may help you understand — and get even closer to — your guy
In Mama’s Kitchen: Cook Up Fun with Kids in the Kitchen
Want to enjoy a fun time with your kids? Consider throwing a cooking themed party for them and their friends, the latest trend in kids’ entertainment.
2002
Ladies’ Home Journal: Boston Accents
Although tourists in Boston rush to the Freedom Trail, which leads to colonial-era sites, they often overlook the landmarks of Boston’s immigrants, especially the thriving Irish and Italian communities.
2001
Ladies’ Home Journal: Women and the Workplace
What has changed on the job for women and what hasn’t
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