For those of you who wonder "what does go in in Pennsylvania politics between elections?" I've added links to Keystone Politics and Politics PA. And, while perusing Keystone Politics, I came across this story about Mayor Street and City Council.
As if on cue, Hizzoner is looking like a champion of Good Government.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Vive la France!
Thursday, May 26, 2005
First Week of Classes...Tiring
Now, as my Land Use Professor noted, it's one week down, only 6 more to go. Which is reassuring. Then I'll really have a break until late August, when the Fall term starts back up.
Which reminds me, sometime this weekend I've got to plug in my final choices for classes.
Which reminds me, sometime this weekend I've got to plug in my final choices for classes.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Classy, Like School in the Summertime
The summer session began this week! Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights from 6PM to 9:50 PM I'm learning Civil Procedure II and Land Use Planning. Both classes are cool, if a lot of work (this should get better over time, since I can read ahead on the weekends.)
Since I'm working today and tomorrow, though, it means I've got a pair of 11 hour days in a row. Oh well, it'll be over soon-specifically, the second week of July.
Since I'm working today and tomorrow, though, it means I've got a pair of 11 hour days in a row. Oh well, it'll be over soon-specifically, the second week of July.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Non Lettuce Salad Green Choices
Once upon a time, I went to visit an allergies about my lifelong and deeply annoying allergies. I underwent a series of subcutaneous prick tests, where we established that I was, in fact, allergic to cats, dogs, trees, grass, and mold spores.
One time, with 10 little red bumps rising on my arm, the allergist tech told me that they'd have to throw out the results--the control they were using turned into an angry welt on my arm. The control agent, selected because it was an extremely rare for someone to react to it, was lettuce. Yes, I was allergic to lettuce.
So, I've been looking at ways to get greens into my diet without lettuce. Collards, of course, are always an option. As is spinach (the local convenience store chain, Wawa, carries a spinach salad that I can eat that's quite tasty.)
And, now a new green. Day before yesterday, I stopped by Whole Foods, and got two bags of mache, aka corn salad or lamb's lettuce.
Verdict: Tasty. Quite tasty.
I also have discovered that it only takes a small amount of cheese or salad dressing to really wake up the flavor of the greens. I belive this is because the tounge's ability to detect flavors is vastly improved when a fat is available to carry them.
One time, with 10 little red bumps rising on my arm, the allergist tech told me that they'd have to throw out the results--the control they were using turned into an angry welt on my arm. The control agent, selected because it was an extremely rare for someone to react to it, was lettuce. Yes, I was allergic to lettuce.
So, I've been looking at ways to get greens into my diet without lettuce. Collards, of course, are always an option. As is spinach (the local convenience store chain, Wawa, carries a spinach salad that I can eat that's quite tasty.)
And, now a new green. Day before yesterday, I stopped by Whole Foods, and got two bags of mache, aka corn salad or lamb's lettuce.
Verdict: Tasty. Quite tasty.
I also have discovered that it only takes a small amount of cheese or salad dressing to really wake up the flavor of the greens. I belive this is because the tounge's ability to detect flavors is vastly improved when a fat is available to carry them.
Friday, May 20, 2005
"Down with Fidel"
I read the happy news on NRO that the long-suffering Cuban people have demonstrated against their tyrant.
And, the President made a statement, too.
And, the President made a statement, too.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Class of 2005
I went to the Law School commencement for the Class of '05. I knew about 30 of the folks graduating tonight, so I came out to clap and cheer.
It ran from 6 PM to about 8:30, and then I headed home. In the interest of boring you with the details of my exciting dinner, I'll tell you what I had. America's Choice thin-sliced chicken sandwich on wheat breat, baby carrots, yogurt, potato chips, and some cupcakes for desert. Tomorrow they want me in for work by 8 AM 'ish. That'll take some effort, so I'm going to try to hit the sack early.
In blogging news, I noticed that Omri is taking a break. And I got this update that the Temple Law Federalist Society now has a blog (with pictures!). Also, although he doesn't post very often, I realized the other day that Professor Post is also a member of The Volokh Conspiracy. Which is pretty cool.
If you've been paying attention to men's fashion, like I have (but in a strictly manly way) you know that lime green is big this year. So yesterday, I stopped in at Brooks Brother's to replace a coffee-stained shirt, and left with a bright green tie and "Non-Iron Tattersall Button Down Dress Shirt" with green stripes.
Something astonishing happened: I got stopped by women on the street to ask me where I got it.
I repeat...women were stopping me.
I was dressed so sharp, these people wanted royalties.
It ran from 6 PM to about 8:30, and then I headed home. In the interest of boring you with the details of my exciting dinner, I'll tell you what I had. America's Choice thin-sliced chicken sandwich on wheat breat, baby carrots, yogurt, potato chips, and some cupcakes for desert. Tomorrow they want me in for work by 8 AM 'ish. That'll take some effort, so I'm going to try to hit the sack early.
In blogging news, I noticed that Omri is taking a break. And I got this update that the Temple Law Federalist Society now has a blog (with pictures!). Also, although he doesn't post very often, I realized the other day that Professor Post is also a member of The Volokh Conspiracy. Which is pretty cool.
If you've been paying attention to men's fashion, like I have (but in a strictly manly way) you know that lime green is big this year. So yesterday, I stopped in at Brooks Brother's to replace a coffee-stained shirt, and left with a bright green tie and "Non-Iron Tattersall Button Down Dress Shirt" with green stripes.
Something astonishing happened: I got stopped by women on the street to ask me where I got it.
I repeat...women were stopping me.
I was dressed so sharp, these people wanted royalties.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Election Day
Yep, today is election day here in Philadelphia. Specifically, primary elections, mostly for judges.
The full list is here.
And, yet again, I felt the loneliness of the urban (R) voter. For the Republicans, there was no contest for any of the positions.
The full list is here.
And, yet again, I felt the loneliness of the urban (R) voter. For the Republicans, there was no contest for any of the positions.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Sunday Night Television
I'm watching The Simpsons, and in this episode, Flanders is renting out a room (He's a land-fella, cause there's only one Lord.) Milhouse and Bart hit a banner ad for http://www.sexyslumberparty.com.
Hilarity ensues.
Hilarity ensues.
Academic Regalia
Today I was back at the Computer Connection, doing my retail thing. Because of the pre-commencement celebrations, a number of people were running around in their caps and gowns. Now, as it turns out, I've always thought that the formal regalia is pretty cool. Number one, you can identify on sight who's studied what. Number two, easy wardrobe selection. To this day, actually wearing the things everyday is done at one school.
I'm looking forward to donning the purple myself in a year.
I'm looking forward to donning the purple myself in a year.
A week of resting up
This week I spent resting up.
On Tuesday in celebration of finishing my finals, I took a day trip to NYC and checked wandered around Times Square some more. Which is great fun. I also went and watched "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" at the AMC in Times Sq. Which was also cool. The only downside to the trip was that Greyhound was running a little behind.
Oh, and on the way home to Philly, a mother with atrocious parenting skills was yelling at her children every few minutes, including such tender words as "Shut up! If there weren't so many people around I would beat you."
The rest of the week I've spent working, and cleaning the house. If you spend a month stressing over exams, and generally ignoring housework, you'd be surprised how much gunk will appear.
I also will be sending off a load of bills tomorrow. I've run out of stamps at home, but there's an atm style stamp machine close to work.
Today was very warm, humid, and sunny. I loved it.
On Tuesday in celebration of finishing my finals, I took a day trip to NYC and checked wandered around Times Square some more. Which is great fun. I also went and watched "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" at the AMC in Times Sq. Which was also cool. The only downside to the trip was that Greyhound was running a little behind.
Oh, and on the way home to Philly, a mother with atrocious parenting skills was yelling at her children every few minutes, including such tender words as "Shut up! If there weren't so many people around I would beat you."
The rest of the week I've spent working, and cleaning the house. If you spend a month stressing over exams, and generally ignoring housework, you'd be surprised how much gunk will appear.
I also will be sending off a load of bills tomorrow. I've run out of stamps at home, but there's an atm style stamp machine close to work.
Today was very warm, humid, and sunny. I loved it.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Jubilation!
Woo Hoo! I am so happy.
However, I was also so exhausted after handing in my last exam that, instead of partying as was my original goal, instead I went home and fell promptly asleep. I'll get on the party later, I guess.
In Philadelphia political news: guess what, our city is, in fact, corrupt. My theory is that Mayor Street should get out in front of this story, with a hard new anti-corruption drive. Why? Because he's starting to look a lot like President Grant-personally decent, but unwilling to cull the hanger-on's from his administration.
Politicians who manage to get soundly reelected start worrying about their legacy. President Clinton was playing to the gallery of future Arthur Schlesinger Jr's with his desperate "Middle East Peacemaking" because of his naked ambition to be accorded historical greatness. When Mayor Street decides to become Citizen Street again, the approbation of goo-goo's will become very important to him. How better to ensure a bronze statue and plenty of cushy commission gigs than to be known as "The Mayor who stood for Good Government."
Could he do it? Sure. For Street, the only danger is that, if he begins publicly talking up anti-corruption, some new revelation might make him look like a hypocrite. But remember, hypocrisy in the defense of virtue is no vice. (Note to Teenagers: You'll understand when you're older.) A clever politician, like Street, will simply jump on new revelations as evidence of the need for his "Bold New Anti-Corruption Initiative".
The other worry is that, if Street embraces the clean, companies that paid big in the last election will feel they aren't getting their money's worth. But of course, there's no reason Commerce Bank, for example, shouldn't also come out in favor of honest government. They don't have to admit they donated for bad reasons last election, they can just start talking about how much they love working for positive community change. So long as they don't ask for their money back, they can put any spin they want on their political contributions.
It's a win-win-win. Mayor Street gets to change his public persona from aloof beneficiary of corrupt shenanigans to incorruptable honest politician fighting for the little guy against corruption. Street contributors weren't buying the Treasury, they were just early standing in line to support reform. And Philadelphians might just get more honest government.
However, I was also so exhausted after handing in my last exam that, instead of partying as was my original goal, instead I went home and fell promptly asleep. I'll get on the party later, I guess.
In Philadelphia political news: guess what, our city is, in fact, corrupt. My theory is that Mayor Street should get out in front of this story, with a hard new anti-corruption drive. Why? Because he's starting to look a lot like President Grant-personally decent, but unwilling to cull the hanger-on's from his administration.
Politicians who manage to get soundly reelected start worrying about their legacy. President Clinton was playing to the gallery of future Arthur Schlesinger Jr's with his desperate "Middle East Peacemaking" because of his naked ambition to be accorded historical greatness. When Mayor Street decides to become Citizen Street again, the approbation of goo-goo's will become very important to him. How better to ensure a bronze statue and plenty of cushy commission gigs than to be known as "The Mayor who stood for Good Government."
Could he do it? Sure. For Street, the only danger is that, if he begins publicly talking up anti-corruption, some new revelation might make him look like a hypocrite. But remember, hypocrisy in the defense of virtue is no vice. (Note to Teenagers: You'll understand when you're older.) A clever politician, like Street, will simply jump on new revelations as evidence of the need for his "Bold New Anti-Corruption Initiative".
The other worry is that, if Street embraces the clean, companies that paid big in the last election will feel they aren't getting their money's worth. But of course, there's no reason Commerce Bank, for example, shouldn't also come out in favor of honest government. They don't have to admit they donated for bad reasons last election, they can just start talking about how much they love working for positive community change. So long as they don't ask for their money back, they can put any spin they want on their political contributions.
It's a win-win-win. Mayor Street gets to change his public persona from aloof beneficiary of corrupt shenanigans to incorruptable honest politician fighting for the little guy against corruption. Street contributors weren't buying the Treasury, they were just early standing in line to support reform. And Philadelphians might just get more honest government.
Monday, May 09, 2005
I'm leaving for School, again!
I've already been on campus once today (well, okay, twice). Now it's time to deliver the final final!
And then there shall be jubilation abroad in the land. Vast quantities of jubilation. Hmm. Jubilation.
Just you wait. When next I post, there will be jubilation.
And then there shall be jubilation abroad in the land. Vast quantities of jubilation. Hmm. Jubilation.
Just you wait. When next I post, there will be jubilation.
Who's Your Favorite Apostle?
Mine is Thomas.
In other, slightly less random news, I've almost finished my Corporate Transactions Exam (hope to turn it in by 11 AM) and then I'll spend the rest of the day finishing up the Business Immigration Law exam.
Also, I was happy to read Tom's report of his South Street Adventure! By the way, I can now attest that Copa does have excellent hamburgers.
It's 4:30 AM. An hour ago, I walked out of Klein (the primary law building) and just kinda wandered to the bus shelter. After 10 minutes a bus barreled past me. Fortunately, a Temple Cop noticed me standing there looking peeved (and, frankly, like a target for North Philly at late night brand trouble) picked me up and caught up with the bus. Turns out that "Broad Street Nightowl Services" although it runs the same route, does not stop at all "C" stops. Who knew?
Anyway, thanks Temple Police and Septa!
In other, slightly less random news, I've almost finished my Corporate Transactions Exam (hope to turn it in by 11 AM) and then I'll spend the rest of the day finishing up the Business Immigration Law exam.
Also, I was happy to read Tom's report of his South Street Adventure! By the way, I can now attest that Copa does have excellent hamburgers.
It's 4:30 AM. An hour ago, I walked out of Klein (the primary law building) and just kinda wandered to the bus shelter. After 10 minutes a bus barreled past me. Fortunately, a Temple Cop noticed me standing there looking peeved (and, frankly, like a target for North Philly at late night brand trouble) picked me up and caught up with the bus. Turns out that "Broad Street Nightowl Services" although it runs the same route, does not stop at all "C" stops. Who knew?
Anyway, thanks Temple Police and Septa!
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Exam Hate
I'm feelin' the pain of exam writing. All day today, all night 'till I can't last any longer. I've got all the lights on, and for background music I keep flipping uselessly between the various digital mtvs (my cable has about 4 altogether.)
I've never seen Ludacris videos before. I'm pretty sure I'm not his intended demographic.
Two more days. Only two more days.
I've never seen Ludacris videos before. I'm pretty sure I'm not his intended demographic.
Two more days. Only two more days.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Saturday Morning Coming Down
There is only one author whose talents do not fail. For the rest of us, the game is this: given our limits, how far can we go and how well can we travel?
How far can we go? Notice, this speaks nothing of the destination itself. I wanted to be a scientist when I grew up. It appears, for the time being at least, that's not what I'll be doing with my life. I changed my goal, my original destination, because I discovered my limits. Failure hurt.
Ah, but how well did I travel! Along the way I gained friends, self-knowledge, independance. In consequence there was pride and relief as I mastered my schoolwork. Getting paid for work that was challenging and interesting. There were moments of astonishing beauty in Pittsburgh. Oh there was fear, too. Jangly creditors. Aching loneliness. Friends who stood beside me when the way was darkest, and others who I'll never know why they abandoned me. Wretched embarrasment sometimes, and life restoring bonhomie other times.
All this, and mine is not an exciting life.
We must have goals, for otherwise we won't have any efficient way of deciding to what we must say, "No." And yet, neither our eventual destination nor our happiness when we get there is up to us. None of us even know the day we settle our final accounts.
Amazing, but I write in the shadow of the philosophers.
My entirely unsolicited suggestion is this. Of the two halves of the game, I've learned the second is by far the most important. I leave you with Nintendo. Rescuing the princess is not really that exciting. You eat the mushroom, shoot your fireballs and you're done. Your choices are really limited to taking the wormhole to skip a few levels and how many gold coins you bother to pick up along the way. But the process of getting there is what happily wastes an afternoon. Enjoy the leaps.
How far can we go? Notice, this speaks nothing of the destination itself. I wanted to be a scientist when I grew up. It appears, for the time being at least, that's not what I'll be doing with my life. I changed my goal, my original destination, because I discovered my limits. Failure hurt.
Ah, but how well did I travel! Along the way I gained friends, self-knowledge, independance. In consequence there was pride and relief as I mastered my schoolwork. Getting paid for work that was challenging and interesting. There were moments of astonishing beauty in Pittsburgh. Oh there was fear, too. Jangly creditors. Aching loneliness. Friends who stood beside me when the way was darkest, and others who I'll never know why they abandoned me. Wretched embarrasment sometimes, and life restoring bonhomie other times.
All this, and mine is not an exciting life.
We must have goals, for otherwise we won't have any efficient way of deciding to what we must say, "No." And yet, neither our eventual destination nor our happiness when we get there is up to us. None of us even know the day we settle our final accounts.
Amazing, but I write in the shadow of the philosophers.
My entirely unsolicited suggestion is this. Of the two halves of the game, I've learned the second is by far the most important. I leave you with Nintendo. Rescuing the princess is not really that exciting. You eat the mushroom, shoot your fireballs and you're done. Your choices are really limited to taking the wormhole to skip a few levels and how many gold coins you bother to pick up along the way. But the process of getting there is what happily wastes an afternoon. Enjoy the leaps.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Cinco De Mayo
Happy fifth of May. If you, like I, have spent the day in the grip of Mexican nationalism you may want to read why we were celebrating.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Public Art and Me
Here in Philadelphia, the Mural Arts Program was originally designed to combat graffiti. The murals themselves are on a variety of topics, and add to the beauty and uniqueness of the city.
In addition to thwarting the young hooligans who deface public spaces, the murals put the imprimatur of the government to the notion that public spaces need art. Now, I am not knee-jerk averse to advertising on the sides of buildings or on billboards. But I like the idea that the city endorses using public spaces for art, not just as waiting to be claimed advertising space. (Times Square, of course, is the American exemplar par excellence of the energy and dynamism of a public space wholly devoted to advertising.)
I love commerce, but there are certain features of the public world that business, unaided, fails to support. One of those things is public art. Not only murals, of course, but fountains and sculpture and statuary and monuments. A money making enterprise will always be on the lookout to avoid having to pay for such things unless they can point to how they benefit the bottom line. And, for the most part, it's difficult to say just how much it's worth to a company to have a beautiful building rather than a non-descript one, or having a parking lot with no trees or art versus one that has both those things.
When I have a long time to write and ponder, I'll put together an essay on the theme of the information properties of public spaces. For now, just a reminder that I appreciate the ingenious solution of the Philadelphians, replacing blight with beauty.
In addition to thwarting the young hooligans who deface public spaces, the murals put the imprimatur of the government to the notion that public spaces need art. Now, I am not knee-jerk averse to advertising on the sides of buildings or on billboards. But I like the idea that the city endorses using public spaces for art, not just as waiting to be claimed advertising space. (Times Square, of course, is the American exemplar par excellence of the energy and dynamism of a public space wholly devoted to advertising.)
I love commerce, but there are certain features of the public world that business, unaided, fails to support. One of those things is public art. Not only murals, of course, but fountains and sculpture and statuary and monuments. A money making enterprise will always be on the lookout to avoid having to pay for such things unless they can point to how they benefit the bottom line. And, for the most part, it's difficult to say just how much it's worth to a company to have a beautiful building rather than a non-descript one, or having a parking lot with no trees or art versus one that has both those things.
When I have a long time to write and ponder, I'll put together an essay on the theme of the information properties of public spaces. For now, just a reminder that I appreciate the ingenious solution of the Philadelphians, replacing blight with beauty.
Monday, May 02, 2005
It's Finished--YAY End of Aviation Law Exam
Yes, it's 3:20 AM. Yes, I have been writing non-stop since 5 PM Yesterday afternoon. (20 pages-by one line.)
Is it good? How should I know. It's finished.
Woo-hoo!
Two exams down, two to go.
Is it good? How should I know. It's finished.
Woo-hoo!
Two exams down, two to go.
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