You may recall I was quite mad when my plant disappeared. So mad I expressed myself in verse.
Now, when I mentioned this at work, I also pointed interested folks to my statement on the web.
But one person asked a question I felt a poetic response was called for:
For Paul
August 19, 2005
(Who on reading To The Thief, asked "But how is it a poem?")
Modern verse
Stands accurs'd,
The rhymes weak,
The meter burst.
Who wastes the time
Fit word to lines?
Hallmark writers
And morose men,
Their true loves thrall,
'Til true love ends.
And folks like me,
A helpless case.
Pull pen away,
I'll rap to space.
Modern verse
Stands accurs'd.
The poems bad-
The critics worse!
Friday, August 19, 2005
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Fast Growing Beet Plants
Check out these fast growing sprouts. These Detroit Dark Red beets have already jumped up this far since being planted August 6th.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
To The Thief
Oh, why did you take
My pot and plants?
Only a day ago, they moved
From my safe windowsill
To the porch.
Dear thief,
Did you not think
-Or did you not care-
That you would confirm my worst suspicions of
Human nature?
You could have watched, with me
The basil grow, and bolt.
You could have watched
The green miracle against
Black soil.
Oh Thief,
You can not know, of course,
That I planted those seeds in March
Sheltering them in my window.
I planted them in defiance,
My middle finger to the tired Winter
Unwilling to surrender
To springtime.
I worried, and coaxed,
And finally when my little plants were ready
To grow beyond their first pot,
I transplanted them, and placed them on
My sunny porch.
I could curse you.
You would deserve the
Divine retribution.
What defense would you have?
If your excuse was hunger,
Why steal the pot and soil?
Will you sell them on the side of the road?
Or did you take it out of simple spite?
Save your excuses.
I am forgiven of my sins;
I will not demand justice from you.
Remember, though, that the Lord
Also comes like a thief in the night.
And He, too, will reap
Where He has not sown.
My pot and plants?
Only a day ago, they moved
From my safe windowsill
To the porch.
Dear thief,
Did you not think
-Or did you not care-
That you would confirm my worst suspicions of
Human nature?
You could have watched, with me
The basil grow, and bolt.
You could have watched
The green miracle against
Black soil.
Oh Thief,
You can not know, of course,
That I planted those seeds in March
Sheltering them in my window.
I planted them in defiance,
My middle finger to the tired Winter
Unwilling to surrender
To springtime.
I worried, and coaxed,
And finally when my little plants were ready
To grow beyond their first pot,
I transplanted them, and placed them on
My sunny porch.
I could curse you.
You would deserve the
Divine retribution.
What defense would you have?
If your excuse was hunger,
Why steal the pot and soil?
Will you sell them on the side of the road?
Or did you take it out of simple spite?
Save your excuses.
I am forgiven of my sins;
I will not demand justice from you.
Remember, though, that the Lord
Also comes like a thief in the night.
And He, too, will reap
Where He has not sown.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Science v. Religion: Religion Still Winning
Jacob Weisberg, writing in Slate, wants me to understand that the scientific worldview that explains the world in materialistic terms is better than the religious worldview that explains the world via the Bible.
I do not find it at all odd that the President, like most Americans, wants schools to explain controversial topics in a way that does not offend the beliefs of the students and their parents.
If I understand his claim, the fact that the vast majority of scientists believe "we're here because of random mutation and natural selection" is suffient to require the teaching of evolution in public schools.
Now, why do I find his arguement odd? Read on (cited in the article):
According to the most recent Gallup poll on the subject (2004), 45 percent of Americans believe God created human beings in their present form 10,000 years ago, while another 38 percent believe that God directed the process of evolution. Only 13 percent accept the prevailing scientific view of evolution as an unguided, random process.
So, when a majority of scientists hold a belief, it must be taught in schools. When a majority of everyone else holds a contrary belief, it must not be taught in schools?
I must admit, I am unimpressed.
And remember, the President said, quite reasonably, I think:
"I think that part of education is to expose people to different schools of thought," Bush said. "You're asking me whether or not people ought to be exposed to different ideas, the answer is yes."
So what is he unhappy about?
The president seems to view the conflict between evolutionary theory and intelligent design as something like the debate over Social Security reform. But this is not a disagreement with two reasonable points of view, let alone two equally valid ones. Intelligent design, which asserts that gaps in evolutionary science prove God must have had a role in creation, may be—as Bob Wright argues—creationism in camouflage. Or it may be—as William Saletan argues—a step in the creationist cave-in to evolution. But whatever it represents, intelligent design is a faith-based theory with no scientific validity or credibility
So that must be it, the president knows the real truth of the matter, but is hiding it from us, the plebes, in order to stay in office.
If Bush had said schools should give equal time to the view that the Sun revolves around the Earth, or that smoking doesn't cause lung cancer, he'd have been laughed out of his office.
So, the President is being faulted for saying things that scientists say are untrue but are popular, and for not saying untrue unpopular things, because then he would forced out of office (appearently via a heretofore-unnoticed codicil to the grounds for impeachment?)
Oh goodness this is a mess.
Let us review politics. Politicians give the voters what they want. In a Republic, we tell politicians what we, the voters want, and expect them to generally reflect our wishes (except when it would really harm a minority.)
Weisberg's real complaint is with democracy. That schools teach the things that the local community wants is critical to democracy, and to the whole scheme of public schools as well.
It's hard enough to get people to pay for schools; how likely is it that you'd willingly pay taxes to support an organization that ridicules and minimizes your fundamental religious beliefs?
Oh wait, isn't this the exact same arguement that lead to the disestablishment of the churches? Which, like the schools, were formerly provided for by public exactions?
Now, I know my point of view is unreasonable, but so what?
If I believe the universe is less than 10,000 years old, and that God created it in 6 days (and rested on the seventh) and that the Son of God was born of a Virgin, died and was resurrected to bring eternal life, well I may be unreasonable, but I'm in good company.
And since public schools have to reflect someone's beliefs, why not ours?
Back in Middle School, when we hit the sex ed portion of the health curriculum, teachers handed everyone a note alerting their parents, and advising them that they could opt to have their children study other health related topics in the library.
My answer is simple: when the class comes to the creationist and intelligent design portions of the curriculum teachers should send a note home with all the children.
And if the parents want to let their kids sit in the library reading about Galapagos, the school should let them.
I do not find it at all odd that the President, like most Americans, wants schools to explain controversial topics in a way that does not offend the beliefs of the students and their parents.
If I understand his claim, the fact that the vast majority of scientists believe "we're here because of random mutation and natural selection" is suffient to require the teaching of evolution in public schools.
Now, why do I find his arguement odd? Read on (cited in the article):
According to the most recent Gallup poll on the subject (2004), 45 percent of Americans believe God created human beings in their present form 10,000 years ago, while another 38 percent believe that God directed the process of evolution. Only 13 percent accept the prevailing scientific view of evolution as an unguided, random process.
So, when a majority of scientists hold a belief, it must be taught in schools. When a majority of everyone else holds a contrary belief, it must not be taught in schools?
I must admit, I am unimpressed.
And remember, the President said, quite reasonably, I think:
"I think that part of education is to expose people to different schools of thought," Bush said. "You're asking me whether or not people ought to be exposed to different ideas, the answer is yes."
So what is he unhappy about?
The president seems to view the conflict between evolutionary theory and intelligent design as something like the debate over Social Security reform. But this is not a disagreement with two reasonable points of view, let alone two equally valid ones. Intelligent design, which asserts that gaps in evolutionary science prove God must have had a role in creation, may be—as Bob Wright argues—creationism in camouflage. Or it may be—as William Saletan argues—a step in the creationist cave-in to evolution. But whatever it represents, intelligent design is a faith-based theory with no scientific validity or credibility
So that must be it, the president knows the real truth of the matter, but is hiding it from us, the plebes, in order to stay in office.
If Bush had said schools should give equal time to the view that the Sun revolves around the Earth, or that smoking doesn't cause lung cancer, he'd have been laughed out of his office.
So, the President is being faulted for saying things that scientists say are untrue but are popular, and for not saying untrue unpopular things, because then he would forced out of office (appearently via a heretofore-unnoticed codicil to the grounds for impeachment?)
Oh goodness this is a mess.
Let us review politics. Politicians give the voters what they want. In a Republic, we tell politicians what we, the voters want, and expect them to generally reflect our wishes (except when it would really harm a minority.)
Weisberg's real complaint is with democracy. That schools teach the things that the local community wants is critical to democracy, and to the whole scheme of public schools as well.
It's hard enough to get people to pay for schools; how likely is it that you'd willingly pay taxes to support an organization that ridicules and minimizes your fundamental religious beliefs?
Oh wait, isn't this the exact same arguement that lead to the disestablishment of the churches? Which, like the schools, were formerly provided for by public exactions?
Now, I know my point of view is unreasonable, but so what?
If I believe the universe is less than 10,000 years old, and that God created it in 6 days (and rested on the seventh) and that the Son of God was born of a Virgin, died and was resurrected to bring eternal life, well I may be unreasonable, but I'm in good company.
And since public schools have to reflect someone's beliefs, why not ours?
***
Back in Middle School, when we hit the sex ed portion of the health curriculum, teachers handed everyone a note alerting their parents, and advising them that they could opt to have their children study other health related topics in the library.
My answer is simple: when the class comes to the creationist and intelligent design portions of the curriculum teachers should send a note home with all the children.
And if the parents want to let their kids sit in the library reading about Galapagos, the school should let them.
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
A Time for Bigger Pots
The last week or so, my Basil had begun to look a little sickly. The top leaves where the new growth was occuring looked fine, but the older leaves were turning whitish and falling off. At first I suspected that I'd just failed to water enough, since the leaves were also a little droopy.
But more frequent watering wasn't helping.
Next on the list of possibilities, though one I'd feared, was that the roots had run out of room to grow. I'd been dreading it because there's always a risk when transferring to a larger pot that the plant will be unable to take the stress, and die.
But gardening is always a risky enterprise. So today I transferred both my basil and my pomegranite tree into new, larger pots. The basil had indeed become root bound, with clear roots spread all through the bounderies of the old pot, and peeking through the drain-hole on the bottom.
The pomegranite, while the roots were well-developed, only had a few tentative feelers out to the edges of the pot. Still, I wanted to give it plenty of room to grow as we head into the home stretch of the summer.
Speaking of home stretches, and of the sadly inevitable end of summer, I also wanted to try something a bit more exotic. On Saturday I bought a window box, soil, and something entirely new for me: beet seeds.
The beets are supposed to need just 60 days until harvest and will tolerate a little cold weather. I searched a little on-line, and it appears that the absolute end of the growing season in Philadelphia should be the first week of November. Thus, I should have plenty of time, but there's no telling the weather. (I also looked up my zone. My zip code is in zone 6. Thanks American Horticultural Society.)
Planted on Saturday, they've already started to sprout (which is always a little miraculous.) I'll punch the first pigeon I catch munching on a sprout.
The beet seeds were sold under the name American Seed, and should only be about 3 inches when I dig them up.
Finally, you can see in the basil picture that the Sedum is growing, and in fact is preparing to flower. The nasturtiums, however, croaked. I suspect that they didn't get a good enough footing in the unusually hot summer we've been having. Oh well, something to try again next year. I think the Sedum are quite handsome so far, with a lot of red in their thick stalks. And the flowers should attract butterflies and bees when they start blooming.
But more frequent watering wasn't helping.
Next on the list of possibilities, though one I'd feared, was that the roots had run out of room to grow. I'd been dreading it because there's always a risk when transferring to a larger pot that the plant will be unable to take the stress, and die.
But gardening is always a risky enterprise. So today I transferred both my basil and my pomegranite tree into new, larger pots. The basil had indeed become root bound, with clear roots spread all through the bounderies of the old pot, and peeking through the drain-hole on the bottom.
The pomegranite, while the roots were well-developed, only had a few tentative feelers out to the edges of the pot. Still, I wanted to give it plenty of room to grow as we head into the home stretch of the summer.
Speaking of home stretches, and of the sadly inevitable end of summer, I also wanted to try something a bit more exotic. On Saturday I bought a window box, soil, and something entirely new for me: beet seeds.
The beets are supposed to need just 60 days until harvest and will tolerate a little cold weather. I searched a little on-line, and it appears that the absolute end of the growing season in Philadelphia should be the first week of November. Thus, I should have plenty of time, but there's no telling the weather. (I also looked up my zone. My zip code is in zone 6. Thanks American Horticultural Society.)
Planted on Saturday, they've already started to sprout (which is always a little miraculous.) I'll punch the first pigeon I catch munching on a sprout.
The beet seeds were sold under the name American Seed, and should only be about 3 inches when I dig them up.
Finally, you can see in the basil picture that the Sedum is growing, and in fact is preparing to flower. The nasturtiums, however, croaked. I suspect that they didn't get a good enough footing in the unusually hot summer we've been having. Oh well, something to try again next year. I think the Sedum are quite handsome so far, with a lot of red in their thick stalks. And the flowers should attract butterflies and bees when they start blooming.
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Joke Product?
You're a vegetarian, or you're on a diet. So you eat some tofu, done up to taste like something recognizably edible.
But what if you're a cannibal, and don't want to run afoul of the law or basic morality?
The solution?
Hufu
Tip of the hat to the Nashville Scene's Pith in the Wind.
Part of me suspects a little Bonsai Kitten hoax...
But what if you're a cannibal, and don't want to run afoul of the law or basic morality?
The solution?
Hufu
Tip of the hat to the Nashville Scene's Pith in the Wind.
Part of me suspects a little Bonsai Kitten hoax...
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Least Qualified Man in the Room
On Friday, before going to work, I put on the good suit and went to a meeting of the Philadelphia Bar Association's International Law Committee.
It was cool! But rather intimidating. I was the only law student; everyone else (except for the speaker) were practicing lawyers.
But I got to learn about the International Visitor's Council of Philadelphia, including the upcoming First Wednesday.
It was cool! But rather intimidating. I was the only law student; everyone else (except for the speaker) were practicing lawyers.
But I got to learn about the International Visitor's Council of Philadelphia, including the upcoming First Wednesday.
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Consider for your Attention
Sure, it's fun to read my blog, but what if you want more Philadelphia-style bloggy goodness?
Law, linguistics, and politics, all stewed into one tasty meal. Served up piping hot by Eh Nonymous.
So head on down to http://unusedandunusable.powerblogs.com and get your read on.
Law, linguistics, and politics, all stewed into one tasty meal. Served up piping hot by Eh Nonymous.
So head on down to http://unusedandunusable.powerblogs.com and get your read on.
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
When is a warranty a bad idea?
My HP Deskjet 3745 is great for dashing off quick text pages and, if I've got the time, surprisingly good looking photos. Indeed, with proper glossy paper and the right settings in the driver details, the output easily rivals a drugstore photos.
But the printer is approaching its first year, and so I got an email today from HP, advising me that an extended three year warranty could be had for $34.99.
The problem here is very simple: a brand-new printer only costs, from HP, $39.99.
Take it from me, a former printer technician. We have reached the era of the throw-away printer, and it is glorious. There is no reason, once it falls out of warranty, to ever have this printer repaired. Just buy a new one. Period. Don't even think twice about it. At worst, give it to a curious 10-year-old to take apart, but forget about repairing it.
HP knows which printer I bought, so I find it even weirder that they would try to sell me a warranty that costs only a few dollars less than a new machine. Indeed, the cost of paying a troubleshooter to sit down in front of the printer would easily exceed the replacement cost--undoubtedly they'll just plug in a usb cable, run a diagnostic, and if the result comes back as anything other than "jam in paper feed area" ship out a replacement "refurbished" unit.
But the printer is approaching its first year, and so I got an email today from HP, advising me that an extended three year warranty could be had for $34.99.
The problem here is very simple: a brand-new printer only costs, from HP, $39.99.
Take it from me, a former printer technician. We have reached the era of the throw-away printer, and it is glorious. There is no reason, once it falls out of warranty, to ever have this printer repaired. Just buy a new one. Period. Don't even think twice about it. At worst, give it to a curious 10-year-old to take apart, but forget about repairing it.
HP knows which printer I bought, so I find it even weirder that they would try to sell me a warranty that costs only a few dollars less than a new machine. Indeed, the cost of paying a troubleshooter to sit down in front of the printer would easily exceed the replacement cost--undoubtedly they'll just plug in a usb cable, run a diagnostic, and if the result comes back as anything other than "jam in paper feed area" ship out a replacement "refurbished" unit.
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Shorts at Work
This week I'm wearing shorts and seersucker to work.
Why? Well, first off, my legs are quite handsome, thank you very much.
But the important reason is that I'm over at the warehouse, where it's dirty and there are no customers with delicate sensibilities to offend.
But it's fun. I get to fill up boxes, and ship stuff out. It rocks. You get a real sense of accomplishment when you see a big pile of "ready to ships" and you know you were an important part of creating that pile.
Tonight, the big announcement was that the Prez was nominating John G. Roberts Jr. to the Supreme Court. For commentary, I turn to Bench Memos (Part of the NRO stable). I also go to The Volokh Conspiracy, and the SCOTUSblog sister blog The Supreme Court Nomination Blog.
Because tomorrow, of course, people are going to ask me "so, what do you think about the nomination."
Why? Well, first off, my legs are quite handsome, thank you very much.
But the important reason is that I'm over at the warehouse, where it's dirty and there are no customers with delicate sensibilities to offend.
But it's fun. I get to fill up boxes, and ship stuff out. It rocks. You get a real sense of accomplishment when you see a big pile of "ready to ships" and you know you were an important part of creating that pile.
Tonight, the big announcement was that the Prez was nominating John G. Roberts Jr. to the Supreme Court. For commentary, I turn to Bench Memos (Part of the NRO stable). I also go to The Volokh Conspiracy, and the SCOTUSblog sister blog The Supreme Court Nomination Blog.
Because tomorrow, of course, people are going to ask me "so, what do you think about the nomination."
Sunday, July 17, 2005
Work
So, I worked three days in a row, and now I'm enjoying a day off. It'll be fun to have money coming in again. This week I'll spend mostly at the warehouse, helping to ship out computers to students.
As for the exams earlier this week, I feel pretty good about them. Civ Pro II was a good bit harder for me than Land Use, but neither gave me any horrible vibes.
And tonight, I look forward to doing some long delayed laundry while watching Adult Swim.
As for the exams earlier this week, I feel pretty good about them. Civ Pro II was a good bit harder for me than Land Use, but neither gave me any horrible vibes.
And tonight, I look forward to doing some long delayed laundry while watching Adult Swim.
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Unusual Payment Dispute Resolution Mechanism
Zimbabwean athlete and hermaphrodite claims that "her male organs became enlarged after a traditional healer took revenge on her when she failed to settle a bill for treatment last year"
See the BBC for more.
See the BBC for more.
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Research Links Comparative Int'l Law
To be addressed in two days, when I'll have the luxury of boredom for a month. (Last summer exam is Wednesday night, first day back in class for fall is August 29).
Then I'll want to fully investigate The Supreme Court of India, The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Touro's Summer Program in Shimla, the Bar Association of India, and of course the reason for the research.
Then I'll want to fully investigate The Supreme Court of India, The Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Touro's Summer Program in Shimla, the Bar Association of India, and of course the reason for the research.
Monday, July 11, 2005
Land Use Exam and Me
Tonight is the Land Use exam. Hopefully I'll do well. After the exam, not a lot of rest: Wednesday is the exam for Civ Pro II.
And, right now it's just shy of 90 degrees. Woo-hoo Summer.
And, right now it's just shy of 90 degrees. Woo-hoo Summer.
Saturday, July 09, 2005
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Yesterday, I combined two squirts of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1 1/3 cup sugar, 2 cups chopped rhubarb, 4 cups of sliced strawberries, and 1 cup of cornstarch into a 9-inch store-bought frozen pie pan and cooked it for 1 hour at 375 Degrees.
The good news is that it tastes fantastic. The rhubarb adds a great tang to the filling, and there is bounteous strawberry flavor as well. The cinnamon and lemon are in the background, right where they're supposed to be.
The bad news is that 1 cup of cornstarch was not enough. The filling tastes great but is runny. Instead of free-standing slices, my pie's consistency is more cobbler-like.
Now, last year I made a number of pies, and then I discovered that I got much more reliable results out of tapioca in my cherry pies, and perhaps the best results when I preheated the filling mixture on low heat on the stovetop ahead of time.
Regardless, I'm now off to study for exams. Monday is Land Use, so I'll be studying that today and tomorrow. Civ Pro II is Wednesday, so Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday I'll be hitting the books for that one.
The good news is that it tastes fantastic. The rhubarb adds a great tang to the filling, and there is bounteous strawberry flavor as well. The cinnamon and lemon are in the background, right where they're supposed to be.
The bad news is that 1 cup of cornstarch was not enough. The filling tastes great but is runny. Instead of free-standing slices, my pie's consistency is more cobbler-like.
Now, last year I made a number of pies, and then I discovered that I got much more reliable results out of tapioca in my cherry pies, and perhaps the best results when I preheated the filling mixture on low heat on the stovetop ahead of time.
Regardless, I'm now off to study for exams. Monday is Land Use, so I'll be studying that today and tomorrow. Civ Pro II is Wednesday, so Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday I'll be hitting the books for that one.
Friday, July 08, 2005
Fun Book to Read
One of the plus sides to all that time spent in airports was that I got to read some books. On Friday I purchased and read The Tipping Point, then on the way home I had Conspiracy of Fools (written by Kurt Eichenwald, a reporter with the New York Times.) Conspiracy of Fools was great, particularly in how it describes what happens when the venal are not restrained by calmer heads.
And tonight, I'm baking a strawberry-rhubarb pie. Hopefully it'll be good.
And tonight, I'm baking a strawberry-rhubarb pie. Hopefully it'll be good.
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
My Weekend
Well, I managed to get home to visit Mom and Dad on Saturday morning. I was the next-to-last standby passenger able to board the morning flight to Atlanta.
And, as a hint for future travellers: The US Airways Express planes at the Philadelphia F terminal are all small little jets. If you're taking a commuter hop to, oh, State College, they're fine. On the other hand, if you're flying for more than 90 minutes, I can only recommend avoiding the gate, and those flights. Further, on the two occasions I have flown on holidays (this weekend and Christmas), they have had long lines, and overburdened staff.
And there are more basic problems with the design of the airport: the Embraer's hold about 40 passengers when full. Each gate only has about 25 chairs (in the 8 hours I spent at the airport Friday, I had plenty of time to count.)
When everything is going fine, no problem, just sit in the seats next door to your gate. However, when (as on Friday) weather is stopping all flights, it leaves you with lots of people milling around without a place to sit. There is a small food court attached to F terminal, but the Euro Cafe's have a pretty good selection of newspapers and magazines and not much else. Fine for a commuter flight, torture if you're stuck for hours at the airport.
So, when trouble emerges, the F terminal is almost guaranteed to get filled with angry, frustrated people with nowhere to sit and nothing to do (well, they do have a nice art installation, but that'll kill at most 30 minutes.)
The main hallway where everyone walks is also quite narrow (for an airport). So when the golf carts come beeping and driving through, there's not enough room to move out of the way.
And, there appears to be no mechanism for handling cancellations surges. When a full flight cancels, of course, there are going to be about 40 people who all need to have their travel plans booked. This takes a while to sort through, of course. Well, think about what happens when you require people to rebook at the gate. After my flight cancelled Friday, I waited 50 minutes to get to the front of the line to get my travel plans fixed. And I heard the maddening announcement of the PA system "Gate Agents, please rebook at gate. Do not send customers to Special Services."
In other words: "Yeah, we know it sucks for the people at the gate, and we know the customers are getting angry and need help, but don't sent 'em to us."
So, to recap. Avoid flights leaving from Philadelphia's F terminal.
Anyway, on to more pleasant topics:
So I got to see the new house. Big yard and good neighbors (I met some of them). And on Sunday, I got to go to church, where again I was impressed by the friendly folks.
The travel, and the uncertainly associated with it, has left me a bit tired, but otherwise I feel pretty good about my classes (exams are next week, so this weekend will be full studying.)
And, as a hint for future travellers: The US Airways Express planes at the Philadelphia F terminal are all small little jets. If you're taking a commuter hop to, oh, State College, they're fine. On the other hand, if you're flying for more than 90 minutes, I can only recommend avoiding the gate, and those flights. Further, on the two occasions I have flown on holidays (this weekend and Christmas), they have had long lines, and overburdened staff.
And there are more basic problems with the design of the airport: the Embraer's hold about 40 passengers when full. Each gate only has about 25 chairs (in the 8 hours I spent at the airport Friday, I had plenty of time to count.)
When everything is going fine, no problem, just sit in the seats next door to your gate. However, when (as on Friday) weather is stopping all flights, it leaves you with lots of people milling around without a place to sit. There is a small food court attached to F terminal, but the Euro Cafe's have a pretty good selection of newspapers and magazines and not much else. Fine for a commuter flight, torture if you're stuck for hours at the airport.
So, when trouble emerges, the F terminal is almost guaranteed to get filled with angry, frustrated people with nowhere to sit and nothing to do (well, they do have a nice art installation, but that'll kill at most 30 minutes.)
The main hallway where everyone walks is also quite narrow (for an airport). So when the golf carts come beeping and driving through, there's not enough room to move out of the way.
And, there appears to be no mechanism for handling cancellations surges. When a full flight cancels, of course, there are going to be about 40 people who all need to have their travel plans booked. This takes a while to sort through, of course. Well, think about what happens when you require people to rebook at the gate. After my flight cancelled Friday, I waited 50 minutes to get to the front of the line to get my travel plans fixed. And I heard the maddening announcement of the PA system "Gate Agents, please rebook at gate. Do not send customers to Special Services."
In other words: "Yeah, we know it sucks for the people at the gate, and we know the customers are getting angry and need help, but don't sent 'em to us."
So, to recap. Avoid flights leaving from Philadelphia's F terminal.
Anyway, on to more pleasant topics:
So I got to see the new house. Big yard and good neighbors (I met some of them). And on Sunday, I got to go to church, where again I was impressed by the friendly folks.
The travel, and the uncertainly associated with it, has left me a bit tired, but otherwise I feel pretty good about my classes (exams are next week, so this weekend will be full studying.)
Friday, July 01, 2005
The Airline Industry Makes Me Cry
Originally, I was supposed to leave at 2:55. I am on the standby list for tomorrow, but the earliest actual flight out that I can be booked on is Sunday Afternoon.
What's most frustrating is that I remember when the system had excess capacity. I remember when it was inexpensive to fly. I remember when, if there was a problem, there were enough staff that the gates weren't overwhelmed with frustrated travelers. I remember when there were more than enough chairs in the waiting area, so that you didn't have to sit on a planter, like I did this afternoon.
We'd entered the plane, and then, per a dispatcher order from Atlanta, the flight was cancelled. Then, I had to wait in a 50 minute line for the lone gate agent to rebook everyone. She was never relieved the whole time. No managers came to help, and nobody went to the big desk, located just feet away, where they could easily man 3 or 4 lines. US Airways is not providing enough customer service staff. This is the same frustration I had back at Christmas (when I was similarly delayed overnight).
So tomorrow, 'round 6:00 AM I'll go back to the airport, hoping that a lot of people oversleep and miss their flight. And then I'll snap up one of their seats and fly to Atlanta, to see Mom and Dad.
What's most frustrating is that I remember when the system had excess capacity. I remember when it was inexpensive to fly. I remember when, if there was a problem, there were enough staff that the gates weren't overwhelmed with frustrated travelers. I remember when there were more than enough chairs in the waiting area, so that you didn't have to sit on a planter, like I did this afternoon.
We'd entered the plane, and then, per a dispatcher order from Atlanta, the flight was cancelled. Then, I had to wait in a 50 minute line for the lone gate agent to rebook everyone. She was never relieved the whole time. No managers came to help, and nobody went to the big desk, located just feet away, where they could easily man 3 or 4 lines. US Airways is not providing enough customer service staff. This is the same frustration I had back at Christmas (when I was similarly delayed overnight).
So tomorrow, 'round 6:00 AM I'll go back to the airport, hoping that a lot of people oversleep and miss their flight. And then I'll snap up one of their seats and fly to Atlanta, to see Mom and Dad.
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Fall 2005 Class Schedule
Temple Law's fall class schedules were posted today:
This is my overload semester, 12 units, instead of the normal 11 unit max for evening students after the first year. I also had to take a day class, in order to get Professional Responsibility out of the way. On Thursday, I will have a 7 hour gap between the end of my first class, and the beginning of my second.
Professional Responsibility with Glennon
Mondays and Thursdays 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
International Law with Dunoff
Mondays 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Wednesdays 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM
Comparative Law with Porrata-Doria
Tuesdays 4:00 PM - 5:50 PM
Evidence with Rice
Tuesdays 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Thursdays 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM
This is my overload semester, 12 units, instead of the normal 11 unit max for evening students after the first year. I also had to take a day class, in order to get Professional Responsibility out of the way. On Thursday, I will have a 7 hour gap between the end of my first class, and the beginning of my second.
Professional Responsibility with Glennon
Mondays and Thursdays 9:30 AM - 10:45 AM
International Law with Dunoff
Mondays 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Wednesdays 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM
Comparative Law with Porrata-Doria
Tuesdays 4:00 PM - 5:50 PM
Evidence with Rice
Tuesdays 6:00 PM - 7:15 PM
Thursdays 7:30 PM - 8:45 PM
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Here's to you, Cognitive Psychology in Theory and Practice
Hey folks it's the Stroop Effect, in German! (From Der Spiegel Online)
In Deutch-glish:
(Thanks Babelfish!)
Illiterate by Hypnose
By Christian Stoecker
By Hypnose psychologists their test subjects have a reading cure. These could not suddenly designate no more, which stood on the multicolored boards written. The researchers also found out: Who is well gelaunt, can be affected less.
Stroop effect: Successfully hebetates?
We cannot at all differently. If a word stands printed before us, we must read it whether we want or not. The advertisement about takes advantage of this effect again and again. And everyone, which with the breakfast times to the Mueslipackung festgelesen themselves has, knows it from own experience.
In addition, the phenomenon can lead to conflicts in the head: If we are to designate the ink color for instance with the word printed with red color "blue", that costs trouble. The read mechanism pushes the word meaning in such a way into the foreground that it becomes difficult to seize and above all express the color information. "Stroop effect" psychologists call this priority of the word in relation to the color, after his discoverer John Ridley Stroop.
"The effect is a well-known and very durable example for the fact that sometimes we can suppress irrelevant information with difficulty", explain Wilfried Kunde, psychologist at the University of Hamburg, in the discussion with MIRROR ON-LINE ONE.
In the meantime is however clear: Hypnose can change the data processing in the brain so strongly that such perception conflicts do not arise to no more or only reduced. Amir Raz of the Columbia University in New York and its colleagues describe in the technical periodical "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences", like one the Stroop effect with Hypnose out-cheat can - and which happens thereby in the brain (on-line first publication).
"like characters of a foreign language"
In Deutch-glish:
(Thanks Babelfish!)
Illiterate by Hypnose
By Christian Stoecker
By Hypnose psychologists their test subjects have a reading cure. These could not suddenly designate no more, which stood on the multicolored boards written. The researchers also found out: Who is well gelaunt, can be affected less.
Stroop effect: Successfully hebetates?
We cannot at all differently. If a word stands printed before us, we must read it whether we want or not. The advertisement about takes advantage of this effect again and again. And everyone, which with the breakfast times to the Mueslipackung festgelesen themselves has, knows it from own experience.
In addition, the phenomenon can lead to conflicts in the head: If we are to designate the ink color for instance with the word printed with red color "blue", that costs trouble. The read mechanism pushes the word meaning in such a way into the foreground that it becomes difficult to seize and above all express the color information. "Stroop effect" psychologists call this priority of the word in relation to the color, after his discoverer John Ridley Stroop.
"The effect is a well-known and very durable example for the fact that sometimes we can suppress irrelevant information with difficulty", explain Wilfried Kunde, psychologist at the University of Hamburg, in the discussion with MIRROR ON-LINE ONE.
In the meantime is however clear: Hypnose can change the data processing in the brain so strongly that such perception conflicts do not arise to no more or only reduced. Amir Raz of the Columbia University in New York and its colleagues describe in the technical periodical "Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences", like one the Stroop effect with Hypnose out-cheat can - and which happens thereby in the brain (on-line first publication).
"like characters of a foreign language"
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I need a new Mug
I didn't watch the President's speech in real-time, but I did see clips on MSN. No surprises, but the President laid out his vision, yet again, of what we're doing in Iraq, why he believes it's important, and why America should support his policies.
And, regarding Kelo, (via the Volokh Conspiracy) I may need a new coffee mug.
My weekend was blissful.
And, this weekend, I'm looking forward to heading to Atlanta to visit Mom and Dad in their swank new digs. They moved in March from Vancouver, Washington (just outside Portland, Oregon) to Georgia.
So, I will be out of town for Live8, but I don't recognize that to be much a loss.
And, regarding Kelo, (via the Volokh Conspiracy) I may need a new coffee mug.
My weekend was blissful.
And, this weekend, I'm looking forward to heading to Atlanta to visit Mom and Dad in their swank new digs. They moved in March from Vancouver, Washington (just outside Portland, Oregon) to Georgia.
So, I will be out of town for Live8, but I don't recognize that to be much a loss.
Friday, June 24, 2005
Thoughts on Kelo
Bill inquired, (reasonably):
Did you accidently smoke some of the plants you're growing?
Yesterday, the ruling of the Supreme Court came down in a case called Kelo v. City of New London. I'll skip the legal analysis, but we've been waiting to hear the outcome in Land Use Planning class.
As the court writes:
Petitioner Susette Kelo has lived in the Fort Trumbull area since 1997. She has made extensive improvements to her house, which she prizes for its water view. Petitioner Wilhelmina Dery was born in her Fort Trumbull house in 1918 and has lived there her entire life. Her husband Charles (also a petitioner) has lived in the house since they married some 60 years ago. In all, the nine petitioners own 15 properties in Fort Trumbull--4 in parcel 3 of the development plan and 11 in parcel 4A. Ten of the parcels are occupied by the owner or a family member; the other five are held as investment properties. There is no allegation that any of these properties is blighted or otherwise in poor condition; rather, they were condemned only because they happen to be located in the development area.
In other words, unlike a blighted neighborhood, or a house that's falling down and hazardous, these houses are just fine. The working class families that live there don't want to leave. The city is using its power of eminent domain in order to assemble a large parcel of land, with nice views, for new development. Yet, the plan has no specific use in mind for part of this land.
[One Parcel] is slated, mysteriously, for " 'park support.' " At oral argument, counsel for respondents conceded the vagueness of this proposed use, and offered that the parcel might eventually be used for parking. (cites omitted)
So, how would you feel if your home was condemned just because a developer promises to the town that it thinks it can earn higher returns on the property? Again, this wasn't to build a hospital, or a road, or a park. This condemnation takes property from one person, to give to another.
One of the most important aspects of property ownership, its "settledness," is thereby wiped away. As Justice O'Connor wrote in the dissent:
In moving away from our decisions sanctioning the condemnation of harmful property use, the Court today significantly expands the meaning of public use. It holds that the sovereign may take private property currently put to ordinary private use, and give it over for new, ordinary private use, so long as the new use is predicted to generate some secondary benefit for the public--such as increased tax revenue, more jobs, maybe even aesthetic pleasure. But nearly any lawful use of real private property can be said to generate some incidental benefit to the public. Thus, if predicted (or even guaranteed) positive side-effects are enough to render transfer from one private party to another constitutional, then the words "for public use" do not realistically exclude any takings, and thus do not exert any constraint on the eminent domain power.
So, I suspect, there will be political fallout from this, probably much more than the Court expected. The question becomes, other than a constitutional amendment, what mechanisms do the representative branches of government have in order to correct this wayward court. And that's the research I'll want to do when I have the time.
And finally, as to the phrase "Black Robed Masters." In his syndicated column for June 30, 1996 on the VMI decision, George Will famously described the Supreme Court as "our robed masters." The "robed masters" part stuck, and over time "Black" got prefixed to it (since, of course, the Supreme Court Justices do wear black robes.) Nixon was accused of running an "Imperial Presidency," the equivalent accusation for critics of the Supreme Court emphasizing their overreach is to describe them as the black robed masters.
Did you accidently smoke some of the plants you're growing?
Yesterday, the ruling of the Supreme Court came down in a case called Kelo v. City of New London. I'll skip the legal analysis, but we've been waiting to hear the outcome in Land Use Planning class.
As the court writes:
Petitioner Susette Kelo has lived in the Fort Trumbull area since 1997. She has made extensive improvements to her house, which she prizes for its water view. Petitioner Wilhelmina Dery was born in her Fort Trumbull house in 1918 and has lived there her entire life. Her husband Charles (also a petitioner) has lived in the house since they married some 60 years ago. In all, the nine petitioners own 15 properties in Fort Trumbull--4 in parcel 3 of the development plan and 11 in parcel 4A. Ten of the parcels are occupied by the owner or a family member; the other five are held as investment properties. There is no allegation that any of these properties is blighted or otherwise in poor condition; rather, they were condemned only because they happen to be located in the development area.
In other words, unlike a blighted neighborhood, or a house that's falling down and hazardous, these houses are just fine. The working class families that live there don't want to leave. The city is using its power of eminent domain in order to assemble a large parcel of land, with nice views, for new development. Yet, the plan has no specific use in mind for part of this land.
[One Parcel] is slated, mysteriously, for " 'park support.' " At oral argument, counsel for respondents conceded the vagueness of this proposed use, and offered that the parcel might eventually be used for parking. (cites omitted)
So, how would you feel if your home was condemned just because a developer promises to the town that it thinks it can earn higher returns on the property? Again, this wasn't to build a hospital, or a road, or a park. This condemnation takes property from one person, to give to another.
One of the most important aspects of property ownership, its "settledness," is thereby wiped away. As Justice O'Connor wrote in the dissent:
In moving away from our decisions sanctioning the condemnation of harmful property use, the Court today significantly expands the meaning of public use. It holds that the sovereign may take private property currently put to ordinary private use, and give it over for new, ordinary private use, so long as the new use is predicted to generate some secondary benefit for the public--such as increased tax revenue, more jobs, maybe even aesthetic pleasure. But nearly any lawful use of real private property can be said to generate some incidental benefit to the public. Thus, if predicted (or even guaranteed) positive side-effects are enough to render transfer from one private party to another constitutional, then the words "for public use" do not realistically exclude any takings, and thus do not exert any constraint on the eminent domain power.
So, I suspect, there will be political fallout from this, probably much more than the Court expected. The question becomes, other than a constitutional amendment, what mechanisms do the representative branches of government have in order to correct this wayward court. And that's the research I'll want to do when I have the time.
And finally, as to the phrase "Black Robed Masters." In his syndicated column for June 30, 1996 on the VMI decision, George Will famously described the Supreme Court as "our robed masters." The "robed masters" part stuck, and over time "Black" got prefixed to it (since, of course, the Supreme Court Justices do wear black robes.) Nixon was accused of running an "Imperial Presidency," the equivalent accusation for critics of the Supreme Court emphasizing their overreach is to describe them as the black robed masters.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Note for later
Right now I'm engaged in a frenzied cleaning of the apartment. But, so that I don't forget, I'm leaving a note here to myself to remember to examine mechanisms to correct our robed masters. That is all.
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
First Day of Summer
According to the Astronomers, yesterday was the first day of summer.
Personally, I go by the Memorial Day - Labor Day definition of summer, and whine mightily if it's chilly in June or hot in September.
And, via Instapundit, I came to The Carnival of the Vanities, and thence on to the Opinionated Bastard. And there I got to read an excellent entry on the War on Terror, which generally mirrors the arguments I make when I explain my support for the administration.
Personally, I go by the Memorial Day - Labor Day definition of summer, and whine mightily if it's chilly in June or hot in September.
And, via Instapundit, I came to The Carnival of the Vanities, and thence on to the Opinionated Bastard. And there I got to read an excellent entry on the War on Terror, which generally mirrors the arguments I make when I explain my support for the administration.
Monday, June 20, 2005
And Furthermore
Oh, and I have it on good authority, through a delightful coincidence, that someone is also growing Italian Basil in a clay pot. When will we see photos, eh?
Insomnia
Now, even under the best of circumstances, I am a bit of a night owl. The combination of stress, evening classes, and no work during the day, however, has lead to an egregiously fouled up circadian rhythm.
Yesterday, I slept well into the afternoon. And now, at 7 AM, I am still completely unable to sleep. (I laid awake, fretting at my inability to sleep, from 2 to 4, at which point I gave up and read through some Instapundit and Andrew Sullivan.)
I also read up on sleeping disorders, which is a blast. Mostly a blast because I don't have any of the nasty ones, which I imagine are awfully rough for the folks who've got 'em. Still, I think I could make a good case that I've suffered from Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome since adolescence.
Regardless, maybe I can still get a rehabilitating nap in before noon.
Yesterday, I slept well into the afternoon. And now, at 7 AM, I am still completely unable to sleep. (I laid awake, fretting at my inability to sleep, from 2 to 4, at which point I gave up and read through some Instapundit and Andrew Sullivan.)
I also read up on sleeping disorders, which is a blast. Mostly a blast because I don't have any of the nasty ones, which I imagine are awfully rough for the folks who've got 'em. Still, I think I could make a good case that I've suffered from Delayed Sleep Phase Syndrome since adolescence.
Regardless, maybe I can still get a rehabilitating nap in before noon.
Sunday, June 19, 2005
Oh, and don't forget, from the clay pots
The Basil has a significant tropism towards the light. The camera is showing the face that was facing the window earlier today. The pomagranite does not appear to grow towards the sun.
Now, in researching my plants yesterday, I came across some fascinating information.
First, the nasturtiums are edible. While it's unlikely I'll snack on them, pretty much the whole thing can be eaten--the seeds are peppery, the flowers and leaves are milder in flavor. A search on the web suggests a number of recipes for nasturtium infusions of various sorts. And, it appears that their name includes a derivation from the latin word "tort" which is a delightful connection with my classes.
In addition, the nasturtiums are extremely tasty to black aphids. The Sedum is appearently resistant to everything.
Further, I also learned that pomegranites do not grow true from seed. Thus, while the seed packager may have tried to include a seed for one of the dwarf varieties, there's no guarantee that a dwarf version will grow from it. So I could wind up with a plant that wants to grow to 16 feet tall.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
New Plant Based Purchase
Today I decided I was tired of having an empty front porch. I went to 10th and South Street, where a wonderful woman at All Occasions Flowers helped me pick out a big plastic pot, and some plants to fill it.
I carried the pot and one bag of soil one time, and then came back to the store where I picked up my plants and the other bag of soil.
Pictures:
My Pot and Plants in Context
Overhead Shot
Third Photo
Finally, the details. The taller plant is a Stonecrop, specifically Sedum 'Matrona'. It grows from 18 to 24 inches tall, and should bloom from late summer into midfall. I bought four of them, and they are clustered in the middle of the pot. The smaller little plants are Nasturtiums. I purchased 5 of those, and the goal is to get them to drape over the edges of the pot.
I put 3 inches of styrofoam packing peanuts in the bottom, and then filled the rest of the pot with two bags (16 quarts each) of Miracle Grow potting soil. Both plants are drought resistant, but I'll be watering them quite a bit for the first few weeks just to make sure they get started okay.
And finally, I know I live on a street that sees a lot of pedestrian traffic, but hopefully nothing untoward will happen to my plants. To reduce the risk of losing flowers to passerby, I didn't choose anything with really big, showy flowers.
I carried the pot and one bag of soil one time, and then came back to the store where I picked up my plants and the other bag of soil.
Pictures:
My Pot and Plants in Context
Overhead Shot
Third Photo
Finally, the details. The taller plant is a Stonecrop, specifically Sedum 'Matrona'. It grows from 18 to 24 inches tall, and should bloom from late summer into midfall. I bought four of them, and they are clustered in the middle of the pot. The smaller little plants are Nasturtiums. I purchased 5 of those, and the goal is to get them to drape over the edges of the pot.
I put 3 inches of styrofoam packing peanuts in the bottom, and then filled the rest of the pot with two bags (16 quarts each) of Miracle Grow potting soil. Both plants are drought resistant, but I'll be watering them quite a bit for the first few weeks just to make sure they get started okay.
And finally, I know I live on a street that sees a lot of pedestrian traffic, but hopefully nothing untoward will happen to my plants. To reduce the risk of losing flowers to passerby, I didn't choose anything with really big, showy flowers.
What Philadelphia Deserves
In more corruption news:
On Tuesday, a jury convicted Imam Shamsud-din Ali of a number of crimes. As the Daily News put it:
MUSLIM CLERIC Shamsud-din Ali yesterday was unmasked as a crook, a conspirator, a racketeer, thief, a briber, an extortionist and a liar.
He cheated the taxpayers.
He ripped off the Muslim community, particularly shivering students forced to wear overcoats in the freezing Sister Clara Muhammad School - which he headed - by stuffing his pockets with school money.
He betrayed pols - Mayor Street, Council members Jannie Blackwell, Donna Reed Miller and others - who trusted him and paved the way for him to obtain city contracts.
Mayor John Street, from a press release, dated June 14, 2005 entitled "The Mayor's Statement on Imam, Christmas Verdict"
My administration has always had a zero tolerance for corruption.
It is important for all Philadelphians to have confidence that their government is protecting the integrity of its programs and providing the highest levels of quality service for its citizens.
And he closes with this line:
As Mayor, I will ensure the public gets what it deserves: honest and open government.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, in an editorial thursday called "Be mad; be very, very mad"
The ongoing federal probe of Philadelphia's insidious pay-to-play culture started with the FBI wire-tapping phone conversations of Muslim cleric Imam Shamsud-din Ali in a 2001 drug investigation. Ali, a fund-raiser and close friend of Mayor Street, was found guilty Tuesday of 22 federal charges, including 20 counts of fraud in which he used his influence to get city contracts that paid him even when his company did no work.
Juror Arlene P. Medearis rightly expressed what should be the feelings of all city residents. "As a Philadelphia taxpayer, I was angry how our own money was being spent and misused," she said.
Mayor Street ought to have been just as angry. Instead, he meekly voiced his respect for the jury's verdict while claiming he has "zero tolerance" for corruption and offering condolences to Ali's family.
Street has not been charged with any crime in the federal investigation, but the mayor nonetheless deserves criticism. He should have kept campaign contributors and political friends such as Ali and the late super-lawyer Ronald A. White out of City Hall's no-bid contract trough.
Folks, it's bad here in Philly. City Council and the Mayor's office need to come up with some way to really crack down on this corruption. A well-connected crook helped raise funds for our Mayor, and the best the mayor can say is:
This case was extremely troubling because it involved a recognized community leader and long-time friend. It is clear that the jury carefully considered the evidence and reached its verdict. We respect this decision and my condolences go out to the family of Imam Shamsud-din Ali.
On Tuesday, a jury convicted Imam Shamsud-din Ali of a number of crimes. As the Daily News put it:
MUSLIM CLERIC Shamsud-din Ali yesterday was unmasked as a crook, a conspirator, a racketeer, thief, a briber, an extortionist and a liar.
He cheated the taxpayers.
He ripped off the Muslim community, particularly shivering students forced to wear overcoats in the freezing Sister Clara Muhammad School - which he headed - by stuffing his pockets with school money.
He betrayed pols - Mayor Street, Council members Jannie Blackwell, Donna Reed Miller and others - who trusted him and paved the way for him to obtain city contracts.
Mayor John Street, from a press release, dated June 14, 2005 entitled "The Mayor's Statement on Imam, Christmas Verdict"
My administration has always had a zero tolerance for corruption.
It is important for all Philadelphians to have confidence that their government is protecting the integrity of its programs and providing the highest levels of quality service for its citizens.
And he closes with this line:
As Mayor, I will ensure the public gets what it deserves: honest and open government.
The Philadelphia Inquirer, in an editorial thursday called "Be mad; be very, very mad"
The ongoing federal probe of Philadelphia's insidious pay-to-play culture started with the FBI wire-tapping phone conversations of Muslim cleric Imam Shamsud-din Ali in a 2001 drug investigation. Ali, a fund-raiser and close friend of Mayor Street, was found guilty Tuesday of 22 federal charges, including 20 counts of fraud in which he used his influence to get city contracts that paid him even when his company did no work.
Juror Arlene P. Medearis rightly expressed what should be the feelings of all city residents. "As a Philadelphia taxpayer, I was angry how our own money was being spent and misused," she said.
Mayor Street ought to have been just as angry. Instead, he meekly voiced his respect for the jury's verdict while claiming he has "zero tolerance" for corruption and offering condolences to Ali's family.
Street has not been charged with any crime in the federal investigation, but the mayor nonetheless deserves criticism. He should have kept campaign contributors and political friends such as Ali and the late super-lawyer Ronald A. White out of City Hall's no-bid contract trough.
Folks, it's bad here in Philly. City Council and the Mayor's office need to come up with some way to really crack down on this corruption. A well-connected crook helped raise funds for our Mayor, and the best the mayor can say is:
This case was extremely troubling because it involved a recognized community leader and long-time friend. It is clear that the jury carefully considered the evidence and reached its verdict. We respect this decision and my condolences go out to the family of Imam Shamsud-din Ali.
Friday, June 17, 2005
Irony is not dead - but it ought to be
On TV, famously described as a cool medium, irony and sarcasm "work." If you, as the audience, don't understand the implied distance between the dialog and the fictional context, you just wait for the plot to explain it to you.
In person and on the web, however, I have consistently found that irony tends to demand too much from the audience.
Now, ironists frequently complain that the reason people don't understand what they are saying is because, well, the audience is dumb.
In reality, irony is only an appropriate rhetorical form when you know for certain that your audience either shares your values or is so familiar with you (as speaker) that if you start spouting something different they'll know you don't really mean it.
In spoken language, you express an ironic viewpoint through choice of emphasis in language and body language. But remember, in most of the examples we see on television of irony, we've already been primed to expect irony. Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update" bit, for example, depends upon our knowledge that it's a fake news show.
Conveying and sustaining an ironic tone through text, however, is fantastically difficult, and frankly should be discouraged. Authors, unless you're an exceptional writer you are more likely to confuse your audience, rather than entertain and communicate with them, through the use of irony.
All irony depends upon the use of a fictional persona, which is itself suspect in personal interaction. Again, if you're on a stage, I've got the cue to expect the dramatic presentation of a fictional persona. In the workplace, or on the street, or really anywhere we're not surrounded by people who know us very well, the risk of miscommunication is too high.
More generally, in personal communications, irony (along with sarcasm) are rhetorical strategies of the weak. A consequence of ironic distance is that it allows people to say things with "deniability". That is, if I say "I hate your mother's meatloaf," and you look hurt, I can quickly follow up with "in fact, I hate it so much I'll take another slice."
I enjoy irony on the small screen just fine (in fact, when I could watch more TV, I loved David Letterman.) But if someone I'm not especially familiar with starts using an ironic tone, I start wondering what it is they're trying to hide.
Do I think The Onion is funny? Of course. But at least once a year, there will be a report that somewhere, someone has cited an article originally published in "America's Finest News Source". The same thing happens with the annual April Fool's Day hoaxes. When The Onion apes the format of a real newspaper, is it really so surprising that some people will not realize that it is a parody?
As a proud son of the great southern rhetorical tradition, I may be unusually cautious about the power of words to obfuscate. But this is my little plea to the world: consider saying what you really mean. Let your 'yes' be 'yes', and your 'no', 'no'. Your readers will appreciate it.
In person and on the web, however, I have consistently found that irony tends to demand too much from the audience.
Now, ironists frequently complain that the reason people don't understand what they are saying is because, well, the audience is dumb.
In reality, irony is only an appropriate rhetorical form when you know for certain that your audience either shares your values or is so familiar with you (as speaker) that if you start spouting something different they'll know you don't really mean it.
In spoken language, you express an ironic viewpoint through choice of emphasis in language and body language. But remember, in most of the examples we see on television of irony, we've already been primed to expect irony. Saturday Night Live's "Weekend Update" bit, for example, depends upon our knowledge that it's a fake news show.
Conveying and sustaining an ironic tone through text, however, is fantastically difficult, and frankly should be discouraged. Authors, unless you're an exceptional writer you are more likely to confuse your audience, rather than entertain and communicate with them, through the use of irony.
All irony depends upon the use of a fictional persona, which is itself suspect in personal interaction. Again, if you're on a stage, I've got the cue to expect the dramatic presentation of a fictional persona. In the workplace, or on the street, or really anywhere we're not surrounded by people who know us very well, the risk of miscommunication is too high.
More generally, in personal communications, irony (along with sarcasm) are rhetorical strategies of the weak. A consequence of ironic distance is that it allows people to say things with "deniability". That is, if I say "I hate your mother's meatloaf," and you look hurt, I can quickly follow up with "in fact, I hate it so much I'll take another slice."
I enjoy irony on the small screen just fine (in fact, when I could watch more TV, I loved David Letterman.) But if someone I'm not especially familiar with starts using an ironic tone, I start wondering what it is they're trying to hide.
Do I think The Onion is funny? Of course. But at least once a year, there will be a report that somewhere, someone has cited an article originally published in "America's Finest News Source". The same thing happens with the annual April Fool's Day hoaxes. When The Onion apes the format of a real newspaper, is it really so surprising that some people will not realize that it is a parody?
As a proud son of the great southern rhetorical tradition, I may be unusually cautious about the power of words to obfuscate. But this is my little plea to the world: consider saying what you really mean. Let your 'yes' be 'yes', and your 'no', 'no'. Your readers will appreciate it.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
Late Night Excitement
So, I discovered today that they were going to have a midnight showing of the new Batman movie. Turns out it does indeed rock out in a mighty fashion. Dark, genuinely spooky, at turns gothic.
The theater I went to The Bridge Cinema Deluxe, is located in West Philly, at Penn's campus (and not far from where I work). There was a fairly good crowd, but it didn't look like the whole theater was full. Although the Bridge has some reserved seating available, all I could get online was General Admission, but arriving 20 minutes early easily ensured me a center seat in the third row.
I walked down to 30th Street Station to pick up a Taxi. Unfortunately, my driver got up to Carpenter and Broad and turned left. That's the wrong way down a one way street. A cop pulled us over, so I had to kill 10 minutes as they made sure my guy had a license and such. Looks like his record was clean, 'cause they let him go with a verbal warning.
So now I'm going to go to bed, happy that my classes that don't start until 6 PM.
The theater I went to The Bridge Cinema Deluxe, is located in West Philly, at Penn's campus (and not far from where I work). There was a fairly good crowd, but it didn't look like the whole theater was full. Although the Bridge has some reserved seating available, all I could get online was General Admission, but arriving 20 minutes early easily ensured me a center seat in the third row.
I walked down to 30th Street Station to pick up a Taxi. Unfortunately, my driver got up to Carpenter and Broad and turned left. That's the wrong way down a one way street. A cop pulled us over, so I had to kill 10 minutes as they made sure my guy had a license and such. Looks like his record was clean, 'cause they let him go with a verbal warning.
So now I'm going to go to bed, happy that my classes that don't start until 6 PM.
Monday, June 13, 2005
More Clay Pot Blogging
Okay, so I'm excited about the new Batman Movie. From all indications it eschews the cartoonishness, and embraces the noir.
Oh, and I have a new picture of my growing little plants.
Oh, and I have a new picture of my growing little plants.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Quick notes on my home decorating
Tuesday I went to finish up my shopping at IKEA. I picked up a long mirror, roman blinds for my window, and a new table lamp to brighten my room. As a consequence, after having lived here for 2 3/4 years, it finally looks like I've finished moving in. The only thing I'm missing is some shelves to put books on. And I'll get them, eventually.
It's been fantastically warm and humid, making it a delight to go outside. Ah, reminds me of running around Nashville during my first summer job.
Anyway, tonight is the last night of class for the week. Woo-hoo Land Use Planning and Civil Procedure II!
It's been fantastically warm and humid, making it a delight to go outside. Ah, reminds me of running around Nashville during my first summer job.
Anyway, tonight is the last night of class for the week. Woo-hoo Land Use Planning and Civil Procedure II!
Saturday, June 04, 2005
New Bed
When I travelled, long ago, from Nashville back to Pittsburgh, I needed to bring a bed with me. Given that Dad and I were travelling in a rented van (if I recall correctly) we needed something small.
Enter my cousin-in-law Jason's waterbed. Back when Jason was a swinging bachelor (that is, before he married my cousin Angie) he had a waterbed. After getting married, the waterbed led a second, unused life, in his garage, and so he kindly loaned it to me.
That bed did fine service in my care from October 1996, until this February, when the mattress (an unbaffled vinyl shell, and therefore utterly transmissive of the slightest motion) began to leak from the bottom (hence nowhere easy for me to patch). So I was presented with a conundrum: was the time to buy a new mattress, or was it time to buy a new bed.
So in March I decided to retire the waterbed, and I threw out the mattress and stowed the frame in my basement.
Yesterday I bought the new bed.
Careful attention to chronology suggests a problem.
And, indeed, for the past two months I've been sleeping on the floor, propped up on pillows.
So, I've just spent two hours putting together another fine product from the folks at IKEA, and am looking forward to going to sleep in a proper bed again.
Enter my cousin-in-law Jason's waterbed. Back when Jason was a swinging bachelor (that is, before he married my cousin Angie) he had a waterbed. After getting married, the waterbed led a second, unused life, in his garage, and so he kindly loaned it to me.
That bed did fine service in my care from October 1996, until this February, when the mattress (an unbaffled vinyl shell, and therefore utterly transmissive of the slightest motion) began to leak from the bottom (hence nowhere easy for me to patch). So I was presented with a conundrum: was the time to buy a new mattress, or was it time to buy a new bed.
So in March I decided to retire the waterbed, and I threw out the mattress and stowed the frame in my basement.
Yesterday I bought the new bed.
Careful attention to chronology suggests a problem.
And, indeed, for the past two months I've been sleeping on the floor, propped up on pillows.
So, I've just spent two hours putting together another fine product from the folks at IKEA, and am looking forward to going to sleep in a proper bed again.
Friday, June 03, 2005
Neologism Ahoy!
So here I am, minding my own business, when suddenly I was accosted by a neologism!
The word?
AMSTERSLAMMED
Which I sighted at Spiegel International, here.
Now, certainly, it could be misused to describe the consequence of downing too many of these, but in reality, I think this new word belongs in the political science lexicon.
First, I find it euphonious.
Second, it fills a need for a synonym for "coup de grâce" that applies particularly to the political context.
Example (fictional):
Congress amsterslammed the sugar subsidy bill yesterday, defeating the measure in the House by a surprising margin (300 to 20) just hours after a non-binding Sense of the Senate vote had suggested that the bill was in trouble on the other side of the Hill.
Amsterslams signal that a previous unexpected electoral result was not just a fluke, but a real signal that politicians only ignore at their peril.
The word?
AMSTERSLAMMED
Which I sighted at Spiegel International, here.
Now, certainly, it could be misused to describe the consequence of downing too many of these, but in reality, I think this new word belongs in the political science lexicon.
First, I find it euphonious.
Second, it fills a need for a synonym for "coup de grâce" that applies particularly to the political context.
Example (fictional):
Congress amsterslammed the sugar subsidy bill yesterday, defeating the measure in the House by a surprising margin (300 to 20) just hours after a non-binding Sense of the Senate vote had suggested that the bill was in trouble on the other side of the Hill.
Amsterslams signal that a previous unexpected electoral result was not just a fluke, but a real signal that politicians only ignore at their peril.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
I saw Revenge of the Sith on last Thursday, and I was very impressed. It was a very good movie, and I left the theater feeling quite sad over the fates of Anakin and Padme.
In thirty years, when the series is remade, the future director and writers will undoubtably have fun fixing the six films to actually flow together properly.
[Let me hasten to point out, there's no evidence anyone is clamoring to remake the movies right now. But Lucas created a durable myth, and the nature of myths is that they are remade over and over again. Recall that the Greek tragedies, which Lucas is certainly writing in the shadow of, were rewritten frequently by the ancient dramatists.]
In thirty years, when the series is remade, the future director and writers will undoubtably have fun fixing the six films to actually flow together properly.
[Let me hasten to point out, there's no evidence anyone is clamoring to remake the movies right now. But Lucas created a durable myth, and the nature of myths is that they are remade over and over again. Recall that the Greek tragedies, which Lucas is certainly writing in the shadow of, were rewritten frequently by the ancient dramatists.]
Sunday, May 29, 2005
In Philly News
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.
As if on cue, Hizzoner is looking like a champion of Good Government.
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.
Saturday, April 30, 2005
My Day
I had a good run of Aviation Law Exam goodness from about 5 to 9. Before that I'd eaten some surprisingly good General Tso's chicken from the heavily armored place next to Zavelle's Bookstore on Broad Street. Now, normally, I prefer to eat in, but since this place didn't have any tables, I made an exception and carry-out'd back to Klein Hall.
The Gen Tso sauce was spicy, but not too spicy, and properly peppery. It was not barbecue sauce, which seems to be a common problem here in Philly. Every other place on Temple's campus, and most of the one's I've tried on South Street, have a more barbecue flavor to their General Tso's.
Now I'm back at home, hoping to chill a bit before turning in early. I know it might seem strange (well okay, not to Bill-he's a professional) but writing as well as you can is quite exhausing. So at 8:01 PM on Monday I'm going to be extremely happy (though then I'll be fixated in a few hours on Business Immigration Law.)
Oh, and while I understand that rain is cool and all, I'd have been happier with sunshine.
The Gen Tso sauce was spicy, but not too spicy, and properly peppery. It was not barbecue sauce, which seems to be a common problem here in Philly. Every other place on Temple's campus, and most of the one's I've tried on South Street, have a more barbecue flavor to their General Tso's.
Now I'm back at home, hoping to chill a bit before turning in early. I know it might seem strange (well okay, not to Bill-he's a professional) but writing as well as you can is quite exhausing. So at 8:01 PM on Monday I'm going to be extremely happy (though then I'll be fixated in a few hours on Business Immigration Law.)
Oh, and while I understand that rain is cool and all, I'd have been happier with sunshine.
Friday, April 29, 2005
Back at the Bean Cafe
Well today I've been working on the Aviation Law exam (due n/l/t 8:00 PM Monday, May 2.)
Last night's exam went pretty well. The prof selected one straightforward, and one unpleasantly difficult, question. The multiple choice were fine-confusing but not impossible (a well-tabbed UCC and textbook helped immeasurably.)
Afterwards I had a long walk before heading to bed at about 2. Today I rested up, but the blur of activity is starting again.
Last night's exam went pretty well. The prof selected one straightforward, and one unpleasantly difficult, question. The multiple choice were fine-confusing but not impossible (a well-tabbed UCC and textbook helped immeasurably.)
Afterwards I had a long walk before heading to bed at about 2. Today I rested up, but the blur of activity is starting again.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
30 Minutes to Go
I've got 30 minutes until my first exam (and only in-class exam this semester) Payment systems. Either I shall rock hard, or rock hardly at all, but either way it'll be over soon.
I also visited the nice folks from Fin Aid and it turns out that mucho loan money is on the horizon.
So in about 10 days paying my bills won't hurt.
I also visited the nice folks from Fin Aid and it turns out that mucho loan money is on the horizon.
So in about 10 days paying my bills won't hurt.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Thoughts on the Exam Process
I've been spending the week writing out take-home exams. And it occurs to me that I really, really am better at take-homes than in-class exams. I make no predictions regarding my grades, but it really feels like I'm getting a proper chance to be thorough, without the dread of coming up with all the answers in 4 hours.
My life will be a blur until May 9th or so, when I hand in the last exam.
Oh, and tomorrow at noon I get to find out what my financing options are for summer. Yay student loan money.
My life will be a blur until May 9th or so, when I hand in the last exam.
Oh, and tomorrow at noon I get to find out what my financing options are for summer. Yay student loan money.
Monday, April 25, 2005
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Last Day of Class Spring 2005
Woo-Hoo! Last night of class! More "Banking the Poor" in Payment Systems followed by dinner over at the Draught Horse. And some of the 4-Ls were celebrating, so I congratulated them.
I was also hit up by the class of '05 for a donation, which I gave 'em. Free cap and a line in the graduation program.
I was also hit up by the class of '05 for a donation, which I gave 'em. Free cap and a line in the graduation program.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Sunny, 81 Degrees
Today was the last class for Corporate Transactions. We had yet more duly diligent goodness, with a couple of hints from the Prof as to what we should expect on the exam.
Tonight will also be the last night for Business Immigration Law, which should be a blast. Tonight after class I'm going to look at the sample problems we got yesterday in Payment systems for tomorrow.
I'm feeling pretty good about the exams starting next week (although I'm not going to enjoy actually writing all this stuff.) Again, I'm going to do my best to be completely finished with school on May 10.
Tonight will also be the last night for Business Immigration Law, which should be a blast. Tonight after class I'm going to look at the sample problems we got yesterday in Payment systems for tomorrow.
I'm feeling pretty good about the exams starting next week (although I'm not going to enjoy actually writing all this stuff.) Again, I'm going to do my best to be completely finished with school on May 10.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Hanging Out at the Temple Law Bookstore
Right across the road from Klein Hall is the Law Bookstore. Here there's a nice little coffeeshop, with access to Temple's wireless network. So I get to hang out, read the New York Times (and my homework) and surf the web. On Tuesdays I only have one class, Payment Systems, and it's at 7:30, so leaving work at 4:00 I've got some time to kill.
Now, despite some effort, I'm fully aware of the parade of pulchritude wandering past the window. So if my typing should suddenly trail off, replaced by confused grunting, gentle reader you shall know why.
I guess I should admit some concern over my summer. My current plan is to work in Philly and take summer classes. But if I can find someone who wants to hire me, I'll go wherever they'll pay to have me. I wouldn't be worried, except that Penn's regs force me to work no more than 1000 hours a fiscal year, and I have less than 100 hours left between now and July 1. So I'm nervous about it.
I'm also having to think about my last two semesters of law school. I know I've got to take some more litigation courses to be a "well rounded law student" but I have zero enthusiasm for the task. Similarly, I need to take my big paper course, where I write a 30 page paper on some topic. I'm going to try to write on an international law topic, because I find it interesting, and because if I write a paper for international law, and I decide to go for a Transnational LLM I won't need to write a second paper (i.e. a two for one deal.)
Now, despite some effort, I'm fully aware of the parade of pulchritude wandering past the window. So if my typing should suddenly trail off, replaced by confused grunting, gentle reader you shall know why.
I guess I should admit some concern over my summer. My current plan is to work in Philly and take summer classes. But if I can find someone who wants to hire me, I'll go wherever they'll pay to have me. I wouldn't be worried, except that Penn's regs force me to work no more than 1000 hours a fiscal year, and I have less than 100 hours left between now and July 1. So I'm nervous about it.
I'm also having to think about my last two semesters of law school. I know I've got to take some more litigation courses to be a "well rounded law student" but I have zero enthusiasm for the task. Similarly, I need to take my big paper course, where I write a 30 page paper on some topic. I'm going to try to write on an international law topic, because I find it interesting, and because if I write a paper for international law, and I decide to go for a Transnational LLM I won't need to write a second paper (i.e. a two for one deal.)
Monday, April 18, 2005
The beginning of the end of class
This is the last week of classes for the spring term. Today was the last class for Aviation law, and the Prof gave a chance for me to speak in class (to make up for goofing up three weeks ago.) So that was good.
Today was gorgeous, absolutely warm and sunny. It felt good to be outside breathing the air.
Today was gorgeous, absolutely warm and sunny. It felt good to be outside breathing the air.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
More about the EU
The European Union spent years working on a new constitution. The constitution was intended to address a number of problems with the current treaties, including a mind-numbing opacity.
If you haven't looked at the US Constitution in a while, you may have forgotten that it is short. Really short. Now, on the one hand, this can be a problem. Often the Constitution will have a suggestive phrase, and leave the rest of the work of interpreting it as an exercise for the reader.
For instance, the Commander-in-Chief clause. "The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States" Article II, Sec. 2. We've been arguing 200 years over what, exactly, the limits of the President's powers as Commander in Chief are. If the constitution had come with with a "definitions" section life could be much easier.
As an aside, I am reminded of last weeks Corporate Transactions class. The Prof was explaining that in a merger of private companies, his usual preference was to avoid creating a formal "Letter of Intent" instead using mutual term sheets to keep track of the bargaining parties positions. As he explained it, the risk with a Letter of Intent is that, in jumping in to negotiate Letter of Intent, the lawyers may scuttle the deal by killing its momentum. The lawyers, and principals, have a risk of butting heads on problems that don't have solutions at that part of the discussion. And, by spending too much time negotiating the details of the deal up front, the window of opportunity for the deal may be lost altogether.
The men who wrote the US Constitution were brilliant, but also pragmatic. Instead of bogging themselves in myriad details, they wrote a sharp, focused constitution and recognized much would have to be agreed upon later or resolved through the political process. The Europeans, however, seem to have been overcome by the desire to do everything at once, and so have birthed a document of monstrous size (the version here, including a couple of protocols, clocks in at 485 pages.)
Now, in some sense it's unfair to blame the Europeans, because the constitution is also an attempt to consolidate all of the piecemeal treaties into one. It would almost be as if you had to include a compendium of the current Supreme Court jurisprudence (cases, analysis, and decisions) along with the text of the Constitution, which I'm sure could easily beat a measely 500 pages.
But to recognize the difficulty of a thing is not to deny the possibility of doing it well. The process the Europeans used was fine. It is the end result that mocks the good intentions. They sought to increase the democratic accountability of the EU through making its ruling treaties comprehensible, but they only managed to demonstrate how incomprehensible the whole enterprise has become.
The European Constitution comes into effect after all of the member countries have ratified it. On May 29 the French will decide. (See the interactive "State of Play" map here.)
I hope the Constition is defeated, and that after the defeat the focus of effort will be on integrating the newly admitted countries of central and eastern europe. But for now it's a fun time for a Europe watcher.
If you haven't looked at the US Constitution in a while, you may have forgotten that it is short. Really short. Now, on the one hand, this can be a problem. Often the Constitution will have a suggestive phrase, and leave the rest of the work of interpreting it as an exercise for the reader.
For instance, the Commander-in-Chief clause. "The President shall be Commander in Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States, and of the Militia of the several States, when called into the actual Service of the United States" Article II, Sec. 2. We've been arguing 200 years over what, exactly, the limits of the President's powers as Commander in Chief are. If the constitution had come with with a "definitions" section life could be much easier.
As an aside, I am reminded of last weeks Corporate Transactions class. The Prof was explaining that in a merger of private companies, his usual preference was to avoid creating a formal "Letter of Intent" instead using mutual term sheets to keep track of the bargaining parties positions. As he explained it, the risk with a Letter of Intent is that, in jumping in to negotiate Letter of Intent, the lawyers may scuttle the deal by killing its momentum. The lawyers, and principals, have a risk of butting heads on problems that don't have solutions at that part of the discussion. And, by spending too much time negotiating the details of the deal up front, the window of opportunity for the deal may be lost altogether.
The men who wrote the US Constitution were brilliant, but also pragmatic. Instead of bogging themselves in myriad details, they wrote a sharp, focused constitution and recognized much would have to be agreed upon later or resolved through the political process. The Europeans, however, seem to have been overcome by the desire to do everything at once, and so have birthed a document of monstrous size (the version here, including a couple of protocols, clocks in at 485 pages.)
Now, in some sense it's unfair to blame the Europeans, because the constitution is also an attempt to consolidate all of the piecemeal treaties into one. It would almost be as if you had to include a compendium of the current Supreme Court jurisprudence (cases, analysis, and decisions) along with the text of the Constitution, which I'm sure could easily beat a measely 500 pages.
But to recognize the difficulty of a thing is not to deny the possibility of doing it well. The process the Europeans used was fine. It is the end result that mocks the good intentions. They sought to increase the democratic accountability of the EU through making its ruling treaties comprehensible, but they only managed to demonstrate how incomprehensible the whole enterprise has become.
The European Constitution comes into effect after all of the member countries have ratified it. On May 29 the French will decide. (See the interactive "State of Play" map here.)
I hope the Constition is defeated, and that after the defeat the focus of effort will be on integrating the newly admitted countries of central and eastern europe. But for now it's a fun time for a Europe watcher.
Friday, April 15, 2005
Federalist Society Student Symposium Recap
Woo-hoo! They've got the video up (thanks for the pointer from The Volokh Conspiracy).
I was there, and it was an incredibly fun symposium.
I was there, and it was an incredibly fun symposium.
Fun History
Esquire goofed last year in publishing a book including an essay of Gore Vidal's libelous attacks on William F. Buckley, Jr.
I just took the pleasure of reading the PDF of Buckley's response, and it's a beauty.
I just took the pleasure of reading the PDF of Buckley's response, and it's a beauty.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Super Fares
Southwest Airlines is now running a special $29 dollar Philly to Pittsburgh fare.
Now if only I had $58!
And a good reason to visit Pittsburgh.
Now if only I had $58!
And a good reason to visit Pittsburgh.
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
The Thrill of Due Diligence
I got out of Corporate Transactions at 6, and grabbed a quick snack at the 7-11. Today we discussed corporate due diligence, after examining some example documents.
Getting to do due diligence would rock!
I'm serious! You get to do a sort of X-Ray on a living corporate patient. You could see how everything is connected.
From the initial articles of incorporation, to the day-to-day operation of the firm. Think of all of the lives, and loves, bound up in an enterprise of even a small size.
The smallest mom-and-pop company is somebody's baby. It might be raking in the dough, or barely making payroll. And, of course, every successful company will have friendly enemies out to undercut your every bid.
And, if they're asking you to do due diligence, that means there's a deal lurking in the background. Someone is looking to shake things up.
What a blast!
Anyway, now I'm hanging out at the Dunkin' Donuts, enjoying a large coffee and a krueller. Mmm, kruller.
Getting to do due diligence would rock!
I'm serious! You get to do a sort of X-Ray on a living corporate patient. You could see how everything is connected.
From the initial articles of incorporation, to the day-to-day operation of the firm. Think of all of the lives, and loves, bound up in an enterprise of even a small size.
The smallest mom-and-pop company is somebody's baby. It might be raking in the dough, or barely making payroll. And, of course, every successful company will have friendly enemies out to undercut your every bid.
And, if they're asking you to do due diligence, that means there's a deal lurking in the background. Someone is looking to shake things up.
What a blast!
Anyway, now I'm hanging out at the Dunkin' Donuts, enjoying a large coffee and a krueller. Mmm, kruller.
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Intermezzo Cafe
Right now, I'm sitting at the Intermezzo Cafe, on Walnut Street. The cool thing about it is that they have a free wireless connection, which means I can email my Payment Systems homework to the professor from here.
About Payment Systems. We're finishing up guarantees, and will be looking at banking the poor next. Many people know that I don't really think that highly of banks. Citizens's Bank, for example, will happily pyramid charges on overdrafts, in addition to using "biggest withdrawal first" rules that ensure you get nicked for as many NSF charges as possible. Now, you might claim that it's my own fault for failing to have enough money in the account, and that's true. But since it's a complete crapshoot as to when deposits will clear and become available or when payments will actually be processed, I lack any sympathy for the bank. And, the charges and fees the bank levies, directly from my account, are completely disconnected from their costs for processing. A typical check overdraft costs a bank about oh, maybe 10 dollars to process. They will neg your bank account $30. That's $20 dollars of pure happy profit for shareholders.
About Payment Systems. We're finishing up guarantees, and will be looking at banking the poor next. Many people know that I don't really think that highly of banks. Citizens's Bank, for example, will happily pyramid charges on overdrafts, in addition to using "biggest withdrawal first" rules that ensure you get nicked for as many NSF charges as possible. Now, you might claim that it's my own fault for failing to have enough money in the account, and that's true. But since it's a complete crapshoot as to when deposits will clear and become available or when payments will actually be processed, I lack any sympathy for the bank. And, the charges and fees the bank levies, directly from my account, are completely disconnected from their costs for processing. A typical check overdraft costs a bank about oh, maybe 10 dollars to process. They will neg your bank account $30. That's $20 dollars of pure happy profit for shareholders.
Regression Analysis and Baby Names
I know I really like my name, although I don't think it's ever managed to open any doors for me.
Still, Slate has a neat excerpt from a book examining if names are destiny.
Turns out that the answer is no.
Still, Slate has a neat excerpt from a book examining if names are destiny.
Turns out that the answer is no.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Things to be proud of...
From ZDNet:
Sure, getting to the root of Russia's problems may be an item of academic interest, but at least there's something they do fantastically well.
Sure, getting to the root of Russia's problems may be an item of academic interest, but at least there's something they do fantastically well.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Bet this never happens to donuts
From MSNBC:
Surplus low-carb foods shipped to foodbanks
Truckloads of Atkins bars,diet shakes sent to charities
Ken Slone stands in the Christian Appalachian Project warehouse stocked with low-carb diet food near Paintsville, Ky., on March 30. Since September, the charity has received 14 truckloads of food from Atkins nutritionist, the New York company famous for the low-carb diet. Slone said each truck load contained about 1,300 cases of energy bars, shakes and breakfast mixes that are being distributed to churches and other organizations that minister to the needy.
Surplus low-carb foods shipped to foodbanks
Truckloads of Atkins bars,diet shakes sent to charities
Ken Slone stands in the Christian Appalachian Project warehouse stocked with low-carb diet food near Paintsville, Ky., on March 30. Since September, the charity has received 14 truckloads of food from Atkins nutritionist, the New York company famous for the low-carb diet. Slone said each truck load contained about 1,300 cases of energy bars, shakes and breakfast mixes that are being distributed to churches and other organizations that minister to the needy.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Parliamentarians
A couple of weeks ago, I was representing at the Student Bar Association. Because a controversial issue was on the agenda, I wanted to make sure that I boned up on parliamentary procedure. I hadn't realized it, but in my research I came across an entire professional body of parliamentarians. And if you are willing to pay, they will happily assist you in running your meetings.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
The New Phone
The new cell phone arrived today from T-Mobile. I popped in the sim card from my old phone, and sure enough it woke up and turned on. This phone is lighter, and feels more like a toy than my old phone. I also will have to do some work later tonight to move all of my saved phone numbers from the V60 to this one. The diplay is, as advertised, in color. And looks pretty sharp. Similarly, unlike the old phone, this one will play whole chords (music clips.) I think I'll stick with the T-Mobile chime. I just hope this doesn't mean that the battery will die more quickly.
More Learning
This is more like it. Today was spring. Plants are starting to bloom, the sun was downright warming, it’s 6:30 PM and there’s plenty of sun left.
A day so great I audibly cheered when I walked out the door.
Enjoying the weather, I walked from my apartment to Broad and South, rather than to the subway stop at Ellsworth Federal. I took the subway up to Temple, and went to Corporate Transactions. Today we discussed how one company buys another, and some of the forms we'd have to consider or prepare as a lawyer on such a deal.
I have an hour to kill until my next class, and so I wander around campus a bit. In fact, as I'm writing this, I'm at the Dunkin Donuts on Liacouras Walk.
Now I should point out that, despite my advanced age and wholesome character, I am not altogether unmindful of the changes in the couture modeled by the distaff student body. And thus, on occasions such as this, I am reminded of one of the fine peripheral benefits to remaining in an academic environment.
Oh well. Time to learn more immigration goodness.
A day so great I audibly cheered when I walked out the door.
Enjoying the weather, I walked from my apartment to Broad and South, rather than to the subway stop at Ellsworth Federal. I took the subway up to Temple, and went to Corporate Transactions. Today we discussed how one company buys another, and some of the forms we'd have to consider or prepare as a lawyer on such a deal.
I have an hour to kill until my next class, and so I wander around campus a bit. In fact, as I'm writing this, I'm at the Dunkin Donuts on Liacouras Walk.
Now I should point out that, despite my advanced age and wholesome character, I am not altogether unmindful of the changes in the couture modeled by the distaff student body. And thus, on occasions such as this, I am reminded of one of the fine peripheral benefits to remaining in an academic environment.
Oh well. Time to learn more immigration goodness.
Commuter Amnesia
Today, after I left work I took the trolley and subway up to Temple. I began reading the Payment Systems book on the trolley.
Many commuters will be familiar with the experience of realizing they are somewhere with no conscious knowlege of how they got there.
It happened to me today, and was freaky. Suddenly I was just standing at the City Hall, wondering how I got there. But on the plus side, I'd had a couple of fun insights into surety law.
Many commuters will be familiar with the experience of realizing they are somewhere with no conscious knowlege of how they got there.
It happened to me today, and was freaky. Suddenly I was just standing at the City Hall, wondering how I got there. But on the plus side, I'd had a couple of fun insights into surety law.
Second Spring Day
It makes me cry when people ask me:
"Which IPod should I get?"
Right now, your choices are:
Ipod Shuffle 512 MB or 1 GB
Ipod Mini 4 GB (Silver, Pink, Blue, Green)
Or Ipod Mini 6 GB (Silver, Pink, Blue, Green)
Ipod 20 GB (The Iconic White Ipod)
Ipod U2 Special Edition (The only black Ipod)
Ipod Photo (30 GB or 60 GB)
The current Ipods all connect to Macs and PCs, preferably using ITunes as the music manager. All of the current units are designed to work with USB 2.0, which is common on any computer made in the last three years. On the PC side, they really want you to be running Windows XP (Home or Professional edition) or Windows 2000. They also have adapters available to connect using firewire, which is common on Macs, and fairly rare on PCs.
And, at any time, something may be out of stock, which adds an additional level of complexity. Will you take a blue 6GB ipod mini today, despite the fact that you really want a silver 4GB mini?
When I have enough time, I don't mind walking through all the details, but today was busy, and it seemed like a constant stream of folks having trouble figuring out what they wanted.
"Which IPod should I get?"
Right now, your choices are:
Ipod Shuffle 512 MB or 1 GB
Ipod Mini 4 GB (Silver, Pink, Blue, Green)
Or Ipod Mini 6 GB (Silver, Pink, Blue, Green)
Ipod 20 GB (The Iconic White Ipod)
Ipod U2 Special Edition (The only black Ipod)
Ipod Photo (30 GB or 60 GB)
The current Ipods all connect to Macs and PCs, preferably using ITunes as the music manager. All of the current units are designed to work with USB 2.0, which is common on any computer made in the last three years. On the PC side, they really want you to be running Windows XP (Home or Professional edition) or Windows 2000. They also have adapters available to connect using firewire, which is common on Macs, and fairly rare on PCs.
And, at any time, something may be out of stock, which adds an additional level of complexity. Will you take a blue 6GB ipod mini today, despite the fact that you really want a silver 4GB mini?
When I have enough time, I don't mind walking through all the details, but today was busy, and it seemed like a constant stream of folks having trouble figuring out what they wanted.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Important Literary News
Finally, a flash dramatization of To Kill A Mockingbird that includes the heretofore overlooked pirates and ninjas. (Thanks NR.)
Snack Cake News
If you wind up in my company for long, you'll discover I'm a great fan of Little Debbie Snack Cakes including the fantastic swiss cake rolls. So I always feel a little dirty cheating on Little Debbie with the regional product, Tastykakes.
But the other day I decided to pick up the Tastykake "Bunny Treats." Very yummy going down, but so sugary that it leaves an aftertaste in my mouth.
But the other day I decided to pick up the Tastykake "Bunny Treats." Very yummy going down, but so sugary that it leaves an aftertaste in my mouth.
Monday, April 04, 2005
A Law Student's Nightmare Come True
Last week I missed Aviation Law. Since he's been having witnesses come in for a case he's working on, the lectures have mostly focused on him doing the trial lawyer thing in front of them.
As it turns out, I must have missed something critically important, because this week he had people doing voir dire as if we were doing the case.
And I was supposed to be one of the people doing it!
Now, up to this point in law school, I have studiously avoided anything having to do with trial work. I've not taken Evidence, I don't know about the FRCP, and I have no idea what I am, and am not, permitted to do or say in front of a witness (direct or cross.)
All of this is consistent with my long-standing desire to be an international transactional attorney. In transactional work, the goal is to never go to court. If somehow I should write something that gets litigated, I'd happily hand it over to a lititgator, and let them figure out what to do with it.
So I spoke to him after class (which I when I learned I'd been signed up for today) and he'll figure out what to do with me. Although this part of the class isn't graded, your worst nightmare as a law student is to show up unprepared. And I was not only unprepared, I was completely sideswiped. I still have no idea what I'll be doing.
So that was mighty unpleasant.
Afterwards, we had a special guest lecturer in Immigration Law, and were expressly directed not to take notes. She's the Prof's wife, and is a Tax lawyer, who loves the intricacies of the IRC. So we learned some cool basic stuff about how the IRS treats the taxes for earnings of non-citizens.
And then I went to the Draught Horse and had buffalo chicken strips and fries. Tasty.
As it turns out, I must have missed something critically important, because this week he had people doing voir dire as if we were doing the case.
And I was supposed to be one of the people doing it!
Now, up to this point in law school, I have studiously avoided anything having to do with trial work. I've not taken Evidence, I don't know about the FRCP, and I have no idea what I am, and am not, permitted to do or say in front of a witness (direct or cross.)
All of this is consistent with my long-standing desire to be an international transactional attorney. In transactional work, the goal is to never go to court. If somehow I should write something that gets litigated, I'd happily hand it over to a lititgator, and let them figure out what to do with it.
So I spoke to him after class (which I when I learned I'd been signed up for today) and he'll figure out what to do with me. Although this part of the class isn't graded, your worst nightmare as a law student is to show up unprepared. And I was not only unprepared, I was completely sideswiped. I still have no idea what I'll be doing.
So that was mighty unpleasant.
Afterwards, we had a special guest lecturer in Immigration Law, and were expressly directed not to take notes. She's the Prof's wife, and is a Tax lawyer, who loves the intricacies of the IRC. So we learned some cool basic stuff about how the IRS treats the taxes for earnings of non-citizens.
And then I went to the Draught Horse and had buffalo chicken strips and fries. Tasty.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Gratitude is in Order
Robot Chicken makes the world better.
So does the on-line version of Hugo Grotius "On the Law of War and Peace."
So does the on-line version of Hugo Grotius "On the Law of War and Peace."
Springing Forward
Now it'll be lighter, later. I approve.
Further, I had a nice chat tonight with the folks from T-Mobile. Apparently my cell-phone, a Motorola V60, will not properly receive text messages alerting me that I have voice mail when T-Mobile makes some changes to their voice mail system. Since this would be a problem (not knowing that someone's left me a message) they're letting customers know and offering them either a free phone or discounts on other phones.
Now, the Motorola V60 is mercifully free of bells and whistles. It has fantastic battery life (7 days on standby, 5+ hours of talk on a full charge) and good sound quality. And I even liked the styling, in a retro-toaster kind of way. For being 26 months old, I'm impressed by its performance using the the factory battery.
So, the replacement? Later this week I should get a Motorola V180 in the mail. Also a flip-style, CNET suggests that this too should be a fine workhorse cell phone. I'm looking forward to getting it.
Further, I had a nice chat tonight with the folks from T-Mobile. Apparently my cell-phone, a Motorola V60, will not properly receive text messages alerting me that I have voice mail when T-Mobile makes some changes to their voice mail system. Since this would be a problem (not knowing that someone's left me a message) they're letting customers know and offering them either a free phone or discounts on other phones.
Now, the Motorola V60 is mercifully free of bells and whistles. It has fantastic battery life (7 days on standby, 5+ hours of talk on a full charge) and good sound quality. And I even liked the styling, in a retro-toaster kind of way. For being 26 months old, I'm impressed by its performance using the the factory battery.
So, the replacement? Later this week I should get a Motorola V180 in the mail. Also a flip-style, CNET suggests that this too should be a fine workhorse cell phone. I'm looking forward to getting it.
Weather That's So Wrong
Spring has been very slow in coming here to Philadelphia. Today, we had thunder with heavy rains all day, and looking out the window of the The Bean Cafe it's wet but not actively raining for the moment.
And I was thinking that was pretty bad as I gazed at the weather forecast, but then I noticed that it was SNOWING in Pittsburgh.
So, at least our daffodils won't be frozen in place.
I'm here working on Corporate Transactions (with Ellers). For the moment my Restatement of Notes is proceeding slowly because I have no idea what'll be helpful when we get the exam (this class has a 72 hour take-home exam.) Still, there is lots of neat stuff to remember for this class.
And I was thinking that was pretty bad as I gazed at the weather forecast, but then I noticed that it was SNOWING in Pittsburgh.
So, at least our daffodils won't be frozen in place.
I'm here working on Corporate Transactions (with Ellers). For the moment my Restatement of Notes is proceeding slowly because I have no idea what'll be helpful when we get the exam (this class has a 72 hour take-home exam.) Still, there is lots of neat stuff to remember for this class.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
GeoURL and Me
Down at the bottom of this web page is a little blue box called GeoURL. If you click on it, you'll see other web pages that represent physical locations that are near me.
This is cool! Although the location independent nature of the web has many upsides (for example, I can read Der Spiegel as easily as Time Magazine) sometimes you really would like to read about things going on in your neighborhood.
Since GeoURL becomes more useful as more people use it, please consider adding some code to your web page, and following these instructions.
This is cool! Although the location independent nature of the web has many upsides (for example, I can read Der Spiegel as easily as Time Magazine) sometimes you really would like to read about things going on in your neighborhood.
Since GeoURL becomes more useful as more people use it, please consider adding some code to your web page, and following these instructions.
Sad News from Rome
CNN is now reporting that Pope John Paul II has died.
Though I am not a Catholic, I too grieve for the loss of a wonderful man from this world. He was a liberator, who refused to concede an inch of humanity to the false gods of totalitarianism. Likewise, in the free world, he bore witness against the idolotry of personal autonomy.
He began his office proclaiming "Be not afraid!" It seems a fine thing to remember today.
Though I am not a Catholic, I too grieve for the loss of a wonderful man from this world. He was a liberator, who refused to concede an inch of humanity to the false gods of totalitarianism. Likewise, in the free world, he bore witness against the idolotry of personal autonomy.
He began his office proclaiming "Be not afraid!" It seems a fine thing to remember today.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Sandy Berger Guilty Plea
Chalk it up to another episode of smart people making bad choices. Note to self: sticking things from the National Archives into my pants is bad.
The Struggle for Europe
While I was an undergrad at Pitt I had the opportunity to learn about the European Union, and so I read with interest this article at Tech Central Station. Once I figured out what the EU is, and what it purports to do, I have to admit that I've gotten rather skeptical about its long-term chances for success. But best of luck to them.
Television
My rock 'n roll lifestyle doesn't often permit me time to watch early evening television. But tonight the Prof is out presenting a paper, and we get to chill. So I'm at home, watching "The Aprentice" instead of learning about Payment Systems.
Now, Payment Systems is as fun as anything involving negotiable instruments can be, but this Trump's show is pretty cool.
On the other hand, I'm also being subjected to ads for "Behind the Camera: Mork & Mindy." Which really only makes me want to find out what Mearth is up to.
Now, Payment Systems is as fun as anything involving negotiable instruments can be, but this Trump's show is pretty cool.
On the other hand, I'm also being subjected to ads for "Behind the Camera: Mork & Mindy." Which really only makes me want to find out what Mearth is up to.
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