New York Is NOT THAT different from GENEVA, Ohio

The End is Now

2006-10-09T10:17:00.000-04:00

Rita came for friday. I saw Porcupine Tree. Saw a movie on sat. Went to the Bronx zoo with my mentee, Gilbert, on Sunday.

I have come to realize that life is far too short to blog about it. Therefore, instead of continuing with the mentality of thinking that my life is really that interesting and believing that I am such the center of attention that people need to read about me - and crave the attention, I have decided to end my 1 year attempt at blogging.

Thank you to all of you who have checked my blog over the previous years. If you want to find out what is going on, might I suggest you try the old fashioned way: write me a letter (35-51 38th Street, Apt2f, Long Island City, NY 11101), call me (646-703-4748) or even email me (jameswbacher(at)gmail.com).

Life is amazing...live it...don't blog about it!

As I sit there book in hand, sun on my skin, I am fooled into believing that winter will not come. Just as ignorance is stolen during youth, so is the feeling that the seasons will no doubt change.

So I remain, seated, listening, feeling, waiting for the first glimpse of fall, of ignorance lost. A leave falls from a nearby tree, a bird flies by with warmer weather on its mind, like a prelude to the snow that is nearly here. Ignorance lost.

Too Much TV

2006-09-22T08:53:00.000-04:00

Is it just me or does it seem like there are a lot of new shows this year on TV? I have spent a little bit of time catching some of the premieres (thanks TiVO) but there are not that many shows that interest me.

I watched 6 Degrees last night because I discovered that I get Over The Air channels via rabbit ears (in HD). I liked it, however, I do not think that it will last too long. I liked it for all the wrong reasons. I liked it because I recognized many of the places in the show. I recognized the subway cars and the sites and the skylines. I also liked it for its premise, but I don't know how they can make such a storyline last. Once they meet eachother, arn't the 6 degrees complete?

Grey's Anatomy was pretty good last night. There was a lot of anticipation leading up to the start of this season because I finally completed watching the rest of the episodes last week from last year. I was looking for more from the first episode, but it sets up the season well.

How I Met Your Mother has developed into my second favorite show (after LOST) - THANKS KRISTEN!

I watch too much tv, but I am trying to limit myself to weekend watching.

Not and Exciting Person

2006-09-20T16:03:00.000-04:00

I am not an exciting person, which is why I am always surprised by people who visit my blog. For example, today I received an email from Kristen informing me that someone from Canada was looking for "Jamie Bacher" and came to her page. Who would have thought that I would be known in Canada. Most likely it was Brian McWha or some other past LEIMUN member.

Nothing is new for me. I argued before the 1st Department, Appellate Court a week and a half ago. It was pretty fun, however, I got by far the hottest bench - every judge asked me questions. The worst part was that I was not permitted to answer any of them. After one judge asked a question, another would chime in. It was an "experience" to say the least, but that is all I can say.

Today is a beautiful day in the city. Only around 70, but sunny. There are a lot of people in town for the UN Summit this week, but we all know that the UN really does nothing!

Grandma is on her road to recovery. She seems to have gotten back into her old self again, which I missed a great deal of. There are family issues, sure, but everyone is reasonably healthy and happy!

How about the rest of you?

September 11

2006-09-11T15:26:00.000-04:00

Happy September 11th! Isn't that what it seems like? Everywhere you go you hear about people remembering the events that killed nearly 3000 people. I disagree with the way that this day is being remembered. I don't think any of those people would want so many to continue to mourn. This is a day to reflect, not to mourn. Wake up...look in the mirror...realize how lucky you are to live where you do...and live the rest of your days with that viewpoint.

When I walk around in mid-town today, that is what I am thinking. I still get chills thinking about the day. I cannot imagine what it felt like to be here 5 years ago (I was upstate). But I think we need to move on and stop mourning - but never forget.

I find this funny

2006-08-31T13:57:00.001-04:00

I find this funny - but may be alone in my belief:

Due to privacy issues, this video was removed.

Hong Kong Porn?

2006-08-29T13:40:00.000-04:00

Aparently, in Hong Kong, pictures of their celebrities bra strap is considered porn. Who would have known? The best part? Even Jackie Chan is protesting it!

Check out the full article here:Hong Kong Porn

The Wizard - A Classic Movie of Our Time

2006-08-24T15:51:00.000-04:00

Today, one of the best films of my short life, hits the dvd market. That movie is none other than "The Wizard." It stared a yound Fred Savage and of all things, Super Mario 3. I remember this film well and plan on purchasing it. You should do the same. The best part was the sweet glove...never had one, but always wanted one!

But it isn't about the cuteness of the kids - however, the girl was cute and now she is the vocals in the band - Postal Service. The movie was about nintendo. It was about the glove. It was about running away from home with your brother to play in a competition and to win it all. It is about being the underdog, and although not having the glove...still being able to win it all.

Mentos + Diet Coke = FUN!

2006-08-22T10:15:00.000-04:00

My brother turned me onto these. Pretty funny. I can imagine Chad doing this...

wild. I am glad that I dont eat mentos - it is the freshmaker, afterall.

Insert Picture Here

2006-08-21T08:43:00.000-04:00

What a great weekend! Thank you Michael for a great time. Thanks girls for planning it. Thanks Amy and Brian for housing me this weekend, but most of all, thank you Turk for the numerous groin shots throughout the course of the weekend - it was UNFORGETTABLE!

I took some pictures...one of Ray on the driveway, one of Ray with his pants down and one of Ray trying to play catch with me with a large log from Michael's backyard - however, I have decided to no longer post pictures that are embarrassing to others, I leave that to Kristen.

I did have a movie of sweet and innocent looking Michael, but it does not want to play outside of my phone. So instead, just picture Michael on the couch...making sweet noises from his esophagus while everyone else looks on in aww.

Thanks for a great time in Ohio!

I am VERY EXCITED ABOUT OHIO

2006-08-18T12:40:00.000-04:00

I am very excited about Ohio this weekend, but I thought it was only for Audient's bday. Actually, I learned that the reason I am so excited is because of the smells that I will smell when I arrive...how exciting!

Half-Way to Dead

2006-08-18T10:21:00.000-04:00

What exactly is a Half-Way to dead party? I mean...how can you know? If you are hit by a car tomorrow before said half-way to dead party, do we still have a party?

Bump in the road

2006-08-17T10:26:00.000-04:00

Sometimes a bump in the road is just that, a bump that you can get over with a little more effort; other times it is a mountain that requires you to go around and make a new path.

Cellphones and Toilets and/or Urinals

2006-08-14T12:24:00.000-04:00

Does a urinal go together with a cellphone?

I believe the answer to this is no, however, people in NYC believe the answer to be yes.

Over the previous few months here in the city I have noticed an increase in inappropriate behavior as it relates to cell phone use. More and more people are talking about their private lives on the train out loud, more and more people are having inappropriate conversations on the street and more and more people are living their lives through the cell phone rather than in person.

Last week I was reading an article in the local paper. The headline said something like: "People in NYC have less friends than ever before." This is hard to believe since there are so many people. Well, when you think about this, maybe it is not so hard to believe. Today people can easily contact anyone (email or cell phone or text). Instead of the way that things used to be, you have to actually see the person fact to face, now you can just call them and BS with them over the phone with no actual contact. What a sad sad world we live in. People walk down the street now, rarely talking to other people - except those on the end of the phone. Then there is my BIGGEST PEEVE!

I was waiting in Laguardia Airport on Friday and went to use the restroom. There was a short line for the guys, but the idiot in front of me was talking on his phone while we were in the bathroom. This was not too odd, but then he walked to the urinal (the one next to mine) and CONTINUED TO TALK ON THE PHONE. It was the oddest thing. I was trying to let the guys out and he was talking on the damn phone. One hand on the phone and the other elsewhere. Then I finished (took a while - stagefright) and he did not wash his hands! eww.

This morning, I went into the restroom at work and someone was sitting in the first stall talking on the phone. The woman on the other end was talking so loud that I could hear her as well. I tried to flush the toilet a few times, but no luck...he just kept on talking on the phone. COME ON! They need to create a way to prevent cell calls in restrooms, on streets, in trains or anywhere in public.

So I ask you, would this happen in Geneva, Ohio?

Oliver Stone is Behind the Terrorist Plot

2006-08-11T10:22:00.000-04:00

This weekend is the premiere of the World Trade Center Movie, aka, Oliver Stone's million dollar project that came as a result of many American lives. I am sure after yesterday, when the US and UK stopped the terrorists from doing this again, Oliver Stone was pissed.

Does anyone else see a problem with Oliver Stone taking a tragedy like this and turning it into a buck? Maybe it is because everytime I speak to someone here, in NYC, about 9/11, they almost come to tears. They always say "I was there, I don't need to see a movie about it." Maybe that is true. We all remember where we were on the day the World Trade Center fell. We all remember the feelings that went through us that day and still continue to this day when we are reminded. So why, oh why, are we going to see this movie? Hollywood does not have enough money? Oliver Stone has not had a hit since he shocked us with JFK? We are giving money to the same people who protested us doing anything about terrorism after the attack on NYC.

I can just imagine that Oliver Stone, although disappointed that his next movie (The Flights That Went Down Between the UK and US) will not happen, but at least he has 9/11.

Browns are Back in Town

2006-08-11T08:27:00.000-04:00

Browns vs. Eagles - Preseason Game 1

Everyone says that preseason does not count. It is only a way for the lesser known players to shine and get a place in the lineup. It is a way for the coaches to see how the rookies play in a real game situation. Well I tell you that is bunk! Preseason is a way for the die hard football fans to get a taste for the game. It is a way for those baseball "fans" to see something other than the Boston and Yankees "race." It is a way for grown men to spend 4 hours getting hammered and blame it on the game, rather on their sheer boredom.

For me, preseason marks the start of the NFL season. After a dismal Indians' year, and although I guess Cleveland has a good basketball player - er team, Soccer has long been gone and all I have to look forward to are the Browns.

So how did they do?

Chuck, the Charlie Frey played well. He went 4 for 7 for 23 yards, but the most amazing thing is that he threw to four different receivers. At least thins shows that Frey is looking around the field.

WinSLOW caught 2 passes for 7 yards, but the most amazing thing is that he DID NOT HURT HIMSELF!

Edwards is still not playing, but I would rather him rest until the regular season begins. I am not sure the O-line will hold up to protect Frey and I would like a good go to guy other than WinSLOW.

Defense looked good, keeping it close in the first half. Then Garcia came in and was GREAT - wait...we don't have him anymore. In any case, he looked great against our 3rd team. Way to go guy.

Next? The Lions...didn't they have Garcia last year?

Staying In The City

2006-08-10T16:05:00.000-04:00

Quick note:
Many of you know that I was contemplating a move from NYC to Albany, NY to continue my career as an attorney. I was all set to do this and had even told the bossman about this, when bossman made me an offer that I could not turn down. As a result, I will be continuing my time here in NYC at least for the next year.

I hope to continue to post here during that time.

Jamie

Let's Get Ready For Some Football

2006-08-10T15:02:00.000-04:00

LETS GET READY
FOR SOME FOOTBALL

What a great time to be a Browns fan. We lost our center, our line is in dismay, our starting tightend has not played in two years, our #1 ranked wideout should not be playing yet and our starting quarterback is named after a McDonald's delicacy.

Nevertheless, I am PSYCHED about the browns starting tonight against Philly. I have my Charlie Frye jersey in my closet (thanks Hils) and the Browns Backers Bars are starting to send their emails. Go Browns Go...woof (thanks Dave).

If any of you are interested in being in a fantasy football league (pretty competitive one with my bro and mdb is in it too) please post a comment to this post.

Sometimes We Go Down On The First Play...

2006-07-27T15:34:00.000-04:00

Sometimes We Go Down On The First Play, But The Browns Are Rediculous!

Sometimes We Go Down On The First Play, But The Browns Are Rediculous!
3:03 p.m.

A source close to Browns center LeCharles Bentley said that it appears Bentley has suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee and will be lost for the season.

The Browns have not confirmed the injury and Bentley is still at the Cleveland Clinic.

Browns GM Phil Savage will address the media before the 5:30 practice.

Bentley was injured during a team drill in Thursday's morning practice at Berea.

This happened on the FIRST PLAY today! They were not wearing pads and were wearing shorts only...

2 Weeks And Counting, Got BEER?

2006-07-24T14:24:00.000-04:00

I have been away for a week and Hily G was here the week before. As a result, I have not kept up with my posting (as my good friend "The Dave" has pointed out).

The time with Hily was wonderful, however, I only wish that I could have spent more time with her other than the evenings after work. The vacation with the family was great, having spent 2 days in Put In Bay and getting a decent little tan.

I came back Saturday to the comforts of Queens, New York only to find that most of my neighborhood was without power. I, however, still had power and it appears that I never lost it.

Last night while looking for something to do, I ventured a few blocks to purchase a 6 pack of beverage. I walked into the corner store, passing a Blockbuster that was closed because of no power, and was happily surprised to find that their cooler full of beer was cold. So I purchased a 6-pack of frosty brew and proceeded to the checkout woman who was watching the tele and being cooled by the great breeze from outside. I commented that she had it made, being in the cool breeze and watching tv. She told me that it makes up for the AC that was not working. I looked towards the AC and my jaw dropped as I saw the other wall full of coolers completely dark. She said that only half of their power was working, which is more than most people in the neighborhood.

The best part is that the beer cooler was full of cold beer and the other coolers were full of produce (milk and the like) that was completely rancid. No one thought to move it to the beer cooler, or there was just no demand for milk - good ole Queens!

10 mil building gone

2006-07-10T11:05:00.000-04:00

The doctor who lived in the building was found in the rubble is has been taken to the hospital. No one will confirm whether it was a suicide attempt or how many people were killed.

Still parts are on fire.

Video here:

Update

2006-07-10T10:17:00.000-04:00

Recent Update:

2 Doctors had offices in the 4-story building. One doctor lived in the building, that doctor cannot be found. The local stations here are being told by the police that the doctor may have committed suicide, which is how the explosion happened. This is still preliminary, but I will post more as I hear more.

Explosion Rocks Madison Avenue

2006-07-10T10:04:00.000-04:00

Today, there was an explosion that rocked the Upper Eastside. To be exact, the explosion occurred at 62nd and Madison. Some people immediately thought it was terrosist - like everything that happens. However, it seems that this was the result of a gas leak in the building.

Shortly before 9am, a loud explosion was heard and the building blew up with debris flying all around the street. People were inside the building at the time, but as of right now no one knows how many people were there at the time.

Black smoke can still be seen from blocks away, and nearby building windows were blown as a result of the explosion.

The file still continues, but the building is gone. Reporters are saying that they spoke to many people who smelled gas earlier this morning, but apparently nothing was done.

More information as it comes.

GO HOME!

2006-07-03T08:18:00.000-04:00

It is Monday morning. Although I do not have to work, I have people here who have taken over my living room. My place is small, thus when one of them lets out an abdominal stretch, we all hear it - that's how I woke up this morning!

The "guests" are having a great time (I think). They took pictures (does that surprise you?) We are going to China Town today and maybe Kristen will go into one of the back rooms for a purse - fun. Then to Bryant Park for their Monday night movie: MASH.

Superman was wonderful!

More later, Kristen just got back from the bathroom.

Pussycat Dolls Takeover of New York

2006-06-30T08:35:00.000-04:00

Pussycat Dolls Takeover of New York
How Bryant Park went to the cats...

As the Good Morning America/ABC Summer Concert Series continues, this week finds a group of young tight-bodied, bitchy-looking, females take over the stage in Bryant Park.

Here I thought this group was one of those "movie" bands that did not actually exist. To my surprise, I found that the Pussycat Dolls have such hits you may recall from the radio such as Don't cha (the Latino version of the cha cha made famous so many years ago by that chacita banana woman) and Beep (a remake of that gradeschool classic - The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round). Of course, this band does not only do remakes, they also have a few original projects, such as Stickwitu (a song about an Indian princess and a stick) and I Don't Need a Man (come on, they are all lesbians).

This concert disappointed me a little because there were so many old men standing by screaming. This one man, Joe, was nice enough to stop his screaming to speak to me for a little while.

I will give this concert 2 out of 5 sunburned fingers. The girls were cute, but their children songs did nothing for me. And, what's the story with the girl on the left in the picture. Wasn't she in Beverly Hills 90210? She was the ugly one, right?

Water - A movie set in Geneva, er...India

2006-06-29T10:11:00.000-04:00

WATER, 2005 - Directed by and Written by Deepa Mehta

Last night I ventured down to Brooklyn to see a movie at a local theatre. The theatre reminded me of the theatre in Ashtabula, Ohio off Route 20, next to the in door Gun Shop (er flea market). The only difference between this theatre and the one in Ashtabula is that this one was smaller, the seats were more comfortable and there was no smell of urine...this theatre also proported to sell the "best cup of coffeee in New York." Okay, well I guess this theater was nothing like the one in Ashtabula, but the memory was there nevertheless.

This movie takes place in the 1930s during the rise of independence from the British. It shows the restrictions placed on widows during this period as expressed by their religion. The story tells about a 7-year old girl who was married to a man who was quite old. He dies and as a widow you have one of three choices: burn with your husband (because all people are cremated), choose to live a life as a social outcast, or ask your husband's family to marry the younger brother. This story is the real life struggle that widows had to endure. From living among other widows, wearing only white, not permitted to eat fried foods, never to marry again, this was a moving story. This story of the little girl was only a small part of the actual story. As imdb.com says:
It is 1938, India is ruled by the British, and it is around this time that Mohandas K. Gandhi has arrived from Africa to begin his tryst with the British, as well as battle the traditions that bind the Hindus. Barely in her teens, Chuyia is married to much older and sickly male, who shortly after the marriage, passes away. Chuyia is returned unceremoniously to her parents' house, and from there she is taken to the holy city Banaras and left in the care of a wide assortment of widows. Chuyia believes that her mother will come to take her home. Here she meets the several elderly women, including the head, Madhumati; a quiet, confident woman named Shakuntala, and a gorgeous young woman named Kalyani. Chuyia does not know that according to Holy Hindu Scriptures she has been destined to live here for the rest of her life, for when a woman's husband dies', she has three options. One to marry her husband's younger brother; two to kill herself on his funeral pyre; three to live a life of celibacy, discipline, and solitude amongst her own kind. The fourth law which permits a widow to re-marry is not quite popular, and it is these laws and openly welcoming the lower castes that will pit Gandhiji amongst his very own people, apart from struggling with the British to leave India. Kalyani meets and falls in love with young Narayan, a follower of Mahatma Gandhi, who wants to marry her, despite of his mother's protests. But on the fateful day when ferrying her to his home, Kalyani recognizes the house, the very same house she had been forced to visit as a prostitute years ago with a man who is now Narayan's father. The question remains will Kalyani prefer living the life of a confined widow, or marry Narayan and live with his father under the same roof? And is Chuyia really destined to live the rest of her life as a widow?

This movie is in limited release here in New York. This is the last week to see the movie, but I am sure it can be found on DVD. The film is part of a 3-part series - Fire and Earth are the other parts. If you are in the mood for a moving movie that will make you realize how lucky we are, then I recommend this film.
Overall, I rate this film 4 out of 5 Chief Wahoos

For the Indian Music (I am addicted to the Indian channel on Sat. AM) I give the music 5 out of 5 Chief Wahoos

Ode to Gilmore Girls

2006-06-28T16:12:00.000-04:00

Gilmore Girls IS QUALITY Television!

I have received a lot of crap about my choice in making Gilmore Girls one of my favorite shows on tv. First let me say that yes I am a boy and second I do like girls and the assets they bring to the situation - I don't like the man-ham, but I do still enjoy the Gilmore Girls' saga nevertheless.

Because of the crap that people are giving me, I would like to explain my 10 top reasons for enjoying this show.

10. There are over 14 million Gilmore Girls webpages in Al Gore's Universe;
9. Edward Herrman is one of the greatest actors of our time - he kicked butt in Richie Rich!;
8. They have their token Asian: Lane Kim;
7. They have their token "closet" gay french guy: Michael Gerard;
6. The show has their own 'Book Club,' just like Oprah;
5. By the time of its fifth season, Gilmore Girls received an American Film Institute Award and two Viewers for Quality Television Awards, and was named New Program of the Year by the Television Critics Association;
4. So many women with shinny blue eyes cannot be wrong!;
3. We not only get to watch Rory grow up, but also get to watch her butt get bigger as the seasons progress;
2. They had an episode entited 'Women of Questionable Morals' - COME ON! You gotta love it; AND
1. Several of the writers from Buffy the Vampire Slayer are also writers for Gilmore Girls;

My Blog Rankings

2006-06-27T13:08:00.000-04:00

The blogs on the right represent my favorite blogs to visit. They represent a combination of my visits, enjoyability, use of nudity in the posts and, quite frankly, people whom I like. If you feel that your blog was left off in err, or if you have added a more substantial amount of porn, please feel free to email me and I will re-review your site.

Thank you in anticipation of your cooperation,

Management

Additional Pictures from Ireland

2006-06-23T16:17:00.000-04:00

Just to stay on top of things (Near the top of Michael's blog) I am also posting some of the pics from Ireland...hopefully this keeps me ahead of "The Dave."

Flash Slideshow

Additional Pictures from the Indians Game

2006-06-23T14:54:00.000-04:00

Although it has been a week, here are the remainder of my pics from the Yankees game last week. I think it may have been one of the last times they won a game.

To the right is a picture of someone hitting - it may be Peralta. He went off in this game and finally started hitting. The fence in the foreground is the mesh net that was blocking my view - who cares if you re hit in the head with the ball - assumption of the risk, I say!

The guy below was walking around the stadium allowing people to hit his "iron pan." We have the guy who hits the drum, so I guess they get the crazy old guy who may die any moment - fair deal!

Below is just another great shot of the day we had at the game. Beautiful weather and great outcome. The off-white building on the right side is the Bronx Supreme Court building. The second floor to the top was where I had my first trial a few weeks back - the judge's courtroom. it had a great view to the stadium.

You Have Got To Be Kidding ME!

2006-06-23T12:11:00.000-04:00

What do you get when you put together an obnoxiously funny black woman, a weird looking girl who is strangely attractive and a guy who you think is faking a disease but really is not?

No, not Inman Shipping Worldwide -

You get a show, strangely enough in its fourth season, called: Last Comic Standing 4

TV has officially fallen to a new low. In this show they "battle" to see who is the funniest person out of the group. They do competitions such as "I will sit in the audience and yell at you and see if you can handle it" and my favorite - "Sit around a table and yell at eachother because you think you are funny." Come on! At least make then run or something. This show is a cross between the biggest loser, survivor and 7th Heaven (the writing is horrible in both shows).

Summer months are tough - but this is insane! The next thing is someone will tell me they are bringing back that stupid show where the stars try to dance.

Indians WIN, Indians WIN, Indians WIN!

2006-06-16T11:11:00.000-04:00

The Indians won the yesterday in a pretty close game. The final score was 8-4 with the good guys finally pulling off a victory.

There were several times when the Yankees could easily come back and win this game, but luckily for us, A-Rod sucks in the clutch and so does Giambi.

Notable players from the game include Jhonny Peralta finally coming out of his miserable slump to go 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs and 2 Runs. However, the most important stat of the game for me was that Jhonny did NOT have any errors in the

game. I still think he belongs at A-Baseball, or even with the Lake County Captains, but he did okay for once.

Also playing a great game was Todd Hollandsworth who went 2 for 5 with 1 run, and 4 RBIs. Most important for Hollandsworth is that he hit a KEY Homerun late in the game (right as I wanted to use the bathroom). With Casey Blake going to the DL today and Jason Michaels most likely hurting from an amazing attempted catch, Hollandsworth will be very important over the next few weeks.

My favotire player, Grady Sizemore, did not play particularly well (compared to how he normally does) but it is always nice to see this kid play.

On the day, Grady went 1 for 5 with 1 run, but the one hit was a Double in the 8th (when it mattered the most).

I have always said that this kid is great. Ever since Jason, my brother, and I met him 2 years ago in Winterhaven and he just seemed like a great guy. I worry that he may get a big head, but I am happy to see him running the bases as if his life depended on it and making great catches in Center Field.

I have more to this post, but it looks like Blogger is going to kick me out - I will finish this later.

Once in a while things look great!

2006-06-15T09:35:00.000-04:00

Once in a while my job goes well; I settle a case, bossman is happy and I enjoy doing the things that I do. Once in a while I dread going to work; I do not look forward to seeing my boss because I know that the smallest things set him off.

And then there are those days when I get to go to the Yankees games. Those days are great, but what is even better is that the Indians are in town. Sure they lost the last 2 games in the series and they should send Piralta back to A-ball, but I am hoping for a win!

I am taking my camera and assuming that it is not confiscated, I should have some pics for you to enjoy when I get back.

I Saw a Rat

2006-06-09T09:09:00.000-04:00

The other day while I was waiting for the V train at 42nd Street Bryant Park, I was feeling quite down on myself about my job, life, money and the weather. While I was having a bit of a pitty party for myself, my eyes travelled down to the tracks, life so many times I have in the past. Those of you who have witnessed a NYC subway stop know that no matter what they do to the station walls and walkways, there is nothing they can do about the tracks and the filth that is always left behind.

Within this filth is adventure. You always have something to look at while you are waiting, be it an umbrella, jacket, human finger or disposed of condom. Watching all of these things always lets your mind wonder about how those things found their way to the subway floor: what did that person do with the condom that caused him to lose his finger and the umbrella he was holding because he had lost his jacket... We may never know.

The best thing about this particular time is that it was raining pretty heavily outside, the result of which made little rivers in the bed of the subway floor. All the debris flowed by quickly and even the rats come out to play - afterall, it isn't everyday that they have a waterpark to enjoy!

So while this one rat was playing in the waterpark, I noticed that he was attempting to carry something across the tracks. Wouldn't you know, it was a full sized red delicious apple! This rat had an apple that was equal to his size in his mouth. He was trying to get the apple over 3 sets of tracks towards my side of the train. It was an amazing thing. I would love to show it to you, but by the time I got my phone out to take the picture, the train had come and the rat was below.

Little did I know that by not paying attention to the train, I found myself on the wrong train...but that is another story. On this day I learned that not only can you do more than you think when push comes to shove, but also, rats try to eat healthy as well.

Everwood is Forever Gone

2006-06-06T16:34:00.000-04:00

Farewell to another show...

It was a show that did not get a lot of playing time. The WB continually changed its time and date and enjoyed taking it off the air for months at a time. As a result, the show did not do so well in the key demographics. for those of you who saw the series, you will admit that it was entertaining without the "sex." It was a show about femilies dealing with problems and resolving those problems. It was a show about a family dealing with death and coming to terms with their lives. Most of all, it was a show about life - and the quirks that life throws our way.

Sure, the acting was sub-par at times, but all in all, the last four (4) years have been entertaining.

This is just another example of a show that had to fight for it's life on the "new" UPN/WB network. There is an interesting article on the Mercury News website (http://blogs.mercurynews.com/aei/2006/06/an_everwood_far.html).

I am happy that 7th Heaven is around for another year, but I am surprised that Everwood was not picked back up. That together with the loss of Charmed may turn out to be a huge mistake for the fledgling new network.

X-Men: The Last (Final) Stand

2006-05-31T12:07:00.000-04:00

X-Men III: The Last Stand should be called the Final Flop, because I think as a movie it flopped. Once again, a successful series of movies falls flat on the final. The writers sold out on this one. Instead of continuing the tradition of a story together with action, X-Men III dropped the story and opted for action from start to finish.

I was psyched for this movie. I saw it on Thursday night at 11:59pm. I waited all week to see it. It had everything. The hot african-american girl who can change the weather and wears tight leather. It had Kelsey Grammer, before rehab, and even had Captain Picard of the Starship Enterprise. Unfortunately for the three theater loads of people who saw it first, it had shitty writing.

This movie reminded me of the final Terminator Movies where Main Character 1 (insert any of them) was being chased by the new Terminator (insert any name of character) throughout the movie and always just barely getting away. If you were looking for a movie filled with action from top to bottom and even some stupid laughs along the way, then this was a movie for you. However, if you were looking for a movie filled with great backstory, wonderfully witty writing and stories to tell your grandchildren, then go see Harry Potter - really, go see Harry Potter!

All in all, I give this movie a generous 2 1/2 flying tight leather-suited blue people out of a possible 4 flying tight leather-suited blue people.

Da Vinci Code - A Foul Ball at Best?

2006-05-30T15:45:00.000-04:00

I have been waiting a week to write up my review on the Da Vinci Code in order to respect my best friend, who have yet to see the movie. This weekend, Ms. Gianantonio saw the movie and therefore I can now tell all of my fans (there are 3 of you - Thanks Kristen for using both of your identities).

I cannot use a normal scale on this movie because there are 2 different types of people who will see this movie. First you will have those who have not read the book and are caught up in the hype of the news. These people will enjoy the movie quite a bit and will take away from the movie a sense of wonder - hopefully realizing that the undertones are just theories (fiction to the majority). For those people, who have not read the book, I think the movie deserves 3
self-depreciating white albinos out of 4 self-deprecating white albinos.

For those who have read the book, like myself, this movie will be harder to swallow. For those fellow "believers," I find that this movie is worth more like 2 1/2 self-depreciating white albinos out of 4.

My reason for this difference in review stems from the wonderful adaptation Richie Cunningham did between the book and the movie. Quite simply, if you read the book you will find the movie boring because you know what is going to happen. If you did not read the book then everything will be new to you. I believe there was nothing fabulous about the actors. In fact, I believe Tom Hanks was sub-par and rather boring - compared to the character in the book. The special effects were fine, and although the score was a little too much (hitting you over the head with emotional tunes when you are supposed to be feeling emotional) I believe it was par for this movie.

The Start of Summer and X-Men Last Stand

2006-05-26T08:20:00.000-04:00

Dixie Chicks Invade Bryant Park
You can always tell that it is summertime here in New York City, when the "Summer Concert Series" sponsored by (fill in the blank) begins. Today I was surprised upon exiting the subway to hear the sound of anti-american protestors (aka The Dixie Chicks) performing on the square.

I am not one to hold a grudge on any person, or people, but I find it funny that whenever I make a comment about any of those people who came out against the war in the beginning, people still get pissed. However, it is okay now to complain about the war because it has gone on for so long - maybe those in the beginning were just right about the whole thing to start.

Yesterday I ran into Tim Robbins while I was going into the courthouse. He looked quite a bit different because he has longer hair. At first I did not recognize him because there were no other people around, but then I took a second look and recognized him right away. When I came back out of the courthouse, he was surrounded by other people and the cameras were there taping an episode of one of those NY Lawyer Shows.

To bring this back to the anti-american comment, I told Mary who is one of the women in my office, and her comment was: "I don't like him because he is anti-american." This morning when I called her to tell her that the Dixie Chicks were at Bryant Park, again her comment was: "I don't like them because they are anti-american." What exactly is anti-american?

I always thought that the point of being an American is you can voice your opinions without fear of persecution. Being an American is about using your persuasive ability to affect change, and hopefully make this country a better place. I guess this is the old, and now being an American means hating all those people who voice their dissent against our leaders - how sad.

X-MEN: The Last Stand = ehhhhh
I went out last night with some friends and we went to see the latest in the X-Men saga. I am a comic book fan, and so I know alot about the characters in the film. The problem is, however, that anyone who has not read one of the comics would feel pretty left out after last night's movie.

Sure, the action was great from start to finish and the special effects were phenominal, but the story was bleak at best. I do recommend seeing this movie for its effects, if nothing, but don't expect to really enjoy the story.

Happy Anniversary to Me

2006-05-26T08:15:00.000-04:00

Happy Anniversary to me!

It was one year ago that I was sitting in Columbus, Ohio worrying what the hell I was going to do with myself. I had an LLM in Business, JD, MPA and BA, but no job. I remember sitting (more like lying) on my brother's couch and drinking beer while sending out resumes. However, instead of sending too many, I found Audient's Blog and then Jessica's Blog. Rather than be outdone by either of them, I created my own. Although I have not kept up with this too much, I like having the outlet - and Dave's replies to my posts.

So to all 5 of you who have posted comments on my blog, thank you!

It's My Birthday and I will Cry If I Want To

2006-04-26T09:38:00.000-04:00

First, thank you to all of you who have wished me a happy birthday. Those who have taken the time to send me an ecard or a card in the mail - it means a lot to me. I have yet to open the cards from the Grogans or the Macauleys or even from my relatives in Nebraska. I feel a little weird opening a birthday card before the day, so when I get home tonight I will spend some time reading and I am sure laughing.

I have almost been in New York City for a year. It is crazy, fun and weird. I miss all my friends from Ohio a lot. Although I have some friends here, there is no doubt that my true friends can be found in Ohio. I still wonder if moving to New York was the correct decision, or if taking the New York bar was in any way a good idea to begin with 3 years ago. I know that I am 3 more years away from waiving into Ohio and practicing there if I so decide. Birthdays like this make me question the decisions that I have made and the choices that I still have left.

I am 29. The last year before 30. I can still say I am in my 20s, but only for 365 more days - that is crazy! For now, however, I will just dwell on the last few decisions I have made...I SUCK AT PICKING THOSE WILL BE TOSSED FROM AMERICAN IDOL!

This week I think Kelly P should go. She was piss poor - has been for sometime. However, she is still the favorite on votefortheworst.com. She is getting votes just because she sucks - good for her! If it is not K.P., then I think Elliot or Paris should go. They are my bottom 3. We shall see.

KP is outta here and Farts

2006-04-19T13:50:00.000-04:00

I figured that the title will get your attention, and maybe a few giggles (christie).

First and foremost, Kelly Pickler is gone tonight - mark my word!

Second, while looking at my LEIMUN email (it is a different account than my main one), gmail decided to give me a fun link to look at. Here is what it is:

Dear Yahoo!:

Why do beans give people gas?

Tracy
Troy, Michigan

Dear Tracy:

Your question reminds us of that ancient proverb, as recited by Bart Simpson: "Beans, beans, the musical fruit. The more you eat, the more you toot." Bart speaks the truth, for few foods inspire as much gastrointestinal activity as a plate full of beans. Hold your breath as we sniff out the science behind the smells.

Kidz World explains that beans contain sugars the human body simply cannot digest. Once these sugars (called oligosaccharides) reach a person's lower intestines, "the bacteria go berserk, start feasting, and make loads of gas." Before you know it -- toxic fumes.

This rather amusing list of "fart facts" states the most "offensive sugars" are raffinose, stachiose, and verbascose, all of which are found in beans. The site goes on to explain that while it's possible to ignite a fart, it's definitely not recommended, as severe injury and a potentially humiliating trip to the emergency room can result.

What if you're a considerate bean lover who doesn't wish to punish your friends and family? We found a recipe for preparing dry baked beans that enables you to enjoy the musical fruit without causing a cacophony of side effects. Bon appetit.

Good to know.

Oh Well (Hell)

2006-04-13T12:41:00.000-04:00

I was wrong about AI last night, oh well.

Ireland pics can be seen here: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jamisonbacher/album?.dir=/ea42&.src=ph&.tok=ph2WStEBpCr3gEGf

Thanks.

Paris' End

2006-04-12T09:23:00.000-04:00

It is my humble opinion that Paris will end her time on AI tonight. She looked like a whore and sounded like crap. As Simon put it at the end of last night's episode - "That was scary."

Buckey did a pretty good job and I liked Taylor Hick's impression of a 40 year old on speed. The themes this year are odd, and I just don't think that the performers are all that good.

Stuff On My Cat Dot Com And FAREWELL!

2006-03-27T12:38:00.000-05:00

Special thanks goes out to Hily G so this post. She pointed me in the direction of a kick-ass website called stuffonmycat.com.

Let me start by saying that I am not in any way a fan of cats. I am a dog person and the only cat I liked was one that came with my house when I lived in Trumbull Township - he died. My brother has a cat, but the cat hisses at everyone and always attacks me. My Uncle (Ned) has cats, but most run away when people come to the house. Kristen has two cats, wait those are dogs, I like those.

In any case, enjoy the page and take a trip to Hily G's Blog to thank her.

Also, have a great week - I am outta here for a few days. Germany, then England, then Ireland, then England, then Germany, then home.

So Many Bad Movies

2006-03-27T08:46:00.000-05:00

There are so many bad movies out there that seem to receive critical acclaim. I just don't get it! Take for example the movie that I saw on Friday night. My brother persuaded me to see it by saying that all his friends LOVED it and thought it was SO funny. I did not realize that he in fact hated the movie. I watched the movie throughout hoping that it would end soon - but an hour and 20 minutes later it was still going. I actually feel dumber because of the movie. I had to watch the remake of the Bad News Bears to feel entertained again - and that wasn't an entertaining movie either!

Vote for the Worst?

2006-03-23T13:55:00.000-05:00

I came across this site. I am sure this is not a new site, but as I am a fan of American Idol I thought it would be interesting to promote it. The name of the site is VoteForTheWorst.com.

Kind of an interesting site, as they purport to be the one who kept Scott (the big dude) on for so many weeks last year. They main reason for being is to exploit the AI "audience vote" through a campaign of voting for the "worst" singers each week. This year they say that they have been voting for Kevin ever since the start of the competition - thus the reason why he is still on.

Next week they want everyone to vote for Kelly Picker because they think that she is the worst. Only time will tell what will happen, but I added them to Myspace account.

Movie or Commercial? AI-less

2006-03-22T11:50:00.000-05:00

First, the important news. I missed AI last night! I did not realize that AI was 2 hours and my TiVo was set to tape "The Unit." I am just starting to figure out the "Priority List" that TiVo requires and realized that The Unit was higher than AI. I can assure you that this will never happen again. I ended up watching part of AI on regular TV - which was not very clear. I saw a couple of them, Pikler, Hicks, Chicken Little and Catarine McFee. All in all I think it was okay. I have no idea who will get kicked, but I am sure if you goto Kristen's blog (listed as "One of the best soon to be writers of our Generation) on the right, she will give you her opinion.

Second. On te way from court this morning I noticed that half of one of the subway stops was closed. As I walked on the other side I saw cameras and other people reorgainzing the trains. I found out that they were filming there at that very spot. I walked past and overheard the director person say "bring them down" and a group of business dressed people walked down the stairs. Since this was my first time seeing this, I thought it was cool. I did take a pic and will post it here when I get home.

The Trial of the Century - That NEVER HAPPENED

2006-03-21T13:43:00.000-05:00

If A Trial Never Happens, but the Trial is Still Scheduled and All Parties but One Know What is Going On, Was There Still A Trial?

I arrive in court on time and ready to go. I spent the previous few days going through transcripts, preparing for the witnesses who will be called. I concentrated on the injuries and the medicals and even spent some time on the internet researching L5-S1 disk bulges and radiculopathy. 2 hours later my case is called to the Judge's clerk (they like to conference these things first). Myself and three other attorneys sit down before the clerk. The clerk remembers one attorney from a previous meeting and the other he is on a first name basis with. I am the only person in the room who is new. Nevertheless, the clerk asks me what the case is about and has me explain the injuries.

When I was finished, the attorney who is on a first named basis with the clerk asks me, rather pointadly, how I expect to get through threshold with the little injuries I have. My response, you should have brought that issue up before - because you are already beyond the Rules of Procedure's statute of limitations for such a motion. Then he shrugs and follows up with another question: "How can you blame this accident on my client when there was no contact with his vehicle." My response: "Your driver failed to securly fastion luggage on the top of his vehicle as evidenced by it falling onto the Van Wyck Highway and three cars having to swerve out of the way." He just looked at me, so I told him that that issue should be left to the jury.

The clerk asked me questions about the driver of the vehicle, who happens to be the brother of my client. I told him that we did not sue him, but I know that one of the other parties brought him in. However, I did not have an answer from the brother and none of the attorneys would admit that they are representing that man as well (most of these guys were here just to get through this stage and would not handle the trial anyways). I told the clerk that there had been some movement on the settlement of the case, but not nearly where I would like it. He suggested that we give it a few more weeks to work through these issues and then come back on April 19 - ug...by that point I will have forgotten all this! I had no choice, so I went back to the office and thought about what I would have been doing on Sunday had I not prepared for the trial that never happened - thank goodness for TiVo!!

Can anyone guess where these pictures came from?

My First Trial???

2006-03-17T09:41:00.000-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day To All!!

So I have been working really hard lately to settle this case. Not too good on damages, but liability is a slam dunk. There are several defendants and their insurance companies are giving me the run around. I told this to Mr. Saftler and his response was: "Let's Try It!" Ummm, that means that I will be trying my first case on Monday in the Bronx. I am a little excited, and a little worried. This weekend will be spent preparing for the trial and making sure that all my experts are lined up. I am really happy that I did that trial work in Law School - I wonder how close this is to the mock-trial competitions I did in Law School?

As far as careers go, things are going pretty well for me. I have made a lot of contacts in the city and even got a call about a potential new client who I am going to meet tonight. That is the key to this business, you have to bring cases in and then you are good to go. Every day is still new for me, so I am really happy about the choice that I have made. I love the fact that I go to work and learn something new all the time. Is my boss sometimes difficult to work for? Sure, but who's is not? Can I make more money elsewhere? Definately, but I would not be getting the experience that I an getting now.

AI - All The Girls Will Remain This Week

2006-03-14T21:59:00.000-05:00

Why oh why would you pick Stevie Wonder as the first “theme”?

Ace Young
Do I Do

Pretty sure that he was singing to one of the guys in the first row in the start. Note to Ace, breathing hard at the end of a sentence does NOT make you sound better. I think he picked the wrong song and is far too white.

Once again, we saw that Paula really does not know what the hell she is doing, and is only interested in getting into Ace’s pants.

Kellie Pickler
Blame it on the Sun

I think Kelly and Stevie made out behind the scenes…that will come out on the later released “deleted scenes” dvd. I thought for sure she was going to trip and fall before getting on the stage. She sang this song like a country song. It is not her thing. As long as she continues to talk, she will be fine. America has fallen in love with her and thus she is fine. She may be in trouble this week. I also think that Ryan was making out with her as well.

Elliott Yamin
Blast Me Off My Feet

Good God, I thought I was at a wedding listening to some lame ass band. I am sure he sang this fine, but the song showed off his teeth too much. Randy says this is his comfort zone? I wonder if he stopped looking at Kellie’s boobs at any point during the performance. Paula once again shows us that she does not belong. She commented on the beginning video, rather than the performance itself.

Mandisa
Don’t You Worry Bout A Thing

Those are some big shoes! And…you KNOW Ryan looked up her dress – he likes them big girls. He also took them back stage and smelled them.

I think the performance was not too good. She was pretty piss poor for the start and then got a little better. As long as she is up in the range she is fine. When she tries to sing low, she is in trouble. Again, Paula only commented about things other than what was in the performance. I am pretty sure Simon was smelling the shoes during the performance because he liked the performance!

Bucky Covington
Superstition

I am thinking that he is not too much of a fan of the dark meat. I love the song. Maybe he should cut his hair. It was a little too curly – I thought he was Kellie Pickler at one point. This was the first person who actually sang a song with his own “thing.” Although, I think there were more words than just “Very Superstition” I guess I was wrong. Calling him Jessica Simpson may have been the funniest thing that Simon said so far, but then again he was smelling Mandisa’s shoes.

Note to Ryan, just because you laugh at something you said does not mean that you are funny.

Melissa McGhee
Lately

Good for her for wearing a dress, that was the only good thing about the performance. Paula is dumb.

Lisa Tucker
Signed Sealed and Delivered

Best yet! She put her own thing into the song, which is always good to see. I think that she did the best. I think Paula is drunk.

Kevin Covais
Part Time Lover

At least he has the 9 year olds. A man after my own heart! I think that I have found the only person who dances worse than me. Thank god they made that stage bigger – there would have been no room for him otherwise. All in all, he did a good job. Too bad he is wearing makeup, now he is like Ryan. But the best part was when he told Simon that he wasn’t expecting anything nice from Simon…maybe that will show people that he has balls and they will vote for him. He is kinda spunky.

Katharine McPhee
Until You Come Back To Me

I think she tried to compensate for her lack of talent by showing her breasts. It may have worked.

Taylor Hicks
Livin for the City

What a voice! He even danced a little. Great choice in song. I think that he is the one to beat this week. This may be Paula’s new boyfriend. Taylor and Ryan were dressed very similar – that may be an issue.

Paris Bennett
All I Do

What a voice from such a little person. She probably should not have been playing near the electrical socket before the song, her hair was a little too frizzy. Not too good of a performance. Not sure what she was doing with the “Break It Down” thing, but I think that she shot herself with that one. She may be gone this week. Randy and Paula liked her – they are on drugs, then again so did Simon – but he was sniffing Mandisa’s shoes.

Chris Daughtry
Higher Ground

He proved that just because you are singing Stevie Wonder, doesn’t mean that you have to sound like him. Problem was that he really did not “bring” it. I think Chris and Ace are going to have to fight over Paula.

Well, that’s it. It is over. This one is a little difficult to judge because so many suck. I am hoping that Ryan gets kicked off, but I don’t think that will happen.

Bottom 3:

Ace
Bucky
Kevin

I think that Ace and Kevin are the 2 lowest. No women will get booted this week.

TiVO

2006-03-13T15:59:00.000-05:00

Yes, I broke down and purchased the TiVo unit over the weekend. I had digital cable installed and figured that if I was going to get cable that I will not use, I might as well get a service that allows me to better use the service that I will not use.

I purchased the 80 hour Series 2 box. These are my initial impressions:
1. When they say 80, they do not mean 80 hours. I get it to record at about 30 hours at excellent quality - anything less is useless.
2. I am a little surprised at the lag time it takes to change a channel. When I select the channel on TiVo, it takes about 5 seconds to change the channel on the Digital Box. I figured out that if I use the guide in TiVo, it will be better and quicker.
3. Since I just got it, I have not really utilized many of the features, but it has found of few shows that I enjoy watching and recorded them for me over the weekend.
4. I have the box synched with my mac and pc. I can use the TiVo to connect to my mac and play songs from itunes over my tv (which is connected to the stereo) also you can play new music every month with Best Buy's Featured artists. And should I ever have friends over, I can play all my pictures on the tv right from the computer. One of the nice things about the pc is that there is software that allows you to transfer your taped programs to your computer and watch them - for free!
5. There are a lot of things that I just do not know how to do - so maybe learning will be fun.

Thoughts on Religion

2006-03-10T11:22:00.000-05:00

First, and foremost, although I did not have an opportunity to post my feelings about American Idol this week - each of those that I wanted to see get kicked off did in fact get kicked off. That being said, it has been a very strange week for me with everything going on with my grandmother. It has made me think alot about religion, spiratuality and God.

When I was talking with my mother the other night she pointed out that she was happy to know that she can pray to God for guidance and support. I am always surprised that people find themselves praying to God when they need help and when things are not going well. Does this actually help? Or is it merely a way to make yourself think that you are doing something - in a situation that you clearly have no control over.

Religious people always say that God has a plan for us. Silly, but I am always amazed how God's plan could allow anyone to suffer or anyone to go through what so many people go through on a daily basis. Those same people who talk about "God's plan" also say that the pain and suffering is part of the overall plan, but how can that be? How can a plan actually include people being hurt? What is the greater goal?

I was raised a religious person and even throughout my years in law school I attended church. I attended until the priest that I befriended became sick with cancer and could no longer perform the masses. This really hurt me because my grandfather had passed away a few years earlier from cancer. How can this be part of the plan?

Is god's plan really to see how many people he can make suffer before the whole world has had enough?

News

2006-03-08T23:14:00.000-05:00

I got news tonight, and it is good and bad. I will post more when I better fully understand the situation. Those of you who have posted kind words and have kept my family in your prayers, I thank you.

Great Trip - But Horrible Flight Home

2006-03-06T16:10:00.000-05:00

I will be posting information from the weekends fun. I got 20 autographs and also a baseball (well I went for it, hit it with my finger, and it fell into my father's shirt).

Before I do all that, I just wanted to ask a favor. I found out last night before getting on the flight home that my grandmother (Grandma Davis) was taken to the hospital yesterday because she had a mini-stroke. Most of you have met my grandmother, or at least her shag carpeting, so I would appreciate it if you could all keep her in your prayers. She is in good spirits, but this is the first time she has ever been in a hospital (she is almost 80!!!). Uncle Ned is with her and my mom will be hanging out for the next few days as well. Please keep her in your toughts.

Thanks!

Quick Trips are Much Better on a Plane than in the Bedroom

2006-03-03T13:13:00.000-05:00

I am leaving on a jet plane in just a few hours and I will not stop until I touch down in Tampa, Florida. This will mark the second year in a row that I will be at Cleveland Indians Games in Winterhaven, Florida. So alas, no posts for this weekend. Have a great and wonderfully cold time and I will see ya all when I return (looking like a lobster).

So for now, enjoy the time and have a great weekend!

You Have Got To Bring Your A Game

2006-03-02T10:02:00.000-05:00

Lets think about some of the comments we have heard over the last 2 nights on American Idol:

Simon: "I just don't think you picked the right song." "You need to get out of your comfort zone." "If I was listening to that on the radio, I would have changed the channel."

Paula: "Simon, you are so mean." "Why don't you try to be nicer Simon?" "You are just stupid, Simon." "I am moving away from you, Simon." Once she moves down - "I just don't think you picked the right song." "You need to get out of your comfort zone." "If I was listening to that on the radio, I would have changed the channel."

Randy: "Yo, dawg, how's it going?" "Yo Dawg, my Dog poud, yo dawg, thought that you, dawg, were in the dog pound, yoooooooo." "Dawg."

Ryan: "Simon, your shirts are too tight."

Titalating, I assure you! But hey...I did in fact watch - I admit it!

This week saw the guys and girls once again, but with only 10 of each. The first night, girls, was pretty sad. The only ones who were decent were the really young ones. The reason why they were decent is because it is amazing that at such a young age they could be as good as they are. I think that the best one was Mandisa. I worry, though, that the only reason why she is going to make it on further is because she is a large woman. I think that this year we are seeing all of the longshots make it further, just because it is good for the show. All in all, I think she is one of my favorites of the women - I think that she has the strongest voice of all the contestants and should continue on.

As for the guys...I was pretty shocked at how poor they were. I think they were MUCH better last week. The good thing is that because they all equally were poor, it will come down to favorites. Once again, Taylor Hicks remains at the top of my list.

My picks for who will be voted off are:

Brenna Gethers. Although she seems to know how to sing - I think that her attitude has gotten the best of her and people are ready to see her go.

David Radford - People have had enough of this kid. He sings the same things over and over again. I love "rat pack" music, but the Hip-Hop generation will not let him stay.

Hicks is Great - What the Shit is this Dancing Crap?

2006-02-23T21:13:00.000-05:00

Although Taylor Hicks did not perform tonight, I still think that he is the best. Maybe he has ticks, maybe he is trying to be like that Wayans guy being like that Ray Charles guy...or maybe they all took the lead from him...hmm... I think that I will continue to watch AI until he is removed or wins.

I was really sad when Stevie was kicked off. Although I think she did not have the best of performances, I think that she was far better than some of the others. Plus, I think that she has a heck of a lot more potential than some of the other girls - like Brenna or Buckey, wait, I guess he is a guy.

Then after AI, there was some crazy show on with people dancing. I remember seeing this at some point, but thought for sure that I had found my way onto one of those 4 Spanish channels that I get for free. Little did I know, Jerry Rice was on this show. You must be kidding! I thought that he was still on the Suckos...but again I was wrong. I actually liked that one woman with too much cow fat in her lips - I guess her lips must have exploded. But good to know that an over the hill athlete can still find something to do with his life - how far he has come!

When is it Okay to Give Up?

2006-02-23T15:12:00.000-05:00

For quite a few years I have been involved in a program that has given me a lot of good times and great friends. I have often wondered to what extent I would have met these people had I not joined this organization. However, the question remains that at what point do you pack up and walk away?

For sometime there have been things that I am not happy with, directions that should not be taken, disorganized that can only lead to chaos, but I have always thought that I was somehow in control. I think it is a slap into reality that first time that something gets screwed up and you were not even in the loop. How can you really be in an organization at a leadership level when there is the potential for screw up and although your ass is on the line you really have no control?

For the many friends, I am in debt. For the many headaches, I have acid reflux. But for the many potential future problems that I can no longer control - no thanks. The question still stands...At what point do you feel that you have given back to a program enough that you can walk away?

Record Snowfall and God, I feel like *hit

2006-02-13T10:05:00.000-05:00

What a crazy last few weeks. We had warmth, cold, and even snow. 26.9 Inches! Now that is a lot of snow!

To top it all off, I have been sick. Was running a 102 fever for a few days last week. The problem with working in a small firm that is that when you are not there, the work does not get done. With all of the deadlines and more work coming in, it can get overwhelming. Needless to say I went to work a few of the days that I should not have and was yelled at by the boss-man...why? Because he didn't want to get sick of course.

US PORTS TO COME UNDER CONTROL OF TERRORIST NATION
I am not sure to what extent this is getting coverage in the news where you are, but this is pretty big news here - and should be pretty big news all over the place. CNN presents an interesting "slant" to the topic.

I am not too sure about this issue. There must be something else going on here. Why would the Bush administration allow such a thing to occur? Surely they are worried about terrorism as much as the rest of us...surely they are worried about being reelecte....wait, they probably just dont give a damn at this point!

My Cousin and The Grammys

2006-02-09T08:55:00.000-05:00

Audio Adrenaline Wins Another Grammy

I was just reminded that my cousin, Jay Joyce in Nashville, TN, was nominated last night for a Grammy. He produced the album Until My Heart Caves In, by Audio Adrenaline. It won last night! Pretty cool. It is funny because I grew up with Jay. He is older than I am, but I always remember him as being the one at the reunions who would bring his guitar. My uncle would find a piano, Jay would play the guitar and the rest would sing and do whatever - granted, I think they were all doing a lot of drugs at that time...who would have known. Nevertheless, congrats to Audio Adrenaline and Jay Joyce!

Interestingly enough, although they have been up for Grammys in the past, critics say that alot of there most recent success is because of Jay: "Much of that sonic leap towards elevated intensity stems from a pairing with acclaimed producer/guitarist Jay Joyce (The Wallflowers, Iggy Pop, Patty Griffin, Macy Gray). His expansive mainstream experiences, coupled with a cutting edge approach behind the boards, stretched the foursome."

"He was really the first producer who really 'got' what it was that we wanted to do and encouraged us to bring out our passions to the greatest extent possible," McGinniss confirms. "We had no idea what to expect at first, but God really directed our relationship with him and the end result brought all of our performances up to the next level. Jay is a rocker and a rockstar who simply wanted to capture the here and now and vibe of a certain moment, rather than making It perfect or polished." (http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/artists/audioadrenaline.html).

More information on my Cousin: http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/music/artist/appears/0,,450851,00.html

Strangely enough he also was credited for the Faith Hill song: Fireflys. I heard from my mom that he co-wrote it with Faith and my brother says he is on one of her concert CDs. He has came out on the stage and helped sing...pretty cool.

40 Year Old Virgin and Passports

2006-02-08T14:02:00.000-05:00

The 40-Year Old Virgin

I am a member of Blockbuster.com. I therefore put movies in my "queue" and wait for them to be delivered one 3 at a time. It usually takes 2 days, so when I move a movie around in my queue it is so I can get it sooner.

Last week my brother, Jason, told me that the 40 year olf virgin was a great and funny movie. Jason and I have similar tastes, so I decided to move the movie up on my list. I received the movie a few days ago but did not watch it right away.

Yesterday was an okay day at work, but I was looking for something funny to watch. Remembering that I had this movie, I popped it into the dvd player and started watching. It started off okay, but then the introductory credits ended. The movie was filled with pretty much nothing. I laughed 2 times during the entire 2 hours of "entertainment." I find it hard to believe that I would dislike this movie so much, then it occurred to me that I have seen Steve in "The Office" and I absolutely hate his character. In this movie he plays a humble man, whereas in The Office he plays an ass. I could not separate myself from his newer character. However, with that being said, I still find myself laughing more at Gilmore Girls than during the 40 Year Old Virgin

Passports = Federal Government Welfare

Went to the passport office today to get my passport. I found that I could go to the Post Office and get the passport just as easily. So I went there yesterday, after ordering a copy of my birth certificate from Willoughby online, and stood in line. I read in really small letters that they will only accept checks or money orders. I would have gotten a money order, but I had not been paid yet and there was no money to put in such an order. Then under that it says that they will accept credit cards for a $30 processing fee...thats weird! I decided to forget it, went home and got some checks, got paid and did it all over again today.

To pay nearly $100 for a parchment of paper with a picture that I provided (and paid for) just to go to another country seems a little crazy! Come on. I am going to the UK. If anything, they should pay ME to go to the UK, not the other way around. After paying $150 for a flight and another $200 in taxes and other fees just to fly, one would think that the passport comes free. On top of it all I had to give my birth certificate and hope that it is mailed back to me with my passport in 6 weeks. How fun!

And THAT'S Why I Don't Own An SUV!

2006-02-03T12:22:00.000-05:00

While I slept last night...there was crime. Not just ordinary crime, but the type of crime that makes your back sweat and your brow frown. It was the type of crime that you are afraid to tell your mother about; and it happened 2 blocks from my home!

http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=local&id=3873170

Pictures of the aftermath...the morning after, while I walk to the subway station only a block away.

Ahh...come on...the guy probably deserved it! At least the traffic stopped and I could cross the street this morning without having to wait for the light!

Just one more use for Dogs

2006-02-02T16:09:00.000-05:00

For all those dog lovers out there, let me start by saying that I LOVE DOGS...but this story is messed up!

N.Y. - Bound Puppies Used As Drug Couriers - http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=1571517

Kind of makes you wonder what other things Puppies can be used for. Maybe Bush can use them to "curb our reliance on oil." Maybe the indians can get one to play right field in place of Coco Crisp since we traded him away.

Who knows...maybe someday in the future there will be a dog in the whitehouse - wait there already is.

Catching Up

2006-01-30T11:19:00.000-05:00

I am very busy...but I should NEVER be too busy to update my blog! I mean, MJ has even updated her blog more recently than I have - what a shame I have become. All in all it has been a great month! I have been doing a lot more litigation work. I settled my first case and the bossman even came into my office last week and told me that he would like me to pick a jury at the end of the month February). It is amazing that I am getting this opportunity having only been practicing 8 months! And finally, I booked my flight to Manchester England last night! woo hoo! First time there and hopefully I can make it to Galway, Ireland with Hil to see the old family farm where my great great grandfather was born!

Here are some pictures of things I have seen around town:

I was on the subway the other day and saw this guy on the train. He strangely resembled John Beeton, so I took his picture. He did not seem to mind. In fact, I would say that he looks rather comfortable. And what about the word above his head??? "ERA" hmmm....is it a sign?

You may not be able to tell from the picture, but this is one of those times that I came into Grand Central Terminal and there were entertainers. This one involved a guitar player, drummer, and guy who was doing flips. This past weekend I was near Union Station and saw the famous midget Michael Jackson. It was wonderful, however, I did not have my phone on me. I have seen him around town and hope to make him a feature of my blog soon.

This next one reminded me of Ray. Has anyone actually seen him at work? We all hear him say that he has to go...but anyone actually see him there?

Finally this last one, strangely enough, reminded me of Kristen so I took the picture. She looks a little angry, but I dont think she minded the picture.

Lots o Stuff To Discuss

2006-01-05T13:16:00.000-05:00

Happy belated New Year to all!

I posted pictures, all of them, on my yahoo account and they can be reached from here:
http://photos.yahoo.com/jamisonbacher

All of them, including those that did not come out very well, are posted. Enjoy!

Christmas is Over, Back to Work Everyone!

2005-12-28T13:39:00.000-05:00

Christmas is over, Audient is blogging once again, and I am sitting behind my desk waiting for the next "big event."

Christmas saw the return of Union Workers to their jobs, it saw me getting a picture taken with Bill and his Wife Gates and receiving some yummy coffee!

Thank you to all of you who made my Christmas memorable...most notably, Amy - because I am really trying to stay on her good side through the new year.

Also, I pledge to improve my blogging skills throughout the new year, as I received (or bought is a better term) a new IMac G5...I have gone to the white side. Once I get the hang of this, I should be able to create some fun stuff - but then again maybe I will get fired and not be able to pay for electricity and thus be without a computer.

The War May Be Over

2005-12-22T11:44:00.000-05:00

Well, it looks like the threat of throwing the Union Leader, freezing all of the MTA Union workers bank accounts, and threatening to throw the workers themselves in jail has just about worked.

The latest reports have it that the negotiations will continue while the Union workers return to work and at last the city can return to normal. It will be interesting to see what happens, but I hope that this does not happen again as long as I live in the city.

I am not a woman

2005-12-21T13:06:00.000-05:00

According to Kate Ann Brennan's blog, thanks, I am not a woman but in fact a staff toting man with white hair who wears a dress.

Another Day Another $4

2005-12-21T08:29:00.000-05:00

The City of New York has created contingency plans to help "strap hangers" adjust to life in the city without subways and busses. That contingency plan includes gouging the commuters, who have no choice but to pay to get to work - just to make enough money to pay to get home. It is a ridiculous cycle. However, luckily my ride is not as horrid. It is a pain, but I can imagine having it worse.

Luckily my secretary, Mary - the one who hosted my mother and I on Thanksgiving, agreed to allow me to stay at her home out in Queens. She has to commute just like me, but she has a car. So last night we took the LIRR (Long Island Railroad - $4 each way compared to $2 each way on the subway) for a 25 minute ride out to her neighborhood. Keep in mind that the train station is 15 minutes from her home, compared to a 2 minute walk from the subway. This still sounds like a good idea, but then you realize that there are 50,000 people all trying to take the same trains that you are. Those of you who know about NYers, you know that NYers do not like to wait - they like to PUSH! So imagine being in the center when all the people move - you are going wherever they go.

However, like I said at the outset, I could have it worse. Had Mary not agreed to host me for the foreseeable future, I would have had to walk 40 blocks to the 59 Street Bridge (at 6:00am), then walk across the bridge to Manhattan and then another 24 blocks to work. It would not have been fun.

The TWU Union is BRILLIANT!

2005-12-20T15:41:00.000-05:00

I think that it is a brilliant idea to shut down the subway. I think that it is a brilliant idea to prevent people from being able to get to work. I think that it is brilliant to take advantage of the system and break the law.

The picture on the right is of my street (Madison Ave) looking towards the Bronx. This picture was taken at the intersection of 38th and Madison. Normally there is traffic up and down with no place to go. However, on this day (at 12:00pm nonetheless) there is nothing but a postal car, people walking in the road, and rollerblading. Maybe this strike thing isn't all that bad at all! I was able to get a lot more work done today because there was no noise.

This is a view down Madison Ave towards Manhattan. As you can see, the police are at every intersection preventing people from driving down Madison Ave. What a great idea!

Last I heard, the Union has offered 3, 4, 31/2 percent raises (annually) for each of the next 3 years. In addition, they are asking that new hires pay 6% of their salary to the pension plan (2% is required right now). In addition, the MTA has agreed to give MLK day as a paid holiday and also to keep retirement at 55 years of age.
For current MTA workers, this will result in NO CHANGE! Oh yeah, in addition, the Union wants less numbers of disciplinary proceedings brought against its members. It will only effect new hires. However, the Union NOW wants 4, 4, 4 raises, the retirement age lowered to 50 and no more money added to the pensions. WTF!

I must say that I would love the idea of retiring at 55 or 50! I would work 5 days a week, 40 hours a week, make 40k with full benefits and never having to worry about being fired in return for a pension...then I would go to law school and start my 2nd career.

I know I know that I am not pro-union, but come on! This is not fair bargaining. You can say what you want about Unions and about Management. The reality of the situation here is that the Union is breaking the law (The Taylor Law) and hurting those people who are struggling the most to make it here - those of us who commute from one of the boroughs.

My Career: A Woman?

2005-12-19T11:24:00.000-05:00

Here is what Christie's Career Test told me:

Your Career Type: Social

You are helpful, friendly, and trustworthy.
Your talents lie in teaching, nursing, giving information, and solving social problems.

You would make an excellent:

Counselor - Dental Hygienist - Librarian
Nurse - Parole Officer - Personal Trainer
Physical Therapist - Social Worker - Teacher

The worst career options for your are realistic careers, like truck driver or farmer.

What's Your Ideal Career?

Jason's Johnson and Kristen's Boobs

2005-12-14T16:12:00.000-05:00

I had gym with Jason;

I like Kristen's boobs; and

Rome was big.

So Little Time

2005-12-14T15:19:00.000-05:00

Kristen, Dave and Hilary...I am sorry that it has taken so long to update this.

I never thought that anyone actually read this, until Dave pointed it out to me.

So many things have happened, I just figured that I would catch up with everyone around Christmas and New Years. I booked my flight a few weeks back and I will be around Cleveland for Christmas, flying back to New York on Monday and then flying back to Cleveland Friday before New Years. With the low cost of flights, I was able to do pretty well on the price and figured what the heck.

Since last I posted, all sorts of things have gone on. I got sick in the subway, saw a woman being carried off of the subway because she was THAT drunk, and saw a woman's purse get stuck in the subway door and taken down the tunnel. There are also other things that are going on that may require me to leave my "lap of luxery," but I would rather not jinx it.

Also since I last posted, I had the honor of meeting Jason's woman (Bree) and I have subsequently tried to figure out how he could get such a great woman to fall for him - then I remembered what he was like in High School and it all made sense (he has a big penis).

Must go back to work now because the boss is trying to figure out why I am typing so much - since I am supposed to be dictating.

Harry Potter

2005-11-17T09:44:00.000-05:00

Well, I stopped across the street last night (at the movie theater) and picked up my ticket for Harry Potter tonight. Although it is an 11:59pm movie and I will be exhausted in court tomorrow, I am definitely looking forward to seeing the movie. The only downfall is that I will not be able to see it with my near and dear friend Kristen. She and I got to see the last release together at the same time when I was loving in Ohio. Now that I am in NYC, there are no Ohioans here to join me.

It will be interesting to see how all of the Harry Potter audience has grown up. I commented on this with Kristen last time that all of the kids who started watching the series many years ago are now in High School and beyond. It is amazing to see how a phenomenon has overtaken an entire generation.

Maybe I can take some pictures in the theater and send them to Kristen and it will just be like we are there together.

I only have to get through a 3 party deposition today, and then not get yelled at by the bossman.

Grandmothers and Guns

2005-11-11T07:34:00.000-05:00

I think every grandmother should come included with a gun. What a story. This grandmother shot an intruder: http://www.kristv.com/Global/story.asp?S=4097173

It was in Texas, what do you expect?

Great People on the Subway Part II

2005-11-09T14:29:00.000-05:00

The following people were seen within the last week on the subway - what are their stories?

1. 2 Asian people speaking some Asian language both looking at a map and begin to make out. At one of the stops, without ssaying anything the guys gets off of the subway and the door closes. What's their story?

2. An african american man was standing in the corner preaching to a small group of individuals. A white man gets on the train. He is dressed in pretty casual clothes. He walks up to the african american man, shakes his hand, hits his "rock" and walks away. The african american man continues to preach and the white man goes into another train. What's his story?

3. Everyday on the Path Train from Jersey to NYC the same preacher man preaches the same sermon on the same train at the same time. What's his story?

Here is a picture of me with a painting made of poop in the background - SWEET

Books are to People like Dick Cheney is to George on the Apprentice

2005-11-08T08:50:00.000-05:00

So now that I am out of school, out of 9 years of higher education, I have begun reading a lot more. I know this is hard to believe, having been through law school and the like, but I feel as if I am reading a lot more now than when I was in Law School. Maybe it is because I am retaining a lot more of the information or maybe it is just that I am enjoying the books now that I have the time to read them.

Since starting to read more I have discovered that many of the characters in the books closely resemble many of my friends. Maybe this is true for everyone, but we all have a Red Queen from "Through the Looking Glass"; we all have a Lyra from "The Golden Compass"; and we all most definately have a Draco Malfoy from "Harry Potter."
So the question is whether we enjoy these books because of the closeness they resemble to the characters in our real life or something else. I dont know the answer, but I will continue to make parallels between the book fantasy world and that of my "real" life.

LEIMUN Halloween 2005

2005-11-07T10:16:00.000-05:00

Upon popular demand...here is one of the "lost" pictures from LEIMUN Halloween 2005. Yeah it is scary and yeah you probably have no idea who were are supposed to be anyways, but nevertheless it was fun anyways.

Traffic Court

2005-10-25T14:47:00.000-04:00

Got to go to traffic court today to represent my boss's son. He was going a little faster than what he should (+46) in a school zone (hey, he was late for class)!

When I was at court, I experienced something that any non-attorney should be sicked by. While sitting waiting for my client's name to be called, the Judge's clerk asked if there were any other people who were represented by an attorney. Any of those (there were 50 people in the room) who had attorneys were then taken right away (there were 3 of us).

While waiting, the clerk was being very obnoxious to the people and making sure everyone in the room knew that the person was an idiot. Then I get up there with my client, we sit down, and begin small talk about new york city. He wanted to know why I just did not call to take care of this. I told him I enjoyed the ride and he laughed. This is the same guy who was degrading all of the other people in the room.

So then we talk about the case. He looks at my client and tells him that he was going too fast (no crap). Then he said, but because you brought him with you (he looked at me) I will be able to help you. Then he looked at me and I told the sad story of my client and how he had been warned by his teacher before about being late. Then the guy looks at me, my client is facing 11 points - resulting in his license being suspended and a $600 fine) and says, I cannot get rid of the entire ticket, but I can get this down where his license is not taken away. So we work out a deal, sign the papers, and are out of there.

So here is the thing...If a normal person does not know an attorney or cannot afford an attorney, they are screwed? I mean, I am happy that I am an attorney and I know what needs to be done and what does not, but what about all of the rest of the people?

Oh, and when I went to file the papers, the woman behind the counter asked me if I specialized in Traffic Law. I told her no, but I do specialize in Personal Injury - then I gave her some cards and she was going to give them out to her friends...good god...I AM THAT PERSON!

Hurt Feelings?

2005-10-24T10:47:00.000-04:00

You ever been in a situation where a group of your friends were all meeting to celebrate an important ocassion and you were not invited? You ever been in a situation where you thought you were someone's friend, but then you come to find out that that person does not look upon you the same way? How awkward!

I found out a few weeks ago that a friend of mine, or so I thought they were a friend of mine, was having a dinner party to celebrate the "hopeful" engagement to his girlfriend. At first this did not bother me, but then I started hearing about all the other people who were invited to this special occasion (all of which were good friends of mine). How awkward!

But then I also started hearing about the people who were not invited, people who I thought were good friends of this persons' and then I realized that the person is not good at letting things go - but can any of us say that we are truly good at it?

I think that it bothers me the most that I will not be there when this person celebrates a wonderful day. Although I will see him next week, it just will not be the same.

But that is life.

Cell-Phone Bravery

2005-10-21T10:02:00.000-04:00

Cell-Phone Bravery
Those of you who know me know that I get very angry when someone is talking on their cell phone and not paying attention. When I lived elsewhere and drove to and from places, this anger was because people were too busy with their conversations to realize that they were not paying attention. Now that I no longer drive and spend my transportation time on foot, I always get angry when someone is talking loudly on the phone, walking slow while on the phone, or just not watching where they are going because they are talking on the phone. However, there are many people who do seem to talk on their phone and walk at the same time (very similar to drummers who can chew gum and march at the same time - really it can be done).

Drivers in New York are horrid! Those of you who have experienced it can attest that no matter what a walker is doing, the driver always thinks they have the right away. This usually takes on the form of the typical driver who honks. Why do they honk? When someone honks at me, it startles me, slows me down, and it takes longer for a car to make a turn. But the real question is why do drivers think that they have the right away to make a turn when the walk light says that the pedestrian can walk?

Case in point: Last week I was walking from my apartment in Astoria to the local Blockbuster a few blocks away. During my trip I was talking on my cell phone, trying to get caught up on last minute conference details, when I came upon Broadway. The light was green, which meant that I did not have the go ahead to walk. I waited until the walk signal changed (still talking on the phone). Then the light changed and I started to walk. While I was walking a woman in a van began making a left turn into me. I was not walking slow, just a normal pace. The woman was a foot from my legs when I turned to her and looked at her. Then I kept walking across the street. She proceeded to roll down her window and yell at me: "Maybe if you got off your g-damn phone you could walk." So, I responded, as any person in the right would, "Maybe if you lost some weight you could walk." Well this did not make her happy - she started yelling further words out her window: "You should come over here and I will show you who is fat you a**hole." My response, of course, "Whatever bi*ch." Now keep in mind that this all took place over the course of 30 seconds. I had not idea what came over me, and neither did the 50 or so people standing around.

I kept walking, and talking, and then went into Blockbuster - where they did not have the game I was looking for - left and went back home (all the time continuing to talk on my phone).

So I ask you, why is the sky blue?

Terrorist Attack on Sunday

2005-10-08T21:04:00.000-04:00

SO I have heard from Grandma, Uncle Ned, and Mom about my thoughts on the "terrorist" attacks that may or may not happened on Sunday. They all want to know if I am planning on using the subway on Sunday. My response to them is - YES!
See, every Sunday I go into the city to watch the Cleveland Browns play. Living in Queens, I only get to see NY Giants and NJ Jets...No Browns games. So I guess it comes down to whether or not watching the Cleveland Browns is worth risking a terrorist attack. With the Cleveland Indians done, I MUST have something to look forward to.
Seriously, though...All of this talk of terrorism is crazy. It is not going to make me, or anyone for that matter, change what I can and cannot do. I spoke about this in the past, but to change the things that you do just because of a "threat" is a form of giving in. So I will do what I must tomorrow and watch the Browns beat the Bears.

Go BROWNS!

Katie Holmes - Say it aint so!

2005-10-06T09:29:00.000-04:00

I Used to Like Katie Holmes
Katie Holmes has a "bun in the oven." This is what I read on the way to work this morning on the subway. What the heck is going on? Does anyone else think that Ms. Holmes is so totally brainwashed that she has NO Idea what is going on? Or do you really think that they are in love and will happily ever after?

According to People.com, Tom Cruise's fiancée, Katie Holmes, is pregnant with the couple's child, Cruise's spokesperson, Lee Anne DeVette, tells PEOPLE exclusively.

"Tom and Katie are very excited, and the entire family is very excited," says DeVette.
Cruise, who has two children, Connor, 10, and Isabella, 12, with ex-wife Nicole Kidman, began dating Holmes in mid-April. He proposed to her atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris in June. DeVette says there is no wedding date set.

DeVette would not comment on the baby's gender or say how far along the pregnancy is. The rep did say that Holmes, 26, "has never felt better."

Cruise, 43, is currently shooting Mission: Impossible 3 in Los Angeles.

COME ON! Can't you just picture Tom persuading Katie to get knocked up? "Come on Katie, it will be good for your career! "

Ohio native, and "good" catholic girl - what happened???

Movies, Moving Out and those DAMN INDIANS!

2005-10-03T11:21:00.000-04:00

The neighbor next door moved out last weekend. She had been there for four years. Little did I know that there would be workers in the apartment bright and early Saturday morning. What do I mean by "bright and early?" 7:30am is what I mean. At least it was the same time that I normally wake up, so I guess that is something. The pounding continued throughout the day, with my finally deciding that I could take no more. So as a result I walked across the street and saw a 1:35 movie - Serenity.

For those of you who have been paying attention to the Indians, you know that they were playing Saturday and Sunday for a possible spot in the Playoffs. For those of you who have been paying attention, you will also know that the Indians lost on Friday, which made Saturday all that more important. However, because of the crappy television in New York, only the Yankees were being shown on television. So rather than sitting at home, with the pounding next door, and watching the updates on the internet, I thought that it would be okay to see a movie.

Serenity was one of the BEST movies I have EVER seen! Now I was a HUGE fan of the quickly cancelled series on FOX, but I had no idea that Joss Weadon would do such a great job taking his ideas to the screen. There has been a lot of talk about how this will be the "new" starwars, but I am not saying that much. What I am saying is that this was an enjoyable movie with great special effects and a lot of dialogue that will make you laugh. At the end of the movie, people actually clapped! It was that good.

What a Week!

2005-09-23T09:25:00.000-04:00

Ever since I put "Pronk" on my desk, he has been on FIRE! It is great. I am taking complete credit for the Indians continued success. You are all very welcome.

It has been a busy week full of little adventure and excitement.

On Monday Larry gave me his tickets to the Yankees game. It was a great game, with them winning in the bottom of the 9th with a homerun. By that point, Cleveland was winning so I was feeling pretty confident. Michael kept me up to date on the score throughout the entire game (thanks to him texting me - Thanks Michael). It was an exciting game, but I was rooting for Baltimore to win the game - that was too much to ask!

Yankees Have the WORST Fans
I discovered that New York has the WORST fans! For example, there was a man sitting a few rows behind me who was clearly a Yankees fan but who, for some reason or another, enjoyed making fun of other Yankees fans. He was clearly drunk (or at least I hope that is not how he looks when he is sober) and seemed to think that he was really clever calling people names. His two favorite names were: "Bumble Bee" and "Santa Claus".

When someone would stand up, blocking his view, he would tell them to sit down (followed by one of the aforementioned names). As the game went on he even began calling players on the Baltimore Team by those names and by the 8th inning, when A-Rod failed to get a hit, he called him a Bumble Bee. It would have been more amusing if I was not paying $8.00 for a plastic bottle of Coors. I actually have no idea who the person is in the picture above, but that is what you get for having your pictures online for EVERYONE to see!

Rest of the week was pretty busy, having to go to court each day - but thats what I get paid for.

Now it is Friday, the Yankees are in first place and the White Sox are barely ahead of the Indians. Larry is happy with this turn of events, although I would love it if the Yankees did not make it. I kind of hope that the Indians play the Yankees. That way I can walk around town with my Indians jersey and get bad looks!

Verizon can Go to Hell
I finally got Verizon to agree that their service was not working for me. They cancelled it and promised to send me a prepaid postage sheet so I can send the modem I have back. I called them yesterday and they explained that I did not have to send the modem back because it was refurbished and out of the warranty date. However, they also told me that they could not remove the 1 month of service that I was charged for. Their policy is to credit the account. When I cancelled the phone service and explained that a credit is useless to me, the woman on the phone finally "got it."

Tomorrow is cable day and they should be there between 8am and 12pm to install the cable modem - wow it will be great to have internet at home.

Stephen A. Smith
Those of you who are ESPN fans will know the name. He hosts a live show on weekdays on ESPN2 where he interviews people. Next monday he will be interviewing Jim Brown from the Cleveland Browns and I just scored a ticket. So it will be taped next Monday and I will be sure to let you know when it will be aired.

Travis Hafner - Bobble Head

2005-09-19T09:11:00.000-04:00

Today I brought in the Travis Hafner Bobble Head. It marks a momentous day in history when an Indians' player shall stand on the desk of a New York Attorney. I only did it because I wanted to see the look on my bosses face. As of right now he has not seen it, but it is early.

The Browns won, the Indians swept the Royals and the OSU Buckeyes won. What a weekend for Ohio! Way to Go Ohio (heard that once in a song).

First Multi-Party Deposition

2005-09-16T09:57:00.000-04:00

Well, I get my first multi-party deposition today. A slip and fall case. Plaintiff goes first and then the Defendant. Should be interesting.

Larry looked over my first Deposition and told me that he was happy (he refuses to use the word impressed) because I did not screw it up and it was okay for my first time. He made sure that I knew there were questions that he would have asked to get more out of it - but for my first time it was fine.

I booked my flight for the MUN conference - hopefully it will be one of my last MUN conferences. The pleasant thing was that the ticket was only $138 (including tax). I thought that airlines were raising their fees!

Went to McSorleys last night. It was great! It is the oldest Pub in the city - smelled like 150 year old beer.

The Indians are on a Roll/My New Pen Pal: Mark Schwab

2005-09-15T08:41:00.000-04:00

How about those Indians! I love the fact that I am in NYC and the Indians are 1 game ahead of them in the Wild Card race. Good times!

For those of you who remember, I went to Spring Training this Summer in Winterhaven, FL. While there I had the opportunity to talk with Mark Schwab, he is one of the sports guys on 1100 WTAM. When I was there Schwab and I spoke to Jake Westbrook on the radio (live) and I was telling Jake that I need him to get 20 wins for my fantasy team. Well, it is a few months later and he only has 15 wins. So I sent Schwab an email yesterday and told him about my situation in NYC - I am the only person here who likes the Indians and hates the Yankees.

I told him that my boss (Larry - see blog a few posts ago) used to walk in my office and say hello. Now, he walks in, sees the Indians hat on my desk, shakes his head and walks away. Then there is Victor. He has begun only speaking to me if the Indians do not win the night before. And when the Indians do not win he always starts the conversation with: "See I told you they are not going to make it into the playoffs - sorry." But since the Indians have been winning a lot lately, Victor no longer talks to me -which is fine because he really does not have all that much to say.

So anyways, I emailed Schwab and he emailed me back saying that my stories are hilarious (must be a slow night at the Jake) and I should call in sometime. I doubt that I will, but who knows - back to work!

GO TRIBE!

What about the Nearby towns and the Old people?

2005-09-09T14:47:00.000-04:00

Here is one for all of you "blamers."

One of the nearby towns by New Orleans closed down its main road shortly before the storm hit for fear of people from New Orleans entering the town and causing destruction. The police chief actually said that if he would have allowed people into the town it would now look like New Orleans - ravaged, pillaged, and a war zone. This prevented people from leaving New Orleans. Was this decision by a local government wrong?

A nearby old citizen's home was found the other day with 100 senior citizens dead in their beds. Seems that the workers left all of the old people behind. I guess they were thinking "survival of the fittest."

There are a lot of local decisions that were made in this case, most of which had nothing to do with the Federal Government - yet people always blame the top guy. The buck does stop there, but how can it always stop there even when he has nothing to do with it.

As Rush says: The Federal Government is a bureaucracy...Where did this expectation of excellence come from?

The other thing to keep in mind is that when there were 4 storms in Florida last year there was NO issues of riots. People lost their homes. People lost their lives. People survived. The reality is that there was no complaining about FEMA. Why is this one so different? Because of how HUGE it was.

Who is to be blamed part II

2005-09-09T14:19:00.000-04:00

Interesting article on the subject. Basically you can blame Bush for cutting the funding to New Orleans, but even with full funding the Army Corps of Engineers says that the levee program would have only held up to a Category 3.

Original Article from FactCheck.org: http://www.factcheck.org/article344.html September 2, 2005

Is Bush to Blame for New Orleans Flooding?

He did slash funding for levee projects. But the Army Corps of Engineers says Katrina was just too strong.

September 2, 2005

Modified:
September 2, 2005

Summary

Some critics are suggesting President Bush was as least partly responsible for the flooding in New Orleans. In a widely quoted opinion piece, former Clinton aide Sidney Blumenthal says that "the damage wrought by the hurricane may not entirely be the result of an act of nature," and cites years of reduced funding for federal flood-control projects around New Orleans.

Our fact-checking confirms that Bush indeed cut funding for projects specifically designed to strengthen levees. Indeed, local officials had been complaining about that for years.

It is not so clear whether the money Bush cut from levee projects would have made any difference, however, and we're not in a position to judge that. The Army Corps of Engineers – which is under the President's command and has its own reputation to defend – insists that Katrina was just too strong, and that even if the levee project had been completed it was only designed to withstand a category 3 hurricane.

Analysis

We suspect this subject will get much more attention in Congress and elsewhere in the coming months. Without blaming or absolving Bush, here are the key facts we've been able to establish so far:

Bush Cut Funding

Blumenthal's much-quoted article in salon.com carried the headline: "No one can say they didn't see it coming." And it said the Bush administration cut flood-control funding "to pay for the Iraq war."

He continues:

Blumenthal: With its main levee broken, the evacuated city of New Orleans has become part of the Gulf of Mexico . But the damage wrought by the hurricane may not entirely be the result of an act of nature.

…By 2003 the federal funding for the flood control project essentially dried up as it was drained into the Iraq war. In 2004, the Bush administration cut funding requested by the New Orleans district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for holding back the waters of Lake Pontchartrain by more than 80 percent. Additional cuts at the beginning of this year…forced the New Orleans district of the Corps to impose a hiring freeze.

We can confirm that funding was cut. The project most closely associated with preventing flooding in New Orleans was the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Hurricane Protection Project, which was “designed to protect residents between Lake Pontchartrain and the Missisippi River levee from surges in Lake Pontchartrain,” according to a fact sheet from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. (The fact sheet is dated May 23, long before Katrina). The multi-decade project involved building new levees, enlarging existing levees, and updating other protections like floodwalls. It was scheduled to be completed in 2015.

Over at least the past several budget cycles, the Corps has received substantially less money than it requested for the Lake Pontchartrain project, even though Congress restored much of the money the President cut from the amount the Corps requested.

In fiscal year 2004, the Corps requested $11 million for the project. The President’s budget allocated $3 million, and Congress furnished $5.5 million. Similarly, in fiscal 2005 the Corps requested $22.5 million, which the President cut to $3.9 million in his budget. Congress increased that to $5.5 million. “This was insufficient to fund new construction contracts,” according to a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ project fact sheet. The Corps reported that “seven new contracts are being delayed due to lack funds” [sic].

The President proposed $3 million for the project in the budget for fiscal 2006, which begins Oct. 1. “This will be insufficient to fund new construction projects,” the fact sheet stated. It says the Corps “could spend $20 million if funds were provided.” The Corps of Engineers goes on to say:

Army Corps of Engineers, May 23: In Orleans Parish, two major pump stations are threatened by hurricane storm surges. Major contracts need to be awarded to provide fronting protection for them. Also, several levees have settled and need to be raised to provide the design protection. The current funding shortfalls in fiscal year 2005 and fiscal year 2006 will prevent the Corps from addressing these pressing needs.

The Corps has seen cutbacks beyond those affecting just the Lake Pontchartrain project. The Corps oversees SELA, or the Southeast Louisiana Urban Flood Control project, which Congress authorized after six people died from flooding in May 1995. The Times-Picayune newspaper of New Orleans reported that, overall, the Corps had spent $430 million on flood control and hurricane prevention, with local governments offering more than $50 million toward the project. Nonetheless, "at least $250 million in crucial projects remained," the newspaper said.

In the past five years, the amount of money spent on all Corps construction projects in the New Orleans district has declined by 44 percent, according to the New Orleans CityBusiness newspaper, from $147 million in 2001 to $82 million in the current fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30.

A long history of complaints

Local officials had long complained that funding for hurricane protection projects was inadequate:

October 13, 2001: The New Orleans Times-Picayune reported that “federal officials are postponing new projects of the Southeast Louisiana Flood Control Program, or SELA, fearing that federal budget constraints and the cost of the war on terrorism may create a financial pinch for the program.” The paper went on to report that “President Bush’s budget proposed $52 million” for SELA in the 2002 fiscal year. The House approved $57 million and the Senate approved $62 million. Still, “the $62 million would be well below the $80 million that corps officials estimate is needed to pay for the next 12 months of construction, as well as design expenses for future projects.”

April 24, 2004: The Times-Picayune reported that “less money is available to the Army Corps of Engineers to build levees and water projects in the Missisippi River valley this year and next year.” Meanwhile, an engineer who had direct the Louisiana Coastal Area Ecosystem Restoration Study – a study of how to restore coastal wetlands areas in order to provide a bugger from hurricane storm surges – was sent to Iraq "to oversee the restoration of the ‘Garden of Eden’ wetlands at the mouth of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers,” for which President Bush’s 2005 gave $100 million.

June 8, 2004: Walter Maestri, emergency management chief for Jefferson Parish, told the Times-Picayune:

Walter Maestri: It appears that the money has been moved in the president’s budget to handle homeland security and the war in Iraq , and I suppose that’s the price we pay. Nobody locally is happy that the levees can’t be finished, and we are doing everything we can to make the case that this is a security issue for us.

September 22, 2004: The Times-Picayune reported that a pilot study on raising the height of the levees surrounding New Orleans had been completed and generated enough information for a second study necessary to estimate the cost of doing so. The Bush administration “ordered the New Orleans district office” of the Army Corps of Engineers “not to begin any new studies, and the 2005 budget no longer includes the needed money.”

June 6, 2005: The New Orleans CityBusiness newspaper reported that the New Orleans district of the Corps was preparing for a $71.2 million reduction in overall funding for the fiscal year beginning in October. That would have been the largest single-year funding loss ever. They noted that money “was so tight" that "the New Orleans district, which employs 1,300 people, instituted a hiring freeze last month on all positions,” which was “the first of its kind in about 10 years.”

Would Increased Funding Have Prevented Flooding?

Blumenthal implies that increased funding might have helped to prevent the catastrophic flooding that New Orleans now faces. The White House denies that, and the Corps of Engineers says that even the levee project they were working to complete was not designed to withstand a storm of Katrina's force.

White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan, at a press briefing on September 1, dismissed the idea that the President inadequately funded flood control projects in New Orleans :

McClellan: Flood control has been a priority of this administration from day one. We have dedicated an additional $300 million over the last few years for flood control in New Orleans and the surrounding area. And if you look at the overall funding levels for the Army Corps of Engineers, they have been slightly above $4.5 billion that has been signed by the President.

Q: Local people were asking for more money over the last couple of years. They were quoted in local papers in 2003 and 2004, are saying that they were told by federal officials there wasn't enough money because it was going to Iraq expenditures.

McClellan: You might want to talk to General Strock, who is the commander of the Army Corps of Engineers, because I think he's talked to some reporters already and talked about some of these issues. I think some people maybe have tried to make a suggestion or imply that certain funding would have prevented the flooding from happening, and he has essentially said there's been nothing to suggest that whatsoever, and it's been more of a design issue with the levees.

We asked the Corps about that “design issue.” David Hewitt, a spokesman for the Army Corps of Engineers, said McClellan was referring to the fact that “the levees were designed for a category 3 hurricane.” He told us that, consequently, “when it became apparent that this was a category 5 hurricane, an evacuation of the city was ordered.” (A category 3 storm has sustained winds of no more than 130 miles per hour, while a category 5 storm has winds exceeding 155 miles per hour. Katrina had winds of 160 mph as it approached shore, but later weakened to winds of 140 mph as it made landfall, making it a strong category 4 storm, according to the National Hurricane Center.)

The levee upgrade project around Lake Pontchartrain was only 60 to 90 percent complete across most areas of New Orleans as of the end of May, according to the Corps' May 23 fact sheet. Still, even if it had been completed, the project's goal was protecting New Orleans from storm surges up to "a fast-moving Category 3 hurricane,” according to the fact sheet.

We don't know whether the levees would have done better had the work been completed. But the Corps says that even a completed levee project wasn't designed for the storm that actually occurred.

Nobody anticipated breach of the levees?

In an interview on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on September 1, President Bush said:

Bush: I don’t think anyone anticipated breach of the levees …Now we’re having to deal with it, and will.

Bush is technically correct that a "breach" wasn't anticipated by the Corps, but that's doesn't mean the flooding wasn't forseen. It was. But the Corps thought it would happen differently, from water washing over the levees, rather than cutting wide breaks in them.

Greg Breerword, a deputy district engineer for project management with the Army Corps of Engineers, told the New York Times:

Breerword: We knew if it was going to be a Category 5, some levees and some flood walls would be overtopped. We never did think they would actually be breached.

And while Bush is also technically correct that the Corps did not "anticipate" a breach – in the sense that they believed it was a likely event – at least some in the Corps thought a breach was a possibility worth examining.

According to the Times-Picayune, early in Bush's first term FEMA director Joe Allbaugh ordered a sophisticated computer simulation of what would happen if a category 5 storm hit New Orleans. Joseph Suhayda, an engineer at Louisana State University who worked on the project, described to the newspaper in 2002 what the simulation showed could happen:

Subhayda: Another scenario is that some part of the levee would fail. It's not something that's expected. But erosion occurs, and as levees broke, the break will get wider and wider. The water will flow through the city and stop only when it reaches the next higher thing. The most continuous barrier is the south levee, along the river. That's 25 feet high, so you'll see the water pile up on the river levee.

Whether or not a "breach" was "anticipated," the fact is that many individuals have been warning for decades about the threat of flooding that a hurricane could pose to a set below sea level and sandwiched between major waterways. A Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) report from before September 11, 2001 detailed the three most likely catastrophic disasters that could happen in the United States: a terrorist attack in New York, a strong earthquake in San Francisco, and a hurricane strike in New Orleans. In 2002, New Orleans officials held the simulation of what would happen in a category 5 storm. Walter Maestri, the emergency coordinator of Jefferson Parish in New Orleans , recounted the outcome to PBS’ NOW With Bill Moyers:

Maestri, September 2002: Well, when the exercise was completed it was evidence that we were going to lose a lot of people. We changed the name of the [simulated] storm from Delaney to K-Y-A-G-B... kiss your ass goodbye... because anybody who was here as that category five storm came across... was gone.

--by Matthew Barge

Sources

Sidney Blumenthal, “No one can say they didn’t see it coming ,” salon.com, 31 August 2005

Deon Roberts, “Bush budget not expected to diminish New Orleans district’s $65 million,” New Orleans CityBusiness, 07 February 2005

Manuel Torres, “Flood work to slow down; Corps delays new projects,” Times-Picayune, 13 October 2001

Mark Schlefistein, “Corps sees its resources siphoned off; Wetlands restoration officials sent to Iraq ,” Times-Picayune, 24 April 2004

“Mark Schleifstein, “Ivan stirs up wave of safety proposals; Hurricane-proofed stadium is one idea,” Times-Picayune, 22 September 2004

Deon Roberts, “Bush budget not expected to diminish New Orleans district’s $65 million ,” New Orleans CityBusiness, 07 February 2005

Mark Schleifstein, “Bush budget cuts levee, drainage funds; Backlog of contracts waits to be awarded,” Times-Picayune, 08 February 2005

“Bush budget fails to fund flood control in New Orleans ,” New Orleans CityBusiness, 14 February 2005

Deon Roberts, “ New Orleans district of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers faces ,” New Orleans CityBusiness, 06 June 2005

Will Bunch, “Did New Orleans catastrophe have to happen? ‘Times-Picayune’ had repeatedly raised federal spending issues,” Editor & Publisher, 31 August 2005

Toby Eckert, “Could disaster have been prevented?,” Copley News Service, 02 September 2005

Jim VandeHei and Peter Baker, “ Critics say Bush undercut New Orleans flood control ,” Washington Post, 02 September 2005

“The City in a Bowl ,” Transcript, NOW, Public Broadcasting Service, 20 September 2002

Jon Elliston, “ A Disaster Waiting to Happen ,” bestofneworleans.com, 28 September 2004

Scott Shane and Eric Lipton, “ Government saw flood risk but not levee failure ,” New York Times, 02 September 2005

Paul Krugman, “ A can’t-do government ,” New York Times, 02 September 2005

“Lake Pontchartrain, LA and Vicinity Hurricane Protection Project, St. Bernard, Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Charles Parishes, LA ,” Project Fact Sheet, US Army Corps of Engineers New Orleans District, website, 23 May 2005

“Fiscal Year 2006: Civil Works Budget for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ,” Department of the Army, February 2005

“Press Briefing by Scott McClellan ,” whitehouse.gov, 01 September 2005

Karen Turni, “Upgrade of levees proposed by corps; gulf outlet levee may be too low, officials worry,” Times-Picayune, 12 November 1998

John McQuaid and Mark Schleifstein, “The big one: A major hurricane could decimate the region, but flooding from even a moderate storm could kill thousands. It’s just a matter of time,” Times-Picayune, 24 June 2002

Who Should Be Blamed for New Orleans?

2005-09-09T13:28:00.000-04:00

The Fema Director lied on his resume;
President Bush was too busy with his war in Iraq;
New Orleans officials were too busy trying to keep minorities out of "The Big Easy";
The pumps failed;
The weather sucked;

Who, or what, is to blame? How can we sit here and blame anyone person? It seems to me that there was a lot of crap going on. How do you prioritize something like what happened? How can you say that President Bush could have done something sooner? Would money have solved the problem? Would money have prevented the devastation?

The biggest argument that comes to pass is with the issue of "time." People ask, why did it take so long to send in help? My favorite comment is: "If they were white it wouldn't have taken so much time to get help." Here is the thing. NO ONE knew how bad it was going to get. NO ONE knew that the supporting was going to begin to fall apart under the stress of the storm. NO ONE knew that New Orleans would have faced so much devastation. After the storm was over, help was sent in...but not as quick as some would have liked. But this is reality. There is red tape. As much as was needed to help in the disaster was not available at any one persons fingertips. President Bush does not have the resources to fix the problem himself - Separation of Powers prevents him from doing so.

Who is to blame? NO ONE! This is nothing that could have been prevented. When looked at afterwards should it have been handled differently? Sure...there are millions of ways that it could have been. But to say that people intentionally or maliciously did this - that is just silly. When is the last time before the disaster that you went to New Orleans to offer assistance "just in case" the town flooded? Then you are just as much to blame!

Home For the Weekend

2005-09-06T15:53:00.000-04:00

Yes, I still call Ohio home. I live in New York, but still welcome the trip back to Ohio where all my family and friends are.

It was a pleasant weekend. Hils picked me up from the airport on Friday and we went to my moms on Saturday to help with the Crown Molding. Let me assure you, for those of you who did not know, I am DEFINATELY not cut out for the "trades." I attempted to assist my younger brother, who does finishing work for a living, but I failed miserably. I did put in some nails, helped Joshua in any way that I could, and in the end my mom's condo looked great.

Saturday evening I had the pleasure of seeing Michael's house. It is definately a home with some character, although it will be interesting to see if Michaels idea of character wins out over Marquise (I have my dollar on Marquise - haha). Then we went to dinner and it was great. Over drinks Michael told us all the good news that the Bebouts had their baby - so congrats to them!

Sunday was an early day. Woke up at 6am, went to the airport, landed in Newark and then made it to my apartment by 11am. Later that day I had dinner with Monica.

It was an eventfully relaxing weekend. Thank you to all those back home. I only wish that I could have spent some time with Kristen's crew - but I am sure they were off having a good time as well.

Why Do We Do This To Ourselves?

2005-08-25T08:59:00.000-04:00

Why do we do it to ourselves?

The High Price of Gas
Everyone is bitching about the high price of gas. Why? Because they have become so dependent on it. People and gas are now like addicts to drugs. We use gas because we are used to using gas. We are used to using gas because it is convenient. The problem is that we, as a society, are not good at adjusting or making compromises. We all want the fancy car. We all want the "decked out" car. We all want the car that turns heads, but we do not want to pay the cost - the shitty gas mileage. Why do we not car pool? What about busses? What about walking? Obviously walking is not going to work for a lot of people, but what about riding a bike? Maybe those people who feel the need to complain about the gas should take a stand and refuse to buy the gas or the next time they want a new car, buy one based on its efficiency rather than the way that it looks.

There is no doubt that I am a hypocrite. I just happen to live in a city where cars are not needed. When I lived in Ohio, I used to drive everyday to work and to school. The difference is that I looked into taking public transportation. I looked into "Laketrain." At the time it was the same price for me to drive all the way downtown as it was to drive to the Laketrain station and leave my car. However, now if I was still in Ohio there is no doubt that the cost-benefit analysis would go the other way. With the current price of gas (with no relief in site) it would be more cost efficient to drive to the Laketrain station and take the public transportation. Having used the public subways in New York City for almost 3 months now, I can tell you that there is NO better place to meet people than on public transportation!

The High Cost of Cable
Similar to the cost of gas, the cost of cable has gotten out of hand! How have be become a society so dependent on cable television for our entertainment that we have no issue with paying $100+ a month. I recently called the cable company to see about getting just Basic Cable and possibly Roadrunner. Little did I know that the woman on the phone would begin to tell me about the "fabulous savings" that you can get by getting cable and internet together. Hearing this, I was excited (as excited as one can get from calling the cable company), so I let her continue. She told me about all the channels, digital this and digital that. Then she told me how the internet was SO much faster with cable. So then I asked her the cost. She said that it would only cost be $150 per month for internet and cable. After picking my chin up from the table, I asked her what basic cable would cost. She told me basic (10 channels) was $50 and Internet was $50. I promptly hung up, called Verizon, and signed up for DSL at $20 per month for the first 4 months and $30 each month after that. Then I plugged my TV into the wall and found out that I got 15 channels for free (not a good signal but it is something to watch nevertheless). Despite the lower cost, I am still waiting for the DSL to work (3 weeks later) but that will be a subject for another day (like the day I get the telephone bill for a service I have yet to be able to use).

So what is the solution? STOP PAYING FOR TV! Go outside! Play a sport! Take a walk! Go visit the Bebouts. Just refuse to pay the high cost. Heck, just go rent a movie with some friends. The only way that things are going to change is if we stop going along with them!

Enough ranting...

My Boss

2005-08-24T15:07:00.000-04:00

On popular demand (well really, Christie asked)....here is a picture of my boss:

Success is Measured By Many Methods

2005-08-24T13:34:00.000-04:00

Well, I survived! First oral argument. Although I am sure that it was similar to Mr. Bebout's run in with a moving Nyer, I still think that it went pretty well.

Interestingly enough, the room that I had my argument in was the same room that I did a trial competition in a few years back. So when I was sitting in the room, waiting to be called, I had the opportunity to remember back to pleasant times when a paycheck did not matter on your performance - then again that was also a time when no paycheck was given!

Today is a beautiful day. 70s, sun, little breeze - wonderful time to be in New York!

I just found out that I get to go to a Yankees game tomorrow. Nothing like going to a game in the middle of the day, when you are supposed to be working. I was told by my boss that I am NOT to wear any of that "g** damn Indians crap." For those of you who are not aware, the Indians and Yankees are currently tied for the wildcard - nice!

Back to work.

First Oral Argument

2005-08-23T11:21:00.000-04:00

Well, I just found out that I get to argue my first motion. I just found out today that it will be tomorrow. The good thing is that I wrote the brief originally. The bad thing is that I have never argued a motion before a NY judge. Should be interesting!

Cleveland RULZ!, Board Members are Lost - STOP THE CRAZINESS

2005-08-17T15:45:00.000-04:00

Crazy weekend.

Annual meeting - woo hoo (only rained when we were sleeping or petting the cows: Beeton found a new friend).

Went to the airport on Sunday and my 7:05 flight was delayed until 10pm. 10pm came around and they delayed it until 11:00pm. At 11:00pm I got in line, knowing that they were going to cancel the flight. I was #2 in line when they did. However, the first flight out the next day was not until 7:05pm. So I missed an entire day of work (I have a feeling that I will not get paid for it) but I got to spend the day in H.G.'s dorm room - too bad she was gone all day (yea for smelly carpets).

Also on Monday, I guess we lost a Board member. Rumor has it that she is back, but I have yet to confirm this. So if you can confirm this, please let me know.

Yesterday...worked from 7am until 9pm and then got on a train that broke down (I will never take the R train again). I need a mylanta moment (wait...that isn't right) - Calgon...thats what I need.

Enough complaining! Today is beautiful and I think that I might go to battery park for dinner...woo hoo!

Today is a Non-Terrorist Day in NYC

2005-08-05T10:32:00.000-04:00

Well, like the title says, today is a non-terrorist day! The reason? Quite simply, because Jessica Simpson is in town.

No stories about guys relieving themselves on the train (cause that is what he was doing) or anything of the like.

I got off the train this morning and instead of being greeted by Clay Aiken and his HORRID voice, I was greeted by the sweet - er - um - sound of Jessica Simpson. So like any normal male, I stopped and listened. She, er - um - sounded great (and the cowboy boots, short shorts, and low cut shirt didn't hurt at all either).

Man, Girl and Boy, Man, and Girl

2005-08-03T09:36:00.000-04:00

It has been an interesting few days. I am always amazed at the diversity on the subway here. I honestly believe that you could spend your entire day riding the subway and trying to figure out everyones stories. For those of you who know me, you know that I love to watch people and attempt to figure them out. So here is what I saw yesterday and today. Can you help me determine what their "stories" are?

1) A Man on the subway car, walked into the middle between 2 cars, stood there for about a minute and a half and then came back into the car and sat with his girlfriend. Hint: There was no smoking involved.

2) 2 young people last night on the subway (approximately 8:30pm). They could not keep their hands off each other. They were standing near the exit of the train and could not stop making out.

3) A Man dressed in a shirt and tie wearing a bright orange smock (like what the subway helpers wear). Normally, however, the subway workers are wearing their blue shirts with the smock. So why was this guy wearing a shirt and tie and the smock?

4) As I passed the Rockefeller station this morning, I saw out of the window and woman on her one knee bent over with her head on the side of one of the benches. She was clearly crying. Eveyone was ignoring her.

So help me out if you would. What were their stories?

Wine with Germans, Subway Searches and HP

2005-07-24T14:27:00.000-04:00

Drinking it up with Guys from Germany
Friday night was a blast! Went to a place called the Landmarc. Great wine, great cucumber soup, great wine (did I already say that?). The people I went with were: Cheryl (friend of a friend), her friend Gary, and two of his friends who were pilots from Germany. We talked about differing characteristics between American and German citizens. I learned that when an American tells someone: "take care," which admittedly I do, it means nothing. It is like saying goodbye. To a German person it is an insult. They believe that people should say things from the heart and not use mere puffery. When they say best of luck or good health or take care, they really mean it. If they have just met you and there was "no connection" then they merely say goodbye.

Maybe it is because I was brought up in the mid-west, but when I say "take care" I typically mean for them to take care and not merely puffery. However, I think that it is interesting to see this from another culture.

Still Searching in NY
On Friday, during my LONG subway ride back from Manhattan (took 2 hours to get back) there were a few people on the subway, however, there were no police! Granted, it was 1am, but I guess there is only a concern for the safety of those who are "normal" commuters, and not the rest.

One thing that was noticed is that there are signs in EVERY booth saying that use of the subway may result in you being searched. In addition, on Friday morning there were police with small tables in front of them getting ready to search people. One police officer looked me in the eyes as I walked by, and I was sure that I would get my bag searched (again, they would have seen the 6th Book of Harry Potter and my court schedule - not all that exciting). You can obviously tell by the looks on their faces that they (the police) do not want to be doing this. And you can obviously tell by the comments of the passengers that they do not want you searching their bags. One homeless person (I only say that because he looked as if he was carrying all of his possessions and smelled like someone who is showerly challenged) was going on and on about how he would like to see him search them. It was quite amusing, because although he had a valid point, all that I could think about was Christie and MDB - hahaha.

I try to laugh at this because that is all that we can do. I do not think that they police are really giving people a hard time. I can see how it may turn into that, but for now it is okay. I can see hoe not too far down the road people will begin to have serious issue with this - until then I will just post silly comments about the smell of people.

Harry Potter
I finished it! Finally finished the book last night at 2am. I had no one to talk to about it. I spoke to Hillyg about it, but all she could say was "maybe I will read them now." It was the best one yet. There were times when I had to put the book down because it was so good. Kristen was correct when she told me that the last 1/3 goes by SO fast!

I have noticed that more and more people finally have the book on the subway. Everytime I see someone with the book, I always ask them where they are in the book. It always continues with a good conversation. I met a person yesterday on the way to Philly and who just picked up the book.

Searches In the Subway

2005-07-22T10:11:00.000-04:00

Searches in the subway. Now it is a reality. Today people were being stopped when they got to the station. People are being asked to open their bags so the police can look in. Strangely enough, I do not have an issue of this. Granted, I grew up in the mid-west and may be naive, but that is okay.

We are searched when we get on an airplane, when we go into a court house and when we go into a federal or state building. Why wouldn't we be stopped on a subway? It just makes sense to me. The reality is that we could go to work one day, and not come home. That can be said anywhere. To be honest, I do not have a problem with being stopped and asked to look in my bag...All that they will find is a Harry Potter Book and a couple of pens.

What do you think?