March 31, 2003
Gold Rush?
Excuse me while I stake my claim:
I am pondering the role of content in producing blog overvaluation. Hmmm.
March 24, 2003
Parallelism
Taking the [licensing] act as a whole, it would seem quite apparent that its purpose is to enable the employ[ers] to create a sort of guild or body as he may pass an examination, the requisites of which are not stated, and where is success or failure is to determined by a board of which some of their own number are members. In order to be at liberty to exercise his trade . . . he must pass this examination and become a member of this favored body. People ex rel. Nechamcus v. Warden, 144 N.Y. 539, 534 (1895).
Sound familiar? It's about plumbers!
March 23, 2003
Motivations
What made you think it was a good idea to go to law school?
-- Satan approached me personally.
From Persuasive Authority, one of those cool rent-a-lawyer deals.
March 22, 2003
Intern Wanted
You know, I've always wanted to have my own intern (a la Seinfeld). Free labor, undying gratitude for the resume enhancement I provide, and the feeling of providing a real learning experience to someone learning the craft (where's my coffee, you worthless scum?!). Apparently bloggers with interns are the new, new thing. In the spirit of capitalizing on every blog meme that comes through the pipes, here's my timely contribution.
Job #: 5679497 - Minion and Devotee of Alice
Sarcastic, witty, slightly belligerent yet sheep-like law student wanted for intern position. This position does not include financial remuneration, but you'll have the time of your life being my unpaid lackey! Responsibilities will include internet research, trudging through the garbage to get to the good stuff, as well as moderate ego stroking. This is a great opportunity to be creative and truly make a difference in the legal world.* It's also a great way to get your foot in the door.** This position is highly sought after because of the responsibility and experience it offers.***
Interns for Alice, Inc. must be able to devote themselves to this demanding position with utter disregard to their outside lives. Daily memoranda and updates of legal news and potential objects of ridicule are required. Hyperhedonia is a plus.
Interested candidates should email a copy of their resume, a color photograph, and a contract waiving all rights to their firstborn. Please reference the job number in all correspondence. Applications not conforming to these rules will be placed in the circular file. Undergraduate and pre-law students should enclose a $25 application fee via Paypal to grease the wheels.
*Scammed from first site to pop up in Google search for intern wanted.
** Scammed from second site.
*** DOJ!
Disinformation Design
I attended Edward Tufte's seminar last week. It was quite entertaining, although it would have been more useful if the presentation was geared for academics (researchers or the teaching-types). Unfortunately, as most of the audience seemed to be corporate types, most of the talk was directed at rather a low level. Still, I found it to be useful, plus I got three great books out of it. If the seminar will be in your city, I'd definitely recommend it.
I couldn't forget to mention the new book Tufte is working on, Beautiful Evidence. Apparently a significant chunk of it will be devoted to the evils of PowerPoint and its ilk. Tufte was so gracious as to bless us with a presentation of this gem. In terms of getting rid of generic, linear thought in modern academics, I thought his advice was right on point.
Kill Kill Kill
I've been on the phone with Dell's customer "service" for over two hours now. The homicidal tendencies that usually simmer just under the surface are really starting to emerge.
Why me, damn it? And why are all of these people incapable of using their own telephone system?
March 17, 2003
Birth Announcement
My new baby has arrived. I haven't picked out a name yet for her, but I'm sure to think of one soon. She's a whole two pounds and thirteen ounces of joy. I've spent the last few days typing up the massive backlog of notes I'd amassed. I was completely amazed at how little I remembered from my classes.
Anyways, now that she's here, I'll be back to my old tricks soon. Stay tuned!
UPDATE: Okay people. It's not (very emphatically not) a baby. It is not a cat, nor a dog, nor any other small creature. It is a laptop. You wouldn't believe how many non-tongue-in-cheek emails I've received congratulating me. Oy.
March 04, 2003
Snow Day
One-L run amok.
Silly 1L! You're supposed to play in the snow, not take an exam on it! (Memories of last year rise up from the deep... I remember the brief 2-day period where we thought it was cool to point out all the tortious activity.)
March 03, 2003
Bumper Sticker
Idea of the Day: Put "Question Authority" Sticker on best friend's car (nobody ever actually checks out the back end anyways because everyone parallel parks*). Amuse self with ensuing mayhem.
* Alternative Location - right side door.