The Internet Barnacle

Ricks v. Employment Law

2011-03-23T16:25:00.001-07:00

I've never really written a blog post from my phone before, but I've discovered that it's not so bad if i use the keyboard. Please forgive me my grammatical errors, etc.

I got great news today, as i found out that i will for sure have the job with the employment law firm in DC. (thanks to those of you who previously congratulated me despite me not having the job for sure.) I'm excited for this job, but mostly it's just a huge relief to have my summer job set in stone. It's not paid, but thatwould be a rarity amongst summer jobs for 1Ls. However, they informed me that after my externship is over, it may lead to being a paid job for the remainder of the summer. That is good news. Talk to you later.

Ricks v. MAAAAAAAAAARCH MADNESS!!!!!!

2011-03-17T14:26:00.001-07:00

5 games are done, four of them were won by last second shots. 13 seed already took down a 4 seed. I LOVE THIS STUFF! My brackets already have begun taking on a red shade. I'm hoping for more green!

I'll be cheering like crazy for the Utah State Aggies tonight against Kansas State.

I've had a great week of spring break. It's been so nice to get to just be a tourist and enjoy living here. I never get to see all of this cool stuff around me. I went to Baltimore today to take Spencer to the airport. It was a stark reminder of just how much there is to do and see in DC. No offense, but Baltimore is pretty lame. From our perspective, there wasn't much to do except eat and see the National Aquarium. DC wins by a landslide in that comparison.

My summer plans aren't quite set, but it looks like I'll be working at a firm in DC. Pretty excited about that.

First step, get squared away with all my schoolwork so I can be prepped for a crazy finals gauntlet once again.

That's about all that's going on. K, Adios!

Ricks v. Writers' Block

2011-02-25T21:26:00.001-08:00

Writer's Block vs. Writers' Block? Is it a collective problem? Or just one writer's problem that we all analogously apply to ourselves?

I'm just here. Finally got to the weekend. Must say that I have a new appreciation for weekends that I did not have before starting law school.

I don't have a lot to say. So...

Bye.

Um... that was a poem.

Ricks v. Imagine Dragons

2011-02-15T20:08:00.001-08:00

It's only a matter of time.

Seriously, I love this band. I just recently discovered Last.fm. If you've never tried it, it's pretty great. It's kind of like Pandora online radio, but keeps track of everything you've ever listened to on it, on your iTunes, and on iPods. The featured band above made my top ten. And I only own 11 or 12 songs from them. That shows you how much I love this band already. "Pantomime" above and a few other new songs are probably coming on a new EP in the next few months. Can't wait. If you've somehow not heard of Imagine Dragons from me already, I highly recommend them. Check them out.

Ricks v. Sneezing

2011-02-09T18:37:00.001-08:00

The title of today's certainly muddled and tossed blog post was inspired by one of the most distractingly joyful thoughts I've ever had in the midst of my terrifying Contracts class. My professor was answering questions and sneezed. As if on the wings of a Spangled Drongo, (which also doubles as a sweet fake insult!) to my mind came a most hilarious image. I tried to post my idea spawned by this image to my facebook status, but was defeated by weaksauce reception in my classroom. Just as well, I've saved the hilarity for my blog-reading faithful.

Enough ado, I decided it would be hilarious to throw confetti in the air every time I sneezed in public. I really want to try it out on the metro. I know I'm a nerd, but you have to admit that it would make you laugh if you saw someone do it. My plan is to carry confetti in my shirt pocket next time I'm in public and I'll just wait for that perfect moment. It helps too that I have rather loud sneezes. (The Infamous Ellison Sneeze. (TIES)) So, it was incredibly hard for me not to LOL in my class at the thought of having a TIES whilst throwing confetti in the air. For some reason I think that it needs to be big pieces of shiny confetti. Big sequins? Anyway, there's my most random thought of the day. Hope you enjoyed it.

So, grades turned out alright. I definitely feared they would be worse. These grades I can at least work with. Finding summer work has kind of been a big distraction and a bit of a hassle, but I'm feeling better now that I know I have a safety-net in a school program that I'm interviewing for next week. It's just hard when I have so much up in the air. It will all fall into place though.

A very interesting piece of news, I had a blood test the other day, and turns out I no longer have hypoglycemia! So... apparently I just get headaches a lot. When I don't eat. I don't get it. I'm always tired and don't have energy either. Must be something else, or, more frightening I think, it's all in my head. I haven't had a chance to talk to my doctor about it again, but the sugar addict in me almost decided to rush out and buy a couple packs of cookies to down instantly to make up for lost sugar time. So, that was unexpected, but kinda cool at the same time. One less thing to stress about.

Another act of nerdery: I just took the Jeopardy! Online Test. That's right. I'm going to be on Jeopardy! Well... probably not, but it's an entertaining thought. I did half decent on the test.

I know it's still basically two months away, but I'm already really excited for March Madness. I know. I'm ridiculous.

Um... I'm done now. Taking a break to watch the Utah State game. I love when they get ranked. I actually get to see their games on tv! (Even if it doesn't start until 11, it's still awesome.)

K, bye.

Ricks v. The Saddest Day of the Year

2011-01-20T18:16:00.001-08:00

It seems that every year around this time I read an article about how the most depressing day of the year is in the next week or so. (It's been a few different days, but always in the 20s of January.) Anyway, this has prompted me to prepare by compiling a list of the best clips and youtube classics that I know of or have recently been shown. I hope that some of you will enjoy this list o' videos as well. Don't be sad. Do be not sad!

Don't you love January now?!
K, bye.

Ricks v. Snow Day/New Year/Grades/New Semester/?

2011-01-18T11:10:00.001-08:00

(Jeff's blog-audience slides to the edge of their seats in anticipation for this long-awaited post.) It's 2011. I'm getting my grades back, and it's not fun having them trickle in, one-by-one. I'm still waiting on two more. It's made me a little neurotic. I started my new semester, and I'm excited about some things, and pained by a few things already. (I'm sure you'll hear more fascinating tidbits about these things at future dates.) Week one was kinda rough, but I made it through. Week 2? Hasn't started yet! We had yesterday off on account of Martin Luther King, Jr. having lived an inspirational life. I heard his "I Have a Dream" speech at halftime at the Verizon Center where I watched the Utah Jazz get beat by one of the worst teams in the NBA. However, I was among the few (it was a very poorly-attended game, with the exception of some rowdy single-digit-year olds in front of us who were hilarious and privileged to be watching their first NBA games) to get to see this, the number one play of ESPN's Top Ten Plays yesterday: (Jump to about 2:13)

Great dunk.

Today was a different story. I got up at about 5 am to finish up my homework and I was overjoyed when an email came in with the subject line that read: "Law School Closed Today." Yes, kids. Those dreams you have each day that the weather may avail you a snow-day respite from the doldrums that are characteristic of school days can come true. If you move to Virginia where a bit of ice scares them into such school-canceling fits. By the early afternoon the ice was all but gone. I love living here. Love it!

Look at all that snow and ice! Sure glad I didn't have to brave the roads this morning!

Anyway, I was happy to have some extra time to catch up on my summer employment search. It's quite the labor. I also have the chance to be able to play my new music loudly. (The Decemberists just came out with a new album.) Usually it's nighttime and that would be extremely impolite of me. I really want some ice cream right now.

K, bye.

(Jeff's blog-audience sighs, sits back in their chairs, and moves on with their lives.)

Ricks v. Heroes of 2010

2010-12-29T01:17:00.001-08:00

Inspired by CNN's Heroes, I decided that for my usual year-end fanaticism with lists of "best of" or "top ten"s I'm going to make a list of the many heroes in my life. I've had a wonderful Christmas break this year, and it's given me some precious extra free time to think and reflect. I recognize now more than ever that I am not much of anything without the help I get through prayer to Heavenly Father. I owe so much more than I even know, and I come to know more and more of that debt each day. I also see clearly that God has placed people in my life for a reason, and I hope that I fulfill whatever reason that He has put me in theirs. Rather than just list off names or delve into too much of specifics, this list will take on more of a thank you card-style tone. *Warning: For readers who have a low tolerance for cheesiness, stop reading now.* Without further ado (except the present ado) and in no particular order (and some of these definitely apply to more than one person and more than one of these apply to individual people):

You are my hero because you helped me to know a lot more about who I am, and helped me to open up in a way that I haven't in a long time.
Your patience with me and ability to lift my spirits when I've felt pretty crushed astound me.
Your ongoing campaign to get me to try new things, while often fought against, is not unappreciated. In fact the opposite.
Your helpfulness in getting me through the end of my undergraduate degree was... helpful.
Your prayers are so appreciated, and I wish that I made more time for you because you always make time for me.
You are the fashion-guru that came to my rescue when I probably needed it most.
You are always there to give me encouragement when I'm beating myself up.
You are an example of who I hope to be.
You helped me to learn stuff, and that's a feat.
You really saved my bacon when I probably didn't deserve your help.
Your ability to forgive my suckiness as a friend (and rude comments that I don't even notice) and to help me feel a bit more comfortable in the midst of a hard transition is most appreciated.
Somehow, someway you're still my friend after all these years, and I can't thank you enough for all the cherished memories and for putting up with this old soul.
You always can put a smile on my face.
You've given me so much, set such a great example, and shown incredible endurance and I'll appreciate you forever for it.
Your advice and inspiration mean more to me than you know.
I can count on you.
You always help remind me that I have people who care about me and that actually want to be with me.
You helped me to get out of my house and live some life.
There aren't adequate words to describe why you're my hero, but I know you're in my life for a reason, and you are my hero.
You tell it to me straight. Such a rarity.
You read this crap that I write for some unknown reason, but it makes a difference to me.
When anyone says the word "patience" or the word "hero," I think of you first. You give so much to me, and ask so little in return. You inspire me everyday, and I don't have enough "thank you"s to satisfy all that you do for me, and have done for me.

Wow, I think I didn't even realize there were that many people that help me in my efforts to make something of this life when I had the idea for this list. And of course, there are many more that help in many other ways, but these are the first and foremost that I think of. Thank you. Even if you wouldn't dream of reading this entry and have no idea it exists, thank you.

Reading back through this makes me realize just how much I owe to you people. Looks like law school debt isn't the debt I should be most worried about after all. Ok, bye.

Ricks v. 49 Thoughts

2010-12-19T16:50:00.001-08:00

Let's see if I can come up with 50 thoughts. Some random, some relevant, some... none of the above?

1. I'm now happy that my semester is over.

2. It's Christmas!

3. It takes having free time for me to remember how much I love living here, but I love living here.

4. I'm excited to see my fam, and not via Skype that my sisters think is super awkward.

5. It's funny to me when kids shows sneak political jokes into them for adults.

6. While flying makes me a bit nervous, I love doing it. It's always exciting because I only do it when I'm going somewhere I really want to go.

7. Dr. Seuss is awesome.

8. I hate hot chocolate, I love warm chocolate. I don't understand why people bother with a liquid that burns your mouth!?

9. My favorite new word that came out of this semester is "torted." (It's not grammatically correct, or a real word, at least not in the sense that I use it.)

10. According to my torts teacher, it's only a matter of time before your car will get "torted" in DC.

11. It's funny how we think we're keeping someone's secret when we tell someone else, but tell them not to tell anyone else.

12. Dozen.

13. This one's for Spencer, "Thirteen."

14. Rhythmic gymnastics is weird.

15. Whoever came up with the term "smart phones" and got it to stick was a genius. They got the rest of us to call our own phones dumb! Genius advertising!

16. I HATE cologne/perfume commercials.

17. Wonder what the weather is like in Djibouti today?

18. I'm excited to exercise again. I've missed it.

19. My house has a door to nowhere.

20. Rowan Atkinson would play me in the movie of my life.

21. Red Rocks in Alexandria is the best pizza place... ever.

22. I could really go for a FH'zookie right now.

23. Michael Jordan.

24. Paul Millsap is the bomb.

25. I'm a little surprised no one has come to visit DC while I've been here. I had a bunch of people ask if they could crash at my place when they came out here.

26. My eyelid has been twitching for weeks. I assumed it would stop when finals were over, but alas, it continues.

27. I saw the huge National Christmas Tree a couple weeks ago with my roommate and some other folks:We also saw Santa Claus.

28. Stuff exists.

29. It's weird to not have something so pressing on my Monday that I need to stay up all night on Sunday!

30. I expect the Aggies to win the rest of their basketball games this season. It could very easily happen.

31. I just randomly got the Charlie Brown's Christmas song stuck in my head.

32. Ocean Lion.

33. Narwhals are cool!

34. C.J. Miles has been playing well lately.

35. Truman G. Madsen was quite the insightful fellow. I'm a fan.

36. I HATE not knowing my grades.

37. I'm clearly a very patient person.

38. I always buy bread, but I rarely use more than half of it before it goes bad. Sad.

39. Milk, on the other hand, has rarely, if ever, expired under my watch.

40. Can you believe that you've read 40 of these? Because I can't.

41. I'm excited for some recreational reading over the break.

42. This one's for Shavonne: 42.

43. I'm happy that I have friends who help me to get out of the house when I have time!

44. Mmm... the over-priced shake I had at the Silver Diner after my property exam the other day was really good.

45. While I love NoVA, I still prove from time to time that I do not know it's roads very well.

46. My mom is the best. Hi Mom!

47. Ugh, I need to buy a new suit. Badly.

48. Am I lame for inserting the accents in résumé?

49. This one's for James Wilson Marshall, and for California history buffs.

That's all. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Ricks v. Cautious Pessimism (Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Law School)

2010-12-16T00:24:00.001-08:00

Woah. How did I get here? I really can't believe this semester is over. I can't say I haven't enjoyed it, because I have. (Parts of it at least.) I also can't say it was easy, it wasn't. It has not been what I expected. Well, that's not true. "It" has been what I expected, my interaction with "It" has not at all been what I expected. I haven't been how (who?) I expected me to be. I know I sound crazy, but this is the inane babbel you get to deal with because you read my blog.

I'm being cautiously pessimistic about how my first semester grades will turn out. Frankly, I think I did a lot worse than I could have, and even then I might not have done superbly. I say cautious because there's still an off chance that I'm making myself look worse than I really am by suggesting that I did poorly--when perhaps I did well. But mostly, I'm feeling pessimistic about my grades. However, I think I've successfully conquered the worrier (Worry Warrior--that should be an indie band name, along with Cautiously Pessimistic) inside me that would have me to think that just because my grades may turn out horribly that my life will be a complete ruin. While, yes, life would diminish to a rather rotten state, it would certainly go on. Should my grades cause an implosion of my plans, I'll find a way to go on. As I've said, I'll mow lawns to pay off my law school debt if I must. Honestly, I doubt that I'll manage to screw up that badly, but there's a sizable chance my grades won't reflect even my lowest hoped-for potential outcome. In that case, I'll just take what I've learned in this 1/2L semester, and move on. I'll keep trucking through law school, and I'll love it, too. Even when it just hurts.

And, it does hurt. I wrote the above two paragraphs at 4 am last night when I needed a breather from my studies. I just now got home from my property law, and last, final exam. I have a bad headache from not getting enough sleep last night, and possibly from only having eaten a shake at the "Silver Diner" with a bunch of my classmates who either don't drink or were just going to go drink later than that. (I can't imagine if I were to add an alcohol hangover on top of the way I feel right now!) Anyway, so, I'm done for the semester. Shouting for joy, jubilation, happiness... yeah... not really feeling like that at all. It might help if in a couple days I get a chance to take in the big picture of what I've been through, but for now I think I feel emotionless because the joy of being done for a few weeks and the anxiety over feeling like I didn't do very well are canceling each other out. I'm an emotional void right now. Emotion neutral? (Another indie band name! Wow, either I'm on a roll or I'm just particularly emo in this blog post.) Well, so... that's that. See you in a couple days when maybe I'll be more interesting or exciting.

Update on the previous blog post's subject: I saw my arrested-neighbor's father this morning. He kind of just stared at me while I scraped the snow off my car. It was awkward. Well, ... bye.

Ricks v. Terrorism Threats & News Stories

2010-12-14T20:15:00.001-08:00

Ugh. Today has been very very distracting. So, my neighbor was all over the local news today for having supposedly made a terrorism threat on Facebook.

I looked so nasty. I really wish I had at least looked in the mirror. My story is wrong, too. I didn't know that I saw the dad instead of the son who's the one that was arrested. I've pieced together that I saw the dad being escorted around by the feds and I assume he was showing them that there were no bomb-making materials and that's why they picked up the blanket in our yard.

The news crews have been outside all day and they've been trying to interview us. I'm pretty mad at myself for opening the door. Now I know. Word to the wise, just don't talk to the news! The main reason I'm upset about it right now is that I see the dad a lot because we leave the house at similar times of day. Anyway, I hope this goes away fast. It sounds like the guy was making hollow threats.

Anyway, enough about my neighbor, I need to get all of that craziness out of my head so I can focus on my last final. This has made studying for property hard because I've been so distracted.

My econ test was yesterday. It went alright. I know it didn't go as well as the midterm did, but hopefully that will turn out ok. It felt very much like an undergrad test. It was mostly all stuff we'd covered, but the questions were asked in ways that tried to make them harder than they needed to be.

Well, speaking of studying. I'm off to do some more before I fall asleep. Remember, don't talk to the news. (But if you do, at least look in the mirror first.)

Bye.

Ricks v. Contracts

2010-12-09T14:05:00.001-08:00

Jello, slush, water, liquid in general, lava-lamp contents, raspberry preserves (with the seeds), ketchup, Silly Putty, dust, pasta, couscous, empty vacuous space, a void.

These are all analogies for how my brain feels after my second law school exam which was for my Contracts class. I felt a lot better prepared for this one than for Torts, but my professor's ambiguous question approach left me feeling like I really wish it was the other way around.

(The above picture is really the deer-in-the-headlights look I had on my face right after the exam, one of my classmates was making fun of me. I honestly felt like my brain had leaked out.)

This test may have been ok, except that there was one question that I hardly got to and it was worth a lot. Again. I just have to pretend that I'm not freaked out, and now I have to focus on economics.

K, see ya. Hope your brain is less analogous to weird liquid/quasi-liquids than mine.

Ricks v. Torts/Terrorism?

2010-12-07T04:04:00.001-08:00

Ok, I'm ready to vent about my exam, now. (Don't worry about me, I'm just getting it all out because I haven't really talked to anyone about it.)

The jury's out. If I even made it to a jury trial. Torts might be getting a summary judgment.

So, It's 8 am the next day at the moment. I finally fell asleep late yesterday evening after having stayed up pretty much all night the night before(despite my efforts to sleep for a decent amount of time.)

Before I rant, first a story:

When I got home from the test yesterday afternoon, my street was blocked off by random cars. I was really confused and frustrated because I just wanted to come home and sleep. There were a bunch of random people strolling around, too. It was bizarre. I drove around the block to try to get to my house and had to squeeze past a big truck. I parked in my driveway and looked at the blockade in the street trying to see what it was about. Then I realized that people were looking my direction. I turned the other way to see some dudes dressed in military-like gear cuffing my next-door neighbor who had apparently been hiding under a blanket in my yard. (Mind you, I'm super tired at this point, and probably look stoned and confused.) Woah, I was about to speculate about what my neighbor might have done, but I could be liable for libel. Let's just say, it appears that he did something to warrant the application of cuffs. The weird thing is that I can't figure out what kind of unit the guys would work for. I've seen enough military uniforms that I could identify one of the branches, but these guys were dressed differently. They definitely didn't look like regular cops either. I really don't know, but it freaked me out. I've been tweeting about my neighbor's struggles to start his car each morning, but I didn't hear any attempt to start it today. So weird. It's official. I don't live in Utah anymore.

About the exam. I will say that I'm happy that I was able to get to the exam early, my computer didn't have a meltdown, and I answered all the questions. My lone assurance of any points though is that I wrote my test number on each exam page, thereby avoiding an automatic 1% score reduction. Look at me! I'm 1% on my way to an A+!

I always think I do poorly on exams. It's a reaction I just expect from myself. This time feels different. (And I always say this, too.) (See examples: 1, 2) But for real, I often think I did alright, but that I could have done better. This time I really feel like could have done a LOT better. I was shocked that when I got home from the exam and laid in bed I couldn't fall asleep. Instead I was running over the test repeatedly in my mind. I thought of just about every question and ways I had screwed up, or things I could have done much better. I keep having flashbacks to my calculus class in college that I seriously screwed up in. I'm not comfortable with how it went, but I have to be. I won't get my score until February or something horrible like that. I don't do well with waiting for scores and grades, but I have to learn to be when it comes to law school. I'll find out how my LRWA paper went in January-ish, and then I won't get my grades until February or March. Yeargh.

Well, I think this probably wasn't a very interesting read to anyone except myself, and perhaps the government driving instructor who needs to teach his guys how to REALLY block a street. (Even from tiny Nissan Sentras.) Sorry about that. I promise to try to be more entertaining come December 18th.

Adieu.

Ricks v. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2010-11-25T12:34:00.001-08:00

(Obviously I'm only including the "Ricks v." in my titles anymore for tradition's sake.)

However, this is the ugly truth of how my Thanksgiving has gone so far:

Despite how much more exciting Strict Liability cases' fact patterns tend to be (explosions, guns, planes), it's still hard to keep going sometimes. (Actually, the truth is that I slept in, and I have been studying since I woke up.) I am really pretty terrified over finals that will begin in just two weeks. (A week and a half... CRRAP!) But... I do have a lot to be thankful for:

1. Family.

I have a kick-trash family. They are very supportive, even from a couple thousand miles away.

2. My good friend Jessie.

She was kind enough to invite me over for her roommates' shindig this evening, so don't worry, Mom. I have somewhere to go for Thanksgiving.

3. Friends in general.

I am very thankful for the friends I have back home and out here. The people who have been placed in my life have definitely helped me through my first semester, and I'm very fortunate to have their support. Spencer and Greg from my study group have been really helpful when I've been sick, etc. They're great guys.

4. Legal Research Writing and Analysis (LRWA) and Econ.

That's right. I said it. I'm grateful for my legal writing class. The fact that my econ midterm and that many of my legal writing assignments went well has been a serious blessing in keeping me motivated, and giving me a glimmer of hope that I can actually do this. (Plus, my grades won't ALL be awful if I bomb my three big tests! --Yeah... that's not SUPER comforting.)

5. Finally having full days off. Although I'll never have studied so much in my life the way I have/will this couple of weeks before finals, I'm very grateful that I have full days with an empty schedule to actually catch up and study.

6. Northern Virginia. Translation: NO SNOW. Haven't seen a single flake yet! Love this place!

7. Pumpkin pie. I'm off to study some more, and then I'm headed to Jessica's to probably eat some potentially weird vegetarian Thanksgiving food that her roommate made, and pumpkin pie supplied by the good folks at my local Harris Teeter Grocery Store.

K, see ya. Oh. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Ricks v. 1L (with the help of "A New Name For Everything" by The Weakerthans)

2010-11-17T15:55:00.001-08:00

Wow. I don't really remember the last time I wasn't anxious about something. This has been quite the life-changing experience. I'm generally one to keep a positive attitude, even when I'm feeling negative about something, but my first 1L semester has made my answers to the most common questions change. "How's it going?" or "How are you?" used to be the simplest question in the world for me to answer. Now I hesitate EVERY time I'm asked that, and my answer now usually is similar to, "I'm surviving." It isn't all that bad really and I'm not unhappy, but 1L has come with many a challenge. When people ask me if I like law school, I usually respond that I do, but truthfully I don't have an emotion either way. It's what I chose, and it's just happening. I don't have time to really stop and think about my feelings about the whole thing, so perhaps this is me snapping in the midst of my studies to take a typographical breather and just reflect. I'm going to steal the words of a favorite song by The Weakerthans to help me explain... because, why not?

"When the bus shelter windows and napkin-dispensers surprise with distorted reflections; it's never the someone you're hoping to recognize." --Sadly, (or perhaps smellily) I don't think I've had my morning routine steady enough to get in a daily shower for a straight week since September. I hold on to sleep for every last minute I can grasp in the mornings (this probably isn't anything new, but the lack of showering at least 6 times a week, certainly is). Hence, I find myself on many mornings quickly assembling whatever high-fashion ensemble of clothing falls out of my dresser, making some attempt to brush, and at least rinse my hair and then I'm on my way out the door. I am often disgruntled as I'm walking from my parking garage to the school to see in my reflection off the shiny-granite walls of a neighboring building that my hair has dried in some funky Mohawk/Alfalfa/Dennis the Menace-esque style.

"When the... borders of night start to give."--Yeah, this is not a new problem, but, for those of you who know me, you'll be shocked to hear that it's WORSE. I don't know what's wrong with me, but I cannot sleep at normal hours. I apparently broke or seriously offended my internal clock because it definitely isn't telling my body the time anymore. It's not just that I stay up late (as I've done most of my life), now I never know when I'll be awake or asleep. It's not healthy, or fun. Sometimes I'll get home in the late afternoon, I'll get dinner, and then after a bit of studying I'll zonk out. Then when I wake up at midnight it's pretty confusing trying to figure out how I should divy up my sleep and homework time. Would someone teach me how to sleep like most humans? Thanks.

"When the one-ways collude with the map that you've folded wrong and the route you've abandoned is always the path you probably should be upon."-- This has less to do with 1L and more to do with living in the DC area. I get lost. This is not a problem I'm used to. Even in Georgia I could always find my way. (Perhaps God was helping me then.) Before moving here I could just check a Google Maps map and I'd be just fine. I'm pretty good with maps. However, DC is a serious conundrum because signage is terrible here! You can't rely on the signs to tell you where you are, where you need to go, or if they do tell you where to go, it's rarely with enough time to get to the proper lane to get there! GPS? Perhaps.

"When you can't save cash or conviction..."-- I've never been in a situation where I have a lump of money that just steadily disappears. I actually am pretty good at budgeting, but I don't like it at all. I go between thinking, "Oh, I've got enough money that I could actually get that!" and "Crap... it's not money, it's debt." I'm a much bigger fan of just having a steady income where I know exactly what I can and can't spend. Trying to stretch my money now is a lot of guess work, and I'm not a huge fan of feeling like there's a chance that I'll just run out of money.

"When the... threads of your fear are unfurled with the tiniest pull."-- It's pretty funny when I'm having a conversation at lunch with my classmates from my section and I realize that there are 2Ls or 3Ls listening in. Sometimes we 1Ls can get very uptight or panicky about pretty stupid things. It doesn't take much for us to worry we aren't doing enough, or could be disadvantaged in some way. Personally, I tend to worry more about big picture things. I don't know if you've noticed, but apparently the economy isn't great. This doesn't help me feel super secure all the time. I can be having a great week and feel like everything is totally fine, and then I'll struggle to answer a question in class or read a discouraging article and then suddenly I'm convinced that I'm not going to make it. I'll never get a job! Of course I know that isn't true. I'll get a job. I might have to mow lawns until I die to try to pay off my law school debt, but the point is that no matter what, things will work out. I know this, but it doesn't take much to cause me a brief fit of "I'll never make it because I couldn't remember the prima facie case for defamation"-syndrome.

"Stand with your hands in your pockets and stare at the smudge of a newspaper sky and ask it to rain a new name for everything. Fire every phrase. They don't want to work for us anymore."-- Words have seriously become very different to me now. Not that I talk differently, but I've found through my studies that there are a lot of words that I've always used incorrectly, been oblivious to, or that I've known existed but never knew of their meaning. I didn't know what "torts" meant before I started law school. I'd heard it a lot, but I had never actually known what it was about. Now I have an entire class about torts. (In short, it means wrongs done by an actor to another.) I learned that you don't get a mortgage, you give one. There are also many words that have differing regular and legal meanings. And there are words that are funny to get away with saying (i.e. bastardy.)

"So put on those clothes you never grew into and smile like you mean it for once."-- I have a lot of events that require that I wear a business suit. I presently own one suit. It's from my mission. It didn't fit then, and despite my addition of a layer or two, it still doesn't fit. I've been meaning to go get me a nice new suit. Speaking of the events that require a suit, the other day I got to feel really intimidatING, even as a lowly 1L. How you ask? I was a judge in a national mock trial competition for undergrads. It was fun! Not everyday that a 1L get's to don a judge's robe!

Anyway, I don't really think this song worked all that well, but it's a good song that you should listen to. Uh...pretty sure there was more to talk about, or at least more interesting things that I should have previously written, but whatever. You already know what I'm like. I'm hungry, so you're stuck with this crappy post. K, see ya.

Ricks v. "Facile"

2010-11-15T21:35:00.001-08:00

fac-ile [fas-il or, especially Brit., -ahyl]

-adjective
1. easy to perform or achieve
2. working or moving easily or smoothly
3. without depth; superficial
4. archaic relaxed in manner; easygoing
--dictionary.com

I don't know if I ever talked about this before, but one of my favorite professors, (Professor Davies--who teaches my Torts class) gives away Supreme Court Justice Bobbleheads! Each class he will ask a few students to quickly define a word from the day's readings that are generally more difficult. (If ever there's a latin phrase, you can count on it being one of the vocab words.) Anyway, a few weeks ago, in my reading I came across the word "facilely." I don't think I have ever seen this word in my life before that point. I looked at it, and I decided that it must just mean easily. This because the Spanish word for easy is "fácil," and because it looks like the root might be the same as that in facilitate. The word didn't come up in that day's vocab, so I all but forgot about it.
Then today came along and I was given my second opportunity to define a word, I was given "facile." I got it right! Very fortunate that I remembered it from before, as I don't remember coming across that word in today's reading, and I didn't know the words before and after mine. But I secured myself a Justice David H. Souter bobblehead.

Do you know someone with a collection of weird things? Maybe not weird, but, things that people would not necessarily think of when they think of collections. Maybe it's your grandma, or another elderly person? Perhaps it's you? For instance, I met a lady once who collected cookie jars... who knew there were SO MANY varieties of cookie jars to be collected?

Have you ever wondered how these people get their start? I think it might look something like this...

(Prof. Davies gave us all the smaller one earlier in the semester.)

Ricks v. The White Board

2010-10-28T11:57:00.001-07:00

Just once in my life, I'd like to be able to write something AWESOME on a white board like this:

As my roommate has been preparing to go to Nepal, I've been wishing I could go with his humanitarian group. Perhaps I can go on one of his many adventures in the future. But for now...

Updates

2010-10-16T22:00:00.001-07:00

UPDATE: Ricks v. Weather: You may recall that I filed an injunction to stop the great weather from leaving. That injunction failed.

UPDATE: Ricks v. Male-Pattern Baldness: I've attempted to settle out of court with MPB. If it will agree to stop advancing across my head, and will encourage my mini-mullet to cooperate and stop growing at such an obnoxious speed, then I will drop this suit.

UPDATE: Ricks v. Apple's iPod nano Pedometer: I've decided not to appeal the "district court"'s ruling in Apple's favor. I did this for two reasons, (1) I've figured out how to deal with the pedometer's lack of abilities (see photo and caption below), and (2) some of the contributory reasons for my anguish at the time of the incident (regarding my econ test) have been pretty well turned into joy. I did SIGNIFICANTLY better than I thought I would. I was shocked when I saw my score. I asked someone to make sure the test was out of 100, and not 200 or something. I know that I didn't nail that test, and so I'm led to believe that my econ professor was very lenient on his grading. So it's certainly in small part that I understood most of the material, and in large part luck-- or divine intervention. For real.

Ricks v. Apple's iPod nano Pedometer: I figured out that if
I clip the nano onto a watch band, the pedometer works much
better. Also it's way more convenient for changing songs, etc.

UPDATE: Ricks v. Keebler: I should probably implead Krispy Kreme. They are also very guilty of "fattery."

UPDATE: Ricks v. October: I mentioned this "case" in my comments of the "Squib Cases" post. I hate October. It's not a great month. However, I will admit that at least here in Virginia it is still at least warm on some days. And we actually got Columbus Day off. That was nice! Other than that, I'm still not a fan of this month.

UPDATE: Time v. Ricks: Yeah, probably contributing more to that case right now. Best get back to my homework. K, bye.

Squib Cases

2010-10-07T22:22:00.001-07:00

Entered into evidence in Ricks v. Law School Reading

Brevity.

Ricks v. Male-Pattern Baldness:
My lawsuit against this culprit for IIED (intentional infliction of emotional distress) continues, and damages continue to increase. The jury is out.

Ricks v. Law School Reading:
I've filed a motion for directed verdict for false imprisonment by the law school reading that I'm feeling buried under.

Ricks v. The Half-Way Point:
The events of the week surrounding my half-way point through the first semester of my 1L year were not kind. This past week kinda beat me up. I came out conquerer and won this suit. Last week owes me a day off on Monday as damages for battery.

Entered into evidence for Time v. Ricks.

Ricks v. Perkins:
My car, Gregory Perkins, is being a butt. I bought a new battery for it, and it ran great for about a day. Then it decided to poop out on me again. What does this mean? I have gotten to ride the metro for about a full week now. I'm suing Greg for my travel costs, and the repair costs I will incur tomorrow.

Ricks v. Today's Weather:
I'm filing an injunction to force the weather from today to stick around forever. It was perfect.

Ricks v. Armstrong:
Not Lance, nor Niel, but Louis. His rendition of "What a Wonderful World" is a darn good song. That is all. I made this one up. (The rest of these cases are REAL*. Trust me.**)

Ricks v. Bus Driver:
There is an awesome bus driver that always makes me smile who has the shift on my route home from school. Why am I suing him then? He made fun of me the first time I boarded his bus, because I had my earbuds in and he had to honk at me twice and was about to drive away before I saw him and flagged him down. Sometimes I need extra help. After I climbed aboard feeling pretty dumb, he was smiling at me and said, "You gotta come back man!" as he pointed at his head. I said, "Yeah, no kidding." (I was particularly mentally drained that day.) He remembers me from that, and we both laugh on the inside about it each time we see each other. Uh... he must pay?

Time v. Ricks:
Time is suing me for negligence. I think that sums it up.

*Fake.
**Don't.

K, bye. See you next month?

Alternate Dispute Resolution Society v. Ricks

2010-09-25T20:19:00.001-07:00

I'm informed that the Alternate Dispute Resolution Society of George Mason University (ADR Society) is preparing to file a claim against me in the coming days. It seems entirely frivolous. (Obviously, every "claim" on this "blog" is going to be "frivolous" because if these were not "frivolous" I would probably be filing them in an actual "court of law." Wait... forget those last two "quotation marks." And yes, you should read that sentence by doing air quotes with your fingers each time.')

A note I received from an inside source at the ADR Society's representative firm (Lyons, Tigers, Behrs, & Ohmi) read as follows:
RE: ADR Society v. Ricks
The ADR Society felt that from the looks of excitement, diversion, and general relish on your face during the negotiation intramural today, you had too much fun. They feel that the exercise wasn't supposed to be so entertaining, and that you should probably learn to better hide how much you really enjoyed the opportunity to get a taste of what real-world negation could feel like. They feel that you've intentionally inflicted emotional distress upon them by not reacting appropriately. You seemed to enjoy when you discovered that you're actually the type to go on the offensive and push to reach your "client's" objectives. You didn't seem to mind when you felt intimidated by the 2Ls that you faced in the second round (of the two) that clearly had a much more coherent game-plan than your own team. You seemed to have fun working together with your teammate, Spencer, who's from Payson, UT and is a very cool guy (but you know that already, why would I tell that to you? Oh well.) The judges, practicing attorneys from the area, could tell that you weren't highly experienced at this, but that your lack of experience didn't prevent you from acting like nothing was wrong and having "a blast." As your friend and informant, I'd recommend:

That you not participate next year unless you intend on having fun with it again.
If you should happen to have won the competition and be qualified to move on to the regional competition in Virginia Beach, I advise you to chill out and not enjoy it so much.
That you not post anything about this on that weird blog of yours. I know no one reads it, but if word happened to get back to our client, you could get yourself into even more trouble.
Go eat some cookies.

--Your friend,

Informant Behrs

So, as you can see, I competed in the intramural negotiation competition today. It was really quite fun. Spencer and I represented a man that was being recruited by a fictional university for a business program (round 1), and then we also represented a union who represented TAs that were getting hosed on their monthly stipend and on the amount they had to work (round 2). Both pairs we faced off against were girls, the round 1 team were 1Ls like us, and the second round team were 2Ls. It's funny, but I was telling someone the other day that there is a visible difference between 1Ls and 2Ls/3Ls. You can just tell who has more time. The first round was the easier of the two fact patterns, but I felt like Spencer and I might have done a lot better in the second round. THe problem with that is that I feel like our opponents did better that second round as well. I don't know what exactly the judges were looking for, but based upon the feedback we got in the first round, I really doubt that Spencer and I will "win." I was surprised that I didn't get more flustered. I tend to have that problem when facing situations like this where there are a lot of unknown factors. It was tough, but quite fun.

K, bye.

(Yeah obviously it's tough to work all the stuff about my real-life experiences into these dumb fake cases. Whatever.) K, bye...... for real.

Ricks v. Apple's iPod Nano Pedometer

2010-09-16T22:05:00.001-07:00

Ricks v. Apple's iPod nano Pedometer*:
258 Int.Barn. 3 (DCoLIB 2010)

[The plaintiff, known for his ability to whine and ramble on about nothing, gave this testimony to the court, "On September 14, 2010 I was having a rough week. I was studying up for my big econ test that would take place on Thursday of that week [two days later], and I just reached a point where I needed a break. So, naturally, I decided to suddenly buy an iPod. You see, I won an iPod in college. It was only a 2GB nano. I was very happy that I won it, and I have gotten a lot of use out of it. However, I have always wished that I had an iPod that could fit more of my music. So when I decided to go get this new 16GB iPod nano, you have to realize that this was a very exciting experience. This was the first iPod I ever bought. I was thrilled to discover that this iPod also included a pedometer app that I could use to keep track of the length of my runs. Well, Thursday came along and I took my horrible econ test and I decided that I generally survived it, but am very unsure about what score I will fetch. Anyway, after a nap I decided to head out for a run and finally put this cool pedometer feature to the test. So I forged out into the dense humid air of Arlington, compelled by a strong desire to enjoy this interesting feature of my supposedly cutting-edge gadget. Upon returning from my run I was highly chagrinned to see the result listed on my pedometer. 442 steps!" The plaintiff's counsel also entered into evidence that Google Maps verified that the plaintiff ran 2 and half miles on this particular run. In response to the defense's allegation that the plaintiff must have failed to use the product properly, the plaintiff responded that he had followed the instruction on apple.com that reads, "Clip iPod nano to your sleeve, jacket, or running shorts," by clipping the device to his running shorts. The plaintiff seeks damages for emotional distress inflicted by the failure of the device to meet his needs just hours after his painful experience with his first law school exam.]
SAM JUDGEGUY, J. gives the opinion of the court:
The defendant has moved for summary judgment and I am inclined to grant this request. As the plaintiff's only real accusation amounts to the common law tort of outrage, or intentional infliction of emotional distress, I find no possibility that a jury could reasonably determine that any outrageous harm of any extraordinary measure is found within the facts of the case at bar. While it is certainly regrettable that the pedometer device measured only 442 steps when the defense admitted that the average mile run as measured by a pedometer generally measures approximately 2000 steps, the failure of an electronic device to achieve its implied purpose is certainly a common experience for any who experiment with the cutting-edge of technology. Also, the plaintiff testified that the iPod device met his primary need in desiring to purchase the item, while the pedometer abilities (or lack thereof) were merely an afterthought as far as his desire to use the iPod nano. This does not amount to an outrage that no reasonable person should be expected to endure. Also, there is clearly no intentional infliction of emotional distress as I find any evidence of a malicious intent entirely wanting. I think the plaintiff should just chill out and try attaching the device to his shirt sleeve next time he runs. That might work.
Motion for summary judgment granted, with costs.

*Fake court case, duh!
About my econ test: Really, it wasn't horrible. I really don't know what to think about it though. I know I didn't nail it. It's so disconcerting when I can't just get whatever score I get, but rather my score will be adjusted for our harsh curve. All things considered, (including that there are many former econ majors in my class) I think I'll be ok with a B. (That's a new feeling.)
K, bye.

My latest lawsuit: Ricks v. Keebler

2010-09-14T20:23:00.001-07:00

(So sorry if you hate this, but you're going to have to deal with the fact that this is how my posts are going to be until further notice.)

Ricks v. Keebler*:
257 Int.Barn. 2 (DCoLIB 2010)

[The plaintiff, Ricks, has sought damages for a heretofore unestablished branch of tort law that his counsel has entitled "Fattery." The plaintiff alleges that the defendant, Keebler, has exploited the plaintiff's debilitating addiction to chocolate chip cookies and has inflicted many pounds of cookie-weight. This has left the plaintiff feeling rather out of shape and flabby. He is saddened by the outcome of his excessive cookie binging. Plaintiff claims that the defendant's actions amount to fattery through creating irresistible cookie treats with chips of chocolate in every bite! He has asked for $3 million for emotional distress and physical harm that will surely only be removed by liposuction due to the plaintiff's lack of time for continuing his P 90 X regimen. The defense has filed a countersuit for court costs, due to what they consider a highly frivolous claim.]

CASSANDRA NIGHT McCONNOR, Judge in the District Court of Lame Internet Blogospheria gives the opinion:

This is a really, really stupid claim. I'm going home.
Case dismissed, and plaintiff must pay defendant's costs for a frivolous claim. Fattery?! Wow, I thought I'd heard it all.

K, see ya.
*This is a real** case.
**Really fake.

Law School Style Post: Ricks v. Sleep

2010-09-13T16:16:00.001-07:00

Ricks v. Sleep:

256 Int.Barn. 1 (LIBCoA 2010)

[On September 13, 2010 Mr. Ricks felt incredibly tired and decided to sue Sleep for not giving him enough energy to fend off the onslaught of Law School's impact upon his personal well-being. Plaintiff claims that Sleep has a duty to provide energy for such activities, and was negligent in not providing quality enough of energy such that plaintiff could reasonably pay attention in his Torts class. A jury in the District Court of Lame Internet Blogospheria found in favor of the plaintiff and assessed damages in the amount of an afternoon extra-power nap. Defendant appeals based upon erroneous jury instructions that the Plaintiff could not himself have been contributorily negligent with regard to amount of sleep.]

UNLEARNED FOOT, Justice of the Lame Internet Blogospheria Court of Appeals gives the opinion:

Affirmed for the defendant that jury instructions erred in the trial court by stating that Plaintiff could not be found contributorily negligent by not acquiring a sufficient quantity of sleep. A person such as the plaintiff should well know that Sleep's benefits are directly proportional to the quantity of hours that a buyer like the plaintiff purchases from the sleep store. This court finds that a jury could very reasonably determine that the plaintiff was contributorily negligent if the plaintiff did indeed lack in sufficient quantity of hours purchased the preceding evening from the sleep store.

Reversed and remanded for retrial, with instruction to determine whether the plaintiff could be contributorily negligent due to insufficient quantity of sleeping hours purchased the foregoing evening.

The District Court of Lame Internet Blogospheria assembled a new jury to determine the aforementioned component of the case at bar. The evidence in the original trial presented by the defense revealed that the plaintiff had purchased at most 6 hours of sleep the preceding evening. What result on retrial?

This is me, freaking out calmly...

2010-09-08T13:41:00.001-07:00

As the reality of how hard my exams are going to be--and more specifically how hard it will be to stand out in the crowd on those exams--is getting more and more apparent, I'm freaking out... more and more. But I'm still calm. I feel that everything will be ok no matter what happens come exam time, but it's still troubling when I'm afraid of things not going how I want them to go.

I'm currently chilling in my professor's "Office Hours" where he just stays after class and answers anyone's questions in an open forum. (Thereby giving everyone the chance to hear what he says to any question asked by anyone.) A very fair process. He's a hilarious professor, too. It's entertaining just to listen for that value alone.

I don't really have much to say right now, but law school is tough. K.... see ya.

Some stuff...

2010-09-03T18:46:00.001-07:00

Well, it has been a week since I've written in here. Here are some things about this week.

Having awesome memorials/monuments that people pay hundreds of dollars to travel to see in my neighborhood is encouraging my desire to go for runs.
Near miss by Hurricane Earl I suppose. Not really that near. We just had one of its tentacles go over us. It didn't even rain. It's been great weather temperature-wise. Thanks Earl!
I saw a guy that looked just like Gary Coleman, only 6 foot 2.
I got a lot of free stuff this week from various student organizations and local businesses. Even a shoe shine.
Being graded on a strict curve against my classmates is not great.
Just found out that the Supreme Court had a vote on how to spell Marihuana/Marijuana. They chose the version with a J.
My teacher gave us a hypothetical the other day about a cow named Jonathan. It was hilarious.
I love my institute class. It's only 45 minutes long, but it's great.
I decided one of my professors should have the nickname: Gray-Hair Colbert. He has the exact same mannerisms as Stephen Colbert. (Yes, this would be the comedic-genius behind Jonathan the Cow.)
One of my other professors reminds me of Garry Marshall. He's not funny.

K, see ya next time.

Yes, I'm one of THOSE people now...

2010-08-25T22:13:00.001-07:00

Seemingly overnight I was changed in a rather significant way. As mentioned in the previous post, I've spent much of the last few years just moving day to day, and basically just organizing my life's events mentally, or when pressed for time I'd utilize the oh-so-handy to-do list -- often scrawled on some random scrap from my bedroom floor.

It quickly became apparent to me after I moved out here and started going to all these random school-related events, that I would need a new system. So after toying with the idea of buying a big wall calendar, I realized that all along I've had a very handy program on my MacBook called iCal. It's a pretty straightforward calendaring program. But the how I changed isn't really important, it's the how long that is significant here.

I think this change, is almost definitely a permanent one. I foresee the addition to my vernacular of many a typical logistical phrase heard in office settings like,

"Yeah, let me just check my schedule and pencil you in for the first available time."

"Let's coordinate our calendars and get this taken care of."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I'm looking at my calendar, and that day just won't work. How about the following Wednesday?"

The thing that's weirding me out is that I'm going to be hearing, and saying, these kinds of phrases probably for the rest of my working life. I'm one of those people now. I just don't really see a time in my near future when I'm going to have abundant time off such that I won't need some sort of schedule. I did this on my mission, I suppose, but that lacked the permanence of this change. Not a big deal, but you know, just one of those simple life changes that are required when someone finally starts doing grown-up things.

I'm excited. While I am up kind of late right now, I actually get to sleep for a full 8 hours tonight! Woohoo! Best be getting to sleep.

Uh, I'm not too sure I actually arrived at any point for you to read this post.......... k, bye.

I've killed oh-so-much time... and now time is killing me!

2010-08-24T15:57:00.001-07:00

So often I've written on this blog about killing time. I worked in a computer lab where at least 95% of the work time was spent trying to occupy myself with something. I don't exactly have an excess of hobbies, so I've spent, and by spent I mean MURDERED, so so so many hours on the internet, on this blog, on just... dumb stuff. I have so much guilt... I've murdered so much time, and now I wish I could unslay it all.

1L: And this isn't even all of them!

I'm not really that torn apart by this all. I just thought it sounded fun and melodramatic. But realistically, I've never felt as busy as I have for the past 2 days. And they were just my 3rd and 4th days of law school. I feel about how I think I would feel if I had to study for a test every day and also work a full-time shift in that same day. To clarify my analogy: Test=classes, study=prepping for class-time, full-time work=THE READING. It's honestly probably not as bad normally as I have felt these past two days, but the fact that I'm not getting enough sleep either is not helping. I probably shouldn't really even be taking the time to write this post, but it feels nice to get my feelings out in writing. (Hence the insane amount of babble on this blog!)

As for my 3rd and 4th days of classes: I went to Property, Torts, Econ (again, last Thursday was our first time in that class) and Contracts. My contracts class was by far the most stressful, despite all the hubbub 2Ls and 3Ls have made about my professor for Property. I found Property's Socratic conversation to be a bit more straight-forward and bearable. Contracts was only stressful because he decided to start delving into civil procedure, a subject that you may have noticed is not covered by my 1L courses at the moment. So almost everyone he called on looked pretty dumb today. If he had asked me about any of the cases we read (and he did talk about the cases), I would have and did know the answers to his questions. However, when my first opportunity to be cold-called upon, "Mister....(looking at his seating chart)... Ricks, where are you?" I raised my hand. All this after the previous victim had seriously fumbled a guess to his question. He asked me the same question (a fairly basic civil procedure question). I somehow managed to just brush the situation off and said, "I would make a guess resembling Mr. Chrysanthemum's." (name has been changed to protect the said victim) My professor looked at me and said, "Oh, so he was guessing?" I replied with my typical laugh (not really nervous at all, despite how dumb I was looking for not having just looked up the answer by now), "His seeming guess." Professor: "Oh, so he was seemingly guessing!" ... and then... he just moved on to someone else! I got off SO easy compared to some of my other classmates. It was kind of nice, but at the same time, I would feel better if I had just made my own guess, which, would have been more accurate than either of the other two guesses. Darn me and my ability to avoid confrontation! I'm joking, but I do wish I would have had an answer. In retrospect though, I think that's why he left me alone, and I should count myself lucky in that regard. My Torts and Econ professors are pretty funny. Something I really appreciate.

Anyway, back to time... I feel like I've been in school for weeks now. But it has only been a few days. Incredible. As for the overall experience, I am actually enjoying myself. The law is still new and exciting. I'm actually enjoying what I'm learning. I think that has more to do with the fact that I'm gaining useful knowledge in each class that I could use in my future "real-world." My previous post-secondary education has not quite lived up to that. (What use is knowledge of the chronology of development for the Mahayana school of thought in Buddhism?) Other than that, I'm just tuckered out, but there's still more to do. My Mondays and Wednesdays are by far the MOST demanding days, but Tuesdays will be quite demanding as well. Wednesday after class is kind of the oasis in the midst of my week, with the exception of Sunday. (I'd say Saturday, too, but that's pretty much spent in preparation for the week and mostly for my Mondays!) Anyway, as tomorrow is a Wednesday, I need to stop all that crazy-talk and get to it!

See ya later.

Jeff's Top 140 Favorite Songs as of August 2010

2010-08-20T21:18:00.001-07:00

Law school is starting out well. I feel like I'm going to be able to do it. Granted, I've only been to my two easiest classes thus far, but I feel like things will go just fine, nonetheless. I've had a bit more down time than I had anticipated. So, of course I choose to waste it by making a list of songs! Instead of being ridiculous and wasting at least an hour of my time, I decided to dispense with the arranging these songs into the order of most favorite to least favorite among my favorites. Instead, I've just sorted them by Artist alphabetically. Also, instead of slimming it down to 100, I just chose to tell you about 40 other songs that I also enjoy a great deal. Yet one more time saving technique: Instead of copying and pasting the list and then having the typical formatting nightmare, I've just done four screen captures. Enjoy!

There you have it. Wow... maybe I like Sea Wolf even better than Travis now! It actually looks like I just don't like Travis as much as I thought... but I still like them a lot.

Anyway... doubt anyone really studies this list or anything, but if you were curious... (thinking, "Hmm... if Jeff had to make a list of 140 of his favorite songs, I wonder what it would include!?") or if you want to check out some stuff you've never heard, I'm sure there's something there for you. (Run-on)

K, see ya.

What a fine First-Day-Of-Law-School Eve!

2010-08-18T21:10:00.001-07:00

I always feel awkward putting spiritual posts on this blog that is so full of ridiculousness like steak-flavored gum, top ten potential stalker anthems, and the story of someone urinating into Old Faithful. However, I had such a great time at the temple tonight that I think I'll just force this juxtaposition of both the spirituality and randomality of my life.

Everything was beautiful tonight as I drove to the Washington D.C. temple (That is actually in Maryland.) I took the George Washington Memorial Parkway, which is very very green. And since it was a bit foggy tonight there was a cool glow about the whole trip. And the temple looked really cool tonight, too. Anyway, when I was in the temple, I was thinking about the creation. It's such a phenomenal thing when you really think about it. The thought came to mind about how much everyone must have cheered when the earth was completely finished and prepared. How amazing would that moment have been? This then set me off on a mental tangent about how we actually only cheer for rather minor things in life. (I'm not talking about how we don't cheer in church, but it is actually really hard for me not to applaud the musical numbers in my ward out here... they've both been incredible! 2 for 2. Seriously, this ward has some phenomenal talent.) Anyway, the only time we ever really cheer is at concerts for songs played, or at sporting events for goals/points scored. It's sad that we don't even come close to cheering for the valuable things that people do all the time. The first thing that came to mind was road-construction workers. Instead of cheering for them when they complete or repair roadways, we just say, "About time!" In fact, we curse them while they're doing it. (I was guilty of getting upset about construction for much of my drive out here.) Anyway, I don't know that my writing any of this is of any value to anyone, but it was just a thought I had. I guess the moral is that I've decided to have more respect for people who accomplish the helpful, every-day things that I often take for granted. I felt such a peace at the temple. I always get guidance or at least encouragement when I go there. It's a wonderful thing to know that even when my classes and life might really get me down, I have a temple about a half hour away. It's a great place to relax, pray, and recharge my batteries.

Yeah, law school starts tomorrow. I'm not really nervous as I only have one class in the morning, and we didn't have any homework for it. (All my other classes require reading and/or various homework activities.) So, I'm glad for that at least. I'm finally really getting settled into my room. I now have a desk, a dresser, a rug, a mirror, and a desk lamp... things I did not have before. I feel ready, despite not really knowing what to expect from classes. I know what is expected outside of classes... READING! My pile of books is at least 2 ft. tall. It's nuts.

Wow... it's amazing where life can take you. I never thought that I'd go to law school. Just goes to show that planning ahead is a dumb idea. Wait... maybe I missed the great life lesson that I should get from that... oh well.

K, see ya.

I need more articles like this one...

2010-08-15T20:51:00.001-07:00

http://health.yahoo.net/rodale/PVN/10-tactics-for-overcoming-sugar-addiction

My sugar addiction is ridiculous. I just pounded way more chocolate chip cookies than anyone who has hypoglycemia and isn't even hungry EVER should.

My twitter-narrated journey around the National Mall...

2010-08-11T18:15:00.001-07:00

I'll let twitter tell this tale. Included are some of my friend Tyler's replies to my tweets.

JeffffRicks

I've gotta get out of the house. Might go wander in DC.about 7 hours ago via webJeffffRicks

Dear george mason, your monument is still ugly. Sorry dude. It has awesome quotes though.about 6 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

About George mason: the 1st declaration of rights which truly deserves the name is that of Virginia, and its author is entitled to the eternal gratitude of mankind.about 5 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

Haha, i'm kind of walking for exercise, just got passed by an old dude. At least i'm not doing the power walk he was doing.about 5 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

Just had a staring contest with tj. Thomas jefferson with the win.about 5 hours ago via txtalltyler

@JeffffRicks You are having too much fun. It's killing me!about 5 hours ago via web in reply to JeffffRicksJeffffRicks

@alltyler twitter is keeping me company. Sorry, but you get to hear even more as i stroll around my new neighborhood.about 5 hours ago via txtalltyler

@JeffffRicks I will enjoy every second of it vicariously through you...about 5 hours ago via web in reply to JeffffRicksJeffffRicks

Love the same obnoxious summer cicadas making noise here at Fdr memorial that bugged me on my mission in georgia.about 5 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

Disturbed by the wear on Fdr's finger. Evidence of thousands of children that grab it and say, 'pull my finger.'about 5 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

I never forget that i live in a house owned by all the american people and that i have been given their trust. -Fdrabout 5 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

Squirrels! I'm anxious to see the MLK monument when It's done.about 5 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

Must say that the korean war memorial is my favorite of the war memorials.about 5 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

Proud to report that abe lincoln is also very good at staring contests.about 5 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

Hard to imagine the mall crowded with the thousands and thousands at MLK's i have a dream speech. It seems crowded just with the day's tourists.about 5 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

I've heard about 7 different languages today.about 5 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

Glad i'm not the only person that is a big fan of squirrels.about 4 hours ago via txt

JeffffRicks

Staring contest with a goose. i win. Finally! Ugh, wrong choice of footwear. Both feet blistering.about 4 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

Fortunately for all of you who haven't unfollowed me, i'm quitting due to my shoes. (as i run into a low tree branch.)about 4 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

Really want to cool off my feet in the tidal basin. Where's my camera, missing a great photo op.about 4 hours ago via txtalltyler

@JeffffRicks What shoes are you wearing? I wish I could walk out of my house onto the Mall in DC.about 4 hours ago via web in reply to JeffffRicksJeffffRicks

@alltyler Haha, i had to drive over the river, but i'm wearing Crappy target flipflops. Both feet bleeding now.about 4 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

I love that people are actually using the Bball fields between the river and the mall. Never seen them in use before today.about 4 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

See you later george mason, author of america's first bill of rights.about 4 hours ago via txtJeffffRicks

Had a nice stroll. Back across the Potomac i go.about 4 hours ago via txt

Check out where I live!

2010-08-09T15:05:00.001-07:00

As I have VERY FREQUENTLY had to do over the course of the last few days, I was just checking out Google Maps to find my way to places around the city. I just realized how cool the location I'm living really is. I'm SO close to so many cool things! Look at this screenshot from Google Maps. I'm living where that star is in the bottom left corner. I'm right by Arlington Cemetery, the Pentagon, and of course just across the bridges are the memorials, the Capitol, Smithsonian, and the National Mall! I really love DC, and I'm happy to be here. I'm still scared for school, but I'm excited about whatever time off I may have... uh... after finals? Anyway, I suppose I'm also in the worst place possible should anyone decide to attack the US again, but I'll hold that has a seriously implausible event for the three or so years that I'm here. I've got a pretty sweet pad for visitors. Not that we have a lot of nice stuff or furniture for people to sleep on, but there's space. Let me know! (Preferably well in advance. I think I'm going to be pretty overwhelmed this semester.)

The other point: The original reason I was getting a screen shot is because of the fun TANGLE of roads I live right next to! I have to do some crazy merging no matter which direction I'm headed. I live in the middle of all that orange and yellow road-spaghetti. It is a little chaotic, and to say I've come close to mangling my car over the past few days is a bit of an understatement. But hey, at least I found out yesterday that my brakes really work! (Quit worrying, Mom. I'm fine!) It is a downside of getting to live here, but I'll take it. Unless I get in an accident, then it's unacceptable, right?

In other news, I like my ward a good deal. I've never been so well fellowshipped. (They have a very active fellowship committee, and they hold a class every week during Sunday School for the newbies. It was actually pretty awkward because they had 6 or 7 people assigned to attend the class, and yesterday I was the ONLY new person in the ward. I got a lot of attention.) I knew this ward was pretty stacked with impressive people when, A) I listened to an operatic performance like I've never heard before for the (more than just) special musical number, and B) heard that there is a baptism for almost every weekend this month. They're obviously great at spreading the gospel! This is a great ward! Hope I don't throw off their balance too much! Only kidding, but it is a bit intimidating. I'm still just me though, and that's all I can be. I'm not a huge fan of starting church at 3pm, but I'll adjust.

Well, sorry about the novel.

K, bye.

Off the road again...

2010-08-06T21:37:00.001-07:00

I am happy that I have no excessive driving in my imminent future. My mom and I had a lengthy drive across this great nation of ours. We drove somewhere in the area of 2,400 miles. I added three new states to my list of those visited: Illinois, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. (Of those, West Virginia was my favorite, despite the horrible traffic around Morgantown.) I also got to finally go to Nauvoo. I really enjoyed it. It was fun getting to see where some of my ancestors lived and to get an idea how they lived. I also got to go to the Nauvoo Temple (pictured above).

A lot of the enjoyment of the trip came from the observations about all the various houses and towns, and farms that my mom and I made. There were some really interesting and cool sites along the way. Even though it can be rough sitting in a car for as long as I did, I really recommend driving across the nation to anyone. At least once.

Anyway, I'm in my new house here in Arlington, VA. I'll be starting school in just 2 weeks. It's crazy! I need all the help I can get, so send good vibes.

Have a tremendous day!

Ummmm, bye.

I'm FREAKING out. Also, I changed the name of my blog.

2010-07-31T07:08:00.001-07:00

48 hours. I have 48 hours before I leave for DC. I'm freaking out. It's officially sinking in. I know I'll deal with it, but for now, I'm gettin' my panic on.

This blog.... it's so often just a waste of my time. And frankly, it's almost always a waste of the time of anyone who ends up here. But, I don't want to get rid of it. I like getting to write about whatever I want. So... despite my frequent temptations to just delete it, I'll keep it. But it has a new name: The Internet Barnacle.

So... yeah... there ya go.

New title, but I'm keeping the same web address to avoid confusing anyone who happens to have linked to this thing.

Well, see ya later.

A law school-related annoyance and the formation of my legal ideologies...

2010-07-30T10:13:00.001-07:00

Supreme Court Bldg
Originally uploaded by Yosemite Dan Carter

One small annoyance that I have with law school stuff is that everything has legal formalities. There's a form for EVERYTHING. The law school is putting together a profile compilation of all the students' pictures and our names and our prior degrees that we've earned. Is there a form that we must sign and mail or fax in? Yes. Honestly... I can't just email you with the information? Who sued over having their picture in a yearbook thingy? Honestly. Lawyers. Lawyers probably kill more trees through paper usage per capita than anyone else on the planet. Small annoyance, but an annoyance, nonetheless.

Also, I've been loving reading all of my fun pre-law summer reading that my brother-in-law assigned me. It's tough though. I'll read one book and think I know exactly how I feel about the constitution, and then a few great paragraphs about an opposing legal theory and I'm off in a new direction. It's fun and difficult to determine exactly what I feel are the most appropriate approaches to the constitution, and to statutory interpretation. But, seeing as the odds of me being a judge one day, especially one that would participate in judicial review, are not great.... I won't count on needing to know where I stand within the next couple months. So far the biggest influences on how I've felt have been Laurence Tribe, Ronald Dworkin, and Justice Antonin Scalia. I really appreciate Clarence Thomas, as well. We'll see where I'll end up on the judicial ideology scale.

K, bye.

Taking a moment to appreciate my right to write whatever the crap I want...

2010-07-27T22:08:00.001-07:00

I was just having yet another moment of realizing how lucky I am to be able to write whatever I want on my blog. I'm grateful to live in a country where so much is open to us. It's also a blessing that the (albeit oft-times annoying) press can expose corruption without fear of severe censorship.

Our journalists have it easy:

"While working for mostly local outlets in seemingly peaceful times, [many journalists have] lost their lives as they plied their trade to expose corruption and other wrongdoings.

On a recent assignment in Iraq, a UNTV crew from my Department captured on video the plight of a journalist who was doing just that, although, luckily, with a much happier ending. Amina Al-Thahabi, an Iraqi television reporter, took two bullets from a revolver and two from a Kalashnikov. Despite the attack, she was not intimidated. She told our interviewer that her next project is making a documentary about the freedom of speech. A mother of two, she says she is working hard to make sure all the Iraqis get the information they need."

--Huffington Post, May 3, 2010 by Kiyotaka Akasaka, UN Under-Secretary-General for Comm. & Public Info.

With stories like that, I hope that I'm not the only one that appreciates freedoms of the press & speech that we enjoy here.
Just saying.

K, bye.

And you thought I was crazy for talking to myself...

2010-07-27T07:09:00.001-07:00

So. You think I'm crazy for talking to myself sometimes? Well, at least I don't talk to Google search!

I've noticed that some people don't ask questions in their Google search terms, or even list a topic... they make definitive statements as though they were telling Google what's what.

Crazy Person X's search terms: "I'm hungry"

What is Google search supposed to do? Make you a sandwich?

Crazy Person Y's search terms: "Obama is a terrible president"

Google can't vote, FOOL!

The reason for this post is the fact that the title of my last post (my review of Inception) has lead many who apparently don't like the film to my blog. I just saw that someone typed, (I like to imagine furiously, and saying the words out-loud as their fingers flew around the keyboard) "i hate inception," and that brought them here. I hope that they then had a yelling match with my review of Inception, because it is very much opposing that statement. Anyway, people are crazy.

And another thing, at least when I talk to myself, I respond. Google doesn't respond! .... yet...
K, see ya.

Inception Review: I hate this word, but RIVETING!

2010-07-16T02:45:00.001-07:00

Riveting. I hate when critics over-use that word. But it is the only word that I can think of that sums up my Inception-viewing experience. I was completely riveted for at least 99% of the time. The 1% was mostly just when I took an opportunity to look around and see if my friends were as completely sucked in as I was.

I honestly think that this movie could potentially cause mental issues in some people. My brain is really tired. On the way home just now, I stopped to fill up my gas tank, and I was struggling a bit. This movie really does require that you stick with it though. I could easily see some people quitting on it, and hating it. You really need to keep your brain engaged, and, well, I felt that I was rewarded.

Ok, so I'm sure many of you have seen clips of the scene with Ellen Page and Leonardo DiCaprios' characters exploring a dream, and all sorts of things like the fruit stand start exploding... about half way through that scene, I knew I was going to love this movie. My mouth was hanging open. (This was one of those 1% moments when I remembered that I was watching a movie.) The special effects were really fun. I wondered, when I watched the trailer if I would feel like I was actually in a dream-state, or if they would capture that feeling anyway. My dreams are a little-too random for anyone to really capture on screen. But, that didn't matter. The fact is that they really did make me feel like I was in someone's dream. There were actually quality action scenes, too.

The acting was great. Leonardo DiCaprio is just a darn good actor. I tend to believe him as every character he plays. At least since (and including) Catch Me If You Can, anyway. Ellen Page didn't need to act too much, but I think she fit the cast really well. The others were all great. No one struck me as not fitting their character, or having distracting lack of acting skill.

I was hooked by this movie after about 10 minutes, I loved everything in the middle, and I loved the ending. I don't think this movie is for everyone, especially people who hate "thinking" movies. This one's a clear thinker. If you can handle a good think, go see it. Make sure to see it in the theater, to do justice to the awesome special effects, too. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I give it a 10 out of 10. It definitely did not disappoint me.

Sole critical negative of the most minuscule persuasion: They missed the opportunity to play "Take a Picture" by Filter during the credits. I think it would have fit just right.

2010-07-15T23:02:00.001-07:00

In the theater waiting for inception to start. I'm really excited, but i am little afraid i've over hyped it. Full review to come.

Good ol' LeBron James and I have joined Twitter!

2010-07-07T12:43:00.001-07:00

LeBron James
Originally uploaded by Bill Adams

My friend*, maybe you've heard of him, LeBron James and I have both joined twitter recently. (This picture is of when he and I went to watch our pal* Roger Federer in the U.S. Open in 2009.*) Anyway, I convinced* "King James" as only* his closest friends, like me*, call him, to join twitter.* Between the two of us we already have over 200,000 followers on there! Anyway, he recently has been trying to make a big decision about where he'll play basketball for the next few years. As I announced on Facebook, he told me that he was planning on going to the Jazz*, but that isn't finalized yet. He told me that because I, his close friend and occasional advisor*, live here in Utah and am such a big Jazz fan he was seriously considering playing for the Jazz.* That would be really sweet.

Anyway, I've become addicted to twitter. I post on there all the time. It's getting a bit ridiculous. LeBron has only posted 3 times thus far. Check him out on there, he's @kingjames. I came up with that name for him.*

Check me out on there. I'm fast becoming one of the most popular users, and I recently passed up celebrities like Serena Williams, Al Yankovic, and Shaquille O'neal on the most followed list.* @jeffffricks is my name. The extra two f's are for freakin' fantastic. LeBron came up with that.*

I'm really important.*

K, bye.*

*probably not true.

Jeff's Top 10 Songs With Good Bass or Top 10 Songs To Test Bass

2010-07-03T00:13:00.001-07:00

And now, a time-waster post!

I really enjoy songs that can successfully implement a strong bass sound without letting it rule the song. These are all songs that I love to listen to with Bass boosters on full blast. With the clear exception of the Beatles' "Come Together" these are relatively new songs. Jem's is the second oldest on the list and it was released at least since 2002. This isn't comprehensive for all songs ever. It's only songs in my current iTunes library.

The List Explained:
1. "24" by Jem I really enjoy Jem's bass sounds that she implements. This song is the hardest rocker that I've heard from her. I used to love blasting it in my mom's old car that had a nice sound system. I probably like it solely for its bass-rock power.
2. "Come Together" by The Beatles is a great example of a song with a great bass-line and well-implemented strong bass sounds. This isn't my favorite Beatles song, but it is the best for bass.
3. "Neckbrace" by Ratatat Ratatat could really have multiple entries on this list, but I limited each artist to only one. This song is one of my favorite from their Lp4 album that was just released. It's a cool mixture of bass sounds.
4. "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House" by LCD Soundsystem I like this song solely for its ongoing strong bass-line. It's pretty funny as well.
5. "Animal Backwards" by Minus the Bear The first time I heard this song I was in my friend's Jeep with the volume up. When I heard it with his sweet system, it was awesome. Now when I listen to it compared to some of these others the bass-line is a lot less pronounced. Blast this one. It's a great song though. And from a band I had previously written off.
6. "Curse" by Imagine Dragons It's like a cardinal rule that I absolutely must include Imagine Dragons on every music list I make lately, but I really love this song and its bass. This is still probably a top 20 favorite song of all-time for me.
7. "Gone Daddy Gone" by Gnarls Barkley I'm not a huge fan of Gnarls Barkley, but this is a fun song. It has a really cool sound to it. I first heard in while watching Chuck.
8. "Undisclosed Desires" by Muse This song isn't my favorite Muse song, especially because of its interesting lyrics, but it is a downright cool sounding song. As with most new Muse, it's well-crafted.
9. "Good To Sea" by Pinback I really like the bass-line of this song. This is just an all-around cool song.
10. "Numbers" by Great Northern Not the strongest of bass, especially on this list, but I do like the sound of this one.

Well, that's it. Hope you found something new!

It's July now... let the panic begin!

2010-07-02T22:36:00.001-07:00

Well, law school is a little over a month away. I'm moving to the opposite end of the country in about 40 days or so. And I'll stay there for 3 years. It's finally setting in that I have a ton to take care of, and my denial that I've had for the last month or so is melting away quickly.

I really do have a LOT to do.

And I have a LOT that I want to do.

This will be an interesting month.

I'm excited for the annual "Cul-de-sac of Fire" tomorrow. My fam is having our annual Fourth of July Shindig a day early. We have even MORE fireworks than last year, and last year was excessive. It should be nuts. The kids really love it though.

Wimbledon women's final is tomorrow, and then the men's is Sunday. I've had fun watching it.

Well, see y'all later. Time to read like crazy!

David Letterman's show knew I was watching!

2010-06-28T21:53:00.001-07:00

So, I don't think I've watched more than 5 minutes of David Letterman in about a year. That's not because I don't like his show, I do. I hate Jay Leno. Won't watch his show. Anyway, I've forgotten how much I love his writers' and his humor.

Tonight I decided to watch because John Isner is going to be on. I'm curious to see how he'll handle all this attention, and what-not. Anyway, as they were cutting to the first commercial, the announcer did a couple jokes that also appeared on the screen. First he said, "If you'd like a free transcript of the show, write down everything that is said." Then he randomly said, "Stay tuned, Jeff." I couldn't stop laughing that they picked my name, and I haven't watched in months. Cool, eh?

K, see ya.

UPDATE: Isner was funny on the Top 10. Although the stupid Emergency Broadcast thing came on and made me miss the last half. Fortunately, about 10 seconds later I pulled it up online. Ah, the wonders of the interweb. I thought he was actually going to get interviewed, but I guess not. Then Kristen Stewart came out and tanked in her interview. I changed the channel. Aren't you so happy you read this so you could know my every move.

I Like Mike

2010-06-26T00:51:00.001-07:00

Yeah, I'm cool. I hang out with future United States Senators. Realistically, I don't think Mike knows my name, but I'm pretty sure he at least knows that I'm a full-time volunteer.

I wish I still had a lot to do for the campaign, but I'm not sure they need me nearly as much anymore. I may still participate in parades and what-not, but that's about all I can think of that they would really need.

Ya know, I can't get enough Whose Line Is It Anyway reruns. It's the best.

Now that I've changed the subject randomly...

see ya.

Epic Wimbledon, I love it. Oh yeah, Remember Mike Lee? He WON!!!

2010-06-24T08:20:00.001-07:00

John_03
Originally uploaded by venneriteau

So, I probably should have already posted this, but Mike Lee won! Here in Utah if you win the Republican primary, you're pretty much a shoe in in November. (Unless you're running against Jim Matheson.) Anyway, it was so fun going to the results party. We started out ahead right out of the gate, and then Tim slowly slowly crept closer and closer. It ended up being 51% to 49%. So close! But we WON!! WOOT!

As for now, I'm mostly just chilling, and watching the longest tennis match of all time! I love tennis, and I especially love Wimbledon, and I REALLY love this match! It's between John Isner (an awesome American guy who's really tall, (6'9'') and who I've been a fan of for a while.) and a French guy named Nicolas Mahut. They're playing their 129th game in the fifth set right now. This match has lasted longer than 10 hours! It's nuts! But I love it! John Isner has become a household name overnight because of this. This match even kind of overshadowed the queen visiting Wimbledon for the first time in 33 years.

I really love tennis. I LOVED the campaign. (I think I'm pretty much done with it, but I'll go in if they request my help.) And I love getting to sleep as much as I want!

K, bye. Tennis to watch.

Get Away From That! Dale Peterson, Round 2!

2010-06-19T01:01:00.001-07:00

OH, don't you fret. Dale Peterson may have lost, but his endorsement surely made a difference. Hey! Get away from that!

Dale Peterson is the bomb. This is REAL!

2010-06-17T21:34:00.001-07:00

This has to be the funniest political ad I've ever seen!

It's totally real, too! This guy lost in his primary, but I'm shocked about that.

I love it!

Campaign fun! Bridgewater v. Lee

2010-06-17T15:41:00.001-07:00

IMG_1283.JPG
Originally uploaded by Bridgewater for Senate

This campaign has been fun to watch, but it stinks when people get away with low-blows. There have been a lot of these low-blows by Lee's opponents. For Instance:

1. Ten days before the convention a robocall falsely accused Lee of accepting $150,000 in illegal support from an out-of-state source. No one took credit and no one has found the source of the calls.
2. A mailer was sent to delegates claiming the illegal contributions as well.
3. A day before the convention the infamous “temple” mailer hit and one-third of the delegates thought it came from Lee.
4. Earlier this week, an unidentified robocall said Chaffetz had endorsed Lee. Both Lee and Chaffetz denied it.

With this pattern there is almost certain to be one more dirty trick. Whereas there's only one candidate left facing Mike Lee, there's little question in my mind who will be behind it. It seems that Bridgewater is getting pretty desperate. He apparently got pummeled by Mike this morning on KSL, as the poll on their site is HEAVILY in favor of Mike Lee.

Go Mike! (I promise this is the last Mike Lee-themed entry until election day. (Tuesday) )

Where to begin?! Lee v. Bridgewater, P90X, Sun Rape, or U of U Law School?!

2010-06-12T00:06:00.001-07:00

The screen-captured photo to the right is awesome. It is the ad for Mike Lee's U.S. Senate campaign that showed up here on my blog. Woot! Mike is seriously my favorite candidate of the two. I've learned this week that Tim Bridgewater's campaign fights DIRTY. I'm not going to go into detail, but I've seen some sides of this campaign that I didn't expect. And apparently Tim is about to launch a negative TV ad campaign. If I knew nothing about this campaign up to this point and I saw the commercial he's about to start airing, I WOULD NOT VOTE FOR HIM. No matter what I'd seek another candidate. His campaign is doing everything it can to lambast my chosen profession, and I do not see alienating an entire profession as a valuable contribution to our nation. Sorry, Tim. Even though you never had it to begin with, you've 100% lost my vote. Anyway, but that's politics for you. I could ramble on for another half hour about that, but I'll spare you... especially because "you" are my poor friends and family who are probably more than sick of hearing about Mike Lee.

About P90X, I just started it, and it is freakin' hard. I hurt. Ev-er-y-where. And I've only done it for two days now. Ouch. At least I know that I'm doing something to my body, for good or for ill.

So, last weekend I rediscovered another one of the reasons I'm the genetic lottery winner (or loser, as my Mom put it--basically I have almost every health oddity or health defect that my parents each have--lucky me) in my family. I went fly fishing with Jake on the Provo River. It was a blast, but the sun did a SERIOUS number on my arms and face and neck. This happens to me every summer. I get serious burns. So bad that the first time my friend Julianna saw how badly I get burned she exclaimed, "You don't get sunburned, you get Sun-RAPED!" The picture above doesn't do the sunburns justice. (I had actually used some sun block, so there are a few spots that made it out alive, others... not so much.) Anyway, the rest of this week I've been sick, possibly because of the burns solely, and have looked like a leper. It's been fun.

Now the final topic for this wonderful life-updating blog post of mine, Utah Law. The University of Utah Law school finally called me this morning to tell me that I'm off of their waiting list, and that they'll now accept me into their law school. UGH! On top of that, the dean told me I had only until Monday afternoon to make up my mind. Double-UGH! So tomorrow I'm going to find a time to go up to U of U and at least have a look around the campus, as well as maybe go do a session at the Salt Lake temple. I've got a serious decision to make! Here are the basics.... at Mason, I will have about $70,000 more of debt when I graduate, give or take. However, I will have probably a better shot at a job as the market is much larger out there, and George Mason has a better history for landing people in jobs. I also get to live in a city that I'd love to live in. At Utah, my living expenses and in-state tuition make my debt load significantly lower. I can have less stress in that regard. However, I also think that Utah isn't nearly as good at placing people in jobs, despite their current claims that they are. (What I hear from people actually going there right now is NOT encouraging... in other words, they were doing ok before the economy went to pot.) Also, the jobs here will just not compare in salary... so will my debt still take just as long to pay off? I don't know.

That's the decision. Plus there are the factors of family, friends, dating, curriculum, the fact that Mason is actually more conservative than Utah, etc. I struggle to decide these things when talking about such large numbers behind dollar-signs.

Well, that's my life in a nut-shell. Thanks for catching yourself up.... Jules, and maybe like two other people.... and actually, maybe no one! At least I got to get all of this out of my brain.

A great message from a great example of a man...

2010-06-09T22:01:00.001-07:00

I'm so grateful to have the guidance of the Lord in a crazy world like this. It's wonderful to me that God has sent us prophets with His message today, just as He has throughout mankind's existence.

I just really liked this message from the prophet.

"Canaries With Grey on Their Wings"
by President Thomas S. Monson

"Nearly 60 years ago, while I was serving as a young bishop, Kathleen McKee, a widow in my ward, passed away. Among her things were three pet canaries. Two, with perfect yellow coloring, were to be given to her friends. The third, Billie, had yellow coloring marred by gray on his wings. Sister McKee had written in a note to me: “Will you and your family make a home for him? He isn’t the prettiest, but his song is the best.”

Sister McKee was much like her yellow canary with gray on its wings. She was not blessed with beauty, gifted with poise, or honored by posterity. Yet her song helped others to more willingly bear their burdens and more ably shoulder their tasks.

The world is filled with yellow canaries with gray on their wings. The pity is that so precious few have learned to sing. Some are young people who don’t know who they are, what they can be or even want to be; all they want is to be somebody. Others are stooped with age, burdened with care, or filled with doubt—living lives far below the level of their capabilities.

To live greatly, we must develop the capacity to face trouble with courage, disappointment with cheerfulness, and triumph with humility. You ask, “How might we achieve these goals?” I answer, “By gaining a true perspective of who we really are!” We are sons and daughters of a living God, in whose image we have been created. Think of that: created in the image of God. We cannot sincerely hold this conviction without experiencing a profound new sense of strength and power.

In our world, moral character ofttimes seems secondary to beauty or charm. But from long ago the Lord’s counsel to Samuel the prophet echoes: “The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

When the Savior sought a man of faith, He did not select him from the throng of the self-righteous who were found regularly in the synagogue. Rather, He called him from among the fishermen of Capernaum. Doubting, unschooled, impetuous Simon became Peter, Apostle of faith. A yellow canary with gray on his wings qualified for the Master’s full confidence and abiding love.

When the Savior chose a missionary of zeal and power, He found him not among His advocates but amidst His adversaries. Saul the persecutor became Paul the proselytizer.

The Redeemer chose imperfect people to teach the way to perfection. He did so then. He does so now—even yellow canaries with gray on their wings. He calls you and me to serve Him here below. Our commitment must be total. And in our struggle, should we stumble, let us plead: “Lead us, oh lead us, great Molder of men, out of the darkness to strive once again.”

My prayer is that we will follow the example of the Man of Galilee, who could be found mingling with the poor, the downtrodden, the oppressed, and the afflicted. May a true song come from our hearts as we do so."

Imagine Dragons releases new EP, Jeff buys, Jeff reviews it as follows:

2010-06-06T14:53:00.001-07:00

I bought "Hell and Silence," Imagine Dragons' new EP the second that I saw it available on iTunes. I really quite love this band.

It is hard for me to imagine this band dropping any spots on my favorite bands and artists list. I can only see them climbing. With the release of this second EP, they have certainly done just that. Their collection of just 10 songs that they've released, amounts to one incredible album. While I used to think, "Wow, they really might make it in the music biz," now I'm leaning more towards, "I'll be shocked if they don't make it."

"Hear Me" is probably going to be my favorite song of 2010. I doubt there will be another song this year that I listen to nearly as many times as I've already listened to that song on their MySpace page. It was my theme song for at least a month straight, and remains my favorite songs by ID to date. I'm happy to report that the rest of this EP does not disappoint, and that it seems ID is just as good, if not better, than their first release.

If I haven't praised them enough yet, just know that I think this band is awesome. If you like The Killers or Neon Trees (both bands that I don't like quite as much as ID), then this band is certainly for you. Even if you don't like those bands, there is still a good chance this band is for you.

I heart Imagine Dragons. Keep up the good work fellas, and ma'am.

Best Buds...

2010-06-01T22:54:00.001-07:00

881719195_043_j7s1881
Originally uploaded by mikeleeforsenate2010

If I didn't know better, I'd think these two were the best of friends! This picture of Mike Lee and Tim Bridgewater made me laugh just now.

I went to a debate between these two candidates tonight in the American Fork City Hall. It was really fun! They are fairly similar candidates, but I really prefer Mike. Tim said a few things tonight that I just don't agree with. Anyway, they did a really good job of being very respectful of one another. I am surprised by Mike. He's a politician that strikes me as one that will actually try to do what he says he'll do.

I wish all of our politicians were like that. I just read an article on Yahoo! about how the Japanese Prime Minister resigned over his inability to keep a campaign promise. That would NEVER happen here. While that Japanese PM was apparently just heeding the wishes of his party, and thereby not really being all that noble, at least he was willing to hold himself accountable for his promises.

Mike strikes me as someone that would hold himself accountable.

K, see ya.

Jam Trickery Sniffer?

2010-05-23T00:08:00.001-07:00

My friend Julianna came over to visit this evening and we discovered a pretty hilarious way to kill some time. We got on the subject of anagrams, and decided to look up an anagram server on the interweb. We discovered http://wordsmith.org/anagram. Jules decided that we should try out our names and see what we came up with. Mine immediately had some pretty hilarious results. (When you have over 55,000 word combos made from your name, there are bound to be funny ones.)

Some of my most favorite outcomes from my name (aside from the title of this post which is by far the best):
Anemic Jerk First Fry
Miscreant Jerky Riff
Try Infirm Jerk Faces
Try Mr. Canker Jiffies
Cream Jerky Fin First
Crane Jerky Firm Fist
Carney Jerks Firm Fit
Mercenary Jiff Skirt
Farmer Inject Frisky
Fancier Jet Fry Smirk

Yeah, this probably isn't as funny if you weren't here laughing at these with us. Um, bye.

Mike Lee for U.S. Senate! Boo Tim Bridgewater ads on my blog. I'm tired.

2010-05-20T21:12:00.001-07:00

I started work on Mike Lee's campaign this morning. It was funny because I walked into the office and there were a couple guys in there that I hadn't met yet. One looked occupied as he was on the phone, but he smiled at me, and I introduced myself to the other. After being led to where I would start working by Evelyn, (I guess she's my boss, so to speak; it's weird working at a non-paying job for me), I realized that the other guy was Mike himself. Haha, oops! It was ok, he didn't have time to chat as he was out the door soon afterwards.

Today was interesting. When I interviewed yesterday, I thought that I would be working with a few people pretty far down the chain in Mike's campaign. Turns out I'm working with quite a few of the major contributors to his campaign. It's really fun, and I really hope Mike wins. I have to admit that while I'm probably a bit more liberal than any of the people on his campaign, I think he's the man for the job. Especially more so than Tim Bridgewater. That guy has dumped his money into campaign after campaign to get himself elected. He's yet to do so. I just really prefer Mike to him, and hope that Tim doesn't win.

Speaking of Tim, he has so much money that when I wrote about Mike Lee on my last blog post, Tim's ads showed up on my blog! Lame! I've begun efforts to block them. So take that Tim! (Haha, I don't hate the guy or anything, I just would seriously rather not advertise for him, and I don't want him to win.)

Shockingly, I'm actually really tired and it's only just after 10 pm! This is HIGHLY unusual for me.

Uh, k, see ya.

Enough links for you?

They don't call it hunting because it doesn't require an actual hunt. Mike Lee?

2010-05-19T22:07:00.001-07:00

Mike Lee for U.S. Senate Campaign signs
Originally uploaded by mikeleeforsenate2010

I hate job-hunting. It isn't very fun. I am struggling to even get interviews at the places that I didn't want to apply. (Pizza Hut?) I don't know why people aren't calling me for interviews. Shouldn't this be so much easier now that I'm a "college graduate?"

The good news though, is that I have found someone to let me work for them... for free. Mike Lee's campaign has brought me on as an intern. I'm really excited. It's funny... I am not normally a big fan of politicians, but I like getting involved in politics. When I volunteered for Mitt Romney's campaign, I had a blast. (Despite the couple making out on the bus in front of me, that was horrifying.) I will be working at Mike's campaign office around whatever hours required at the job I'll be picking up as soon as possible. I'm hoping to get the job I just finished applying for as it sounds like a blast. Basically it sounds like doing what I'm doing this second, only about topics unrelated to me, and quite a bit more boring. However, it seems like a really fun company. Pray for me. Or if that isn't your thing you can wish me luck, kick a cat, or do whatever superstitious thing you do when you know a fellow that needs a job!

Uh, k, bye.

57 Songs Most Likely To Inspire Intense Performances By Me When I'm Alone In My Car...

2010-05-18T18:20:00.001-07:00

I made a mix the other day that is only songs that generally encourage me to sing full-voice American Idol-worthy performances in my car-- when I'm alone. Not that I won't sing along with all of these and many more of my songs when my friends are in the car with me (because I definitely do, and I'm sorry friends!) But these are the ones that I am most likely to really belt out.

It's a GREAT mix. Enjoy!

Listed alphabetically by song:

"Ashes Of An Argument" Halfpenny Marvel
"Beautiful" Borne
"Black Balloon" Goo Goo Dolls
"Bohemian Rhapsody" Queen
"Bridge Over Troubled Water" Simon & Garfunkel
"Butterflies & Hurricanes" Muse
"Call And Answer" Barenaked Ladies
"Careful" Guster
"The Crane Wife 3" The Decemberists
"Desperado" The Eagles
"The Distance" Cake
"Dream Catch Me" Newton Faulkner
"Dreaming With A Broken Heart" John Mayer
"Either Way" Guster
"The Engine Driver "   The Decemberists
"Every Breath You Take" The Police
"Father and Son" Cat Stevens
"A Glorious Day" Embrace
"Go Mad" Caleb Kane
"Gone" (New mix)   U2
"Hang On" Guster
"Hear Me" Imagine Dragons
"I Will Follow You Into The Dark" Death Cab For Cutie
"The Legiaonnaire's Lament" The Decemberists
"Life Is Beautiful" Vega4
"Life Is Wonderful" Jason Mraz
"Lightning Rod" Guster
"Needs" Collective Soul
"Nothing Compares 2 U" Sinead O'Connor
"O Maria!" Sea Wolf
"One" U2
"One Headlight" The Wallflowers
"Outside" Aqualung
"Paper Bag" Dear & The Headlights
"Plea From A Cat Named Virtute" The Weakerthans
"Pride" U2
"Run" Snow Patrol
"See These Bones" Nada Surf
"She Will Be Loved" Maroon 5
"Side" Travis
"Singing In My Sleep" Semisonic
"Somewhere Only We Know" Keane
"The Sound Of Settling" Death Cab For Cutie
"The Space Between" Dave Matthews Band
"Strange Condition" Pete Yorn
"Sundress"    Ben Kweller
"Telling Lies" Great Northern
"Tournament of Hearts" The Weakerthans
"Two Wuv"    Tally Hall
"Ugly Love" Eels
"Under The Bridge" Red Hot Chilli Peppers
"Welcome to Tally Hall" Tally Hall
"What About Everything?" Carbon Leaf
"Wish You Were Here" Incubus
"With Or Without You" U2
"Wonderwall" Oasis
"You're a Wolf" Sea Wolf

You should probably know that I don't really think I'm a good singer. And most of these "performances" are interrupted by long fits of laughter. Yes, I DO think that I'm very funny, but no I don't think I'm a good singer. It's kinda a shame that people don't get to laugh along with me when I'm belting these lovely ballads out. Oh well. K, bye!

Uh, KFC... REALLY?!

2010-05-16T00:01:00.001-07:00

alg_kfc_pink_buckets
Originally uploaded by broken_by_whispers

So, I don't know if any of you have seen the KFC commercials that are talking about how they're raising money for breast cancer. Certainly, that is a noble cause. But... do we really want people contributing to the health of other people... by buying a bucket full of heart disease? Maybe, I'm a jerk for saying all of this.

They have one commercial that has a bunch of people holding the buckets and saying, "For my mom," or "For my sister," etc. Again, I know I probably sound a little insensitive, but you bought a whole bucket of chicken... for only one person!? Not healthy. That sounds like a lot more trouble than tribute.

Anyway, I was just a little disturbed by their commercials. Their commercials look like they're suggesting I should buy a whole bucket for just one person to consume. Not healthy.

Totally random side note: Just watched Brian Regan. I think he's the best stand up comedian save only Jerry Seinfeld.

Uh, k bye. Random post, I know.

PS: Check this out:

(Skip to 1:10 to get to the good part.)

The Taiwanese Whitney Houston. I laughed and loved this video when I saw it. Yahoo! made fun of her and said this kid is doing way better than she is. Sad.

Muddled Brain Syndrome...

2010-05-13T21:57:00.001-07:00

Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England - July 2007
Originally uploaded by SaffyH

I was having a tremendous conversation with my good friend Julianna yesterday and we started talking about purpose. Not the purpose of life, or anything profound or philosophical or the like, just a present purpose for getting out of bed... some productivity.

At the moment. I'm like Stonehenge. Look at it. It's pretty cool, but it's so... pointless. It's just a bunch of rocks in a circle. Look at me. I'm pretty cool. But as of right now, I'm jobless, and hence I feel kinda pointless. I'm currently feeling like just a bunch of flesh and bones in a circle.... wait... ok, took that analogy too far. No, I'm not in a circle... although I'm trying to reverse the process of weight-gain that had subtly been turning me into more of a spherical object.

THE POINT: Having no job right now has made my brain feel muddled. I have only been without a job for about 5 or 6 days, and I'm feeling really unproductive and out of sorts. SOMEONE FREAKING HIRE ME BEFORE MY BRAIN IS A PERMA-CLOUD! Woah, sorry about the yelling. But I was just explaining that I feel like not having anything to urgently be thinking about or applying my brain to in the present or near-present has left my brain feeling sluggish.

The good news: I can start my reading list for future 1Ls. My brother-in-law was awesome and gave me a few books to get my summer rolling, and has given me a summer's worth of a reading list to get me prepped a bit for the school year ahead of me. (If I complain of boredom this summer, just remind me to read, it will be good for me. Thanks.) ALSO, I'm finally feeling pretty good and settled into my choice. I know I have said stuff like that before, or maybe I haven't... anyway, I'm excited to go to George Mason, and I feel like it's where I need to be headed. That's a big relief, and maybe now that that's not weighing on my mind quite as much, my mind isn't as constantly occupied with "law school" thoughts as it has been for the last... who knows how long? Hence I have Muddled Brain Syndrome. No job or school work to currently occupy the "Jeff must be stressing over something" section of this crazy brain of mine.

Uh... I don't know if that felt concluded, but I want to conclude writing.
K, see ya.

My first Jazz game in years...and they lost.

2010-05-10T23:42:00.001-07:00

Jazz vs. Mavericks - Deron Williams
Originally uploaded by lemonjenny

Well, the Jazz were swept by the Lakers. That's just plain sad. I'll hope for a better year next season.

I went to the game tonight with my dad. It was fun. However, I realized that I actually had way more fun at the Utah State games where the crowd plays an even bigger role than the Jazz's crowd, which is one of the best in the NBA. But again, I really did enjoy yelling and cheering with my dad. I think my suspicion of the NBA officiating stems almost entirely from him. Because we sound the same about a lot of the calls that go the Laker's way. But, again, as my earlier post said, it's just a game for entertainment value, and is a business to get mulah. Of course the reffing is going to have bias issues.

I freaking love Deron Williams and I'm really glad that the Jazz have him. I can't wait to see if they can get someone great to replace Boozer (who was not that impressive in this series against the Lakers). They just need one great big man and this team could really go places. We'll see. Perhaps this season was the best one the Jazz will have in a while, but hopefully this is just a sign of better ones to come.

Anyway, despite how fair-weather I tend to be about the Jazz, I really do enjoy cheering for them. Fun stuff.

K, bye.

"Robots position giant box over oil-spewing well"

2010-05-07T14:31:00.001-07:00

The title of this post is a headline I just read on Yahoo!. Is it just me, or does it make it sound like no humans were involved whatsoever? Yep, robots just showed up and did it on their own.

Creepy.

Anyway, I'm stuck at work in the library, and as this is the last day of finals, NO ONE is around, except for like 3 random dudes.

K, see ya.

The Thoughts of a Soon-to-be Graduate...

2010-05-06T22:43:00.001-07:00

dorminhoco
Originally uploaded by @mands

So, I finished the very last of the stuff I have to do in order to graduate tonight. (Ok, I have to turn in my take-home final, but then that's it.) I can't believe I'm done. I've really been in denial about it all, but it's kind of setting in now. I think it will hit me a lot harder on Saturday when I get handed my degree... case. Anyway, I'm crazy-tired from not sleeping last night and cranking out a 10 page paper today in a matter of about 4 hours. It wasn't pretty, and I'm not really pretty right now either. (Just go back to the picture of me after writing my senior thesis to get an idea of what I look like right now.) Lucky, lucky you. You get to read some of my RANDOM thoughts. (Plus I've thrown in some random dog picture.... k, see ya... except I'm not leaving.)

1. Being a nerd myself, I enjoy when I spot people doing nerdly things. The other day in the library I walked past two library employees having a race to see who could check in their stack of books the fastest. It was entertaining whilst I walked by.

2. If I were to be searching for a job that I could get with a history degree right now... pretty sure there's NOTHING I could use it for. I can't teach because I don't have a certificate, and pretty much any historian-type jobs require further schooling. Lame sauce. Good thing a JD could possibly get me a job.

3. "Pictures of Matchstick Men" by Camper Van Beethoven is an incredible song. Everyone should love it. I heard it in the store the other day and it cheered me up. I'm listening to it RIGHT NOW!

4. I think the Jazz are capable of going to 7 games with the Lakers, but I really don't think they'll beat the Lakers at home at all. Sad day.

5. Jerry Sloan talks like there's something in his mouth. I can never fathom how the players could possibly understand him when they're in the NBA's loudest arena.

6. I win. (Spencer knows what I mean.)

7. Speaking of Spencer, he's currently killing me in our friendly roommate rivalry. (See side bar.)

8. I hate packing. I have to do that soon. Ugh.

9. Hmm... I'm leaving Logan soon, and I'm not so sure that I'm devastated about that. There was snow on the ground again today. It's freaking May 6th! STOP SNOWING ALREADY!

10. For some reason this is my lucky number.

Lucky for you, I'm quitting now.

K, bye.

No words... but this is definitely a good distraction from homework...

2010-05-05T21:31:00.001-07:00

Yeah, I just saw this on Facebook and hit play. I had to watch it a few times........ it's hard to look away, and yet it weirds me out SO much. Uh... enjoy!

Also: ADVERTISING FAIL:

The problem is definitely NOT too much hair that needs to be removed!

K, see ya.

The Horrors of Balding...

2010-05-04T18:09:00.001-07:00

This beautiful picture is me. What is horrifying me, you ask? That item in my hand is a clump of at least half of the 10 hairs that came off my head when I rubbed my head just now.

There's something about balding that is just kind of... well, horrifying.

To demonstrate this to you girls who don't understand the plight of those of us that must deal with Male Pattern Baldness, I'm going to compare the process of balding to that of gaining weight. You see, when I gain weight it just kind of happens, and can go unnoticed because the changes in me are generally subtle until finally I notice that I have an extra layer of flub that wasn't there before. It just sneaks up on me, but it's something that hits me all at once.

You see, with balding... it's a slow, steady process that is VERY apparent to you each day with each and every hair you watch fall from your head. This process lasts for YEARS and is brought to your attention FAR more often than weight-gain. Also, for some reason it's socially acceptable to joke about a man going bald. (Obviously weight-gain is NOT a socially acceptable observation to make about someone.) So I get to deal with jokes. (Not that this post isn't kind of about the humorous side of these horrors, but they are kind of horrifying horrors nonetheless.) (Also I deal with my balding by joking about it as well.)

The other extremely uncomfortable reminder about balding that I don't get about weight-gain is the once-a-month trip to some fine establishment like Great Clips, Fantastic Sam's (Fabulous Sam's if you're Shelley), or Sport Clips. For at least the last year, this once-a-month trip has included a sales pitch for Nioxin products. I can just see the, "Oh yeah, I need to try to sell this balding guy some Nioxin products,"-look that crosses the hairdressers' faces each time, and I know it's coming. Every time it starts with,
(Hairdresser:) "So, have you heard of Nioxin?"
(Jeff:) Yeah.
(HD:) Oh, have you used it?
(Jeff:) No, I can't afford it.
(HD:) Oh, yeah, it is kind of expensive. It is really great though. It helps to thicken the hair and covers thinning really well. Some guys regrow hair, too.
(Jeff:) Huh.
(HD:) Do you want me to see what we sell it for?
(Jeff:) (Internal sigh of anguish followed by) Ok.
(HD:) It costs an arm and a leg, but you clearly need it chrome-dome.
(Jeff:) (The last time I got my hair cut) Ok, fine. I'll try it.

Yes, after a YEAR of resisting the SAME spiel, I finally gave in and bought some of their baldness miracle cure. Maybe it will get them off my back, but now I remember that I'm balding each time I take a shower and use my shampoo and conditioner.

And the horrors continue.

Also, if I'm going to be as bald as my mother's father (isn't that how "they" say you figure out if you'll be bald?) I am going to lose ALL of my hair. I won't even have a horse-shoe to speak of. This means I will advance from a level 2, all the way through to level 7 and beyond! I have so much horror to deal with for so many years to come. WOOT!

Ah, balding, wonderful balding in all its glory. K, see ya.

Hmm... I guess it's time to commit again...

2010-05-03T10:41:00.001-07:00

randy's donuts with boeing 747. inglewood, ca. 2006.
Originally uploaded by eyetwist

I don't know where you are Randy's Donuts, but I WILL FIND YOU!

Ok...actually, the caption on flickr says it's in Inglewood, CA... so no... I probably won't be finding Randy's Donuts.

I'm afraid that my diet has consisted of far, far too much grossness lately. And it hasn't all been my doing... or at least my obtaining. It has been offered to me. For instance, just yesterday, I was offered 3 pieces of cake, a piece of pie, and a giant cinnamon roll. Sadly, yes. I ate all of these things. They were delicious. But not great for my poor body. I also have bought donuts more than I care to admit of late. My point? It's time for me to slow down on the junk food and speed up on the exercise.

I fully intend to work out every day Monday through Saturday again this summer. I felt so good at the end of last summer when I had done that, so I'm totally doing it again. Hopefully I'll do better in the food department than I did last year, but I will at least be matching my effort in the working out department.

Just needed to make that official so that you all can hold me accountable. K, bye.

Conan O'Brien in His First Post-NBC Interview

2010-05-01T17:33:00.001-07:00

Conan O'Brien is Love
Originally uploaded by WestlifeBunny

First of all, I think Jay Leno is a jerk. I haven't ever been a big fan of his, and always have favored watching David Letterman over Jay Leno. However, sometimes I have watched Leno's show(s). For the last while ever since Conan's brief job hosting The Tonight Show went south, I have effectively boycotted Jay Leno. I haven't watched one minute of him on TV. I think he's a JERK for taking a job back after leaving it. Granted, it's not all his fault. NBC is very much to blame as well. I think they handled the whole thing unwisely. Anyway, Conan just filmed his first interview and he pretty much says what I feel. In the interview Conan said that he would not have "surrendered 'The Tonight Show' and handed it over to somebody publicly and wished them well -- and then ... six months later [taken it back]... But that's me, you know." I think Conan's totally right that Jay was pretty lame in doing so.

Anyway, I think Conan's hilarious. I hope his new TBS show does well.

On to much more important things in my life, I'm kinda sorta graduating this week. It's really weird. Everyone asks if I'm excited, and I don't really know how to answer. I know I should be, but I guess the actual emotion just isn't there. I think I'm pretty freaked out about law school and that is why graduating isn't really sinking in. I am pretty excited about doing new adventurous things, but I just don't feel much about actually graduating. It's odd.

I've applied for my loans and stuff at George Mason, so that's about a done deal. I still feel like I'll go to BYU and possibly Utah if they take me off of their waiting lists. It's hard to not accept a much much cheaper offer from a school that is ranked the exact same and probably can get me a job just as well.

Speaking of jobs... does ANYONE out there have one for me? I really really don't want to end up with a lame summer job again. Especially now that I'm all awesome and have a college degree, (hahaha). I don't feel like a college degree is helping me out much, especially because it's in history. What do I do with that? I think I'm just going to have to settle for a not-so-great job and just suck it up. We'll see. If only I could make more money with this blog. Thus far I've managed to rake in about 40 bucks. Woot!

Well, I think that's about it. See y'all later!

Bye.

A Lawn-mowing Wallaby!

2010-04-29T10:25:00.001-07:00

Get out of freakin' town! In the UK they are breeding freakin' wallabies that can trim your lawn! Not that I am wholly against mowing the lawn myself, but how cool would it be to A) OWN a wallaby! and B) Have it serve an awesome purpose like trimming the yard! (I know some people do this out in the country with goats, but lets face it, wallabies are way cooler than goats. According to some site I just saw, goats eat EVERYTHING whereas wallabies have been trained to just eat grass....maybe I believe this?)

http://news.yahoo.com/video/world-15749633/19379986#video=19382708

K, see ya.

Are the NBA Refs No-Calling the Denver Nuggets Out of the Playoffs?

2010-04-28T18:25:00.001-07:00

Jazz Spurs Basketball
Originally uploaded by zachsumsion

ESPN's John Hollinger has speculated that the Denver Nuggets are getting unfair refereeing under current replacement head coach, Adrian Dantley. While George Karl was the head coach, apparently the Nuggets had statistics far and away above other teams when it came to opportunities at the free throw line. However, Hollinger has discovered significantly decreased free throw opportunities since George Karl left, and has suggested that the Utah Jazz have had a marked increase in their opportunities at the charity stripe over the Denver-Utah series. Is it true?

I don't know. It wouldn't surprise me if the fact that Adrian Dantley, who seemingly never challenges calls, took over as head coach and has made a clear difference for the Denver Nuggets that is negatively effecting their free throw opportunity stats. Perhaps something about his coaching is decreasing the chances at the line, or any of a myriad of other variables, aside from unfair reffing. (Hollinger hasn't claimed that NO other variables could be true, but he infers that unfair reffing is the most likely cause.) As for the Jazz's apparent increase in opportunities... well, maybe they're just playing more aggressive?

The fact is, the Jazz are winning. I don't just mean that they're getting W's marked to their records, I mean that they are playing much better than the Nuggets and are earning wins.

How are we supposed to react to all of this? Hmm... well, since it isn't negatively effecting my team at the moment... I say ENJOY THE SHOW! Let's face it. The NBA isn't a bastion of ethics, justice and fairness. It's an entertainment basketball league. One that should have some good solid rules and should maintain a semblance of decorum, but it's about the entertainment when it all comes down to it. It's set up to make money, and to entertain people. We shouldn't get all worked up about how much the reffing is biased, how the league favors big-market teams, and how the the Utah Jazz are getting an unfair advantage. In fact, shut up John Hollinger, if the Utah Jazz have an advantage, leave them be! No, I don't mean that entirely. If the Jazz were on the Nuggets side of this debate that Hollinger has started, I would be totally on his side... I must admit that. But, really, it's just an entertainment league. Now, if the Olympics, NCAA tournament, or other more official organization that aren't necessarily just in it for the money (Ok, NCAA and the Olympics want money, but you understand what I mean, right?)were having such statistical imbalances that seem shady, I'd be all about investigating and making appropriate changes.

Anyway, I plan on just enjoying the show tonight when I get off of work. Can't wait for the Jazz to prove they deserve this series fair and square. GO JAZZ!

Enjoy the show!

K, see ya.

RAND-O-POLL! Sandwich good, no taste buds, bad.

2010-04-28T00:43:00.001-07:00

I thought I'd just do a random poll for the heck of it. I know that at least 2 people in cyberspace were really torn up about me quitting on my Just Ridiculous Polls/A Bunch of Polls blog. Lame sauce as that was. Maybe the occasional random poll on this blog will work out better. Whatev. K, see ya.

I made it! (I ain't pretty, but I made it!)

2010-04-26T20:41:00.001-07:00

So, I survived my 20 page senior thesis. Yeah, I was working on it all week, but the definition of "working on it" changed dramatically from Wednesday when I: found a source here or there, contemplated life, thought about what jobs I could apply for, read a little bit from one of my sources, watched a basketball game, ate some food, outlined part of my paper (a full days work-ish) and then there was last night: hour upon hour of writing, writing, writing, taking a 2 minute break to stretch my legs and eat some Gold Fish Crackers, writing writing writing, not sleeping until we have me here and now rambling on my blog. I haven't slept in over 24 hours and I have only gotten 7 hours of sleep in the last 72 hours. Yeah, hence I'm babbling like an idiot right now and I look like this:

K, see ya.

Random words of wisdom from... Kurt Cobain?

2010-04-21T12:18:00.001-07:00

Kurt Cobain - "Wanting to be someone else is a waste of the person you are."

Wow... good one Kurt!

Anyway, now for a topic that has nothing to do with that quote by Mr. Cobain... I'm just here at work, getting ready for a job interview (via telephone) in a while. I really think it's odd that I might get a good summer job for someone who's in wildlife science, but can't even come close (apparently) to getting a good summer job for a prospective law student. I'm applying to work for the UDWR (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources) for this upcoming summer. Wish me luck!

It at least pays well, so that's good. Perhaps if I do go into environmental law then it will contribute to my résumé.

Umm...k, see ya.

What's up with this Fans of Carmelo Anthony in Utah commercial?

2010-04-19T23:54:00.001-07:00

51745903
Originally uploaded by lkasjdkjfjsdkfsdf

Ok, forget my last post that was all dreary and down about the Utah Jazz. Tonight's game against the Nuggets was awesome! They did great, especially D-Will.

Anyway, for anyone who has been watching the Jazz and Denver games, here in Utah at least, there is some commercial about support for him by "Melo's People of Utah." What the poo?! I actually think it's a pretty funny commercial, but it's darn weird, too. I want to figure out from where this thing is coming, and who made this commercial. Apparently Carmelo is one of those rare people who "can unite the people of the world." I'd post the video of it, but it will probably get taken off of youtube. Here's a link to it anyway. http://ballhype.com/video/carmelo-anthony-utah-ad/

So that's a weird commercial, but it made me laugh. (I actually wonder if it isn't just sarcastic... which it obviously is to some degree...I don't know what to think about it really.)

Anyway, I'm really excited for the Jazz, and now I think they can at least get past the Nuggets. Very exciting. We'll see how this goes down. Forget you, Melo's peeps of Utah, he's gonna lose!

Ok, g'night.

The NBA Playoffs...

2010-04-19T10:56:00.001-07:00

BULLS JAZZ NBA FINALS GAME 3
Originally uploaded by xatreyu09x

See this dude in this here picture? It's pretty much been since he was around that I have paid any close attention to the NBA. In January of this year, the Utah Jazz really started to pick things up and I became a fan again. I haven't watched this many Jazz games for at least 6 years. (I'm guessing more though.)
The Jazz were really hot in the middle of the winter. They beat just about every good team in the league at least once. They proved that they could really go deep in the playoffs. Then things kinda started looking shaky, and I sensed yet another end-of-the-season let-down from the Jazz. They ended up in that huge four-way battle for seeding in the playoff tournament. Everything was all set up for us to beat Phoenix at home and get paired with the Trailblazers who we swept in the regular season. Lo and behold... Phoenix beat us and took the #3 seed. Who do we get paired with? Denver. Ugh. And we lost home-court advantage. Ugh again. It's seriously already looking like this will be a familiar disappointment.

It all just makes me so upset that the Jazz had to have their very best years when the dude in said photo above had to be around! WHY?! Ugh.

Oh well. That's sports for you.

I'll probably be watching this series against Denver anyway.

K, bye.

Earthquake in Logan, UT... It's the first one I've ever felt!

2010-04-15T17:40:00.001-07:00

Logan, Utah In Fall
Originally uploaded by Bachspics

There was an earthquake here about a half hour ago. I was in Old Main up on campus and was waiting for a study session to start. A couple girls in my class and I were talking when I felt like I was a bit dizzy for a second, but it lasted for about 10 seconds and we all realized that it was an earthquake. It's so weird when you have moments like that that remind you how small you are! It was really small and some other people that showed up later hadn't felt it while they were driving or walking to campus.

But now I can say I've felt one!

I just checked with USGS and it was at 5:59 PM MST, it was a 4.9 magnitude at the epicenter! That's bigger than I thought. The epicenter was quite a ways from Logan though. 45 km away from Logan, but the USGS had the most responses from Logan, so I think it was strongest here. (EDIT: It was strongest near Randolph, but I think as far as bigger cities, I think it was felt most here. I had many friends that were busy and didn't feel it though.)

Cool, see ya later!

Law School Rankings, I Shouldn't Care... or Should I? USNWR Releases 2011 Rankings

2010-04-14T00:04:00.001-07:00

Ok, actually the title lied. US News and World Report DIDN'T release their 2011 rankings, they were leaked. (Now available on Top Law Schools and other ranking sites.)

I had almost memorized where all the schools I paid any attention to were on the 2010 rankings because I frequented some of the sites that show the USNWR rankings. I could tell you off the top of my head that George Mason and BYU were ranked 41, Utah 45, Cincinnati 52, Arizona State 55, and Loyola Law School 71. I'm not rankings crazy, but I've given kind of a lot of credit to them. Now I wish I hadn't. Clearly many schools make drastic changes just to better their standing in the various stats that are used by USNWR to rank the schools. So in other words, they don't necessarily become much better schools, but rather they change to better fit the rankings model. Arizona State and Loyola must have done this in dramatic fashion. Both of them saw huge jumps in the 2011 rankings that just came out. And as luck would have it, these two schools are the last two holdouts for schools that I'm trying to finally rule out so that I feel comfortable with my George Mason choice. They didn't really help with the rankings jumps.

Check out the latest rankings changes for the section that has all the schools I'm really considering:
38. Arizona State (55, +17, moved up to Tier 1)
38. Alabama (30, -8)
38. Colorado (45, +8)
38. Wake Forest (40, +2)
42. Brigham Young (41, -1)
42. George Mason (41, -1)
42. Arizona (43, +1)
42. UC-Hastings (39, -3)
42. Utah (45, +3)
47. Florida (51, +4)
48. American (45, -3)
48. SMU (49, +1)
48. Tulane (45, -3)
48. Maryland (43, -5)
——————–
52. Pepperdine (55, +3)
52. Yeshiva – Cardozo (49, -3, moved down from Tier 1)
54. Florida State (52, -2)
54. Connecticut (52, -2)
56. Case Western Reserve (55, -1)
56. Loyola – Los Angeles/Marymount (71, +15)
56. Cincinnati (52, -4)

Yes... Arizona State is now the highest ranked school I'm considering. WHAT THE POO!? How am I supposed to deal with that. Ugh. Utah, Mason, and BYU are all tied now. And Loyola is actually tied with Cincinnati and made a big jump. So a school that is now ranked in the region that I originally wanted to aim for (at least 40s-50s) has offered me $84,000. I wish I didn't care about these rankings, but I do. To be completely realistic, law firms aren't going to care if I went to law school # 40 or law school #56. To them, it won't make that big a deal. It might matter if I went to law school #14, or law school #80, but the first pairing isn't going to matter much. Loyola seems to offer more of the programs I want, would be much cheaper tuition-wise, and now is ranked in a similar region as George Mason. However, I don't think I want to live in Los Angeles. I also don't think I want to live in Tempe, AZ. I feel like DC is the place I by FAR want to live the most. George Mason's ranking is slowly dropping, but hasn't dramatically changed in the last 5 years. Loyola and ASU could very easily drop in the rankings next year. Do you see how confused I STILL am about this decision. Stupid rankings just threw a wrench in my thoughts. Ugh. Again, I really wish I didn't care about them at all, but I still do.
Someone talk some sense into me. OK, pros and cons let me lay this out:
George Mason---PROS:

I'm in a city I LOVE
There are apparently great singles' wards (helps with dating, obviously)
I am in a city that is very conducive to getting jobs in this career field. (Well, there are a lot of them anyway.)
GMU is really good at placing people in jobs
I will have family out there. (My bro-in-law and sister.)
In my mind, this is the most prestigious of the three schools.

CONS:

Biggest price tag.
More financially geared law school, and that's not really the direction I'm heading.
Quite expensive to live out there. (Although apparently Loyola's cost of living is more.)
Ranking dropping.
A lot more competition.

Loyola Law School---PROS:

Has more classes that I'm interested in.
$84,000 scholarship makes this the cheaper option by about $50,000 total compared to Mason.
I could possibly be more competitive among my class.
Frank Gehry-designed campus! (This is a joke. Architecture won't make this decision for me.)

CONS:

Really expensive cost of living, but of course, much of that is alleviated by scholarship.
Terrible economy in LA and CA in general right now.
Worse job prospects.
It's in a shady area, and in a city I really don't much care for. (Love the roller coasters, that's about it. Well... the weather is really nice, too.)
Suspicious jump in rankings: makes me think they're just numbers oriented, not necessarily worried about quality.

ASU--- PROS:

Now the highest ranked school to which I was accepted.
Again, singles' wards, great community.
More classes in areas I'm interested in.
Cheaper than Mason, but more expensive than Loyola.

CONS:

Blasted HOT!
Don't really know how much I want to live there, but I've heard some people say they really like Tempe. I'm skeptical.
Also skeptical of their lack of reporting of employment at graduation. This is a statistic almost all law schools will report and/or flaunt. ASU hasn't reported it for the last few years, and it was getting worse in the last few years that they DID report it.
Not getting a great employment vibe from ASU/Arizona in general.
Very suspicious of the jump in rankings what with the lack of any great reports of employment.

Ok, sorry to subject you all to that. But I think I needed a good reminder that these rankings don't really change my opinions. I paid my seat deposit at George Mason, so I had pretty much made my decision, but then these lame rankings came out tonight. I still feel that George Mason is the best choice at the moment, and I think that's where I'm headed barring any surprise financial offers, or acceptances offered from my schools that have waitlisted me. (BYU?)

K, well, yeah, really need to go to bed. Umm... bye.

Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Napping With Clever Mice About.

2010-04-12T15:12:00.001-07:00

Broken empty trap
Originally uploaded by terence_arjo

Thought: Empty mouse-traps are kinda disconcerting. Especially when you discover them right next to the couch you're taking a nap on. Apparently the basement of USU's Old Main has a few clever rodents on the lam.

Thought: Trans fat doesn't horrify me like it ~~probably~~ definitely should. What does it do to me again? "Hmm, one gram of disgustingness with delicious food item surrounding it VS. no delicious food item. Who would ever pick the latter?!"

Thought: ?! -->The symbol formerly known as an interbang will now be known as a puzzled-shock mark! At least in my book. Books? Perhaps I'll write multiple books.

Thought: I'm kind of surprised that I have never heard anyone cleverly combine witty and literature into witterature. A brief googleage has revealed, however, that I'm not the first to think of this word.

Thought: Being in a building that blocks my cell phone coverage disturbs me a little, and yet I also feel very safe. "Well, if I can't be reached by cell phone coverage nowadays, nothing could reach me!"

Thought: Sometimes I think I've had a brilliant idea, and I rush to write it down. Often, upon rereading, it was mental vomit. Shucks.

Thought: The CIA thinks I'm important. This is a certain conclusion that anyone would reach based upon the fact that the same dude has been around at least two times I've awoken from a nap in the Old Main basement. It is CERTAIN!

Thought: It's about time that downside-up got as much playing time as upside-down.

Thought: I hate when I wave my hand at a bathroom sink or towel dispenser in vain.

Thought: A very funny joke would be to destroy all the outlets around campus that people use to charge their crud. And by funny I mean riot-inducing. Hmmm... upon rereading... mental vomit.

K, see ya.

Say you're eating your favorite sandwich ever. You take the first bite and realize you can't taste ANYTHING. You rush to open your soft drink of choice and you can't taste it AT ALL! What do you do?
	Grab nearby dirt to really test your taste buds.
	Panic and look on WebMD to see if this is normal.
	Keep eating because you think it will just come back.
	Frantically lick things to see if you can taste anything, anything at all!
	Shrug and say: Well, tasting was fun while it lasted.
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