When I read Bill's post about watching the buggy races at Carnegie Mellon's Spring Carnival, I was remained yet again of one of the non-obvious sacrifices that law school requires from me.
The only reason I'm not in Pittsburgh this weekend, visiting all the wonderful people there, is because of law school.
But that sacrifice, though painful, is fairly straightforward. I don't get to see my friends or watch the races, but its part of the work necessary to obtain a law degree.
But there's another sacrifice, too. After all, my friends have to miss me, too. And if my presence could have brought them even a little joy, then that sacrifice is one they have made without any say in the matter.
And, worse, they don't get a JD out of it.
I've been thinking about how to say all this at Commencement.
Our family, and our friends, have given up a part of us, a natural and perfectly right claim to our time and attention, so that we students may pursue our dreams.
Saturday, April 22, 2006
The End of School
Most of the time, as I zip through my daily routine, my mind is elsewhere.
I'll be reading, or contemplating problems, or praying, or just talking on a cell-phone. But this Thursday I tried to take special care to be aware of the day, since it was the last like it I may ever have.
First, when I woke up, I didn't rush. I didn't have to, I couldn't sleep past 7:30 anyway. I reckon it was the excitement: the last day of school. It's only been four years, but I don't remember what my last day at Pitt was like. I can't remember which classes ended the final day.
You know, it occurs to me, the University of Pittsburgh has a much earlier graduation than most other schools. I wonder-I just checked my diploma-the diploma date for Pitt, and thus the graduation was April 27, 2002. So the night of my first exam (Criminal procedure) will be the same day that I graduated from Pitt.
My last day of school was a gorgeous spring day, with the cherry trees doubled-over with blooms, flowers everywhere poked up, and abundant sunshine.
After work, I drank my usual iced coffee and read the New York Times at the bookstore.
And then the classes. First antitrust, in K2B (that's Klein Hall, room 2b.) And then Securities Regulation.
Not much fanfare. For the most part I guess the need to prepare for exams, and the bar, takes some of the enthusiasm out of celebrating.
But at 7:30, Professor Porrata-Doria took a moment to note if there were any graduating students in the class. It's a smaller class, but I think four folks raised their hands. (It's the last scheduled class hour for an evening student-we don't have friday classes.)
After that, a trip to the Draught Horse, and then the subway back home.
I'll be reading, or contemplating problems, or praying, or just talking on a cell-phone. But this Thursday I tried to take special care to be aware of the day, since it was the last like it I may ever have.
First, when I woke up, I didn't rush. I didn't have to, I couldn't sleep past 7:30 anyway. I reckon it was the excitement: the last day of school. It's only been four years, but I don't remember what my last day at Pitt was like. I can't remember which classes ended the final day.
You know, it occurs to me, the University of Pittsburgh has a much earlier graduation than most other schools. I wonder-I just checked my diploma-the diploma date for Pitt, and thus the graduation was April 27, 2002. So the night of my first exam (Criminal procedure) will be the same day that I graduated from Pitt.
My last day of school was a gorgeous spring day, with the cherry trees doubled-over with blooms, flowers everywhere poked up, and abundant sunshine.
After work, I drank my usual iced coffee and read the New York Times at the bookstore.
And then the classes. First antitrust, in K2B (that's Klein Hall, room 2b.) And then Securities Regulation.
Not much fanfare. For the most part I guess the need to prepare for exams, and the bar, takes some of the enthusiasm out of celebrating.
But at 7:30, Professor Porrata-Doria took a moment to note if there were any graduating students in the class. It's a smaller class, but I think four folks raised their hands. (It's the last scheduled class hour for an evening student-we don't have friday classes.)
After that, a trip to the Draught Horse, and then the subway back home.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
Graduation Note
Today I won the run-off election for Evening Class Speaker.
On May 18th I will have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the 4L class at Commencement.
I'll have a chance to thank my fellow students so much for their friendship and hard work. To thank the faculty and staff for their dedication, and for their friendship.
And it will be my honor to speak to our friends and family assembled, to recognize the sacrifices they have made so that their loved ones could engage the difficult work of study of the law.
On May 18th I will have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the 4L class at Commencement.
I'll have a chance to thank my fellow students so much for their friendship and hard work. To thank the faculty and staff for their dedication, and for their friendship.
And it will be my honor to speak to our friends and family assembled, to recognize the sacrifices they have made so that their loved ones could engage the difficult work of study of the law.
Window Pot of Nasturtiums Ready to Bloom
The first flowers from my spring pot of nasturtiums are preparing to pop out. I just noticed them this evening. For what its worth, the effect of the red popping out against the dark green leaves is even better in person.
Hopefully it'll be in bloom by tomorrow afternoon!
Monday, April 17, 2006
Problem in the IE Address Bar
Microsoft released a patch tuesday to address a number of software vulnerabilites (and some IP rights issues.)
Afterwards something odd happened: the IE address bar stopped working normally. I know a lot of folks don't manually type in URLs, but I do. After the patches installed there was a change in the system: when I typed in google.com in the taskbar and hit return (or enter) nothing happened. IE just sat there, looking at me. If I typed it in as http://google.com it would go just as it normally would. I checked in firefox and netscape and they hadn't been affected.
Turns out it was an incompatability with an HP driver. And, happily, MS published a fix: it takes a little registry editing, but I just did it, and the repair took.
Afterwards something odd happened: the IE address bar stopped working normally. I know a lot of folks don't manually type in URLs, but I do. After the patches installed there was a change in the system: when I typed in google.com in the taskbar and hit return (or enter) nothing happened. IE just sat there, looking at me. If I typed it in as http://google.com it would go just as it normally would. I checked in firefox and netscape and they hadn't been affected.
Turns out it was an incompatability with an HP driver. And, happily, MS published a fix: it takes a little registry editing, but I just did it, and the repair took.
Gambling
Could it be that Donald Trump has chosen the best site for the coming Philadelphia casino?
Inga Saffron suggests that the city may be best served by keeping the slots away from the river.
Inga Saffron suggests that the city may be best served by keeping the slots away from the river.
Make Bella Vista Prettier
I live in Bella Vista, which is the home to the Italian Market.
I walk around a lot, too, and something has bugged me almost as soon as I noticed it.
Wires.
Cable, telephone, electrical. Look up and there's a rats' nest of cables everywhere. Now, I don't know how long this part of town has been electrified, but let's imagine that it happened back in the 1930s. That means that these neighborhoods have had 60+ years of ugly wires and cables overhead. At the very least its been 30 or 40 years...look at all of the huge trees with 'v' cuts in them to protect the wires.
This strikes me as the kind of thing that new construction ought to be paying for. Just like speculative money helped lay down a lot of dark fiber during the boom of the 90s, why not nab the speculators who are bidding up condominium rates here in Philadelphia to bury all of these cables. The benefits will accrue to both the old housing stock and to the new. The city could even sell bonds if it needed to--surely there's some bond outfit at a bank that could use some fees.
Certainly it'll be expensive, but otherwise inertia may lead to leaving these blasted poles in place for another 70 years.
I walk around a lot, too, and something has bugged me almost as soon as I noticed it.
Wires.
Cable, telephone, electrical. Look up and there's a rats' nest of cables everywhere. Now, I don't know how long this part of town has been electrified, but let's imagine that it happened back in the 1930s. That means that these neighborhoods have had 60+ years of ugly wires and cables overhead. At the very least its been 30 or 40 years...look at all of the huge trees with 'v' cuts in them to protect the wires.
This strikes me as the kind of thing that new construction ought to be paying for. Just like speculative money helped lay down a lot of dark fiber during the boom of the 90s, why not nab the speculators who are bidding up condominium rates here in Philadelphia to bury all of these cables. The benefits will accrue to both the old housing stock and to the new. The city could even sell bonds if it needed to--surely there's some bond outfit at a bank that could use some fees.
Certainly it'll be expensive, but otherwise inertia may lead to leaving these blasted poles in place for another 70 years.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
The Last Week of Class...Ever
This is the last week of law school classes, then the exams start on April 27. Sometime this week the stress will start becoming ridiculous, and I'll be just generally a more miserable human being until pen has lifted from the last blue-book.
Since I'm graduating, everything has to be in by May 10, but I'd really like to be finished by the 8th or 9th.
Since Law School doesn't teach you the law of any particular state, most folks will attend bar prep courses. To be a lawyer, I must pass the bar. I'm optimistic I'll pass, but because the consequences of not passing are so bad (9 months of limbo as a JD who cannot practice, paying for the bar again, even harder to find jobs) I went ahead and am going to Bar Bri.
Bar Bri classes start May 16 and 17, with the 18, 19, 20, and 21 off for graduation. And then it's back to class monday-friday, mornings from 9 to 1, with occasional afternoons, from May 22 until about a week and a half before the bar. The Bar Exam is on July 25 and 26, out at the Valley Forge Convention Center. (I'll probably rent a hotel room out there, because it would be ridiculously nerve racking to take public transportation out in the morning.)
Since I'm graduating, everything has to be in by May 10, but I'd really like to be finished by the 8th or 9th.
Since Law School doesn't teach you the law of any particular state, most folks will attend bar prep courses. To be a lawyer, I must pass the bar. I'm optimistic I'll pass, but because the consequences of not passing are so bad (9 months of limbo as a JD who cannot practice, paying for the bar again, even harder to find jobs) I went ahead and am going to Bar Bri.
Bar Bri classes start May 16 and 17, with the 18, 19, 20, and 21 off for graduation. And then it's back to class monday-friday, mornings from 9 to 1, with occasional afternoons, from May 22 until about a week and a half before the bar. The Bar Exam is on July 25 and 26, out at the Valley Forge Convention Center. (I'll probably rent a hotel room out there, because it would be ridiculously nerve racking to take public transportation out in the morning.)
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Nooks and Crannies
I realized when I was writing the prior entry that I wasn't sure where the term "nooks and crannies" comes from.
Fortunately, the Word Detective has the answer.
Fortunately, the Word Detective has the answer.
Invaders on the Sedum Matrona
Today when I went out for class I checked the plants and noticed something new.
The Sedum at this point has lots of nooks and crannies where the new leaves connect to the stems. Hiding among the leaves were little black specks that resembled big pepper flakes (about 2x or 3x regular pepper.)
Since the Sedum isn't edible, my first instinct is to douse the whole thing in insecticide (recall that last year I had quite a bit of caterpiller damage.)
Yet I may wait a bit. While I never catch them doing it, I know that birds do visit my pots from the feathers they leave behind. Songbirds would be quite happy to eat caterpillars, once they get big enough to be noticable. If the black specks are aphids, then ladybugs will be happy to eat the interlopers.
I've also noticed a little damage to the lavender plant. Only a little, but a few leaves appear to have been cleanly snapped off. I like to think it was from a parent explaining that some plants smell nice, and that the least damaging way to take a leaf from a plant is to snip it off (rather than rip it.) Lavender doesn't grow especially quickly, particularly right now since it's still cool. But hopefully with the day-time temperatures in the lower 70s (and probably 5 to 10 degrees warmer with the southern exposure on my front porch) the lavender will start getting the signal to grow.
And finally, no seedlings have popped up yet in the white planter (the one I used last year to grow beets in). I put 8 nasturtium seeds in there, the vining type, which should poke through the earth by the end of this week, assuming no freak winter weather.
While nasturtiums are among the easiest of flowers to grow, they bloom best in poor soil. Potting soil, by design, is actually a great growing medium. So as it is I'm hoping that the beets last year sucked all the nutrients from the soil. Otherwise I'll get lots of leaves, and very few blooms. Still, the leaves are attractive, which will look nicer than the empty black dirt I've got hanging out on my windowsil right now.
The Sedum at this point has lots of nooks and crannies where the new leaves connect to the stems. Hiding among the leaves were little black specks that resembled big pepper flakes (about 2x or 3x regular pepper.)
Since the Sedum isn't edible, my first instinct is to douse the whole thing in insecticide (recall that last year I had quite a bit of caterpiller damage.)
Yet I may wait a bit. While I never catch them doing it, I know that birds do visit my pots from the feathers they leave behind. Songbirds would be quite happy to eat caterpillars, once they get big enough to be noticable. If the black specks are aphids, then ladybugs will be happy to eat the interlopers.
I've also noticed a little damage to the lavender plant. Only a little, but a few leaves appear to have been cleanly snapped off. I like to think it was from a parent explaining that some plants smell nice, and that the least damaging way to take a leaf from a plant is to snip it off (rather than rip it.) Lavender doesn't grow especially quickly, particularly right now since it's still cool. But hopefully with the day-time temperatures in the lower 70s (and probably 5 to 10 degrees warmer with the southern exposure on my front porch) the lavender will start getting the signal to grow.
And finally, no seedlings have popped up yet in the white planter (the one I used last year to grow beets in). I put 8 nasturtium seeds in there, the vining type, which should poke through the earth by the end of this week, assuming no freak winter weather.
While nasturtiums are among the easiest of flowers to grow, they bloom best in poor soil. Potting soil, by design, is actually a great growing medium. So as it is I'm hoping that the beets last year sucked all the nutrients from the soil. Otherwise I'll get lots of leaves, and very few blooms. Still, the leaves are attractive, which will look nicer than the empty black dirt I've got hanging out on my windowsil right now.
Sunday, April 09, 2006
Weather Report
Today it is finally sunny again, after several gray days of chilly winds.
Rather than go outside, I've been cooped up here at home, finishing off my bar application. Sadly, my printer is being a bit balky at the moment, so I'll have to fill out some of the forms at work tomorrow. And pick up a $500 cashiers check from my bank to send with the final paperwork.
I may take a picture outside later of how the plants are doing, but as of yesterday nothing looked terribly exciting. There looked to be a little new growth on the strawberries, which was heartening.
All but one of the zinnia seedlings looks dead; one in the corner might pull through. Replacement seeds are on the way from Burpee and should be here in the next week. If the trooper seedling makes it until the sunshine it'll have the pot all to itself, otherwise the new seeds will go in.
If I were smarter, I would have tried to get two or more of my classes as pass/fail, because I have no enthusiasm for studying for the exams. In the last semester of the last year of law school the bar exam, and hunting down a job, have much greater purchase on my attention.
But, in 39 days I graduate.
Rather than go outside, I've been cooped up here at home, finishing off my bar application. Sadly, my printer is being a bit balky at the moment, so I'll have to fill out some of the forms at work tomorrow. And pick up a $500 cashiers check from my bank to send with the final paperwork.
I may take a picture outside later of how the plants are doing, but as of yesterday nothing looked terribly exciting. There looked to be a little new growth on the strawberries, which was heartening.
All but one of the zinnia seedlings looks dead; one in the corner might pull through. Replacement seeds are on the way from Burpee and should be here in the next week. If the trooper seedling makes it until the sunshine it'll have the pot all to itself, otherwise the new seeds will go in.
If I were smarter, I would have tried to get two or more of my classes as pass/fail, because I have no enthusiasm for studying for the exams. In the last semester of the last year of law school the bar exam, and hunting down a job, have much greater purchase on my attention.
But, in 39 days I graduate.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Leaping Forward
As it turned out, I went to sleep last night at about 8, and stayed that way until about 7 this morning. So I was blissfully unaffected by the change in the clocks.
Except that I had to figure out what to do at 7 in the morning on a Sunday (a day I generally sleep in on when I don't wind up having to work at the store.)
So, it being the Italian Market, and my green thumbiness activated by the warmer weather, I went out and got omelette fixings in addition to supplements to my growing medium stockpiles.
Above, from left to right are pots of lavender, the large pot of stonecrop (Sedum 'Matrona'), a pot with strawberries in it, and a pot with Zinnia seedlings (var. Zowie.)
The Sedum did a great job surviving the winter, and has responded to the warmer temperatures with strong growth.
The growth is too small to see clearly in photographs with my camera, but when I was checking my pot that I placed the cactus seeds in I noticed a little pink nub poking out of the center of the pot. This is the first sign I've seen that the cactus seeds really were viable.
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Law School Prom (AKA Barristers' Ball)
Tonight (March 31) was Temple Law School's Barristers' Ball. An occasion for over three hundred people to eat, drink, dance, talk, and flirt. Semi-formal, women were generally more adventurous than the men, who mostly wore suits. In my case, with a nicely orange tie.
This year I went dateless, but ran into lots of folks I knew (although I was saddened that more of my year didn't make it out. 4Ls Represent.) And Joe came, looking suspiciously like a lawyer.
This year the ball was held at the Ballroom at the Ben, on Chestnut between 8th and 9th streets. Appearently also popular for weddings. A beautiful space, well organized food service, and a cool little bar balcony for people-watching.
This year I went dateless, but ran into lots of folks I knew (although I was saddened that more of my year didn't make it out. 4Ls Represent.) And Joe came, looking suspiciously like a lawyer.
This year the ball was held at the Ballroom at the Ben, on Chestnut between 8th and 9th streets. Appearently also popular for weddings. A beautiful space, well organized food service, and a cool little bar balcony for people-watching.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Quiet on the Posting Front
Yeah, I know I've not written much. It's just all the petty annoyances of being in your last semester of law school. Like looking for a job, doing your class work, and sending out thousands of dollars worth of bills. Oh yeah, and sometime I need to get my taxes done.
Blah. Wake me up when it's summer.
Blah. Wake me up when it's summer.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Are you Experienced? Not Necessarily Stoned but...Beautiful
Hey, some people do college and law school in 7 years.
Other people do it in 14.
As it turns out, I am one of the other people.
Other people do it in 14.
As it turns out, I am one of the other people.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Oh Goodness
So, my Spring Break was kinda lame. But now I'm starting to recover my normal vigor (or, if you're from the Kennedy clan, "Vigah".)
Saint Patrick's Day, here I come.
Saint Patrick's Day, here I come.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
So, how's that warm weather outside?
Yesterday the Weather Channel says it was 76 degrees here in Philly. Right now, at 3 on Saturday, it's 65.
If nothing else, I hope it keeps down my heating bill.
I'm so sick of being stuck at home (in addition to just being sick generally--fever's broken, but now the cough is bad painful) that I'm going to try going outside to get food, fresh air, and iced coffee.
Oh, and in A-Team News.
If nothing else, I hope it keeps down my heating bill.
I'm so sick of being stuck at home (in addition to just being sick generally--fever's broken, but now the cough is bad painful) that I'm going to try going outside to get food, fresh air, and iced coffee.
Oh, and in A-Team News.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Spring Break Update
I've been sick a lot this semester, and it is very annoying.
Yesterday I felt rotten when I got up. My hair hurt. I was chilly in bed. And when I started walking to the subway station it seemed like I would never get there. I think it took me 20 minutes to walk what should have taken no more than ten.
I went to work, and started feeling even worse, so I called up Temple's Health Office, and scheduled an appointment. Every gust of wind cut through me, and the pain in my skull was incredible.
So I chat with the doctor, and he thinks I don't have the flu, but another viral infection. With my asthma and past respiratory troubles, the goal is to avoid coming down with pneumonia.
So today I can barely move. Right at the moment I feel hot, rather than chills...I suspect the ibuprofen I'm taking is helping a bit, as is the albuterol and the Sudafed.
Now, as noted in the title, this is the week of spring break.
I had really hoped to be doing something more exciting.
But as it is, I believe I'll be spending my last spring break alone, drinking gatorade, and downing medicine.
Yesterday I felt rotten when I got up. My hair hurt. I was chilly in bed. And when I started walking to the subway station it seemed like I would never get there. I think it took me 20 minutes to walk what should have taken no more than ten.
I went to work, and started feeling even worse, so I called up Temple's Health Office, and scheduled an appointment. Every gust of wind cut through me, and the pain in my skull was incredible.
So I chat with the doctor, and he thinks I don't have the flu, but another viral infection. With my asthma and past respiratory troubles, the goal is to avoid coming down with pneumonia.
So today I can barely move. Right at the moment I feel hot, rather than chills...I suspect the ibuprofen I'm taking is helping a bit, as is the albuterol and the Sudafed.
Now, as noted in the title, this is the week of spring break.
I had really hoped to be doing something more exciting.
But as it is, I believe I'll be spending my last spring break alone, drinking gatorade, and downing medicine.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Sarcasm
Scientific evidence that authorial tone is difficult to convey via email.
(H/T to Never Eat Alone Blog).
I take it as more support for my modest proposal.
(H/T to Never Eat Alone Blog).
I take it as more support for my modest proposal.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Mmm Federalism...
Check out these notes from the Federalist Society Student Symposium Feb 24 and 25 at Columbia.
Also, I bought a copy of Akhil Reed Amar's new book (which he signed).
A very gracious man, he spoke of the pride he felt in sharing the stage with his former students including:
Professor Catherine Powell, Fordham Law School
Professor Saikrishna B. Prakash, University of San Diego School of Law
Professor John Yoo, Boalt Hall (UC Berkeley) School of Law
Also, I bought a copy of Akhil Reed Amar's new book (which he signed).
A very gracious man, he spoke of the pride he felt in sharing the stage with his former students including:
Professor Catherine Powell, Fordham Law School
Professor Saikrishna B. Prakash, University of San Diego School of Law
Professor John Yoo, Boalt Hall (UC Berkeley) School of Law
Friday, February 24, 2006
Happy Birthday to Me
Thirty-two Years of Adam-alicious Goodness!
And today I'm taking a trip up to New York City for the Federalist Society Shindig. What a blast.
And today I'm taking a trip up to New York City for the Federalist Society Shindig. What a blast.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
New Word in Antitrust
Tonight we learned a new word!
hendiadys
Section 4 of the Clayton Act requires a private treble damage plaintiff be a "person" who was "injured in his business or property." Is the better reading that "business or property" is a single concept, or two concepts?
Check out this link, for a cool list of arcane linguistic devices.
hendiadys
Section 4 of the Clayton Act requires a private treble damage plaintiff be a "person" who was "injured in his business or property." Is the better reading that "business or property" is a single concept, or two concepts?
Check out this link, for a cool list of arcane linguistic devices.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Giving in to temptation...for more seeds
As you may recall, I've already spent some cash with the nice folks at Burpee, so why buy more?
I blame Antitrust Law.
Antitrust class last night was extra-long (we are trying to make up for missing a class a few weeks from now.) But while I'm sitting there, trying to focus on the strange death of the Section 1 per se rule (both it and the "quick look" analysis seem to be repudiated by more modern price-fixing cases, at least for trade association rules that have both price-fixing and public safety rationales) but my mind wanders...to gardening.
ORDER DETAIL
Nelumbo nucifera = $ 4.39 Sacred Water Lotus
Coffea arabica = $ 3.84 Coffee Plant
Humulus lupulus = $ 3.62 Hops
Mahonia aquifolium = $ 3.07 Oregon Grape
Mentha x piperita = $ 2.96 Peppermint
Stenocereus thurberi = $ 3.18 Organ Pipe Cactus
Camellia sinensis = $ 4.17 Tea Plant
Punica granatum nana = $ 3.18 Dwarf Pomegranate
----------------------------------------------------
PURCHASE SUMMARY
Subtotal 8 Items ........................... $ 28.41
Postage & Handling .......................... $ 5.00
----------------------------------------------------
Total Order Amount ......................... $ 33.41
----------------------------------------------------
Thanks again for shopping at Whatcom Seed Company !
Whatcom Seed Company
http://seedrack.com/
Two of the plants I am thinking of turning into housplants: the coffee and the cactus. Coffee likes shade and will (after a few years) produce little coffee beans. If I've grown a cactus it was back when I was a kid. I like the idea of trying to grow a nice impressive looking one.
Two of the plants I'm thinking of trying to use as outdoor shrubs. The Oregon Grape is a cold-hearty evergreen from the pacific northwest. A broadleaf evergreen seems like a fine idea here in the dead of winter. Tea plants should also grow without difficulty here in Philadelphia (I'm not sure if they'll keep their leaves in our winters or not.)
I'm still thinking about how I want to use the hops (which are a vine). I may try using it cover the concrete wall in the back alley to the apartment.
The peppermint croaked that I bought earlier this year. It started strong, but moving it to a dim bedroom window killed it. I want to try again, but this time I'm going to be a bit more careful with the environment.
Finally, although I'm pretty satisfied with the pomegranate in my bedroom, I would like to see how it grows when it can get full sun outdoors. And, I may see about sending some seeds down to Mom and Dad. Georgia is quite warm and sunny enough to see really dramatic growth (and possibly fruit!).
Finally, the Water Lotus may not get planted at all this year. But I want to have it if the opportunity presents itself. The Sacred Lotus is famous for its beauty, but it longs for warm still waters and long days filled with bright sun. N.B. 'waters'. It's an acquatic plant. Still, if I ever decide to give it a try, I want to have the seeds on hand. Indeed, the seeds are legendarily tough: some have sprouted despite being over a thousand years old.
I blame Antitrust Law.
Antitrust class last night was extra-long (we are trying to make up for missing a class a few weeks from now.) But while I'm sitting there, trying to focus on the strange death of the Section 1 per se rule (both it and the "quick look" analysis seem to be repudiated by more modern price-fixing cases, at least for trade association rules that have both price-fixing and public safety rationales) but my mind wanders...to gardening.
ORDER DETAIL
Nelumbo nucifera = $ 4.39 Sacred Water Lotus
Coffea arabica = $ 3.84 Coffee Plant
Humulus lupulus = $ 3.62 Hops
Mahonia aquifolium = $ 3.07 Oregon Grape
Mentha x piperita = $ 2.96 Peppermint
Stenocereus thurberi = $ 3.18 Organ Pipe Cactus
Camellia sinensis = $ 4.17 Tea Plant
Punica granatum nana = $ 3.18 Dwarf Pomegranate
----------------------------------------------------
PURCHASE SUMMARY
Subtotal 8 Items ........................... $ 28.41
Postage & Handling .......................... $ 5.00
----------------------------------------------------
Total Order Amount ......................... $ 33.41
----------------------------------------------------
Thanks again for shopping at Whatcom Seed Company !
Whatcom Seed Company
http://seedrack.com/
Two of the plants I am thinking of turning into housplants: the coffee and the cactus. Coffee likes shade and will (after a few years) produce little coffee beans. If I've grown a cactus it was back when I was a kid. I like the idea of trying to grow a nice impressive looking one.
Two of the plants I'm thinking of trying to use as outdoor shrubs. The Oregon Grape is a cold-hearty evergreen from the pacific northwest. A broadleaf evergreen seems like a fine idea here in the dead of winter. Tea plants should also grow without difficulty here in Philadelphia (I'm not sure if they'll keep their leaves in our winters or not.)
I'm still thinking about how I want to use the hops (which are a vine). I may try using it cover the concrete wall in the back alley to the apartment.
The peppermint croaked that I bought earlier this year. It started strong, but moving it to a dim bedroom window killed it. I want to try again, but this time I'm going to be a bit more careful with the environment.
Finally, although I'm pretty satisfied with the pomegranate in my bedroom, I would like to see how it grows when it can get full sun outdoors. And, I may see about sending some seeds down to Mom and Dad. Georgia is quite warm and sunny enough to see really dramatic growth (and possibly fruit!).
Finally, the Water Lotus may not get planted at all this year. But I want to have it if the opportunity presents itself. The Sacred Lotus is famous for its beauty, but it longs for warm still waters and long days filled with bright sun. N.B. 'waters'. It's an acquatic plant. Still, if I ever decide to give it a try, I want to have the seeds on hand. Indeed, the seeds are legendarily tough: some have sprouted despite being over a thousand years old.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Are You Catching Federalist Fever?
This coming Friday and Saturday is the Federalist Society Student Symposium. I'm so looking forward to going I can hardly wait.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Surprise Trip to Boston
The trip wasn't the surprise...the surprise was the point.
Jess (Dave's wife) set up a surprise birthday party for Dave. Pat kindly did the driving to get me to a from public transportation (Amtrak failed again to provide on-time service yesterday, USAir did a surprisingly good job.)
And a good time, as they say, was had by all!
Jess (Dave's wife) set up a surprise birthday party for Dave. Pat kindly did the driving to get me to a from public transportation (Amtrak failed again to provide on-time service yesterday, USAir did a surprisingly good job.)
And a good time, as they say, was had by all!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
The Sci-fi crew I'd fit in best...
 | You scored as Deep Space Nine (Star Trek). You have entered the dark side of the Star Trek universe. The paradise of Earth is far from you and you must survive despite having enemies on all fronts. But you wouldnâ??t have it any other way because you thrive in conflict and will know what needs to be done to take care of those around you. Now if only the Founders would quit trying to take over the galaxy.
Your Ultimate Sci-Fi Profile II: which sci-fi crew would you best fit in? (pics) created with QuizFarm.com |
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Snowy Pot of Sedum Matrona
Here in South Philly we got about a foot of snow. As you can see, the stems from the Sedum Matrona stood up to the weight. I'll be curious to see what the little green shoots that had been peeking through the dirt will look like after snow melts. 
This picture is for comparison's sake when it's 95 degrees outside. On the left is a beet plant in a pot, on the right is the now-blooming basil plant.
Sunday Snow Day
Today I went out to walk in the snow. It appears the New York Times was not delivered anywhere on South Street, so I made do with a copy of Mother Earth News picked up from the anarchist bookstore (who are all very nice people, by the way) to read as I ate at Johnny Rockets and as I sipped a venti iced coffee at Starbucks.
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Friday, February 10, 2006
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Blasted Sore Vocal Cords
My cold has persisted. Today I woke up and am barely able to talk.
This is very annoying. First of all because I like talking. Second, because I'm taking stuff that is working pretty well at keeping my nose almost dry.
Ah well. I should be okay in a few days.
This is very annoying. First of all because I like talking. Second, because I'm taking stuff that is working pretty well at keeping my nose almost dry.
Ah well. I should be okay in a few days.
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Superbowl Extravaganza
Tonight, I risk the wilds of New Jersey* to watch Super Bowl XL consuming vast quantities of fried foods.
And I get to check out the car pictured here.
*You mean it's not a Temple Owl themed eatery?
And I get to check out the car pictured here.
*You mean it's not a Temple Owl themed eatery?
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
Seed Choices for this Spring
It's the end of January, and you know what that means.
Yep.
Seed catalog porn.
They try to excite you with huge blooms and wild colors, all the time claiming it'll be ridiculously easy to grow.
I just sent off $15 dollars to Burpee.
I'm going to try the Zowie Zinnia. They claim it's easy for beginners. I'm a beginner. So it should be right up my alley. Currently, I think I'll try having the plants grow around the Sedum assuming, as seems likely at this point, that the Sedum I planted last year will continue will come back in the middle of my large pot. If I plan it right, I'll get the Zinnias to bloom first, forming a ring around the outside of the pot, and then as fall approaches the Sedum will prepare to bloom again in the middle of the pot.
Before the spring, I'll need to dump some more soil in the big pot. The soil that's in there now has settled over the winter.
Also, I'm going to give another whirl at growing nasturtiums. My hope is that the soil in my front window box is depleted enough from growing the beets (I didn't put any fertilizer in the soil) that it'll support proper blooming. Nasturtiums, unlike some other flowers, have the best blooms in nutrient poor soil.
Yep.
Seed catalog porn.
They try to excite you with huge blooms and wild colors, all the time claiming it'll be ridiculously easy to grow.
I just sent off $15 dollars to Burpee.
I'm going to try the Zowie Zinnia. They claim it's easy for beginners. I'm a beginner. So it should be right up my alley. Currently, I think I'll try having the plants grow around the Sedum assuming, as seems likely at this point, that the Sedum I planted last year will continue will come back in the middle of my large pot. If I plan it right, I'll get the Zinnias to bloom first, forming a ring around the outside of the pot, and then as fall approaches the Sedum will prepare to bloom again in the middle of the pot.
Before the spring, I'll need to dump some more soil in the big pot. The soil that's in there now has settled over the winter.
Also, I'm going to give another whirl at growing nasturtiums. My hope is that the soil in my front window box is depleted enough from growing the beets (I didn't put any fertilizer in the soil) that it'll support proper blooming. Nasturtiums, unlike some other flowers, have the best blooms in nutrient poor soil.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Photo of a basil getting ready to bolt
If supported, I think the basil plant (on the left) would be about 18 inches tall. I suspect it's flopping right because of the weight of the leaves and because the center of the window gets the most light. It has also started trying to encroach on the space for the beet plant, on the right.
After taking the picture, I clipped off some of the leaves, and cleaned up the debris. In addition, I pushed the two pots farther apart to give the beet a little more room.
Although I don't have a picture of it at the moment, the large pot outside with the Sedum in it is still surprising me. The Sedum just don't want to call it quits, despite the cold overnight temperature's Philadelphia's had. I'm not sure if the Sedum will stick around until springtime, but I have to admit that would be a pretty neat trick for an annual.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Grades Came In
Whoo-hoo!
Three B+'s, and a single C.
The C?
Professional Responsibility.
But C means I pass!
I'm currently just one hour shy of meeting minimum graduation requirements, so I just need to pass one class this semester and I get my JD.
(For those keeping track, the other classes were Comparative Law (Paper), International Law, and Evidence.)
Three B+'s, and a single C.
The C?
Professional Responsibility.
But C means I pass!
I'm currently just one hour shy of meeting minimum graduation requirements, so I just need to pass one class this semester and I get my JD.
(For those keeping track, the other classes were Comparative Law (Paper), International Law, and Evidence.)
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Back at School!
It's the last semester of (what may be) school ever! But for now, I've got to worry about passing at least one of Antitrust, Securities Regulation, or Criminal Procedure I.
Oh, and the bar (in July).
Oh, and the bar (in July).
Friday, January 06, 2006
Happy Birthday Todd
Happy Birthday Todd!
He's my little brother who is a junior at Auburn University. I am exceedingly proud of him.
He's my little brother who is a junior at Auburn University. I am exceedingly proud of him.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Friday, December 30, 2005
Thursday, December 22, 2005
Flying to Atlanta
I'm flying to Georgia today. Plane leaves from Philadelphia at 10:30, arrives 2:30 later in Atlanta.
Yay for Christmas Vacation!
Yay for Christmas Vacation!
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Not eating crap
If you know me, you know that I am a big fan of the foods-of-my-people.
I grow concerned, however, that if I'm going to be in great shape for spring-break, I ought to be repairing the damage wrought by a full semester of late night snacks, eating crap because I was too stressed to properly dine. And, while I did make it on occasion to the gym, I failed at going regularly enough to obtain any consistent results.
Of course, last Christmastime I was also trying to eat better, as well, on the off-chance that I'd wind up on television. Oh Fruits and vegetables, why must you spoil so quickly.
Regardless, I am mightily enjoying having a few days off!
I grow concerned, however, that if I'm going to be in great shape for spring-break, I ought to be repairing the damage wrought by a full semester of late night snacks, eating crap because I was too stressed to properly dine. And, while I did make it on occasion to the gym, I failed at going regularly enough to obtain any consistent results.
Of course, last Christmastime I was also trying to eat better, as well, on the off-chance that I'd wind up on television. Oh Fruits and vegetables, why must you spoil so quickly.
Regardless, I am mightily enjoying having a few days off!
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Saturday, December 17, 2005
Word-Geek Moment
(Just a moment? sighs the peanut gallery.)
Check it out, the Merriam-Webster folks have announced the top ten 2005 words of the year:
#1 was integrity.
Check it out, the Merriam-Webster folks have announced the top ten 2005 words of the year:
#1 was integrity.
Friday, December 16, 2005
Last Exam for Fall term at 1:30 PM
The Semester is fast drawing to a close. The 3 hour Professional Responsibility exam will be at 1:30 this afternoon. It's an open book test, so that'll be nice. Last night was the Evidence exam, and while it was bad, it wasn't too bad.
Mmmm, I'm looking forward to selling that book back today at 3:30.
I knew going in that this was going to be one of my hardest semesters. And, in fact, this has been the hardest semester since my 1L year back in 02/03. More than once, I've wanted to throw up my hands and say that this is all too much stress, it's not fun, and I feel like crap.
To be sure, there have been delights as well. Once completed, the paper made sense, and while I wrote it I frequently had that shock of recognition when some other author said what I was thinking. Similarly, there was the joy of learning things. Brand new stuff that surprised me and made me think. And my friends have proven, yet again, a superlative blessing.
Dread dappled with joy. One may receive thankfully the last, but still rue the first.
And, for what its worth, the next semester looks far, far better. Just three classes, all of them at night (6 PM or later). Important dates in the 2006 academic calender:
January 9 First day of classes
March 6-10 Spring recess
April 21 Last day of classes
April 27-May 12 Final examinations
May 18 Commencement
And, thank you for all your wishes of luck.
Mmmm, I'm looking forward to selling that book back today at 3:30.
I knew going in that this was going to be one of my hardest semesters. And, in fact, this has been the hardest semester since my 1L year back in 02/03. More than once, I've wanted to throw up my hands and say that this is all too much stress, it's not fun, and I feel like crap.
To be sure, there have been delights as well. Once completed, the paper made sense, and while I wrote it I frequently had that shock of recognition when some other author said what I was thinking. Similarly, there was the joy of learning things. Brand new stuff that surprised me and made me think. And my friends have proven, yet again, a superlative blessing.
Dread dappled with joy. One may receive thankfully the last, but still rue the first.
And, for what its worth, the next semester looks far, far better. Just three classes, all of them at night (6 PM or later). Important dates in the 2006 academic calender:
January 9 First day of classes
March 6-10 Spring recess
April 21 Last day of classes
April 27-May 12 Final examinations
May 18 Commencement
And, thank you for all your wishes of luck.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
New Definition
Definition: carfully
kahr"-ful-i'
Adj. Definition: Describing the level of attention and caution one employs driving a car full of baby ducks. Not to be confused with "carefully" (the adjective form of careful.)
kahr"-ful-i'
Adj. Definition: Describing the level of attention and caution one employs driving a car full of baby ducks. Not to be confused with "carefully" (the adjective form of careful.)
Delaware and a "fun" fact
1. Over at ProfessorBainbridge there was a post on a topic related to my paper: what's special about Delaware's role as the site of incorporations.
(My paper dealt much with the question of whether a "Delaware" would emerge in Europe. Answer: We don't know yet.)
2. I was looking at Google's answers service, and came across this choice nugget:
Question Presented:
What fraction of Americans over 30 have never been married?
What fraction of American women over 30 have never been married?
What fraction of American men over 30 have never been married?
Answers:
10.9% of American men over 30 have never been married
7.8% of American women over 30 have never been married
or 9.3% of American men and women over 30 have never been married
So it would appear I'm in some rare company.
(My paper dealt much with the question of whether a "Delaware" would emerge in Europe. Answer: We don't know yet.)
2. I was looking at Google's answers service, and came across this choice nugget:
Question Presented:
What fraction of Americans over 30 have never been married?
What fraction of American women over 30 have never been married?
What fraction of American men over 30 have never been married?
Answers:
10.9% of American men over 30 have never been married
7.8% of American women over 30 have never been married
or 9.3% of American men and women over 30 have never been married
So it would appear I'm in some rare company.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Blog to Check Out
Davids Medienkritik does a great job of highlighting persistent anti-americanism in German media.
Check out this entry, where he skewers a tendentious cover from Der Spiegel that manages to make the CIA look kinda cool (you know, like in the 60s.)
Check out this entry, where he skewers a tendentious cover from Der Spiegel that manages to make the CIA look kinda cool (you know, like in the 60s.)
Monday, December 12, 2005
MPRE Results
I'm on my way to my exam, but I just checked:
I scored a 103!
(which is a minimum passing score high enough for every jurisdiction that uses the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam.)
So I won't have to take it again in March.
PS: This is the link to the MPRE log-in page.
I scored a 103!
(which is a minimum passing score high enough for every jurisdiction that uses the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam.)
So I won't have to take it again in March.
PS: This is the link to the MPRE log-in page.
Friday, December 09, 2005
My paper was handed in Monday Night
And I'm still recovering!
I sent a copy on to Mom and Dad (via email) so they could finally read what I've been nattering on about for the past three months.
So for comparative law, I probably won't fail (at least.)
Of course, every few hours, I still think of something I want to add to it. It's weird to suddenly not have to worry about the blasted paper. Well, I can worry about the grade, but I only have to worry about additions or modifications if I do decide to try to improve it for publishing.
Now it's on to the exams for International Law, Professional Responsibility, and Evidence. (Monday, Thursday, and Friday of next week.)
And according to the folks who run the MPRE, the scores ought to be available on-line on Monday, Dec. 12. I'm hopeful I scored well enough to not have to take it again in March.
I sent a copy on to Mom and Dad (via email) so they could finally read what I've been nattering on about for the past three months.
So for comparative law, I probably won't fail (at least.)
Of course, every few hours, I still think of something I want to add to it. It's weird to suddenly not have to worry about the blasted paper. Well, I can worry about the grade, but I only have to worry about additions or modifications if I do decide to try to improve it for publishing.
Now it's on to the exams for International Law, Professional Responsibility, and Evidence. (Monday, Thursday, and Friday of next week.)
And according to the folks who run the MPRE, the scores ought to be available on-line on Monday, Dec. 12. I'm hopeful I scored well enough to not have to take it again in March.
Monday, December 05, 2005
In Six Hours My Comparative Law Paper will be Finished
My plan is to hit save the final time, and then send the final copy to the Professor tonight at 11:30. After that, I'll forward a couple of vanity copies, and then I'll go home and sleep. Of course, I only have a few days to prepare for exams, but it won't matter. So long as the paper gets credit I will be on track to graduate.
Saturday, December 03, 2005
How many channels do I watch?
After reading this article on Slate, it occured to me that I really could figure out how many of the hundreds of channels I get I really watch.
Once a month: Movies on Demand
Fox
CBS
CNN
ABC
NBC
PBS
MTV
VH1
WB
UPN
TBS
Comedy Central
E!
Food
TLC
Discovery Channel
Cartoon Network (Adult Swim)
Weather Channel
CNBC
CSPAN
CSPAN2
Sci-Fi
MSNBC
Fox News
ESPN
I was a little generous, even if I don't regularly watch the channel, I added it if I could ever recall watching it. So I watch more channels than the FCC found was common on average, but not too many.
Once a month: Movies on Demand
Fox
CBS
CNN
ABC
NBC
PBS
MTV
VH1
WB
UPN
TBS
Comedy Central
E!
Food
TLC
Discovery Channel
Cartoon Network (Adult Swim)
Weather Channel
CNBC
CSPAN
CSPAN2
Sci-Fi
MSNBC
Fox News
ESPN
I was a little generous, even if I don't regularly watch the channel, I added it if I could ever recall watching it. So I watch more channels than the FCC found was common on average, but not too many.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Friday, November 25, 2005
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Classes for Spring 2006
Securities Regulation
Antitrust
Criminal Procedure I
And all of them are Section 051: that means that I don't have to worry about getting in to campus before 6:00 PM!
Antitrust
Criminal Procedure I
And all of them are Section 051: that means that I don't have to worry about getting in to campus before 6:00 PM!
Tuesday is the New Sunday
Why am I still working on my draft?
Somehow, whenever I put aside time to do things, it all disappears. Seriously, I really have only a fuzzy concept of all of the time between last Thursday and now. And somehow I'm afraid that tomorrow, around 4, I won't have any idea where I was now either.
Somehow, whenever I put aside time to do things, it all disappears. Seriously, I really have only a fuzzy concept of all of the time between last Thursday and now. And somehow I'm afraid that tomorrow, around 4, I won't have any idea where I was now either.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Awareness of passage of time
I just realized that the King of the Hill is in its has been going on now since January of 1997. That means that it has been on the air the entire time I was a student at Pitt, and the whole time I've been a student at Temple.
Adult Swim
Perfect Hair Forever sings,
"Watch out for bears, to them you are spaghetti dinner"
Sadly, the show didn't make any sense.
Also, right at the moment I hate everything. And writing.
"Watch out for bears, to them you are spaghetti dinner"
Sadly, the show didn't make any sense.
Also, right at the moment I hate everything. And writing.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Paper
You know that paper I'm writing. The one that consumes my waking thoughts and fills me with dread. Yeah, that one.
I told the professor I'd email the draft Saturday. Taking a page from early church practice...Sunday is the new Saturday. I've got a two-liter bottle of Wild Cherry Diet Pepsi.
Last night after work I went to my friend Elysia's birthday party. It was a blast. All cool people, and I got to take home some grub (I ate the jalapeno poppers for lunch today, matter-of-fact.)
Also, it is quite chilly outside. While the lows the last few nights have just touched freezing, I have taken no action on my Sedum 'Matrona'. During the day, when the temperature climbs above 52 or so, flies and bees visit the flowers. The southern exposure right up agains the wall seems to be creating a microclimate that's helping the Sedums. When the cold air kills the plants off I'll throw some mulch on top. I will also keep a few of the seedpods to plant in the spring.
In general I've been quite satisfied with my attempts at growing things this year. The little growing plants have been a blessing to me.
All right, back to paper-writing. I will be very happy when all of this foolishness is over.
At this point I want to take out loans so that I can Establish a Business in Denmark.
I told the professor I'd email the draft Saturday. Taking a page from early church practice...Sunday is the new Saturday. I've got a two-liter bottle of Wild Cherry Diet Pepsi.
Last night after work I went to my friend Elysia's birthday party. It was a blast. All cool people, and I got to take home some grub (I ate the jalapeno poppers for lunch today, matter-of-fact.)
Also, it is quite chilly outside. While the lows the last few nights have just touched freezing, I have taken no action on my Sedum 'Matrona'. During the day, when the temperature climbs above 52 or so, flies and bees visit the flowers. The southern exposure right up agains the wall seems to be creating a microclimate that's helping the Sedums. When the cold air kills the plants off I'll throw some mulch on top. I will also keep a few of the seedpods to plant in the spring.
In general I've been quite satisfied with my attempts at growing things this year. The little growing plants have been a blessing to me.
All right, back to paper-writing. I will be very happy when all of this foolishness is over.
At this point I want to take out loans so that I can Establish a Business in Denmark.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
AFP Reports French Riots dissipating
See here.
Somebody was parked all day in our loading zone at work.
As my boss went to put a note on the truck, I turned to my colleagues and said, "You know, in France, they'd just set it on fire."
Bonus: Slate's Explainer on burning cars.
Somebody was parked all day in our loading zone at work.
As my boss went to put a note on the truck, I turned to my colleagues and said, "You know, in France, they'd just set it on fire."
Bonus: Slate's Explainer on burning cars.
Wednesday, November 09, 2005
Bizarre Comment Spammers
Right after the last post, I got two comment spammers.
One was for seized property sales, and the other started with a head for the Pentagon's New Map, and ended with something even more irrelevant (Irrelavant to the topic of Philadelphia corruption, that is.)
But I wanted to point out that I really do enjoy Barnett's writing and analysis, although as a Republican, I frequently sense in his writing a want of charity towards the President and his advisors.
He is a strategist who wrote both the Pentagon's New Map and Blueprint for Action, and has a fun-to-read blog.
One was for seized property sales, and the other started with a head for the Pentagon's New Map, and ended with something even more irrelevant (Irrelavant to the topic of Philadelphia corruption, that is.)
But I wanted to point out that I really do enjoy Barnett's writing and analysis, although as a Republican, I frequently sense in his writing a want of charity towards the President and his advisors.
He is a strategist who wrote both the Pentagon's New Map and Blueprint for Action, and has a fun-to-read blog.
The Culture of Corruption takes a hit
The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that a referendum passed yesterday here in Philly that signals voter disgust with a political culture of pay-to-play. I, too, voted for it. Our local good government types have an analysis, here.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Monday, November 07, 2005
Exam Schedule Fall 2005
International Law
Monday, December 12th, 6:00 PM
Evidence (Rice)
Thursday, December 15th, 6:00 PM
Professional Responsibility
Friday, December 16th, 1:30 PM
Monday, December 12th, 6:00 PM
Evidence (Rice)
Thursday, December 15th, 6:00 PM
Professional Responsibility
Friday, December 16th, 1:30 PM
Sunday, November 06, 2005
MPRE
I took the MPRE on Friday, with about as little preparation as one reasonably can. (My former roommate had left a copy of his BarBri book, so I used that as my sole study aid.) It did help, though, that I am currently taking Professional Responsibility, as a number of questions did have to do with stuff we'd covered in class.
By the way, here's a hint. When you hold money for a client, make sure that you record who you took it from, and for what reason. If you don't, it's a violation.
I discovered on Wednesday that I was going to need to go to Pittsburgh to take the test--I'd been under the impression that my first choice here in Philadelphia was where I'd been sent. So I had to take the bus overnight to Pittsburgh (and then take it back yesterday to Philadelphia.)
But, it was cool to be in Pittsburgh again, and I got to see Bill and Terri and Gage! So that was fun. And I got to have a Max and Erma's buffalo chicken sandwich and a late breakfast at Pamala's (we went to the one in Shadyside.) Also, I got to check out the Apple store. Very nice, with a lot of folks in looking at all the stuff.
By the way, here's a hint. When you hold money for a client, make sure that you record who you took it from, and for what reason. If you don't, it's a violation.
I discovered on Wednesday that I was going to need to go to Pittsburgh to take the test--I'd been under the impression that my first choice here in Philadelphia was where I'd been sent. So I had to take the bus overnight to Pittsburgh (and then take it back yesterday to Philadelphia.)
But, it was cool to be in Pittsburgh again, and I got to see Bill and Terri and Gage! So that was fun. And I got to have a Max and Erma's buffalo chicken sandwich and a late breakfast at Pamala's (we went to the one in Shadyside.) Also, I got to check out the Apple store. Very nice, with a lot of folks in looking at all the stuff.
Pomegranate Guttation
The technical term for when my pomegranate plant produces little droplets of water on the leaf tips is guttation. Apparently, my bedroom has relatively high humidity and low winds.
Friday, October 28, 2005
More about the Buildings Going Up in Philly
Today I picked up the Temple Times, and read about this cool blog about building in Philadelphia.
And, the Philly Blog also rocks.
And, the Philly Blog also rocks.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Where should I go for Spring Break
Recently, I've been inundated with stress. And as a consequence, have been thinking a great deal about vacations. Specifically, my (hopefully) last Spring Break next year. Classes will be out March 6 through 10 2006, So I could leave the 3rd.
But where should I go?
I might point out that I've never gone on one of the classic "debachery" style spring breaks, both out of a sense of decorum and because of a lack of funds (of course, since many of my years of schooling were while I was also working full-time, taking a weeks vacation usually seemed out of the question.)
Still, if I were going to go for a full-out spring break experience, doing my best to look like partiers 10 years my junior, where should I go? (Does Abercrombie still supply the standard ensemble for bright-eyed middle class college kids wanting to emulate porn stars?)
Of course, another alternative would be to go somewhere more adult. Europe would beckon under that scenario. First, many of the countries already have large english speaking service infrastructures in place. And second, I have retained some portion of my repeated attempts at German. And, since I've been studying the EU for years, it might be nice to see some of the places where everything actually happens.
Yes, I'm looking at you, Brussels.
The worry would be with the cold weather. Early March is probably quite cool in Mitteleuropa. So, what about Monaco? According to this page, the weather is quite reasonable, if not exactly tropical hot, in March.
But where should I go?
I might point out that I've never gone on one of the classic "debachery" style spring breaks, both out of a sense of decorum and because of a lack of funds (of course, since many of my years of schooling were while I was also working full-time, taking a weeks vacation usually seemed out of the question.)
Still, if I were going to go for a full-out spring break experience, doing my best to look like partiers 10 years my junior, where should I go? (Does Abercrombie still supply the standard ensemble for bright-eyed middle class college kids wanting to emulate porn stars?)
Of course, another alternative would be to go somewhere more adult. Europe would beckon under that scenario. First, many of the countries already have large english speaking service infrastructures in place. And second, I have retained some portion of my repeated attempts at German. And, since I've been studying the EU for years, it might be nice to see some of the places where everything actually happens.
Yes, I'm looking at you, Brussels.
The worry would be with the cold weather. Early March is probably quite cool in Mitteleuropa. So, what about Monaco? According to this page, the weather is quite reasonable, if not exactly tropical hot, in March.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Making Philadelphia Better
Let us suppose that you wanted to make the City of Philadelphia better.
I have an idea how to do it, which I frequently ruminate upon as I walk through the city.
The big idea is this: the fundamental resource of a city are people. Thus, the best way to improve Philadelphia is to create incentives for people to move to Philadelphia.
I believe that people are more important than any other available resource as to the development of a great city, but I must concede that here I cannot prove it. I assert its truth, and for now will ignore the possibility that it is wrong.
Let me also make another assertion. Right now, there are two catagories of jobs. There are jobs that are location dependant, and there are jobs that are not. Examples of jobs that are location dependant include construction, face-to-face service industries, agriculture, some transportation, retail, medicine, and protective government services. Jobs that are not location dependant include financial services, mail-order, and a wide variety of back-office functions.
Location dependant jobs will become more plentiful as the number and variety of inhabitants in a locale increase. If more people move to Philadelphia, there will be more location dependant jobs that can only be done in Philadelphia. This has the potential to start a virtuous cycle: more population leads to a larger local market in location dependant jobs. A strong demand for local labor will increase put upward pressure on wages, which will further signal to the providers of labor (i.e. individuals) to move to Philadelphia to sell there labor at higher rates.
The problem, of course, is that this could lead to inflation, and could strain public resources.
To attack the problem of local inflation, one must look at its sources, and here I believe the single biggest source of inflation, and the single biggest cost that wage-earners in Philadelphia worry about is housing. But this is a fixable problem, and it leads to my single biggest concrete suggestion.
Government should take aggressive steps to increase the population density of Philadelphia, particularly through reducing taxes and lifting zoning regulations that burden the creation of housing. The highest density housing, i.e. apartment buildings and condominiums, should be the favored creatures of the law. New buildings, as high and as dense as is practical, should be promoted. Particularly when their location would allow easy access to the legacy mass transportation network.
As supplies of housing increase, the fraction of wage-earner income devoted to housing should drop. This frees up more income to support savings, increased consumption (leading to increased employment), and the redevelopment of old or uneconomical housing stock. In turn, this will send important pricing signals to the real estate market, helping developers to recognize the highest and best uses of land.
Low living expenses and a healthy demand for service industry positions provides a key component in the development of entertainment and artistic communities. Artists need inexpensive living, as their work (at least generally in their early stages of their career) tends not to be well compensated. At the same time, artists and entertainers tend to form important communities of mutual aid, criticism, and exchange of ideas. But all of this requires that artists can find day jobs to support their art (again, at least in their early careers.)
Low living expenses and a strong demand for labor provide perfect incubator conditions for new enterprises and entreprenuerial activity. Even risk-takers weigh risks. If the personal financial consequences of a bold but risky entreprenurial idea are softened by the knowlege that the local market will always have a job for you (and you won't lose your house or apartment) then it's easier to take the risk.
Finally, for jobs that could theoretically be done anywhere (the non-location dependant jobs) Phildelphia would have a better chance of competing for them if the city became known for low living expenses and a boldly entreprenurial local culture.
I have an idea how to do it, which I frequently ruminate upon as I walk through the city.
The big idea is this: the fundamental resource of a city are people. Thus, the best way to improve Philadelphia is to create incentives for people to move to Philadelphia.
I believe that people are more important than any other available resource as to the development of a great city, but I must concede that here I cannot prove it. I assert its truth, and for now will ignore the possibility that it is wrong.
Let me also make another assertion. Right now, there are two catagories of jobs. There are jobs that are location dependant, and there are jobs that are not. Examples of jobs that are location dependant include construction, face-to-face service industries, agriculture, some transportation, retail, medicine, and protective government services. Jobs that are not location dependant include financial services, mail-order, and a wide variety of back-office functions.
Location dependant jobs will become more plentiful as the number and variety of inhabitants in a locale increase. If more people move to Philadelphia, there will be more location dependant jobs that can only be done in Philadelphia. This has the potential to start a virtuous cycle: more population leads to a larger local market in location dependant jobs. A strong demand for local labor will increase put upward pressure on wages, which will further signal to the providers of labor (i.e. individuals) to move to Philadelphia to sell there labor at higher rates.
The problem, of course, is that this could lead to inflation, and could strain public resources.
To attack the problem of local inflation, one must look at its sources, and here I believe the single biggest source of inflation, and the single biggest cost that wage-earners in Philadelphia worry about is housing. But this is a fixable problem, and it leads to my single biggest concrete suggestion.
Government should take aggressive steps to increase the population density of Philadelphia, particularly through reducing taxes and lifting zoning regulations that burden the creation of housing. The highest density housing, i.e. apartment buildings and condominiums, should be the favored creatures of the law. New buildings, as high and as dense as is practical, should be promoted. Particularly when their location would allow easy access to the legacy mass transportation network.
As supplies of housing increase, the fraction of wage-earner income devoted to housing should drop. This frees up more income to support savings, increased consumption (leading to increased employment), and the redevelopment of old or uneconomical housing stock. In turn, this will send important pricing signals to the real estate market, helping developers to recognize the highest and best uses of land.
Low living expenses and a healthy demand for service industry positions provides a key component in the development of entertainment and artistic communities. Artists need inexpensive living, as their work (at least generally in their early stages of their career) tends not to be well compensated. At the same time, artists and entertainers tend to form important communities of mutual aid, criticism, and exchange of ideas. But all of this requires that artists can find day jobs to support their art (again, at least in their early careers.)
Low living expenses and a strong demand for labor provide perfect incubator conditions for new enterprises and entreprenuerial activity. Even risk-takers weigh risks. If the personal financial consequences of a bold but risky entreprenurial idea are softened by the knowlege that the local market will always have a job for you (and you won't lose your house or apartment) then it's easier to take the risk.
Finally, for jobs that could theoretically be done anywhere (the non-location dependant jobs) Phildelphia would have a better chance of competing for them if the city became known for low living expenses and a boldly entreprenurial local culture.
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Now what do I do?
Great minds think alike.
Unfortunately for my paper-writing, I discovered today a wonderful journal article on exactly the points I wanted to cover in my paper. Three days before I need to have my initial drafts of some preliminary sections done.
Go to here and you can read Tobias H. Tröger's excellent, well-reasoned, well-documented paper that says almost everything that I wanted to say in my paper I'm writing, including my theories as to how big a deal the Daily Mail-Centros-Uberseering-Inspire Art Ltd. line of cases will be to the creation of a market for reincorporations in the European Union. (Quick answer: Not as big a deal as it seemed after Centros.)
I can recover by focusing more on Denmark (which should be do-able, as Tröger focuses more on Germany more than I planned to). Still, this is quite annoying to me.
I hadn't caught it because it's a foreign journal, and so my primary Lexis searches (focused on US Journals) didn't "see" it. But I hit it when I was doing a foreign periodical search trolling for economic data (my intent was to nail down how many pseudo-foreign corporations were formed in Denmark each year.)
Unfortunately for my paper-writing, I discovered today a wonderful journal article on exactly the points I wanted to cover in my paper. Three days before I need to have my initial drafts of some preliminary sections done.
Go to here and you can read Tobias H. Tröger's excellent, well-reasoned, well-documented paper that says almost everything that I wanted to say in my paper I'm writing, including my theories as to how big a deal the Daily Mail-Centros-Uberseering-Inspire Art Ltd. line of cases will be to the creation of a market for reincorporations in the European Union. (Quick answer: Not as big a deal as it seemed after Centros.)
I can recover by focusing more on Denmark (which should be do-able, as Tröger focuses more on Germany more than I planned to). Still, this is quite annoying to me.
I hadn't caught it because it's a foreign journal, and so my primary Lexis searches (focused on US Journals) didn't "see" it. But I hit it when I was doing a foreign periodical search trolling for economic data (my intent was to nail down how many pseudo-foreign corporations were formed in Denmark each year.)
Friday, October 07, 2005
The End of Summer
It's going to get cooler in the next few days, with a 10 degree drop coming in the next 48 hours.
The trees here in Philly are only just now starting to show color (many of them appear to have lost leaves from stress rather than from the change in seasons--I suspect that it's because early fall was unusually warm and dry.)
I've spent the night looking up Danish economic statistics, and job hunting. The latter is never fun, except for the part where you sit back and go, "Oh yeah, I could do that." For instance, I found a few scattered references to the hiring practices of Advance Publications, the owners of Conde' Nast, the magazine publishers. I'd love to grow up and be a lawyer for GQ. And it would improve my chances of dating models.
The trees here in Philly are only just now starting to show color (many of them appear to have lost leaves from stress rather than from the change in seasons--I suspect that it's because early fall was unusually warm and dry.)
I've spent the night looking up Danish economic statistics, and job hunting. The latter is never fun, except for the part where you sit back and go, "Oh yeah, I could do that." For instance, I found a few scattered references to the hiring practices of Advance Publications, the owners of Conde' Nast, the magazine publishers. I'd love to grow up and be a lawyer for GQ. And it would improve my chances of dating models.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Ate a Beet
According to the weathermen, it’s going to take a cold turn here in the north (until last week, we’d had an unbroken string of 34 days with highs above 80 degrees.) So I decided to harvest one of the biggest of my beets. I also wanted to avoid it getting too large, after which there is a risk of becoming fibrous and less tasty. Before cooking it was a little sphere with a 2 inch diameter.
So I yanked the root from the ground, cut off the leaves, put a little bit of olive oil on it, and popped it into the oven (along with some frozen fish sticks.)
I washed the leaves and so I had a Beet green salad (consisting of the top of my single beet.)
The fish sticks were ready in 20 minutes, but I left the beet in for 35. The beet had gotten a little smaller, and while it was hot from the oven I pulled the skin off (this appears to be the recommended method for best taste and ease of removal.)
The beet had a jewel-red interior and was easily cut with a fork.
How did it taste? Delicious. The sweetness was definitely present (coming from the garden mere moments before, there was little risk that the stored sugar would have time to turn into starch) and the distinctive "cooked beet" smell was present, but subtle.
When I cook my next beet I'll try to take some pictures.
So I yanked the root from the ground, cut off the leaves, put a little bit of olive oil on it, and popped it into the oven (along with some frozen fish sticks.)
I washed the leaves and so I had a Beet green salad (consisting of the top of my single beet.)
The fish sticks were ready in 20 minutes, but I left the beet in for 35. The beet had gotten a little smaller, and while it was hot from the oven I pulled the skin off (this appears to be the recommended method for best taste and ease of removal.)
The beet had a jewel-red interior and was easily cut with a fork.
How did it taste? Delicious. The sweetness was definitely present (coming from the garden mere moments before, there was little risk that the stored sugar would have time to turn into starch) and the distinctive "cooked beet" smell was present, but subtle.
When I cook my next beet I'll try to take some pictures.
Monday, September 26, 2005
Pictures of Plants
Check out the Sedum. It has formed a nice head of little pink and white flowers.
The leaves still show some damage from the caterpillar attack earlier this summer. As promised, the flowers are very popular with bees and little flying insects. Relatively few butterflies, though.
Here is a picture of the Beets, also taken today.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
I bought a blanket
Today was one of my long days at school. PR this morning at 9:30, then I went to a presentation at noon by Donna Gerson, an attorney and author who came to talk about finding job opportunities at small law firms (generally so classified when they have 50 attorneys or less.)
Fun fact: Our tenures at Pitt overlapped, so I asked her (after the presentation) if she ever called the Pitt Help Desk.
Anyway, I still need to write more for my introduction (due tomorrow) and I need to finalize my calender (ditto.) But I'm tired, and somewhat cranky--there was a sudden change in my housemate status earlier this week, leaving several significant issues to be resolved--such as when or if I'll ever receive payment for over 3 months worth of utilities.
So, I wanted to take a nap (in a few minutes I'll go pull the books to study for Evidence). With all the folks here during the day, it's a little crowded in the Law School building (during my regular hours there's no trouble finding a nook to sleep in) so I bought a blanket, and slept outside for an hour. Quite refreshing, although my bookbag leaves much to be desired as a pillow.
And, I'm still outside even as I write this: my batteries have sufficient juice, and I've got a wi-fi signal from school.
Fun fact: Our tenures at Pitt overlapped, so I asked her (after the presentation) if she ever called the Pitt Help Desk.
Anyway, I still need to write more for my introduction (due tomorrow) and I need to finalize my calender (ditto.) But I'm tired, and somewhat cranky--there was a sudden change in my housemate status earlier this week, leaving several significant issues to be resolved--such as when or if I'll ever receive payment for over 3 months worth of utilities.
So, I wanted to take a nap (in a few minutes I'll go pull the books to study for Evidence). With all the folks here during the day, it's a little crowded in the Law School building (during my regular hours there's no trouble finding a nook to sleep in) so I bought a blanket, and slept outside for an hour. Quite refreshing, although my bookbag leaves much to be desired as a pillow.
And, I'm still outside even as I write this: my batteries have sufficient juice, and I've got a wi-fi signal from school.
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
High School with Ashtrays
Sometimes when I hit "Next Blog" I get a gem.
Submitted for your approval: http://juniorcollege.blogspot.com/
Sample Story:
We have a translator and a ASL (sign language) person in our class. Today my teacher was doing the roll and he calls out, "Is (deaf girl's name) here?" Then he waits a minute and goes, "Oh she's deaf." And then he calls her name again.
Submitted for your approval: http://juniorcollege.blogspot.com/
Sample Story:
We have a translator and a ASL (sign language) person in our class. Today my teacher was doing the roll and he calls out, "Is (deaf girl's name) here?" Then he waits a minute and goes, "Oh she's deaf." And then he calls her name again.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Beets
This photo was taken about 10 minutes ago (you'll notice that in the late afternoon the sun is quite direct.). When I leave for class I'll check and see if the box outside needs more water.
And then the mint plants and the basil are on my side of the window.
Here in Philadelphia, it has stayed summertime warm throughout the month of September (Weather Channel tells me that it's 85 degrees outside, right now.) If the 10 day forecast is right, we won't be anywhere near cool weather right up 'til October.
Recall the seed packet told me that the Detroit Dark Red Beets need about 55 to 60 days to reach harvest. Since they were planted August 6, that puts harvest anytime after October 4.
At that point, I'll have to decide what to do with the windowbox the beets were growing in. I could just leave it outside and empty over the winter. Or I could try bringing it inside and grow something else over the winter.
I also have my large Sedum Pot outside. When the cold weather comes it will knock out the Sedums. By the way, as promised, the Sedums have attracted lots of little bees, but relatively few butterflies.
For the Sedum Pot I'm just going to keep the heads (for seeds next year) and top off the pot with dirt over the winter.
Next spring I may try growing the nasturtiums again in the Sedum Pot, but from seed. If I don't get a better response I won't worry about it. Potting soil may just be naturally too rich for nasturtiums to thrive.
Friday, September 16, 2005
Mints and Basil 2.0
On the Left are little mint plants, on the right is a basil plant.
Both of these pots had been used before, and so I think one of the basil seeds had never been exposed to the sun. The basil self-started in the same pot as the mint (the one on the left in this picture). Five days ago I moved the basil to the (previously unused) pot on the right. It appears that I managed to transplant it without damaging the roots (Yay!)
I generally leave the GE spot growlight on all day, as well as leave the windowshades open. Both plants show significant tropism to the light, even artificial light.
The mint plants look: the leaves are a light-green color, with very thin stems.
Thursday, September 15, 2005
I'm still alive!
Well, yes, I have been remiss in posting. Nothing exciting--I've just been adjusting to the new semester. Soon I hope to start posting more plant pictures and updates on my monster paper.
Up to this point in life, I've never written anything of "publishable quality". Because, frankly, it's a lot of effort and hassle. But now, since I have to write a paper anyway to graduate from law school, (of 45 to 60 pages, fully footnoted) I figure this will be my best chance ever to write a journal article that will add usefully to the corpus of legal knowlege.
Today was my visit with my professor, who said that my proposed topic was fine, but add some more comparison to the US, and have a real introduction ready for next Friday (along with my major sources primary and secondary).
So that's it. Now it's time to hit the ground, running and the paper will be due in the first week of December. Already I'm feeling the time pressure :-)
Up to this point in life, I've never written anything of "publishable quality". Because, frankly, it's a lot of effort and hassle. But now, since I have to write a paper anyway to graduate from law school, (of 45 to 60 pages, fully footnoted) I figure this will be my best chance ever to write a journal article that will add usefully to the corpus of legal knowlege.
Today was my visit with my professor, who said that my proposed topic was fine, but add some more comparison to the US, and have a real introduction ready for next Friday (along with my major sources primary and secondary).
So that's it. Now it's time to hit the ground, running and the paper will be due in the first week of December. Already I'm feeling the time pressure :-)
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Belief-O-Matic
From the Beliefnet Belief-O-Matic Test.
Your Results:
The top score on the list below represents the faith that Belief-O-Matic, in its less than infinite wisdom, thinks most closely matches your beliefs. However, even a score of 100% does not mean that your views are all shared by this faith, or vice versa.Belief-O-Matic then lists another 26 faiths in order of how much they have in common with your professed beliefs. The higher a faith appears on this list, the more closely it aligns with your thinking.
1. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (100%)
2. Eastern Orthodox (82%)
3. Roman Catholic (82%)
4. Seventh Day Adventist (76%)
5. Orthodox Judaism (75%)
6. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (74%)
7. Jehovah's Witness (74%)
8. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (71%)
9. Islam (68%)
10. Bahá'à Faith (66%)
11. Orthodox Quaker (57%)
12. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (50%)
13. Sikhism (45%)
14. Hinduism (44%)
15. Liberal Quakers (40%)
16. Reform Judaism (35%)
17. Jainism (29%)
18. Unitarian Universalism (26%)
19. New Thought (24%)
20. Mahayana Buddhism (21%)
21. Theravada Buddhism (21%)
22. Nontheist (19%)
23. Scientology (18%)
24. Neo-Pagan (12%)
25. New Age (5%)
26. Taoism (3%)
27. Secular Humanism (2%)
Your Results:
The top score on the list below represents the faith that Belief-O-Matic, in its less than infinite wisdom, thinks most closely matches your beliefs. However, even a score of 100% does not mean that your views are all shared by this faith, or vice versa.Belief-O-Matic then lists another 26 faiths in order of how much they have in common with your professed beliefs. The higher a faith appears on this list, the more closely it aligns with your thinking.
1. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (100%)
2. Eastern Orthodox (82%)
3. Roman Catholic (82%)
4. Seventh Day Adventist (76%)
5. Orthodox Judaism (75%)
6. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (74%)
7. Jehovah's Witness (74%)
8. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (71%)
9. Islam (68%)
10. Bahá'à Faith (66%)
11. Orthodox Quaker (57%)
12. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (50%)
13. Sikhism (45%)
14. Hinduism (44%)
15. Liberal Quakers (40%)
16. Reform Judaism (35%)
17. Jainism (29%)
18. Unitarian Universalism (26%)
19. New Thought (24%)
20. Mahayana Buddhism (21%)
21. Theravada Buddhism (21%)
22. Nontheist (19%)
23. Scientology (18%)
24. Neo-Pagan (12%)
25. New Age (5%)
26. Taoism (3%)
27. Secular Humanism (2%)
Saturday, August 27, 2005
School is Coming
I went up to school and purchased the majority of my textbooks on Thursday, spending about $300 for three classes. And there are four books to pick up for Evidence, but since an assignment hasn't been posted yet and the first class is on Tuesday, I decided to wait to carry those home.
Today I came home to discover that GQ had arrived, and is 436 pages! Nestled among the shiny pictures of people wearing nice clothes (btw, purple is the color for men this season) is the tale of Rob Shuck, undergraduate at Cornell since 1993. And he's no plans, as of yet, to make his departure.
And in gardening news, I had an attack of caterpillars
And finally, here is a picture of my beets:
And my little mint plants (they are so very tiny) are starting to appear.
Today I came home to discover that GQ had arrived, and is 436 pages! Nestled among the shiny pictures of people wearing nice clothes (btw, purple is the color for men this season) is the tale of Rob Shuck, undergraduate at Cornell since 1993. And he's no plans, as of yet, to make his departure.
And in gardening news, I had an attack of caterpillars
And finally, here is a picture of my beets:
And my little mint plants (they are so very tiny) are starting to appear.
Monday, August 22, 2005
Mars In the Sky as Big as the Moon
So tonight, my Mom asks me if I'd heard anything about Mars appearing as big as the moon sometime soon (she'd read about it in an email.) I said no, and that I was a little suspicious about such a claim.
So I look on-line, and sure enough there's an article here from NASA debunking the myth.
But I did learn something. The first article I found, from the Salt Lake Tribune, mentions that they investigated the rumor with the NASA Ambassador to Utah.
Now, I had never heard of NASA Ambassadors, and so I was curious.
If you're interested, go here for more information.
So I look on-line, and sure enough there's an article here from NASA debunking the myth.
But I did learn something. The first article I found, from the Salt Lake Tribune, mentions that they investigated the rumor with the NASA Ambassador to Utah.
Now, I had never heard of NASA Ambassadors, and so I was curious.
If you're interested, go here for more information.
Friday, August 19, 2005
A Response for Paul
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!
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!
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...
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