Final Interviews

I just got done with 17 interviews in 9 hours. I'm exhausted.

There is absolutely no way this would have gotten accomplished without Wife. I was literally the talking head. Before each interview, Wife would hand me a folder with all the paperwork and quickly remind me of the basics, "We're going to room 1234 for XYZ firm in Los Angeles. The firm has 1200 attorneys, 300 in the LA office, and 21 tax attorneys. Partner X is the interviewer. He specializes in international corporate M&A work, went to X university, Y law school, and your LL.M. program at LAW SCHOOL." Then I would walk in and start talking.

Wife found it incredibly humorous to listen to other candidates complain about how four or five interviews completely drained them. They would be in better shape if they had Wife keeping them organized as well. Too bad for them I'm not giving her up.

The funniest part of this excruciating day: all of these interviews are for nothing. Before any of these firms have a chance to get back to me, I will have chosen which firm and city will be my permanent home.

This Could be My New Workplace

I received a telephone call from Famous Partner at Big NYC firm telling me that "I was their unanimous first choice" with an invitation to join their firm. If I choose to accept the offer, this will be my new workplace (the big glass building).

I'm an Interview Machine and Wife is an Organizing Genius

It will be a very busy couple of days for us. In a few minutes, I will go to class, and then the moment it gets out, Wife and I will rush to the airport to fly to Washington, D.C. Tomorrow, I will have a day of “serious” interviews with a major firm in their DC office. Then, Friday, I have a FULL day of screening interviews.

On Friday, there is essentially a meat market for tax attorneys (basically speed dating for lawyers and firms to hook-up). Firms from around the country will be at a posh hotel to meet with us (actually, there will be firms from around the world). The way the system basically works is that is that we submitted our credentials to the firms, and then they invited the attorneys they like to have a screening interview with them. To make a long story short, I am blessed to have a good number of interviews – more than I could humanly accept. These are just screening interviews, so the odds of any of these turning into employment is rather small, but it is a great start.

Why is Wife attending? Well, she is taking time off work to act as my personal assistant, and more importantly, my brain. Besides being gorgeous, brilliant, kind-hearted, and hilarious, she is also possibly the most organized person in the world. She has the uncanny ability to turn absolutely anything into a spreadsheet. Not only can she turn anything into a spreadsheet – she actually does turn everything into a spreadsheet (and a “pretty spreadsheet” at that). While I concentrate on interviewing more times than you would believe in about eight hours, Wife is in charge of the folder of research and paperwork I must submit to each firm. While I will play the dumb bobble-head talking and schmoozing with partners, Wife will be the one ensuring I’m where I need to be, when I need to be there, with the information I need when I get there. Undoubtedly, if it were not for her organization, I would only have been able to accept about half as many interviews as I did. While most other candidates will have approximately an hour between interviews, I will have less than 15 seconds (seriously, that’s not an exaggeration). Hopefully, we will be a model of teamwork running like a well-oiled machine.

It's a Sad Day

It's a very sad day: Bagel prices went up at our bakery. The price went from $.70 to $.90. That means the Monday night special for bagels went from $.35 to $.45.

Fortunately, Wife's boyfriend works there. Tonight, he gave her a dozen bagels for $2.00. That's two bucks more than he usually charges her.

SWADG: Stuff We All Don't Get

When I arrived home tonight, Wife had a bunch of “goodies” to show me. Wife, as our four regular readers know, works at a major advertising company. One of the company’s clients is a shoe/athletic wear company that Wife said I am not permitted to identify (it is an expensive, trendy brand of athletic shoe– I’m sorry but I just won’t tell the name of the client…I just won’t do it…Wife will probably be deleting that line when she sees it).

Wife oversees the finances for this large client’s account. Anyway, the point of this story: when wife came to work today, she was greeted with a gift bag: a pair of athletic shoes (that are not released yet) and also a pair of “fancy” athletic shoes (I don’t know how to describe these shoes – Wife loves them; they look like a combination of tennis shoes and ballerina shoes to me). They also sent over plenty of socks to go with the shoes. This whole package came in a nice athletic bag for storage. Because Wife loves me she made sure to make sure they know what size shoe her husband wears.

The only SWAG I get are pens, mugs, and an occasional stress ball. I’m in the wrong business.

The good news for me is that Wife’s firm just won a major candy manufacturer. Let’s hope they love her too.

This is the Song That Goes Like This

I have "This is the Song That Goes Like This" from the Broadway show Spamalot stuck in my mind. Because I find it hilarious, I thought I would post the lyrics. If you google the song title and "Jessica Harris" you will find a video of a very funny rendition by a couple performing this song at a talent show.


This Is The Song That Goes Like This

Once in every show
There comes a song like this
It starts off soft and low
And ends up with a kiss
Oh where is the song
That goes like this?
Where is it? Where? Where?

A sentimental song
That casts a magic spell
They all will hum along
We'll overact like heck
For this is the song that goes like this
Yes it is! Yes it is!

I'll sing it in your face
While we both embrace
And then
We change
The key

Now we're into E!
*hem* That's awfully high for me
But as everyone can see
We should have stayed in D
For this is our song that goes like this!

I'm feeling very proud
You're singing far too loud
That's the way that this song goes
You're standing on my toes
Singing our song that goes like this!

I can't believe there's more
It's far too long, I'm sure
That's the trouble with this song
It goes on and on and on
For this is our song that is too long!

We'll be singing this til dawn
You'll wish that you weren't born
Let's stop this darn refrain
Before we go insane
For this is our song that ends like this!

Interesting Email

I just received a rather interesting email:

Dear Mr. Husband (thus guy actually knew my name):

Would you consider a tax counsel position with any of the Congressional
tax-writing committees (i.e., the Senate Finance Committee or House Ways
& Means Committee) or Member offices?

Best Regards,

Mr. Bigshot

Hmmmm.....that's something to think about. Working for Congress. Hmmmm.


UPDATE:

I sent Mr. Bigshot an email telling him that I would consider such a position. I received an immediate email asking me to call him. Now, we are playing phone tag.

UPDATE #2
We just spoke on the phone. His purpose was simple: find out my political affiliations to see if I could be a match for the positions he was looking for. I tried to sound as moderate as possible, but that didn't work. If flat out asked, "Are you a Republican or Democrat." I told him. I then heard silence.

UPDATE #3
Wow. A top Senator with my political party affiliation is reviewing my credentials. I never would have dreamed of this turn of events two hours ago.

Keeping Busy

It has been a long, hectic day - and the day is not even close to being over yet. I spent the first part of the morning participating in an on campus interview with a big NYC firm (those are just introductory "get to know you interviews" - nothing exceptionally excited). Oh, the firm gave us all Starbucks gift cards as gifts; that was nice. Later, I had a pesky class to prepare for and go to (annoying how classes are getting in the way of my life).

This afternoon was then spent doing "serious interviews" at another one of the big, swanky New York City law firms. Though four hours of straight interviews does not sound too bad, it is rather draining.

Top tier law firms don't deviate in their pay for young lawyers. All "good" NYC firms pay exactly the same amount. What differentiates firms competing for top talent are the perks. A few of the perks that the firm I was at today offer their lawyers include:
* Starbucks drinks catered in for the attorneys twice a day.
* A freshly baked cookie tray brought to the attorneys on each floor every afternoon.
* A team of massouses to give each attorney a massage once a week.

I recently told a friend, I don't plan to make money the deciding factor in my choice. But hot, freshly baked cookies may be hard to to turn down. Yes, it is the important stuff that will persuade me.

I should add: I am not particularly optimistic about getting an offer at this NYC firm. I know that this NYC firm, just like most others, receives about 500 resumes for each open slot. The firm did screening interviews with 51 lawyers. I made it past that round. They are bringing back fifteen to twenty for serious interviews. I think of it something like American Idol. I made it past the "thousands auditioned" stage, to now where there is the "top twenty-four." While I have a shot, I'm smart enough to know that the odds are strongly stacked against me.

Now, I need to go pack because first thing in the morning, I am flying down South.

My U.S. Tour Begins

In the next few weeks, I will be touring around the country to interview with various law firms in every corner of America. With the economy appearing to cause the legal market to tank, I am a little concerned about actually getting an offer, but right now I will enjoy the VIP treatment that the law firms are using to try to woo candidates. Although I have been asked to interview with firms in London, Paris, and Beijing, we will focus on the States right now (Wife says Paris "could be fun," and London is "something to think about," but all I got was a funny look with "we'll talk about it" when I mentioned Beijing). With the international firms contacting me, Wife and I recently realized that we need to get passports.

Later this week, I will be traveling down South to spend a day and a half with a firm. This is the “smallest” firm that I am talking to thus far (by “small” I mean that it is is not international in scope – they are a regional firm). This firm reminds me of the law firm in the first quarter of John Grisham’s novel “The Firm.” No, this firm does not have any mafia connections (that I am aware of). It reminds me of Grisham’s fiction because this firm is a mid-sized Southern firm that wants to play with the big boys (it is significantly larger than the firm was in the movie). As I reviewed some of their recent work, this firm appears to handle much larger cases and transactions than a firm of their size typically does. Their lawyers are exceptionally well qualified, and they also put a strong focus on family and loyalty. It should be interesting to see what the firm has to offer when I get there. Wife and I independently found the similarity to this firm and "The Firm." Because of the similarity, we simply refer to it as "The Firm."

I’m going through the travel information that the firm sent me. When reviewing it, I suddenly feel so low-class. When I travel, I basically look for the cheapest flight possible that will fit with my schedule. I’m generally satisfied with pretty cheap hotels. The firm is trying to entice me with fancy flights and a five star hotel. On my flight, I am promised plenty of leg room, my own television, and all the snacks and drinks I want. The hotel I will be staying at appears to be nicer than what Wife and I stayed in on our honeymoon (and we stayed in some really nice places). Personally, I don't understand what the point of spending this much money on a hotel is. I am going to spend very little time in the room. All I will be doing in it is sleeping, last minute firm research, and maybe some studying (ok, I probably won't do any studying). Needless to say, Wife is a little jealous of the upcoming trips. I'm going to need to find a way to make this up to her.

Valentine's Day Post

Here is a song in honor of Valentine's Day. When I played if for Wife, she found it rather emotional. I'll warn you that the artist (Mark Schultz) did not make the video. A fan put together a montage of photographs that go by while the song plays: if you like the photos, great; if not, don't blame the artist.

Enjoy my official Valentine's Day song for 2008: He Was Walking Her Home, by Mark Schultz (lyrics are posted below).

Mark Schultz - Walking Her Home

Looking back
He sees it all
It was her first date the night he came to call

Her dad said son
Have her home on time
And promise me you'll never leave her side
He took her to a show in town
And he was ten feet off the ground

(Chorus)
He was walking her home
And holding her hand
Oh the way she smiled it stole the breath right out of him
Down that old road
With the stars up above
He remembers where he was the night he fell in love
He was walking her home

Ten more years and a waiting room
At half past one
And the doctor said come in and meet your son

His knees went weak
When he saw his wife
She was smiling as she said he's got your eyes

And as she slept he held her tight
His mind went back to that first night

(Chorus)
He was walking her home
And holding her hand
Oh the way she smiled it stole the breath right out of him
Down that old road
With the stars up above
He remembers where he was the night he fell in love
He was walking her home

He walked her through the best days of her life
Sixty years together and he never left her side

A nursing home
At eighty-five
And the doctor said it could be her last night
And the nurse said "Oh
Should we tell him now
Or should he wait until the morning to find out?"

But when they checked her room that night
He was laying by her side

Oh he was walking her home
And holding her hand
Oh the way she smiled when he said this is not the end
And just for a while they were eighteen
And she was still more beautiful to him than anything
He was walking her home
He was walking her home

Looking back
He sees it all
It was her first date the night he came to call

Wife’s Birthday Celebration: Meeting Clay and Eating at Mario Batali’s

If I do say so myself, Wife had a pretty good birthday celbration. Over the last 36 hours, we saw a Broadway musical, met Clay Aiken, and ate at one of Mario Batali’s restaurants.

Last fall, we heard the news that Clay Aiken was joining the cast of Spamalot. Wife, being the energetic teeny-bopper that she is desperately wanted to go see him. In her defense, we watched Season Two of American Idol together years ago, she became a fan then. The past few months, she has been watching for a special to come around for tickets to go see Clay in Spamalot, but there were absolutely no deals to be had. Lo and behold, tickets did show up on our list – for the performance the day before her birthday. It took right about two seconds to decide what to get her for her birthday.

Spamalot was a better show than I expected it to be. We have become quite the Broadway experts in the last two months (we have seen the Farnsworth Invention, Phantom of the Opera, Is He Dead?, Pirates of Penzance, and a Tribute to Eugene O’Niel). Shockingly, wife says that Spamalot was her favorite. Spamalot was definitely the funniest. The humor, while not exactly doctoral level humor, was actually rather sophisticated (well, most of it was).

Clay Aiken did a decent job in his role as Sir Lancelot. Frankly, I am sure that the former actor, David Hyde Pierce, undoubtedly did a “better job.” However, the roll is designed for a goofy, nerdy, wimpy knight that loves to sing. Really, this is a role that is perfect for Aiken. I mean absolutely no disrespect to Clay – this is simply a role that he plays very well.

For the most part, the cast was exceptional. Personally, my favorite part was looking at the cast members and trying to remember which Law & Order episodes they appeared in. However, there was one notably weak cast member. For our showing, the understudy for the Lady of the Lake performed. She seemed like a fine actress, but could absolutely not sing. Her lack of singing talent was the talk of the theater during intermission. For a woman staring in the performance of a musical, I would think that a prerequisite would be the ability to sing – clearly, I am completely mistaken.

After the play, I suggested to Wife that we ought to go the cast exit and wait to meet Clay. Wife rolled her eyes at me and responded, “I’m not a twelve year old girl.” I take full blame, insisting that waiting outside in the cold to meet Clay would make her birthday very special. And it did, Clay came out, introduced himself to us, signed autographs for us, wished Wife a happy birthday, and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Ok, I’m making a lot of that up. We did meet Clay and we did get his autograph. Wife said to him, “Good job tonight,.” After about a ten-second pause, Clay responded, “Thank you very much.” He was clearly completely out of it. As Wife commented, “He’s still performing.” In all fairness to Clay, he was the first star that came out. Though he was rather aloof, he was extremely polite and was willing to stay out and sign autographs for anyone that wanted one.

To finish off our celebration for Wife’s birthday, we went to dinner at Mario Batali’s restaurant, “Otto.” Without a doubt, this is the “trendiest” activity that Wife and I have done since we have been in the city. Otto is incredibly crowded with a young, very hip New York crowd. In a way this is the perfect restaurant for Wife and I: all of the entrees are extremely reasonably priced at just about ten dollars each. The restaurant makes it’s money on the wine, which goes for up to about $350 a bottle. Since Wife and I don’t drink, this is a very cheap priced dinner at a trendy hotspot.

During dinner, we had some great entertainment at the table next to us. This fellow and his date, who clearly enjoyed the wine WAY too much, decided to pull a stunt to get a discount on their meal. Together, they split one of the unique pizzas. They devoured the pizza, except for one tiny morsel of crust (seriously, above the last half-inch of crust on just once piece). The fellow decided to proclaim that the pizza was “burnt” and “practically inedible” to everyone that would listen. It worked – they received an apology and their bottle of wine was on the house. I can’t figure out why the restaurant gave them the bottle of wine for free instead of just giving them the $12 pizza, but I’m just a simple minded fellow.

All in all, I would say that Wife had a rather good birthday.

Happy Birthday!!!!!

Happy Birthday to the smartest, sweetest, and sexiest wife on earth!!!!!

What Were the Suns Thinking?

Good new! I can now like the Miami Heat.

New York Subway Performer

Wife and I just returned from a night out with Aunt and Uncle (which deserves, and will get, its own lengthy post). As we were coming home, we walked past several street performers down in the subway – nothing unusual there. As we stood waiting for our train, a guy started playing the drums. Again, nothing unusual. I looked over at him and noticed that across his drum set he was promoting his website. This street performer has a website and a MySpace page devoted to his act!

Check it out here:

Shakerleg's Website (view lots of pictures, read various stories, learn his subway performance schedule, and even sign up for his email list)

Shakerleg's Myspace (you can listen to him perform)

The streets of New York City are simply awesome.

The Dangerous Streets of New York

At about 7:15 yesterday evening, Wife and I were walking down the sidewalk on our way out for a special evening (which she will write about later). She and I were chatting – everything was normal. Suddenly, Wife began to shriek while I heard a simultaneous loud “thud.” I looked around, figuring that there had just been a car accident, but directly in front of us was something much worse than a typical car accident: a speeding taxicab struck a careless bicyclist. Right in front of us was the bike rider sticking through the windshield of the taxi.

In less then five seconds, a street cop was on the scene. Seriously, he began handling the situation in less than five seconds. Within about forty-five seconds, two more police cars were on the scene. Wife complained vigorously about the response time of the paramedics and fire truck, because they took nearly five minutes to arrive.

The cyclist was “just a kid” (Wife’s description), who was no more than nineteen or twenty years old. He was listening to his iPod while he peddled, so he was oblivious to the sounds of the street around him.

I couldn’t piece together exactly what each party was doing to cause the accident, but it appeared to me that the speeding taxi made a reckless lane change to avoid a parked bus, while the cyclist was traveling the wrong direction on the street. With the bus blocking the view, neither one could see each other until they got into the intersection, when it was too late. From what I could piece together, both of them were at fault (probably the kid going the wrong way down the street bore a bit more blame).

As the kid was pulled out of the windshield, he immediately began apologizing to the taxi-driver. All he could do was mumble over and over, “I’m so sorry, I’m just so sorry,” as he looked at the smashed windshield of the cab and then down to his mangled bike. The kid was clearly in complete shock; he was not doing well at all (as would be expected after you fly face-first through a glass windshield). Wife’s immediate response was to look at me and say, “Go tell him that you’re a lawyer and he needs to sit down and be quiet.” No, I didn’t listen to Wife. Without having seen exactly what caused the accident, I don’t know who was really at fault (I can just speculate), but the kid looked half-conscious and really shouldn’t be taking full responsibility in that state.

As the paramedics began loading the kid into the ambulance, the poor guy was visibly panicked about what would happen to his bike. Kind-hearted Wife turned to me and suggested, “Go tell him that we will take his bike home for him.” I began to protest to Wife that 1) we have tickets to a show that would begin shortly; 2) we have absolutely no idea where this guy lives; 3) the bike was mangled to the point it would be very difficult to move; and 4) it was barely fifteen degrees outside. Wife’s response was simple, “But he needs help.” Fortunately, the paramedics were ready for the situation and began strapping the bike to the front of the ambulance.

So, the primary lesson here: be careful on the streets of New York.

Husband and Wife Do the Opera

Earlier this month, I received an email from Law School with the subject line, “Free Tickets.” Immediately, the email had my full attention. The email explained that a theater company needed to fill up several seats for opening night of the opera “Pirates of Penzance.” The email explained that in order to be considered for up to two tickets for the next night, I had to email a fellow with the company who would call me if I was selected. I thought, “Why not,” and immediately shot off an email, figuring I would never hear anything, but there was nothing to lose.

Later that evening, the guy did indeed call. He told me to be at the corner of a certain intersection where one of his employees would have an envelope with our names on it for two tickets. He explained that we should be discreet about receiving free tickets, because it could anger other patrons who paid a LOT of money for their tickets. In order to be discreet, we should meet his employee a couple of blocks from the theater and not mention anything about it at the theater.

After I hung up the phone, I started thinking: we need to meet some guy at the corner of an intersection for secret tickets? Really? This must be a joke. I began thinking this was a scam, but how were they scamming me for free tickets? Despite my doubts, I told Wife that I think I got us tickets to our first opera together, but not to get too excited until we actually had tickets in hand. Though Wife understood my apprehension, she disregarded my advice not to get excited. To make a short story even shorter, the tickets turned out to be completely legitimate. Wife and I enjoyed a wonderful night out, for just a few dollars spent on subway fare and hot cocoa. Not only did we get free tickets, the tickets were for exceptional orchestra seats.

Pirates of Penzance was definitely a great first opera for us to see together. Wife enjoyed it because it was musical with lots of singing (and most of the singers were very good). I enjoyed this opera more than I anticipated for a couple reasons. First, it was in English – that was a big deal for me. Second, Pirates is a comedy. I like comedies. Comedies keep the attention of simple minded folk like me.

Pirates of Penzance is probably most famous for a song that almost everyone has heard: “I am the very model of a modern major general” (also known as “The Major-General’s Song”). Though the song may not exactly be operatic, it was certainly entertaining.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of the evening was during intermission when Wife turned to me and said, “I miss singing.” Those who know Wife, know of her musical training and passion for singing that was extinguished several years back. Maybe, just maybe, we can get her to start singing in public again.

Where We Are

I'm sure you have heard the news that actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his apartment Tuesday. You can read all the rumors and speculation about that somewhere else. I thought the loyal readers of this blog (all ones and ones of you) would be interested to know that his apartment is just up the street from us.

Our First Broadway Musical

“Say you'll love me ev'ry waking moment; turn my head with talk of summertime…” Earlier this month Husband and I attended our first Broadway musical adventure. I find myself still humming the songs to Phantom of the Opera. I have always loved the music to Phantom, but have never been fortunate enough to see the production (I realize many people are shocked to learn I have never seen it since I am so familiar with the music). Well I can officially say that I have now witnessed the immensely popular and loved Phantom of the Opera.

Let me start from the beginning. Husband’s wonderful Aunt recommended us to join a group that provides drastically discounted tickets for some of Broadways best shows. A few weeks ago Husband and I were going through the website and I saw that they were offering tickets to Phantom of the Opera. We decided to use the Christmas gift that Husband’s sister had sent us to purchase tickets. We bought the tickets about two weeks before the date of our show – you can only imagine my excitement.

There was really only one flaw with our plan. We bought tickets for January 3, when it was still tourist season here in the city. Okay, so I know that every day of the year in NYC there are going to be thousands of tourists, but they seem to flock to NY during the holiday season (especially for that big, famous crystal ball that dropped two days before the date of our show). Everywhere in the theater there are signs stating that photography is not allowed and to please silence all cellular phones and beepers. Apparently, tourists believe that the signs do not apply to them because I could not begin count the number of cameras, video recorders, and cell phones I saw snapping pictures and recording videos, many of which Husband and I were in the background. Husband’s response was “Great. Now we are going to show up on YouTube.”

The show itself was terrific. Although I was already quite familiar with the music, I didn’t really know all that much about the plot (other than the obvious). Husband and I were rather disappointed to learn that we had several understudies in our viewing. We were particularly upset to learn that Raoul was an understudy. However, the understudy did a good job. He had a wonderful voice, but was not powerful enough. He definitely was overshadowed by Christine and the Phantom.

It was a wonderful night at the theater and I was pleased to finally see Phantom of the Opera. The next shows that are on our possibility list are: Les Miserables (I absolutely love this show), Jersey Boys (everyone recommends this), and Spamalot (long story). I am not sure if we will actually get to see all of these shows, but they are on our hopeful list.

New Year's Eve in New York City

Even though we didn’t do anything incredibly exciting, there is nothing like New Year’s Eve in New York City. As many of you know, Wife has been quite ill for just over four weeks now. I have spent the last few weeks nursing my wife back from the brink of death (yes, that’s a bit of hyperbole). Given the cold, the crowd, Wife’s health, and the fact that neither of us really felt like getting into a fourteen-hour shoving match with tourists (during which time we would be unable to use a restroom), we decided that we would watch the Ball drop from the comfort of our apartment.

Though we decided that we didn’t want to spend fourteen hours freezing with a million others in Times Square watching the ball drop, Wife and I decided to go over to Times Square on New Year’s Eve just to take in the atmosphere. On Monday afternoon, we took the ten minute trek over to Times Square where we saw the stages, where the ball will drop, and hundreds of thousands of fans lined up.

We now have a completely different perspective of the festivities as we watched Ryan Seacrest host the New Year’s Eve spectacular in Times Square. All the events take place on a block that we have walked down countless times in the last few months. We recognize the signs; we spot little shops and restaurants we have gone in; we notice how each station carefully positioned their cameras to avoid showing advertisements for their competitors. A year ago I never would have dreamed that we would watch the biggest New Year’s party in the world while feeling like it is taking place in our backyard.

Effective Panhandlers

Homelessness appears to be more of a problem here in New York than in other cities where I have lived. Many are homeless because of their poor choices; others are homeless because of horrible situations that are out of their control. While there is nothing funny about homelessness, I have found that some of the signs that panhandlers hold are hilarious.

Last week, I was walking out of the library and there was an older homeless gentleman with a sign that said, “NYU Tuition Fund.” That made me chuckle all the way home.

Wife and I were walking down Broadway, when we saw a fellow with a sign that read, “I am a veteran, and I have cancer, and I lost both legs in the war, AND my dog died.” I began to sympathize for this guy’s situation until I looked at him and realized the sign was a joke (earlier in the day we had seen each of those statements on different panhandlers’ signs).

This afternoon, wife and I saw a sign with “Sith lord killed my family. Need money for a new light saber.” Possibly, the fellow holding the sign was mentally deranged, but I’m guessing he just wanted a creative sign to grab attention – and, based upon the pile of cash, it appeared to be working.

Boxing Day Exploration

Today, Wife and I spent an afternoon exploring Manhattan. Here are some of the places we explored:

• Trump Towers (that’s a lot of gold to put in one place)
• Time Warner Center (I still can’t get over putting a grocery store in the basement, a mall on the 2^nd and 3^rd floors, and a Border’s Books in the building with some of the highest level executives in the world).
• Central Park (this is an amazing place where it feels like a wilderness experience, but looking up you still see the New York City skyline).
• St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Chelsea Market (we resisted the temptation to eat, but we did enjoy the sights and smells of all the bakeries and little shops)
• Major League Baseball Headquarters
• Food Network Headquarters

Those who know me know if my unhealthy addiction to the Food Network. It was pretty awesome to be in the same building where many of the shows are taped, most impressively, we were right there at Kitchen Stadium, where Iron Chef competition takes place.

Keeping Busy at Christmas

Wife and I have kept surprisingly busy in the last few days. There is so much we have to blog about, but we haven’t found the time. Here is a list of our recent experiences, that we which will all, hopefully, receive their own post in the near future:

• Spent an evening walking around Times Square , taking in all of the holiday scenery with a cup of hot coffee.
• Enjoyed Macy’s beautiful window displays and all nine stories of Macy’s Christmas commercialism (I never realized Macy's was so enormous).
  
• Gawked at the Christmas window displays at Bloomingdale’s.
• Walked around Central Park, enjoying the holiday season and watching ice skaters.
• Explored world-famous Chelsea Market.
• Went to Brooklyn for the live finale of Clash of the Choirs (long story here, which will take a full post).
• Attended our first Broadway production, “The Farnsworth Invention” (post already written on this).
• Ate White Castle (neither of us had ever done that).
• Trekked to Brooklyn to shop at Costco (I need to write about the two-story Costco).
• Spent the evening at Rockefeller Plaza, where we saw the famous tree, watched ice skaters, coin pond, and visited the quaint little shops along with millions of others.
• Played with hundreds of unique and useless toys at the huge Sharper Image.
• Ate a huge lunch deep in China town (we ventured about three blocks past where all the other English-speakers dare to venture; I have no idea what we actually ate, but the main dish appeared to some sort of poultry - the huge meal totaled just $2.50).
• Worshiped at a Christmas Eve service at local Baptist church, where Laura did her best to save a soloist who forgot the lines to the 27^th verse of O Holy Night (the soloist was absolutely wonderful, but forgot the lines of a verse I had never heard before - I have no idea how wife knew it).
• Walked to Washington Square Park where we enjoyed Christmas evening under the huge Christmas tree beneath the famous arch.
• Learned that Postmaster’s in NYC can suddenly announce that the post office is closing on Christmas Eve so that the employees can spend time with their families.
• Discovered that there is not a single pizzeria open on Christmas Eve in Greenwich Village (the death of our tradition).
• Experienced a special Christmas worship service in the New Yorker Hotel, put on by the church we have been attending.
• Did our best “Friends” imitation, spending Christmas morning in a coffee shop chatting and watching New Yorkers bustle around.

Wife is still under the weather. If anyone has recommendations for a cold that just will not go away, feel free to pass along any advice.

Taxes and the Birth of Christ

Luke connects Christmas and taxes:

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David), to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:1-7, KJV

'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Legal Version

Author Unknown

Whereas, on or about the night prior to Christmas, there did occur at a certain improved piece of real property (hereinafter "the House") a general lack of stirring by all creatures therein, including, but not limited to a mouse.

A variety of foot apparel, e.g. stocking, socks, etc., had been affixed by and around the chimney in said House in the hope and/or belief that St. Nick a/k/a/ St. Nicholas a/k/a/ Santa Claus hereinafter "Claus") would arrive at sometime thereafter.

The minor residents, i.e. the children, of the aforementioned House, were located in their individual beds and were engaged in nocturnal hallucinations, i.e. dreams, wherein vision of confectionery treats, including, but not limited to, candies, nuts and/or sugar plums, did dance, cavort and otherwise appear in said dreams.

Whereupon the party of the first part (sometimes hereinafter referred to as "I"), being the joint-owner in fee simple of the House with the parts of the second part (hereinafter "Mamma"), and said Mamma had retired for a sustained period of sleep. (At such time, the parties were clad in various forms of headgear, e.g. kerchief and cap.)

Suddenly, and without prior notice or warning, there did occur upon the unimproved real property adjacent and appurtent to said House, i.e. the lawn, a certain disruption of unknown nature, cause and/or circumstance. The party of the first part did immediately rush to a window in the House to investigate the cause of such disturbance.

At that time, the party of the first part did observe, with some degree of wonder and/or disbelief, a miniature sleigh (hereinafter the "Vehicle") being pulled and/or drawn very rapidly through the air by approximately eight (8) reindeer. The driver of the Vehicle appeared to be and in fact was, the previously referenced Claus.

Said Claus was providing specific direction, instruction and guidance to the approximately eight (8) reindeer and specifically identified the animal co-conspirators by name: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder and Blitzen (hereinafter the "Deer"). (Upon information and belief, it is further asserted that an additional co-conspirator named Rudolph may have been involved.)

The party of the first part witnessed Claus, the Vehicle and the Deer intentionally and willfully trespass upon the roofs of several residences located adjacent to and in the vicinity of the House, and noted that the Vehicle was heavily laden with packages, toys and other items of unknown origin or nature. Suddenly, without prior invitation or permission, either express or implied, the Vehicle arrived at the House, and Claus entered said House via the chimney.

Said Claus was clad in a red fur suit, which was partially covered with residue from the chimney, and he carried a large sack containing a portion of the aforementioned packages, toys, and other unknown items. He was smoking what appeared to be tobacco in a small pipe in blatant violation of local ordinances and health regulations.

Claus did not speak, but immediately began to fill the stocking of the minor children, which hung adjacent to the chimney, with toys and other small gifts.(Said items did not, however, constitute "gifts" to said minor pursuant to the applicable provisions of the U.S. Tax Code.) Upon completion of such task, Claus touched the side of his nose and flew, rose and/or ascended up the chimney of the House to the roof where the Vehicle and Deer waited and/or served as "lookouts." Claus immediately departed for an unknown destination.

However, prior to the departure of the Vehicle, Deer and Claus from said House, the party of the first part did hear Claus state and/or exclaim: "Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!" or words to that effect.

A Night Out on Broadway

Last Night, Wife and I attended our first Broadway show together. Wife chose “The Farnsworth Invention,” believing the subject and genre would be one I would choose: a thoughtful courtroom drama. As it turns out, courtroom scenes were minimal – which is probably best because I didn’t need to scream, “They can’t do that!” or “That’s not a valid objection!” or “You would never ask that during cross-examination!”

The Farnsworth Invention turned out to be an excellent show, telling the historical tale of Philo Farnsworth, a young bumpkin from Idaho who invented the television while NBC/RCA executive, David Sarnoff, who will stop at nothing to ensure he owns the patent.

The actors were very good, led by Jimmi Simpson (of Zodiac fame) and Hank Azaria (who has done a great number of projects, but is probably most famous for his voice-overs in The Simpsons). Personally, I found it difficult not to picture Moe whenever Azaria spoke.

I should probably add that while the show was great – Wife and I had a wonderful time – the historical accuracy leaves a little to be desired. Last night, I read up on the history and, starting with the beginning of the story, began to find little inaccuracies. As I continued to read, the errors began to grow. The culmination was reading that the court decision was, in reality, the exact opposite of what occurred in the play. Despite the fast and lose approach to the historical facts, it was still a great show.

The line of the movie I found most interesting: “Of course the ends justify the means. That’s what means are for.”

If you would like a glimpse of what we experienced, here is the trailer:

The Farnsworth Invention

One Down....

Today marks the completion of a semester at law school. It was hard, but it is done.

In celebration, we will be attending tonight’s live broadcast of NBC’s “Clash of the Choirs.” Tune in to try to catch a glimpse of us on national television. We should be easy to spot. Wife will be the one bouncing in the aisles trying to show the choir members how it’s done. Husband will be the one with his arms folded looking like he is waiting for a root canal. That’s just how we roll.

Hanukkah Hams?

Our neighborhood market is advertising "Hanukkah hams."

HERE is the story.

Does Free Speech Exist at a Private University? (Short Answer: No)

You may (or may not) have heard the news about the former student of Regent University’s law school for expelling him. If you are unaware, Regent the Christian university where Pat Robertson is president (yes, “that” Pat Robertson). Personally, I am NOT a fan of Pat Robertson, nor regent university; I respect his right to believe and speak what Robertson does – but I don’t care for him. I am a Christian who tries to distance himself from those types of characters.

Back to the story, the student, Adam Key, posted a picture on Facebook and also on Regent’s listserv which appeared to show Pat Robertson boldly giving the finger to the camera while broadcasting on the 700 show. Robertson was actually scratching the side of his face in a way that looked rather natural at the time, but the image looks as if Robertson is making an obscene gesture. Regent Law School did not see the humor of Key’s posting the image. Regent ordered him to take the photo down and either apologize or write a legal memo on his right to post the photo. Key took down the photo, refused to apologize, and wrote the legal memo. To make a long story short, Key was suspended, ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation, and then eventually dismissed from the school. As any reasonable law student would do, he is now suing the Virginia university.

I recently read an interesting legal analysis of the lawsuit by Professor Howard Wasserman that I thought would be worth sharing since it appears some educational legal analysis on the kind of issue I frequently get questions about (the link to his blog where this originally appeared is below):

"Last week, Key filed a lawsuit in the Southern District of Texas against Regent and Robertson, alleging violations of his First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, a violation of a provision of the Higher Education Act, and various state tort claims, including defamation (Key alleges that Robertson told the media that Key had "manipulated" the video image of Robertson), breach of contract, and fraudulent inducement (he alleges that he was fraudulently lead to believe that Regent was an open intellectual environment that allowed for dissent in public debate, that it was not at the mercy of Pat Robertson, and that it would not punish a student for engaging in political expression).

"This all makes a fun story. as it always seems to when Robertson enters the public debate. The Complaint even quotes several of Robertson's more infamous remarks. And Key is a unique enough figure that he would make a fine addition to the rogue's gallery that forms the pantheon of First Amendment heroes. Unfortunately for Key, this lawsuit has no chance.

"First, I am not sure the Southern District of Texas is the proper venue for this case. Key lives in Texas and his venue argument appears to be that Regent sent recruiting letters to him in Texas that convinced him to apply and attend the school and that his dissenting views would be welcomed and tolerated. I suppose this might work for the fraudulent inducement claim, because the letters sent to Texas are the inducements. But venue looks to where "a substantial part of the events or omissions giving rise to the claim occurred." And for all his other claims, the key events or omissions occurred in Virginia. At the very least, venue seems more appropriate in Virginia and this could be a candidate for a discretionary transfer.

"Second, the constitutional claims fail because there is no allegation (or event mention) anywhere in the complaint about state action. In fact, in ¶ 10, Key expressly describes Regent as a "private college." Clearly neither Regent nor Robertson is a state actor (Regent is a religious entity, so it being a state actor would be troubling), so it is not subject to constitutional restrictions.

"Third, Key attempts a claim under the Higher Education Act fails because the provision under which he sues cannot be enforced through a private right of action. Section 1011a reflects an effort by Congress to get private universities to conduct themselves in accordance with the First Amendment (and as public universities must) in punishing students for protected on-campus expression and assembly. But I doubt this section is enforceable by private lawsuit. The provision explicitly describes itself as reflecting "the sense of Congress" that students at private universities should not be sanctioned for protected speech; that is not the type of rights-creating language the Court looks for in deciding whether to find an implied right of action. A Westlaw search in the ALLFEDS database found no cases even mentioning § 1011a. That should be a pretty good hint that this provision does not provide a basis for a private civil action.

"Interestingly, Key's best argument may be that Regent is acting in violation of its ABA-imposed obligations to comport its rules to ordinary First Amendment standards, in terms of punishing students. So he might be better served by making arguments to the ABA the next time Regent is up for re-accredidation. But he is not likely to get very far with this lawsuit."

You can find the original post HERE.

NOTE: If you care to comment on this post, please try to keep the beliefs and politics of Pat Robertson and Regent University out of it. I know that there are divergent opinions about Robertson with the regular readers.

It's Snowing

We are having our first snow of the season right now. Wife is very, very excited.

Back at Home

We are back in our apartment, and everything - from our perspective - is back to normal. Last night a temporary external generator was completed which will power our building for a few weeks until the power plant running again. Fortunately, Husband's relatives here in New York graciously offered us a place to stay until the situation was resolved. Though we ended up not needing to accept the offer, it was wonderful to know that we would not be two of the hundreds of people sleeping on a gym floor.