THE WEEKEND IN REVIEW

Yes, I know the weekend is still going strong, but since I wanted to post something today and haven't found any links that tickeled my fancy I decided why not. Also, Pete suggested that I might want to post something "personal" on occasion rather than just discussing links and my never-ending annoyance at CNN.com.

I have been really sick recently and am finally feeling much better so some socializing was in order. Earlier in the week Kim asked if I wanted to accompany her to a NY METS game on Friday night then crash at her place. Excellent plan! I decided to drive up early to avoid the special hell that only NYC/LI traffic can produce. Since I was going early in the day anyway I made plans with my former roommate Rae to have lunch on Friday since she works in Great Neck [for the geographicaly challenged, this is on the north shore of Long Island]. So, lunch with Rae then still some time to kill before meeting Kim after she finished work in the Mineola area to travel to Shea Stadium, so I headed south to see another friend, Kendra, in Franklin Square. Franklin Square is on the border of Long Island and Queens and after that my own insaneness struck me as I drove north-east to see Kim knowing full well we were going back to Queens for the game.

Well the game was wet - and cold. I was cold - and anyone who knows me knows that this doesn't even happen in the dead of winter during a snowstorm so you know it was chilly. We braved the game until the 7th inning when the score was 3-1 Mets and we were pretty sure they had it all sewn up against the DC Nationals. Having both been recently ill Kim and I took our hacking, coughing butts back to her warm apt. Also, I was becoming increasingly dejected as I watched the scores of the other MLB games that night on the scoreboard and saw that my beloved Bronx Bombers were losing terribly to Texas 1-5 [they did ralley a bit though and made it 3-5 as the final].

The seats were excellent though and I suspect on a warm, sunny day it's a heck of a place to catch the game even if it is that other NY team. Kim and I did some catching up and I was shocked when she reminded me that we had not hung out since July! I convinced Kim to go with me on a midnight diner run and then we crashed for the night. [Poor Kim had to get up early the next day and she was a good sport for entertaining me into the wee hours.]

I slept in the next morning, then got dressed and went to say goodbye to Kim over at her Karate school where she was teaching a morning class. I was all psyched to go to Bagel Boss one of the BEST places for bagels on Long Island for breakfast which happens to be in the same shopping center. Imagine my disapointment to find they were closed for Passover! Being a kosher bagel store this makes sense, but I was hoping for the best given that Passover did not start until sundown - ce'st la vie.

Then I rang up a couple friends from law school who I had not seen in ages. Turns out Susan was out of town for the weekend for a wedding - STILL waiting to see the new house my dear! - but Cathy was hanging around and we spent the day together along with Cathy's brother's GF Amanda. Amanda has a teacup Yorkie and she is just adorable. We even took her to the mall! Anyway, after TWO different trips to the SECOND best bagel store in Long Island - A&S Bagels in Franklin Square [yes BACK to Franklin Square] I was satiated.

In the end, after some shopping and much galavanting around, we decided to go to see The Interpreter which was much better than I anticipated. We went to the 10pm showing which put me in the car to drive back to NJ at about 12:45. I decided since I was wide awake better to make the drive then when I knew there would be no traffic than wait till the next day.

All in all it was an excellent trip and I got to see quite a few people that I have been missing, and got some updates on other mutual friends and acquaintences all around. Tonight is a gathering at my brother's apartment for his birthday and tomorrow I have a list of things I need to accomplish, not the least of which is my paperwork for my background check for the state of NY and a few resumes for some job postings that caught my eye as of late. If I am feeling really motivated I might even go over to the DMV since my license is up for renewal by month's end. This of course is also dependant on how my hair looks tomorrow. I know the picture will be horrendous regardless, but I can hope can't I?!

How was YOUR weekend?

LAWYER MOONLIGHTS AS PORN STAR?!

As if there are not enough lawyer jokes, now the profession has to deal with this. Ronald S. Miller is moonlighting as a porn star. According to the article Mr. Miller has performed in over 90 films and is not breaking any rules of the California Bar. Faaaantastic.

Now while pornography [or adult films or whatever you want to call it] is not my personal cup of tea I realize that quite a large segment of the population finds entertainment value in them. I'm all for personal expression and I am generally in the "as long as it doesn't hurt other people more power to you" camp. However, in this instance I must protest. In the first place many ethics cannons for lawyers have one of those "conduct unbecoming a member of the bar" clauses that basically lets the state's bar association dictate what is and is not acceptable within reason. This is of course to prevent outlandish behavior that is not otherwise specifically prohibited that would embarrass the profession as a whole. [Are you listening Mr. Miller?!] Whether California has a similarly worded rule I do not know - I might try to find out.

However, whether Ronald S. Miller has broken a specific rule is not my concern. I'll leave that to the folks at the California Bar. What concerns me is that the legal profession has a hard enough time gaining the respect of the average citizen. I could wallpaper my house with printed copies of all the comic strips and jokes and jabs made at the expense of lawyers. I am not whining mind you. Some of them are deserved and some of them are downright funny. But I ask you, how comfortable would you be to have the person representing you filing briefs in the morning and taking them off that night on film? Apparently Mr. Miller's clients don't mind - or else they think he is kidding when he tells them of his nocturnal activities. I know I wouldn't believe it if my attorney turned to me and told me such a thing.

Mr. Miller was quoted in the above article as saying:

My whole life, I've been one of those people who sees the wet paint sign and has to go up and touch it to see if it's wet... I want to experience everything, try everything.

I am left wondering if he believes people that fire it hot or did he have to burn himself in order to learn the truth of the matter. Also, exactly how much of an experience is he looking for? Having been in over 90 adult films thus far doesn't he understand what's it's like to be a porn star or is he just a slow learner? And as for sexual experimentation, if that is his goal why does he need to put it on film and share it with the world at large?? Doesn't he have a bedroom at home?

What I am getting at is this - being an attorney requires a certain sense of decorum. There is a professional face on law school graduates. Imagine, just for a moment, the potential embarrassng situations that could arise if the judge or opposing counsel came across one of Mr. Miller's films then had to face him in court or a meeting the next day.

We all worked very hard to get our law degrees and a certain level of respect is warranted - both for our colleagues and ourselves. I think Mr. Miller is lacking that respect. Plainly put, he makes the rest of us look bad. He is a living, breathing lawyer joke, regardless of what his skills may be in a courtroom. Does he have a "right" to do what he does - absolutely. Is he breaking any rules or laws - obviously not since he has been at this for quite some time. It's just plain tacky!!!

MAD COW MOUTHS OFF

OK, so today's link is not all that "useful" or practical, but damn I laughed myself silly. If nothing else it's a mood lifter. You will need volume, and there is cursing. Consider yourself warned.

Ladies and gentlemen may I present THE MAD COW!

You may now return to your regularly scheduled work day ...

CONTROL THE STUMBLING DRUNK

OK, so this - THE DRUNK GAME is HYSTERICAL!!

Try and see how far you can keep the drunk man up. Good Luck!
You just move your mouse left to right (no clicking) to keep him walking in a straight line.
The object of the game is to keep him walking, without falling over, by using your mouse from left to right or right to left - you can't see your mouse which makes it more difficult. Apparently the record is 82 meters! Love the sound effects. It's in German, not that it matters.

ITS ADDICTIVE - trust me.

Thanks to Crystal for sending me the link.

WHAT PERSONALITY DISORDER ARE YOU?

You May Be a Bit Histrionic ...

Dramatic and over the top, you crave attention. And you'll do anything it takes to get noticed. You love to be seductive, even when it's inappropriate. If you're ignored, you're easily hurt ... and act out even more!

What Personality Disorder Are You?

Well, I could not pass up this online quiz. The results are very, VERY me. Check it out, let me know how YOU come out. :)

THE LONGEVITY GAME

Today's "just for fun" web site is the Longevity Game at http://www.nmfn.com/tnetwork/longevity_game_popup.html. As the site explains:

See how your lifestyle can affect you in the years to come by answering
just 12 quick questions. Your expected age will show in the tabulator in the upper left corner. Keep in mind your answers may increase, decrease, or have no affect on your expected age.

Well 12 easy questions I can do that ... OK so it turns out that based solely on my age now I would live to the ripe old age of 81. After factoring in my risks and lifestyle my longevity is predicted to be 79. That's not too shabby. What number did YOU get?? Share in the comments.

OK, OK, I hear some grumblers in the back complaining that this website wasn't that much "fun", and for some might have been a real downer. Well try this on for size: http://www.benandjerrys.com. It's your favorite "pint sized" pals Ben and Jerry! While this site won't help increase your longevity [might have the opposite affect in fact], it is certainly under the moniker of FUN! Check out the fun online games, and screensavers, buy funky Ben & Jerry tee-shirts or even a "pint lock" to keep pesky roommates away from your half eaten ice cream!! I especially enjoyed the animated/video presentation on how they make their ice cream called "From cow to cone". The site is also hosting voting to resurrect your favorite retired flavor from the "Flavor Graveyard" to be made once again for your tasting pleasure! Come on back and tell me what flavor you voted for!

Check it out - go nuts!

FOR YOUR AMUSEMENT ON TAX DAY

OK, so I haven't posted in a few days. You thought I went slack again didn't you! But NO. I was sick, REAL sick. I'll spare you the list of what is/was ailing me [and YES, there is an entire LIST.] The Dr. went from one thing to the next as he racked up a stack of RXs for me and finally he just said "You're really not having a good day are you?" Anyway, I am still recovering, but I decided I might as well slap up something for your amusement.

Today's link is to DVD FEATURES. This is an excellent site if you like to collect DVDs. [Originals not pirated ones people - that would be copyright infringement, that would be wrong. *tisk-tisk*] Anyway, a lot of DVDs have "hidden" features or surprises if you know what buttons to push and when. These hidden features are actually called "Easter Eggs" for all the techies. For example, on the DVD for Harry Potter And The Sorcerer's Stone the site says that:

One of the most exciting features of the release has been locked away on Warner Home Video’s version of 'Harry Potter And The Sorcerer’s Stone' – the deleted scenes. We tell you how to get to these treasures and how to make your way through the lengthy games that hide these scenes.

There are tons of movies and TV shows that have been released on DVD on this site. The site seems to be regularly updated once fans send in the Easter Eggs they find. Check it out.

ART, LITERATURE & NYQUIL

OK, So I just downed the nastiness they call Nyquil, but I am hoping this means I actually get some sleep tonight [as opposed to the last 3 or 4]. However, since I posted every day for the past few days I feel obliged to continue on my streak for as long as possible.

Tonight I bring you a taste of the arts. First let me introduce you to my favorite (modern) author, Robert Fulghum http://www.robertfulghum.com/. He wrote All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten as well as a host of other books that I find fascinating. I highly recommend them all. He is introspective and tends to write essay type chapters on his everyday observations on life. If you don't want to full-on commit to buying one of his books and you're too lazy to go to the library then may I suggest reading some of his online journal entries. Personally, I think his books are just a tad better, but it will certainly give you an inkling of his style.

Robert Fulghum's credo is:

"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge -
That myth is more potent than history,
I believe that dreams are more powerful than facts -
That hope always triumphs over experience -
That laughter is the only cure for grief.
And I believe that love is stronger than death."

If you are looking for something to make you think, or even just to lift your spirits you won't be disappointed. Go read - you know you want to.

OK, that was literature, now to art. For your viewing pleasure today I give you two artists. The first is someone you undoubedly know, but might not have known he was an artist. Ladies and Gentlemen I give you Leonard Nimoy. http://www.leonardnimoyphotography.com/index.htm Yes! It turns out that "Mr. Spock" of Star Trek fame is indeed a very talented artist. I was pleasantly surprised at his work and as it turns out he will be showing in NYC this summer. Some of his photos are quite shocking and not the normal subject material you would expect, but all serve as a catalyst for conversation - and isn't that one of the goals of an artist after all?

The next artist is not as well known as Mr. Nimoy, but an up and coming talent nonetheless. Dennis Dipasquale, http://www.kenazz.com/gallery.html is a friend of mine and quite the photographer. He has had his work displayed at The Well Fed Artist, http://www.wellfedartist.org/ in Philadelphia as well as his own personal site Kenazz. Apparently he is a jack of all trades and has a pretty deep creative streak. Go check out his galleries and his creative services.

Who would have thought when I met him all those years ago in college that he was such a diamond in the rough. If you ask real nice he might even sell you a print. :) [Shameless promotion I know, but if I thought his work sucked I wouldn't bother - trust me it's worth a look.]

That's all for now, the Nyquil is kicking in and mixing with the leftover Claritin in my system. Let's hope for some pleasant dreams tonight ..... Ciao.

JUST FOR A GOOD LAUGH

So, today's site isn't useful in any way and probably won't tell you anything you don't already intrinsicly know, but it's damn funny so I thought I would pass it on. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you http://www.barbitches.com/. While I don't particularly like the masogynistic undertones of the page title there are some little gems of wisdom tucked away in those folds of HTML.

Take for example advice to guys on picking up women in a bar: "If you take her number, call. If you don't want to call her, don't ask for her number. " Pure genius I tell you!

Ladies are equally educated on the subject of men: "Boys are not prizes. Hang out with a boy because you like his personality, you like the sex, or he makes you laugh--not because you are lonely and want someone to play 'boyfriend' for you. "

There is even a section on "bediquette" (you'll have to go read that for yourselves, HYSTERICAL I assure you, but if I can't say certain words out loud without turning red I am certainly not going to post them here).

There are some additional tips for both sexes: "If you have called twice (and left messages) without receiving a call back, you are being rejected (or s/he is out of town and should not return to an answering machine full of messages from you). Do not keep calling. "

And the writers of the site recognize the situation for what it is: "Finally... If you're looking for a long-term, meaningful relationship, why are you looking in a bar? "

There are also sections on how to gracefully reject someone and how to find a good drinking establishment in the first place. It's worth a look-see. Certain comments would also spark the male/female perspective that is great fodder for a debate on the complexities of dealing with the opposite sex.

Go check it out, lemme know what you think.

ONE FOR THE GUYS

Today's site is geared towards the techies and engineering types. It's called EMACHINE SHOP. http://www.emachineshop.com/ Basically you can have them create custom parts for any tinkering or creating you might be doing. I understand it is also a great place to get replacement parts when they are no longer made by the manufacturer. I thought the site was "interesting", but those of the male persuasion that I showed it to thought it was the best thing since sliced bread. Anyway, check it out. If you happen to use their services and make something really spectacular drop back over and tell me about it. :)

Day three and still going strong! .....

MINDLESS AMUSEMENTS II

Wow, two days in a row!! Since this is day 2 I figure I might as well give you 2 links. First there is "What Intentional Tort are You?" at http://www.mewing.net/tortquiz/. It's a short quizz. Those of you in the legal field will find this especially amusing. Feel free to lob a "comment" my way and let me know what you are. For the record I was "Assault", which makes me menacing and mean but not a real threat, otherwise I would have been "battery". Hmmm, very telling.

Another interesting site sure to aid you in your procrastination pursuits is "How Stuff Works" at http://www.howstuffworks.com/ - shocker. Basically all that random stuff you always wondered but never bothered to research is there. You can learn about microprocessors, auto transmissions, and cell phones among others. And, it's not limited to technie stuff either. You can find out how credit scores work, how Krispy Kreme donuts are made or even how a tattoo is done. Go wild! Learn something new and exciting then tell me about it in the COMMENTS.

In PERSONAL NEWS I am still on the job hunt and unemployment will run out soon so any advice or leads would be appreciated!! I have a feeling this situation will improve dramatically once I actually get a law license. Results from the bar exams out sometime before Memorial Day - keep your fingers crossed!

MINDLESS AMUSEMENTS

OK, so I have all these great sites in my favorites and I decided since I have been SUCH a slacker and not posting maybe I would share a few w/ all the people NOT reading my blog. ;)

First on the list is http://www.mrpicassohead.com/create.html. Mr. Picassohead is kinda fun and interesting and certainly fits the description of a "mindless amusement". Go check it out, go nuts. If you make some really funky stuff email it to me. mailto:tscgirl@comcast.net If I can figure out how, I'll even post some of the artwork here.

That's all for now - hopefully another fun link tomorrow!