December 19, 2005
Movie Task Update, Day One
This movie thing is going to be harder than i thought. i couldn't find anybody to go with me tonight. i called Betty first.
"Which one did you have in mind?" she asked.
"How about Good Night and Good Luck?"
"Never heard of it. What's it about?"
"Edward R. Murrow."
"What's that?"
"Um, do you know who McCarthy was?"
"Sure, he was like some communist, right?"
"Um, not exactly."
Betty later claimed she was kidding. Anyways, she couldn't go because tonight was tae-bo night for her. i got stood up for Billy Blanks himself. Only in L.A.
Next, i called Lori. But she and her boyfriend are total homebodies. Even though they work in the business, the last thing they want to do after work is go see a movie.
My brother was a last resort, but if it doesn't involve a car chase, he's not interested. Also he got home late from his job and was too cranky and tired to go out again.
The one consolation to staying home was a big plate of my Mom's Labskovs stew, which we all ate while watching the latest Raymond DVD. What's my Mom's Labskovs stew like, you ask? Holy crap, as Frank Barone might say, it's awesome!
My parents are completely addicted to Raymond. They buy each DVD set the very day it goes on sale. i must say, i've gotten to appreciate the show a lot too. This latest DVD, of season five is the funniest so far. It's too bad they went and bought it because i still have no idea what to get either of them for Christmas.
Oh, on a completely unrelated topic, my car is angry with me. She's threatening to go on strike because i've been driving with the check engine light for the last oh 10,000 miles or so. So now she's started sputtering and coughing when i first turn her on. It's just a form of protest, but i'll have to placate her by taking her in to the shop this week if i can.
When the check engine light first came on i took her in right away because i heard that you should never drive a car with the check engine light on. i ended up paying the dealer $100 just so they could tell me it was the catalytic converter. Cool, i thought. i can ignore that, no problem.
i continued to ignore it for several reasons:
#1: from what i understand, the CC is made of solid platinum, and therefore costs about $50,000 to replace.
#2: i'm supposed to smog the car this year, so they will obviously insist that i fix the CC before they re-register me. i'm now late on re-registering, by the way. i just couldn't afford the smog check, the new CC and the fee all at once.
#3: until now, there was no discernable difference in the car's performance, except for the annoying orange light on the dashboard, which i got used to. Actually the light itself was not as annoying as having to hear every single passenger in my car say "hey, did you know your check engine light is on?"
Posted by: annika at
09:48 PM
| Comments (15)
| Add Comment
Post contains 539 words, total size 3 kb.
1
Start poppin' some popcorn. You're strapped in... you're in the hands of something much bigger and more powerful than yourself.
So why not just lay back and enjoy the ride?
Posted by: d-rod at December 19, 2005 10:23 PM (Y4xWc)
2
Take it in Annie, or have it quit on the way back to Sacto or some other crucial time when it will cost you twice as much to fix by the place to which it is towed.
Change the oil while you are at it.
I'm guessing you need to keep it going about another 18 months to two years or so. When you pass the Bar and negotiate your deal with the big firm, one of the perks will be a new car so you don't need to deal with this crap anymore.
Law School's not all bad, you know.
Posted by: shelly at December 20, 2005 02:20 AM (6mUkl)
3
Shelly:
What good is a car when you have to bill 70 hours a week?
Posted by: Jake at December 20, 2005 06:16 AM (r/5D/)
4
Jake, check your calculator. A lawyer billing 70 hours a week (3,640 a year)will own the firm in two years. The firms pretty much like to see 2,000 or some ask for 2,200, maybe 2,400 for a real compulsive achiever who wants to make partner on a fast track. Used to be 1,800 when I started.
Besides which, (unfortunately) there is a gap between "billing" hours and actually working them.
On the other hand, I agree with you somewhat; just drive down to the parking areas in any large building in LA before 8:00 A.M. or after 8:00 P.M. in the evening, and all you see are the Porsches, MBZ's and BMW's, with an occasional Corvette or Cadillac.
Life has lost relevance for lots of these kids, and the collegiality of the practice of law that existed when I began has been lost with it.
I'm hoping to do something about that this coming year, but how? Any ideas appreciated.
Posted by: shelly at December 20, 2005 07:33 AM (6mUkl)
5
Shelly;
I misstated the description of the hours. To meet most law firms billing requirements, a lawyer has to work 70 hours a week or more because of vacations, holidays and administration duties.
What to do about it? Realize that the work turned out by an employee who has already worked 50 hours that week is garbage. Those excess hours are a disservice to your clients, burn out your best people and results in excessive turnover.
The agreements I see coming out of "top" law firms are obviously written by overworked, sleep-deprived, burnt out lawyers. The agreements are cut and paste jobs that prove that the writer's brain was so fogged that he could not understand the purpose of the agreement.
As you know, clients are pushing back by starting inhouse legal departments, doing the cutting and pasting themselves or going to India to have their legal work done. It is time for law firms to reform.
Posted by: Jake at December 20, 2005 09:08 AM (r/5D/)
6
The solution, at least in California, is simple. But it's never going to happen. Close down the non-accredited law schools. There are too many young lawyers looking for work, and we keep pumping new ones into the system. No wonder the profession is not collegial anymore. The work of a lawyer can't help but become devalued when there are too many lawyers out there. Shelly, can you track the number of inactive members of the bar. Has it gone up as the number of admittees continues to rise? i wonder what the rate of young lawyers is who end up giving up on the profession and changing their status to inactive after a few years. It seems to me a question of simple economics, supply and demand. When the labor pool gets too big, the value of that labor is cheapened. The only winners in this system are the law schools, who make out like bandits.
Posted by: annika at December 20, 2005 09:45 AM (zAOEU)
7
A catalytic converter is necessary only for emissions purposes; it won't affect your performance unless it clogs up and restricts exhaust flow.
And while it has platinum in it as a catalyst, it's not solid platinum, and shouldn't cost more than a few hundred dollars installed, unless your car is Very Weird. (A "universal" cat and cheap installation might run under $150.)
The "check engine" light is, in almost all cases, an indication that something trivial is wrong with the emissions system. It does
not indicate an actual problem with the function of the engine. (I believe some very expensive cars, like at least some of the BMWs, actually have indicators for
real engine problems. This is not common, in my understanding.)
(Though the sputter and cough at startup might indicate you need a tuneup.)
Posted by: Sigivald at December 20, 2005 03:52 PM (4JnZM)
8
I haven't been enthused about Good Night and Good Luck after reading a review that says it's pretty much a cartoon. Murrow is Good. McCarthy is Bad. Good triumphs over Bad. End of story.
Posted by: Ontario Emperor at December 20, 2005 04:38 PM (FPdMX)
9
When it doesn't start and doesn't run, you will then have a fair idea that something is wrong with it. Why not do it like everyone else on your side of the gender divide?
Cars are running fine if they start when you turn the key, go when you put it in gear and push on the gas, and stop when you put your foot on the brake.
All these other things are just distractions to annoy you. Ignore them.
So, why worry?
Posted by: shelly at December 20, 2005 05:55 PM (6mUkl)
10
"It seems to me a question of simple economics, supply and demand."
Yes, it is -- and you're arguing for a cartel. Which is precisely what the practice of law has been in nearly all of this country for about a century. But California cartel is weaker than some -- unaccredited law schools pose less of a barrier to entry, and I've heard that the Cal. Bar is no longer pushing enforcement of the UPL statute (although the extra-tough bar exam offsets some of this) -- which increases competition and makes producers' lives harder. Competition always sucks for producers; it means they have to work harder. On the other hand, it's good for consumers. C'est la vie.
Posted by: Matt at December 20, 2005 08:19 PM (vNreC)
11
Annie, we can track the inactive members' numbers pretty well, but a lot of the reason is just that people live longer these days because of advances in medicine, etc.
But the numbers are deceptive, as we don't always know the reason that they elect to be "inactive".
Some just retire, others retire but won't give up the "active" designation. Many who no longer really practice publicly retain the "active" status for ego.
To further complicate the numbers, the Board of Governors is requiring retired judges who seek to practice ADR to be "active" members, and many are in a furor over that issue, although it's not clear whether it is the extra three hundred a year, or the MCLE requirement that causes the upset. Or maybe it is just being regulated.
Some just don't want to be "active" members by designation, so we're trying to negotiate a different designation with the same other requirements for retired judges.
Back to law schools: Lots of the unacredited ones are in trouble, primarily because the Bar is tough. Many are on the verge of bankruptcy.
That is not going to change, at least not on my watch, nor for the immediate future. In fact, we are making it two more questions tougher.
On the age thing: I'm going to ask if we can get an age breakdown on inactive members. I'll let you know what I find out.
The meltdown of the dot.com boom saw many coming back to "active" and looking for their old jobs back, by the way.
Lastly, Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher just bumped first years' back up to $135,00. Go figure.
Posted by: shelly at December 20, 2005 11:32 PM (6mUkl)
12
Dashboard "check engine" lights with accompanying sputtering are usually oxygen sensor related. That sensor tells the engine how to mix air and fuel for combustion. You've already spent more in wasted fuel consumption than it would cost you to fix it. Driving with a bad oxygen sensor will eventually ruin the CC. Put on a mini. Shake your moneymaker, and get it fixed for the $25 cost of the part.
Posted by: Casca at December 22, 2005 09:13 AM (y9m6I)
13
Tsk, Tsk, Casca.
You are talking to a future lawyer here.
Show some respect. A few days at Quantico have caused you to retrogress 30 years.
Posted by: shelly at December 22, 2005 11:13 AM (6mUkl)
14
i used to get cheated at the mechanic's all the time. Until my brother taught me a trick that i believe works. i bought a cheapo t-shirt from Pep Boys Auto Parts. i wear it whenever i go to the mechanic. They never know for sure how knowledgable i am, so they don't try to double-talk me when they see that shirt.
Posted by: annika at December 22, 2005 02:12 PM (zAOEU)
Posted by: annika at December 22, 2005 02:17 PM (zAOEU)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
October 02, 2005
My Top Five Bookstores, Plus A Few Others
- The Upper West Side B&N. On Broadway in the 60's, i think. Three floors. Even on Saturday night it's packed with people not just browsing, but actually reading. You have to wade through readers just to walk upstairs. i'm confident that if i asked any patron or employee "would you recommend Turgenev?" i'd get a lucid answer. i'll bet Tom Hanks' megastore in You've Got Mail was based on this B&N.
- Powell's Books in Portland, Oregon. They simply have everything. i found an old astronomy book that we had when i was a kid, but got lost in one of my family's moves. i found an original play by Edna St. Vincent Millay. They had a vintage copy of Grover's The Monster at the End of This Book, which i loved as a kid.
- Strand Books, Downtown Manhattan. World famous. i aspire to buy something here. i was there once, but didn't buy anything because i was traveling with carry on bags only, and didn't want to pack a book back. The next time i was in NY, i looked and looked but couldn't find the store. i thought it was by the Library. i asked one of those dudes that sells books on the sidewalk and he, quite predictably, told me he'd never heard of the place.
- The Fisherman's Wharf B&N, next to the original Cost Plus World Market (which Callahan staked out in the first Dirty Harry.). i spent so many wonderful hours browsing in this B&N. It's light and airy and comfortable. Nothing bad can ever happen there. The store has good karma.
- The Calabasas B&N, on the outskirts of the Valley. Two stories. Not the greatest selection, but the weather was always perfect whenever i went there. All the shoppers seem rich. There's a pretty good fish restaurant in the shopping center. Anne of Straight From The Hip used to blog about working there.
- Vroman's near Cal Tech. Pleasant. Has a nice card selection and a decent cafe, and sells lots of pen stuff. Nice gifts too. You can sign up so that a portion of each purchase goes to charity. Good local interest section.
- B&N in Twin Falls, Idaho. That and the Evel Knievel jump site are the only interesting things to see in that town. i bought something by Thomas Merton there on a Good Friday. Ironically, i read it while eating a steak at a local greasy spoon. Don't ask me what the fuck i was doing in Twin Falls, Idaho.
- City Lights, on Columbus in North Beach. i always stop in there even though i never buy anything. Ferlinghetti owns it. Afterwards, you can drink a Guinness next door at Vesuvio's. If you do, sit upstairs, look down at the store and imagine Kerouac walking in the alleyway. He probably did once.
Posted by: annika at
10:07 PM
| Comments (7)
| Add Comment
Post contains 486 words, total size 3 kb.
1
Tattered Covers Denver Clorado
Posted by: trigger at October 02, 2005 10:23 PM (4KZfM)
2
Please forgive me, annika, but now I'm genuinely curious: Just what the puck where you doing in Twin Falls, Idaho?
Should you ever make it to Washington, you should check out Kramer Books & Afterwords (bookstore/cafe combo) and Politics & Prose (it's not a DC bookstore if it doesn't have an ampersand in the name.). There's also a really good used bookstore in Dupont Circle, easy walking distance from KB&A.
Posted by: Victor at October 03, 2005 04:49 AM (L3qPK)
3
Not a single Chicago bookseller? Let me suggest a place on the corner of Clark & Wellington. The proprietor is John, and there are books stacked all over the place. I have twice been there when the fire marshall came in to give him hell. Powell's Chicago store is just down the street on Clark too, as are many others.
I don't know what you see in all of these "NEW" bookstores, give me the old seedy places anyday.
Posted by: Casca at October 03, 2005 06:52 AM (qBTBH)
4
Strand is at Brdway and 12th..but there are other locations as well.
Just let me know what you want, I'll be happy to pick it up for you or just fondle it. (haha I couldn't resist).
http://www.strandbooks.com/home/
Welcome to New York City's legendary Strand Book Store.
In 1927 Benjamin Bass opened Strand Book Store on 4th Avenue, New York's famous Book Row of America. Named after the famous publishing street in London and an old literary magazine, Strand Book Store has long been known for remarkable deals on great books.
Ben's son Fred began working in his father's store when he was ten years old. After a tour of duty in the Armed Forces, Fred returned to the family business and took over its management in 1956. Soon after, he moved it to its current location at the corner of Broadway and Twelfth Street. When Mr. Bass moved the store to its Broadway site he rented 4,000 square feet of the building. Now, four and a half decades later, he owns the building with Strand taking up five of the eleven floors, and a second store on Fulton Street in New York City's financial district.
Posted by: jim at October 03, 2005 07:34 AM (y9UuV)
5
My husband wants his ashes spread at Powell's--second floor, third aisle.
Posted by: Pam at October 03, 2005 09:21 AM (4wugR)
6
I just bought
The Monster at the End of This Book for my niece. I loved that book!!!
Posted by: ginger at October 03, 2005 04:05 PM (jK/kA)
7
Kewl, is she gonna read it to you ging?
Posted by: Casca at October 03, 2005 05:09 PM (qBTBH)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
July 22, 2005
Mid-Summer Vacation
i'm taking a short mid-summer vacation with my family, into the land of all-you-can-eat buffets. i'll be back Tuesday night!
Posted by: annika at
03:14 PM
| Comments (12)
| Add Comment
Post contains 24 words, total size 1 kb.
1
U BITCH!!!
What are we supposed to do until then?
Fuck it, I'm going to Yosemite.
Mua, have fun.
Posted by: Casca at July 22, 2005 05:28 PM (qBTBH)
2
DING!!!!
What is Vegas?
Posted by: Casca at July 22, 2005 05:29 PM (qBTBH)
3
Technically, all you can eat buffets are not geographically limited.
And just because a buffet is in Southern Nevada doesn't mean it's good. A year or so ago we were passing through Laughlin with a foreign exchange student, and I thought it would be a good idea to show her a Nevada casino buffet. I figured I'd go to the buffet at Don Laughlin's resort - I mean, the danged town was named after him, so it had to be good. Wrong-o, Ontario; the worst buffet I had ever visited. Proceed with caution. I'd be better off eating tiger food.
Posted by: Ontario Emperor at July 22, 2005 11:49 PM (sjjQ2)
4
What will we READ until Tuesday?!
Posted by: Mark at July 23, 2005 08:32 PM (haZw+)
5
Well, you info starved babies, if you live in LA, you could read LA Observed or Mayor Sam, or even Joe Scott.
Check with google for actual sites.
All have some entertainment and news value, but frankly, none have the wit and national political insights of a cute second year law student. Which is why we all stay reading this blog, despite the occasional deviations to ladies shoes, American Skankwoman, etc.
OK, Annie, mark me down as a big fan.
Posted by: shelly at July 24, 2005 02:09 AM (pO1tP)
6
Shelly, you may be bordering on stalker :~)
Posted by: Victor at July 24, 2005 06:17 AM (IBRcA)
7
shelly, have a problem with ladies footwear?
hmmmmm
Posted by: louielouie at July 24, 2005 11:30 AM (xKfMm)
8
OK, If you put on some pounds at the all-u-can eats,
I want to see another picture of your ass.
In the last one you were looking a bit scrawny.
/oh hell, show us a pic of your ass anyway.
Posted by: Kyle at July 25, 2005 03:00 PM (7Re84)
9
Kyle is correct. We need to have a better look at this potentially misdiagnosed ass-bite.
Posted by: d-rod at July 25, 2005 10:00 PM (K4NWG)
10
You guys need to get a life.
Annie will be back tomorrow and she is going to bitch slap the lot of you.
Go take a cold shower and await your fate.
Posted by: shelly at July 25, 2005 11:19 PM (pO1tP)
11
Shelly, I take it back. The *other* guys ("other guys" being "not me and you") are the stalkers.
Posted by: Victor at July 26, 2005 07:37 AM (L3qPK)
12
There's a club that I'll avoid.
Posted by: Casca at July 26, 2005 03:44 PM (qBTBH)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
July 10, 2005
Spider War Update
ASS BITE FEARED
As predicted and long feared, a spider bit annika on the ass.
. . .
Meanwhile, in Florida, it's windy.
Developing...
Posted by: annika at
10:24 AM
| Comments (8)
| Add Comment
Post contains 30 words, total size 1 kb.
1
come on now, you cant get anyone to suck the poison out?
Posted by: Kyle at July 10, 2005 10:46 AM (7Re84)
2
Get the fuck out of the way Kyle! Bend over Anni!!
Posted by: Casca at July 10, 2005 11:04 AM (qBTBH)
3
....there's a cream for that.
Posted by: Jasen at July 10, 2005 03:03 PM (W2OZ5)
4
Nice, and I don't even know which is yours. :-)
Posted by: MarkD at July 10, 2005 04:30 PM (nQAo8)
5
I doubt it was a spider. The majority of "spider bites" are actually ant bites.
Posted by: Victor at July 10, 2005 04:32 PM (IBRcA)
6
Uh, there were asses in that picture?
I was preoccuppied looking for spider bites on the nearly-transparant yellow halter top in the background.
I'm guessing that the ass on the left belongs to Annie...
Posted by: Robbie at July 11, 2005 06:33 AM (lbWbV)
7
I never thought I would be asking this question online, but which ass is yours?
Posted by: Jonathan at July 11, 2005 04:12 PM (oegEw)
8
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. Pants getting tighter.
Posted by: Radical Redneck at July 12, 2005 07:52 AM (Hn8NG)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
June 04, 2005
Victim Number Three
This is one of the jumping spiders that i saw
attack and kill a daddy longlegs thingie outside. They're very quick. i found victim number three on the wall next to my computer. Poor thing had to go because i don't want to find it crawling on my feet at some unsuspecting moment. If it had stayed outside, it might have lived, but rules are rules. And a death sentence is a death sentence.
In my room there shall be no pardon from the death sentence. i am the governor, the judge, the jury and the executioner.
Posted by: annika at
11:48 AM
| Comments (12)
| Add Comment
Post contains 103 words, total size 1 kb.
1
As a former tarantula-owner from way back when (I had four), I have to express sadness at all this arachnicide. Jumping spiders have fantastic eyesight, which allows them to lock on to their prey from a distance and perform a kill quickly.
Unfortunately, as little predators, they're hard-wired to detect insect-sized targets, not gargantuan Annikas bearing down on them. Alas for my exoskeletal friends.
Kevin
PS: If you kill a male jumping spider with spray and flip its little corpse over, you'll see it has a camouflage pattern forming the words "White Men" on the underside of its abdomen. Flip a female jumping spider over, and you'll find "Can't Jump." Most of these spiders were specially bred in a lab by a team of scientists working for Woody Harrelson. The team is currently developing a species that displays the word "HEMP."
Posted by: Kevin Kim at June 04, 2005 12:20 PM (1PcL3)
2
Damn that's one nasty looking spider, how do you kill one of those bad boys? Nunchuks?
Posted by: Wayne at June 04, 2005 12:26 PM (7I7f5)
3
Would not want to get bitten by one of those bastards.
Posted by: Mark at June 04, 2005 12:53 PM (Vg0tt)
4
how'd the spider get in the cottage cheese?
Posted by: louielouie at June 04, 2005 01:50 PM (i7mWl)
5
Shall I fuel your paranoia? I think I shall. I was once bitten by a spider that had nested in one of my combat boots. It took about two weeks for the swelling to go down, and it was quite nasty.
Posted by: Casca at June 05, 2005 10:10 AM (qBTBH)
6
is that a riddle, Louie?
i don't know, how
did the spider get into the cottage cheese?
Posted by: annika at June 05, 2005 11:38 AM (wNjyE)
7
It's a common wolf spider. They're hunters, don't build nests, and are about as harmful to people as a baseball cap. annie, didn't anyone ever tell you it's bad luck to kill a spider?
It rips my heart out every time you brag about murdering a spider.
Posted by: Victor at June 05, 2005 04:22 PM (Sx8zO)
8
Hey Victor, i wrote a poem, just for you:
Every time a spider die
Sammy Sosa hit pop fly.
get it, huh? GET IT?! i think that's pretty funny, ain't it Victor?!
(i'm just kiddin dude. i'm destined to remain in last place this year, no matter what moves i make.)
Posted by: annika at June 05, 2005 07:50 PM (rC1od)
9
I'm jealous over how you managed that multi-player deal. I guess being a hot...uhhh...whatever your hair color is these days...must have something to do with it.
Posted by: Victor at June 06, 2005 07:09 AM (L3qPK)
10
Sosa somehow made the All-Star ballot this year. How did that happen? As of this morning, he has 37 hits in 153 at bats with a .242 avg and only 17 RBIs and 16 runs. Not so great after 40 games. Maybe the Cubs had the right idea (for once).
Posted by: Mark at June 06, 2005 08:01 AM (Hk4wN)
11
Or me, for trading him to you.
BTW, I cut the guy I traded him for. Saw him play Saturday and decided he sucked.
Posted by: Victor at June 06, 2005 09:43 AM (L3qPK)
12
Looks like we both got a raw deal on that one.
Posted by: annika at June 06, 2005 01:33 PM (zAOEU)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
June 02, 2005
Important News Item
Important news item posted over at Publicola's.
Posted by: annika at
12:20 AM
| Comments (4)
| Add Comment
Post contains 13 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Anyone who writes:
"The bird was Cyanocitta stelleri, commonly known as Stellar's Jay".
is not the same person who says:
"i hate those daddy longlegs thingies, cuz they can fly,"
Who the hell is that other Annika?
Posted by: Jake at June 02, 2005 07:20 AM (r/5D/)
2
There is no other Annika.
If this really was your post, you shold have completed the sentence, "...and get bit in the ass (BY A SPIDER)"
Bites in the ass can be a pleasant experience, depending upon the biter and bitee.
Posted by: shelly at June 02, 2005 11:15 AM (ywZa8)
3
*Bites Annika in the ass.*
Posted by: Mark at June 02, 2005 12:49 PM (Hk4wN)
4
This is too vulgar for me. No wonder you all have Hep B.
Posted by: Casca at June 02, 2005 03:33 PM (qBTBH)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
May 31, 2005
Spectacular Birds Of California
This weekend i went hiking in the Sierras. The weather was great and we were in a park that i had not ever been to before. i also saw a spectacular bird up close, but i wasn't quick enough with the camera and she flew away. The bird was
Cyanocitta stelleri, commonly known as
Stellar's Jay.
Living in urban environments, as i have for the last bunch of years, i don't get the chance to see that many non-boring birds. But up here in the Sacramento area, you really can't avoid seeing some really cool looking birds. In the last year i've seen wild turkeys, snowy egrets, yellow billed magpies and a great blue heron (which is always an awesome sight).
i have a strange ambition. Someday i would like to see in the wild the following birds: a tufted puffin, a magnificent frigate bird, a penguin, and a California condor. Condors are extremely rare, but shouldn't be hard to find. They only live in the L.A. area. If i ever get to see the other birds it will mean i have travelled to Newfoundland, the southern tip of South America and Baja California, three places i've never been.
Posted by: annika at
11:35 PM
| Comments (6)
| Add Comment
Post contains 207 words, total size 1 kb.
1
You've never been to Cabo??? Anyways, you should definitely add Troguns to your list as well! It's always entertaining to watch woodpeckers pounding holes in multi-mil Lakefront Tahoe estates too.
Posted by: d-rod at May 31, 2005 11:58 PM (GfvUF)
2
Cyanocitta stelleri?
OK, now you are showing off.
Posted by: Jake at June 01, 2005 05:33 AM (r/5D/)
3
You know, South America isn't the only place that has penguins.
(I'm talkin' about the zoo, kids, but if she wants to travel to Antarctica, I ain't stoppin' her.)
Posted by: Victor at June 01, 2005 05:47 AM (L3qPK)
4
An island near Melborne, Australia is the home of the worlds smallest penguins (as well as Koalas). Tourist hordes gather every night at sunset to watch masses of them running across the beach to get to their nests in the hills. The whole scene is hilarious. Lots of other unusual birdies and parrots too - even regular old seagulls in Oz have different color eyes (red).
Posted by: d-rod at June 01, 2005 09:01 AM (4uYVH)
5
Steller's Jay has darker underparts than the similarly crested Blue Jay.
underparts????
hhmmmmmmmmmmm, so that's what this is all about.
and she flew away
how'd ya no it was a she?
Posted by: louielouie at June 01, 2005 09:49 AM (i7mWl)
6
Spelling s/b
Trogon on my first comment. I didn't know
some are found in Arizona. We snuck up by canoe on a tree full of them in the jungles of Tortaguerro.
Posted by: d-rod at June 01, 2005 10:21 AM (CSRmO)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
May 10, 2005
Status Update
i have two more finals to go. My best and worst subjects, torts and property, respectively. i can't believe the first year is almost over. This year has flown by.
Posted by: annika at
07:33 AM
| Comments (12)
| Add Comment
Post contains 34 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Of the first year subjects: loved torts, loved con law, loved crim law, loved civ pro, didn't mind property, hated contracts. Grades roughly reflective of these feelings, too. Good luck, Annie! Just two more years of exams until...you get to take the bar. ;-)
Posted by: Dave J at May 10, 2005 08:04 AM (kLLbt)
2
.. best of luck, Annika... knock'em dead..
Posted by: Eric at May 10, 2005 08:10 AM (YlwMq)
3
Indeed, knock em dead, break a leg, all those other violent terms of encouragement...
Posted by: Hugo at May 10, 2005 08:12 AM (GFNiH)
Posted by: Wayne at May 10, 2005 08:49 AM (7I7f5)
5
If you think Property law is bad in law school, wait until the Bar exam. It goes from Mothra to Godzilla.
Posted by: Mark at May 10, 2005 09:45 AM (Hk4wN)
Posted by: Trevor at May 10, 2005 10:34 AM (RwZxT)
7
Property was my most hated subject...that is until third year when I had the horror of coming into contact with a little thing called Administrative Law.
Posted by: ginger at May 10, 2005 07:05 PM (jK/kA)
8
Scare to death.
Work to death.
Bore to death.
Tolja!
Posted by: shelly at May 10, 2005 09:23 PM (pO1tP)
9
Good luck - it was just yesterday that I took my first year exams. Now I am grading them!
Posted by: OS at May 11, 2005 02:13 AM (aPNMH)
Posted by: Victor at May 11, 2005 12:31 PM (L3qPK)
11
good luck and congrats, love. how're the ants in the pants? you started drinking on weeknights yet?
Posted by: candy girl at May 11, 2005 04:43 PM (W8R91)
12
OK Vic, let me chip in:
There once was a bitch from Nantucket.
Who, when duty called, wouldn't suck it.
She was fine with some lube,
And had fabulous boobs,
But the splooge ended up in a bucket.
Posted by: Casca at May 11, 2005 07:52 PM (qBTBH)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
April 18, 2005
Interview Questions
It's interview season. And if there's one thing i've learned, it's that interviewing is a game.
There are two types of interview questions. The ones they ask you and the ones you're supposed to ask them. The ones they ask you are easy to answer if you read enough guidebooks and have some idea of how to sell yourself. The ones you're supposed to ask them are just plain stupid.
That's because there's really only two questions that you need to ask, and you can't ask either of them. They are:
1. How much are you gonna pay me? and
2. How much work do i have to do?
The first question makes you sound greedy and selfish, when you need to sound as though all you care about is how much you can help
them. The second question just makes you sound like a slacker. You should never sound like a slacker, even if you are one.
So instead you end up asking the lamest questions, which you memorize from the back of one of those interview guides. Here are some gems:
What qualities would you expect the successful candidate to possess?
Ugh, "the successful candidate?" Please shoot me if i ever talk like that.
Do you have a mentor program?
Mentor? i don't need no stinking mentor. i don't want no stinking mentor.
How would you describe your management style?
Hmm. i prefer non-existent.
Does your firm encourage participation in pro-bono or volunteer work?
Pro-bono? Like i have time for that shit. On my off hours, i intend to be medicated. Just tell me how much you're gonna pay me.
What do people like most/least about working here?
Uhh yah. That's sure to get an honest answer.
What do you see as the overall growth areas for the firm in the next few years?
Like i give a crap. i know i'll be doing hours of mind-numbing discovery on whatever case my partner assigns me, and then i'll watch as he cherry picks my billables. So again, just tell me how much you're gonna pay me.
Besides the above mentioned two most important questions, which you can't ask, i came up with some other useful questions, which you also cannot ask. Like:
Is your firm personal-call friendly?
Who are the hot single non-gay prospects around this place?
What's your hangover policy? Do you want me to come in, or stay home? Cuz if i come in, i'm not gonna be much good to anybody, lemme tell ya.
Do i have to wear hose?
Do i have to wear shoes?
What's your freak/snitch/bitch/pompous-ass : normal person ratio?
What about a company credit card? Any chance of that?
Company car? No? How 'bout a masseuse?
Do i get the corner office?
i wish i had the guts to ask some of those questions. But unfortunately, interviewing is a game you gotta play by the rules.
Posted by: annika at
11:03 PM
| Comments (9)
| Add Comment
Post contains 473 words, total size 3 kb.
1
Guess you won't be coming to my Washington law firm anytime soon, then (I work in IT under contract at one).
Posted by: Victor at April 19, 2005 06:07 AM (L3qPK)
2
That's some funny-ass-shit, Annika.
I wish I
had asked about our company hangover policy before I started...
I end every interview with the same question & follow-up statement:
"After everything we've talked about, I qualified for this job?" --- If you've had a good interview, and set the interviewer up for the correct answer, they will always answer "Yes."
At this point, I immediately follow-up with, "Then I'd like to receive an offer from your company." (assuming that you do want an offer).
This let's the company know that you are interested in working for them.
Posted by: Robbie at April 19, 2005 06:11 AM (lbWbV)
3
I feel ya on this post, girl. I'm currently suffering through the same agony.
I wish we could just go in there, grab the hiring partner by the shoulders, give him a good shake, and say, "Listen buddy, just hire me. I promise I won't be the one who fucks shit up the most around here. Plus I'm cute -- that's gotta count for something, right?"
Think that would work??
Posted by: ginger at April 19, 2005 06:20 AM (g2QG2)
4
I think one question that sort of covers some of those you can't ask, but is usually okay to ask, is for the interviewer to "describe the culture of the office." It can be a diplomatic way of saying, "Do people come in early/stay late, or are you all clockwatchers?" and "What's the dress code like?" and "Do most employees go out for lunch or eat in the conference room?" etc. Sometimes you can get some good stuff out of that, and it's stuff you want to know. I actually chose not to take a job after asking that question, because one of the things my interviewer said was, "Our work day starts at 8:30 and we really don't look kindly on people who are showing up at 8:35 or 8:40." I currently have the glorious benefit of flexible hours, and as spoiled as it may make me sound, I tend to run late. (In my current job, I more than make up for arriving fifteen minutes late most days, since I stay until 6 or 7 most nights.) I knew I wouldn't function well in an environment with such a strict clock, and besides, there were some other weird responses to my questions, and so I turned down the job. Ooh, here's another one - I asked about professional development opportunities, and was told that "they didn't waste money on conferences, because they had the best experts in house." I'm not down with that, because I've gotten my best ideas from conferences, and besides, free travel. So, you know, I don't know if that helps, but those two have always been pretty revealing questions for me.
Posted by: Lorie at April 19, 2005 07:05 AM (PPPwU)
5
HA! Too funny. I'm looking for a new job, gonna be doing interviews again, and I'm dreading it. Hate all that kabuki dance crap.
Posted by: Ron at April 19, 2005 07:26 AM (XCbTD)
6
I think best questions show you're serious about your career, e.g.,
What kind of work do junior associates do?
When was last time you (or the firm) went to trial? What was the result?
What kind of cases/clinets does the firm have? What is the percentage of revenue of the largest client--i.e., is the firm sufficiently arbitraged against a big client leaving?
Why do people leave the firm? How many have left in the last year/from your class? Where do they go? Does the firm have an "alumni" program?
What is usual staffing on cases?
What do you like best/worst about this firm?
What is unique about this firm compared to other big firms?
Posted by: Roach at April 19, 2005 07:39 AM (MRlvg)
7
Not just the interview, Annie, life.
Life is a game. Play it for all it is worth.
Just keep doing it the way you do and you will end up on top of it.
Posted by: shelly at April 19, 2005 11:29 AM (6mUkl)
8
Hilarious post. Yes, it is interview season. I almost don't want to get my bar results on the 29th. Almost.
Posted by: Micah at April 19, 2005 05:42 PM (v/oTo)
9
One more question that can't be asked: "Just how "flex" is your flextime policy, really?"
I found out that I can only flex one hour in the direction I wanted it to flex, and I have to take at least a half hour for lunch, even if I munch my sandwich at my desk while I work.
Posted by: Desert Cat at April 20, 2005 09:22 PM (xdX36)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
April 01, 2005
Not An April Fools Joke...
Just an April fool.
Today is my birthday!
Posted by: annika at
12:06 AM
| Comments (37)
| Add Comment
Post contains 18 words, total size 1 kb.
Posted by: Scott B at April 01, 2005 12:10 AM (y6ZHS)
2
Happy Birthday, Annika.
Posted by: Dave Schuler at April 01, 2005 04:58 AM (u/h/J)
Posted by: Outlaw3 at April 01, 2005 05:04 AM (L9niM)
Posted by: lawguy2003 at April 01, 2005 06:12 AM (OL3mT)
5
Happy Birthday!! All the best on your day!!
Posted by: maizzy at April 01, 2005 06:28 AM (lyS01)
6
Today is your birthday!?
It's my birthday, too, yeah!
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin Kim at April 01, 2005 06:28 AM (hjYiR)
7
Happiest of b-days to you, Annika dear!
Posted by: Hugo at April 01, 2005 06:32 AM (iH5Su)
Posted by: Pursuit at April 01, 2005 06:53 AM (VqIuy)
9
Here's to you having many more! Happy Birthday!
Posted by: ccs178 (Chris) at April 01, 2005 07:00 AM (B5UVm)
10
happy birthday annika!! ps LOVE the new image. you are so f'ing adorable.
Posted by: candy girl at April 01, 2005 07:10 AM (YycFP)
11
Hapy Birthday, Annika!
Posted by: Trevor at April 01, 2005 07:26 AM (RwZxT)
Posted by: Dave J at April 01, 2005 07:59 AM (kLLbt)
13
Today's my anniversary...no foolin'.
Happy birthday.
Posted by: Ontario Emperor at April 01, 2005 08:21 AM (v9NCH)
Posted by: Ted at April 01, 2005 09:25 AM (blNMI)
Posted by: Matt at April 01, 2005 09:56 AM (SIlfx)
16
Lovely happy day
You're so fine you blow my mind
Really - no foolin'
Posted by: d-rod at April 01, 2005 10:30 AM (CSRmO)
17
Birthday Haiku for Annika
vast talent
squeezed into
birthday girl
still under 30
Posted by: Jake at April 01, 2005 10:59 AM (r/5D/)
18
Happy birthday!!!! Doing anything exciting to celebrate?
Posted by: ginger at April 01, 2005 11:11 AM (G1Yhr)
19
Depends on if you consider moot court exciting...
or just scary. Getting ready for that thing will consume all my time until tomorrow afternoon. Afterwards, i plan to be very intoxicated.
Posted by: annika at April 01, 2005 11:52 AM (zAOEU)
20
Happy Birthday! May you have many more.
Posted by: Sir Knight at April 01, 2005 12:43 PM (RelpD)
21
Thank you so much everybody. i'm overwhelmed!
: D
Posted by: annika at April 01, 2005 01:06 PM (zAOEU)
22
Happy birthday!!
Mine is the third. I just missed being "a fool."
Posted by: Jay at April 01, 2005 01:51 PM (E8ymR)
23
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!
repeat
Happy Birthday dear Annie,
Happy Birthday to you!
And many more.
And love.
Posted by: gcotharn at April 01, 2005 02:24 PM (OxYc+)
24
Happy Birthday, Annie.
Hell, I used to think my being born on Christmas Day was a burden...
Posted by: shelly at April 01, 2005 02:28 PM (6mUkl)
25
Happy Fucking Birthday!!!
Now for the question that others dare not axe. Is there a counterpart to the "Birthday BJ"?
Posted by: Casca at April 01, 2005 04:01 PM (cdv3B)
26
Happy B-Day Annie! Hope you have a great day!
Posted by: D at April 01, 2005 04:31 PM (Rs559)
27
birthday, birthday, happy birthday!
Posted by: Chris at April 01, 2005 05:43 PM (x3eIc)
28
Ha-a-a-a-ppy Birth!day!
Ha-a-a-a-ppy Birth!day!
Happy Birth!day!
Happy Birth!day!
Happy-y-y Bi-i-i-rthda-a-a-a-y!
--Handel's
"Annika"
Posted by: Tuning Spork at April 01, 2005 06:24 PM (ZTSbg)
29
**SMOOCH!!**
And now -- spankings!
Posted by: Desert Cat at April 02, 2005 07:24 PM (xdX36)
30
and the well wishes just keep coming ~
Happy Birthday Annika
Posted by: jim at April 03, 2005 06:38 AM (lN8eP)
31
...and coming, and coming...
Happy Birthday!!!
Posted by: RichieD at April 03, 2005 02:41 PM (/I3rB)
32
I hope your boyfriend buys you chocolate and a gun. I hope he remembered flowers and takes you to your favorite dinner and a chick flick. I hope your parents call and your grandparents and great grandparents speak to you from the beyond in a dream. I hope your neighbors set off fireworks at dusk and your dog brings in the paper while the kids serve you breakfast in bed. I hope you have multiple orgasms and a lover who finds the G-spot. I hope God washes your car while angels fill out your tax return. I hope Bush calls and tells you he is arming the pilots and sealing the southern border in your honor. I hope there is a parade. I hope the mailman has to bring the mail in a dumptruck tomorrow because of the cards. I hope Trump is on the answering machine saying: "You're hired!" I hope Glen instalanches you. I hope the trees are blooming, birds chirping, clouds puffing and a beautific light surrounds you. I hope your aura turns rainbow. I hope the socks match and the dryer is lint-free. I hope you won the lottery. I hope the Navy names an attack submarine after you. I hope your boobs are higher and firmer. I hope you live to be 120 with good teeth. I hope there is plenty of tread left on the tires. I hope the servants walk in singing. I hope they make you wear a funny hat at Chilis. I hope you realize the Absolute. I hope you have a great hair day. I hope your breath is fresh and your feet sweet. I mean.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Posted by: Robert at April 03, 2005 04:02 PM (6mUkl)
33
Congratulations!
(And many moooooooooore.)
Posted by: Mark at April 03, 2005 04:13 PM (Vg0tt)
34
Happy B'Day & Keep On Bloggin' Away!
Posted by: Dave Lucas at April 03, 2005 06:17 PM (tWEOw)
Posted by: annie at April 04, 2005 07:21 AM (ITd4R)
36
Yay! Happy Birthday, dahling!
Posted by: Ron at April 04, 2005 06:34 PM (Uo6Pl)
37
Ditto what they all said. Except for that Casca person. No need for the potty mouth.
Posted by: Preston Taylor Holmes at April 05, 2005 10:41 AM (WsZ4F)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
March 09, 2005
Things That Are Happening
Our peach tree is in bloom. It's beautiful. i thought it was dead. Shows how much i know about trees.
Today is the two year blogversary of annika's journal. A Yahoo! Poker party celebration will be held tonight at 7:00 p.m. California time. Stop by if you can. Just say hi, or sit down and play a few hands. i will post the name of the room just before it starts. BYOB.
Today is also poetry day. Who's your favorite poet? i haven't picked a poem yet, so why not suggest someone?
Have you pushed Elton John for UN Sec Gen to your friends and co-workers yet? People are talking.
And there are still two more spots open in MLBloggers, my fantasy baseball league. Email me if you're interested.
Posted by: annika at
12:35 PM
| Comments (5)
| Add Comment
Post contains 137 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Poetry suggestion: Raymond Carver.
Posted by: Paul at March 09, 2005 11:59 AM (vbP6L)
Posted by: El Cid at March 09, 2005 03:00 PM (RGERQ)
Posted by: Mark at March 09, 2005 04:42 PM (776zW)
4
And now... the Terrible Twos.
Have a good'n.
Kevin
Posted by: Kevin Kim at March 09, 2005 07:06 PM (gatnI)
5
Happy Anniversary, Annie! The blogosphere wouldn't be the same without you!!!
Posted by: ginger at March 10, 2005 06:09 AM (g2QG2)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
March 04, 2005
Extremes Of Flirting
Flirting that's too subtle:
When the barrista, the cute one with the reddish hair and high cheekbones, calls you hon, twice, and flashes that smile, and then when you smile back and your eyes meet, and there's that slight pause, barely imperceptible, but you notice it, and you think there's a moment there that maybe you might capitalize on later, and then you turn your back and slowly step over to the cream and sugar table, and you think you feel his eyes on you as you go, and it makes you feel sort of sexy, but instead you overhear him calling the next customer hon too, even twice... That's flirtation so subtle as to be non-existent.
Flirting that's not subtle enough:
When you're standing at the professor's table after class, and there's a big crowd of students around, some also waiting for the prof and some just trying to get out of the classroom, and you're waiting your turn patiently and some dude is trying to get by and so you turn your back to make room, and he turns his back and starts to slide sideways by you, and there's no more room cuz you're up against a desk and he keeps sliding instead of turning around and going out the other door like a reasonable non-perv would do, and then your ass cheeks slide-bump-slide-bump-slide together in a moment so intimate you almost want to be held afterwards... That's flirtation that could stand a little more subtlety.
Posted by: annika at
12:04 PM
| Comments (9)
| Add Comment
Post contains 255 words, total size 1 kb.
1
I think I'll step outside and smoke a cigarette now.
Posted by: JD at March 04, 2005 12:10 PM (pQrtL)
2
Really, sorry! I know you don't believe this, but I thought there was room!
Posted by: Pursuit at March 04, 2005 12:49 PM (VqIuy)
3
I'm fairly proud of my flirting style. What I do, see, is go to a public place like a mall and wait for a woman to come to me, as they always do. The exchange usually goes like this:
Woman: What the hell are you doing, you freak??
Me [pulling hands out of pants]: My name is Bond. James Bond. I keep a secret spy phone down there and the antenna was acting up. How 'bout a date?
Woman: [Shouts for secutiry]
Me: [Runs like hell]
---------------
Pretty smooth, eh?
Posted by: ccwbass at March 04, 2005 01:33 PM (PGYaq)
4
I prefer the strait forward approach:
HOW YOU DOING?
Want to go Get some Pizza and F$#K?
(Slap)
What? you don't like pizza?
Posted by: lawguy at March 04, 2005 08:25 PM (U0IaD)
5
The barrista reminds me of the "Raisins"(Hooters wannabes) episode of South Park. He just wants his overly generous tip like a good manwhore would.
Posted by: Spanky at March 04, 2005 10:57 PM (hlMFQ)
6
Actually, lawguy, I had a friend in San Diego in the 80's who used that very approach, and he would use it on every girl in a club until it worked. He usually got popped a few times, yes, be he ALWAYS hooked up. I didn't have the nerve to try it.
Posted by: JD at March 05, 2005 03:31 AM (pQrtL)
7
Of course, he could just have been trying to get past you. On second thought, that would be ridiculous.
Posted by: Mark at March 05, 2005 06:43 AM (nQAo8)
Posted by: Casca at March 05, 2005 12:13 PM (cdv3B)
9
I've never thought of uninvited butt-rubbing with a relative stranger (?) as "flirting." Assault? Yes. A cheap thrill? Maybe. But not flirting.
Posted by: Matt at March 06, 2005 12:45 AM (TLYaI)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
February 15, 2005
Study Habits
A very nice commenter sent me an e-mail expressing concern about whether i am studying hard enough, with all the blogging i do. i actually try to follow a pretty strict study schedule, and do most of my posts after i'm done for the night, or in the down time between classes.
Actually, blogging has helped me at school. My ability to write quickly, in a form that is closer to final draft quality, is directly related to the daily writing that i have been doing for almost two years as a blogger. My highest grade last semester was my writing class, i think thanks to blogging.
But, as further proof that i have been studying hard, i've decided to let you be the judge. Open the extended entry and you will find a photograph of my study space, complete with annotations.
more...
Posted by: annika at
11:11 PM
| Comments (12)
| Add Comment
Post contains 212 words, total size 1 kb.
1
my desk is probably twice as cluttered but 0% of its items could be labeled as evidence that I've been studying.
Posted by: Chris at February 16, 2005 05:27 AM (23bPv)
2
someone loves her some rolling rock!
Posted by: lorie at February 16, 2005 06:38 AM (PPPwU)
3
Someone seriously needs a bigger, flat-panel monitor. What is that thing? 13"?
And Toad the Wet Sprocket? They haven't released an album with new music since
Coil flopped in 1997. Is that the same year you purchased that monitor?
Posted by: Robbie at February 16, 2005 08:49 AM (AAqv2)
4
hmmm... where's the wine rack?
Posted by: d-rod at February 16, 2005 08:55 AM (T3c0Z)
5
Um, I love Toad too.
Terrific, Annie. And thank you for your very kind gift. It has pride of place on my desk.
Posted by: Hugo at February 16, 2005 09:56 AM (Qst0d)
6
Actually, I argue that the Rolling Rock bottles, chips, etc. are evidence of good study habits. You don't have to leave your desk to take a break. Just multi-task...
Posted by: Ontario Emperor at February 16, 2005 12:26 PM (c6rOB)
7
What? No bong? Wow, school certainly has changed!
Posted by: Pursuit at February 16, 2005 01:59 PM (VqIuy)
8
"My ability to write quickly, in a form that is closer to final draft quality, is directly related to the daily writing that i have been doing for almost two years as a blogger".
Absolutely right. The more you write the better writer you become. Especially when you expose your writing to a thousands of critics every day.
Posted by: Jake at February 16, 2005 03:21 PM (r/5D/)
9
Lol, I still take forever writing a paper, but blogging has helped me get used to thinking critically and putting my thoughts down. Good ole-fashioned ranting pays off :-)
Posted by: Ron (Naughtypundit) at February 16, 2005 05:30 PM (9Z7dn)
10
Ah yes, Latrobe, PA. I used to like that stuff. Actually, Genesee Cream Ale was the gargle of choice.
Posted by: Casca at February 16, 2005 08:49 PM (cdv3B)
11
It looks like a NEC 17-flatscreen. annika, trust me on this one: you don't need an LCD flatscreen. You might
want, but they're waaaay overhyped. They're a great example of form over function. Look good, act crappy.
Posted by: Victor and his seventeen pet rats at February 17, 2005 11:22 AM (L3qPK)
12
i love my NEC. But i wish it didn't hog so much desk space tho.
Posted by: annika at February 17, 2005 06:58 PM (LGiAC)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
February 14, 2005
Hello Young Lovers Wherever You Are
During my first year of undergrad i went out with a really sweet guy who used to
smother shower me with gifts and cards all the time. It was a very profitable relationship, from a material standpoint. But ultimately, he gave me too much attention.
Recently, i found one of the many love notes this guy sent me. It's pretty nice, so before i shred it, i thought i'd publish it for all the world to see, in honor of St. Valentine's Day. My apologies to its author, though i highly doubt that this guy has even heard of a blog; he wasn't the brightest bulb i've ever been with.
Dear Annie,
I miss you very much and I really need to be with you. It's really nice knowing that you're with me not just physically, but spiritually it is truly wonderful and very fulfilling. I'm very happy to have you in my life and I want us to always love one another. You are everything to me, you are my absolute world. I will always and remain being in love with you. Youre a natural high for me - everytime I think of you. You are the most wonderful gift God has ever given to me. I'll never stop loving you Annie. Never! I sometimes wonder what I did to deserve someone as special as you. I love you and I'll never be tired of saying I do. I just hope you don't get tired of me. I love you so much, and please always remember that. I hope to be yours forever.
Love ____.
That's beautiful ain't it? Re-reading it all these years later, i think the sentiment contains the perfect mixture of sappy teenage love cliché and creepy insecurity vibe. But hey, he was writing a new card every couple of days, it must have been hard to come up with new material all the time.
We broke up after he started calling me repeatedly at work, demanding to know "who is he?" To which i would answer, "there is no one else but you, dear." Of course i needn't mention to you that there actually was someone else. But i was younger then, and not as serious.
When we eventually broke up, my poor sweet boyfriend was very upset. Finally dumping him did not end the cards and gifts, though. But instead of giving them to me, he sent the gifts to my friends and family. The point was to make me feel guilty, i guess. i didn't really care. It was kind of weird and my friends thought it was creepy too. But they kept the gifts, lol.
Lest you think i'm too harsh, karma did catch up with me. i left the letter writer for the hottest guy, who was also quite a playa. He ended up breaking my heart terribly, and repeatedly, before i learned my lesson and moved on.
And yes, i'm probably gonna pay in karma for having posted that letter too.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted by: annika at
07:53 AM
| Comments (8)
| Add Comment
Post contains 514 words, total size 3 kb.
1
Great post, Annie.
Yes, the insecurity -- and the sincerity -- come through perfectly. I suspect I wrote some notes very much like that in my youth...
Posted by: Hugo at February 14, 2005 08:19 AM (Qst0d)
2
So are you free this weekend?
We can discuss Palsgraf v. Long Island RR.
(Relax, just a joke.)
Posted by: Mark at February 14, 2005 10:08 AM (Vg0tt)
3
Oooo, can we talk about
International Shoe instead?
That way we can maintain minimum contact, yet still talk about shoes!
Posted by: annika at February 14, 2005 10:14 AM (zAOEU)
4
Sorry, i realized that the above joke was sooo inside that only law students and lawyers who have not totally repressed all memories of first year law would recognize the reference.
Posted by: annika at February 14, 2005 10:32 AM (zAOEU)
5
C'mon Annie:
No one who as suffered through law school could ever forget the trauma of Palsgraf. Just don't ask us to discuss it.
Regarding the note: it is no wonder the guy is gone. Leo the Lip once said "Nice guys don't win ball games". He was right.
But, since I have nothing to lose, I'll take a chance and wish you "Happy V-Day". Go have a red beer and dream of your first big paycheck as a lawyer.
Posted by: shelly at February 14, 2005 11:07 AM (+7VNs)
6
Shudder.
"You are everything to me, you are my absolute world."
If there's anything that I can impart to my daughter, it's that boys are not everything, and don't drop everything for a guy.
But she won't listen, because she is Young and Wise.
Way of the world...
Posted by: Ontario Emperor at February 14, 2005 02:45 PM (v9NCH)
7
I love you and I'll never be tired of saying I do. I just hope you don't get tired of me.
I look at lines like those as jinxes. The way I look at it, when someone says to me "I just hope you don't get tired of me," they're basically telling me that eventually, I WILL get tired of them. No good.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted by: Amy Bo Bamy at February 14, 2005 03:16 PM (RpVKX)
8
face forward annie dearest
Posted by: betsy trotter at February 15, 2005 04:26 AM (6SqAS)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
January 03, 2005
Useless Parental Blogging 2.0
Mom: "Hey, I can say
fuckers now, it's not a bad word anymore."
Daughter: stunned silence.
Mom: "No really, I saw it on a bus. But they misspelled it."
Posted by: annika at
10:01 AM
| Comments (3)
| Add Comment
Post contains 37 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Hey, post a picture of your new 'do.
Posted by: Eric Johnson at January 03, 2005 11:13 AM (blNMI)
2
Perhaps the movie is good, and perhaps the talent in the movie is put to some use, but it sounds so much like a one joke movie to me...
Posted by: Ontario Emperor at January 03, 2005 09:17 PM (k9zwi)
3
As you should know Eric, only premium subscribers to www.annikahotandsweaty.com are able to see pics!
Posted by: annika at January 03, 2005 09:23 PM (FeO+V)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
December 30, 2004
New Years To Do List (Subject To Updates)
Let's not call them resolutions. It's a to do list. Resolutions are so guilt-driven.
Blog related:
- Figure out CSS and clean up all the redundant HTML code in my template
- Go to three columns
- Move to the upgraded Movable Type system
- Add that Bear Flag blogroll
- No more posting about that racist skank Paris Hilton
- Interview Hugo
Personal related:
- Give up cigarettes
- Work harder
- Do moot court
- Take a weekend trip for the sole purpose of writing poetry
- Start that fucking book
- Get back into regular exercise, including strength training
- Watch more TV
Maybe that last one is counter-productive, i don't know.
Posted by: annika at
10:06 AM
| Comments (9)
| Add Comment
Post contains 115 words, total size 1 kb.
1
Cigs are the first to go for me, hopefully this weekend will be the last with nicotine...
Posted by: Scof at December 30, 2004 11:41 AM (+OiAc)
2
OMG, i can't even think about quitting in two days?! i need some time to mentally and emotionally prepare.
Posted by: annika at December 30, 2004 01:29 PM (zAOEU)
3
#5) Is there a new sex handbook?
Posted by: d-rod at December 30, 2004 01:45 PM (CSRmO)
4
Just don't buy anymore, and don't bum them either. Think of all the money you're saving, and put that rubber band around your wrist and plink it hard everytime you crave one.
Posted by: Casca at December 30, 2004 06:12 PM (cdv3B)
5
I'm happy to share my CSS and HTML template for a 3-column layout (it helped Jen Lars with her FrankJ and History 'n Stuff sites).
Re cigs, Zyban is awesome. As they say, "talk to your doctor." Give those up and exercise will be a lot easier. Good luck!
Posted by: JohnL at December 30, 2004 09:25 PM (gplif)
6
If you really want to have a great year, you should abandone MT and just port over to WordPress.
Oh, and today marks my 584th day without a cigarette. It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be...the
decision to quit was harder then actually quitting.
Goood luck with all that!
Posted by: Robbie at December 31, 2004 05:24 AM (AAqv2)
7
Remember, if you watch
Law & Order and
West Wing, it counts as studying. Really.
Posted by: greg at January 01, 2005 09:30 PM (30GQ0)
8
Annie, dear, happy new year!
I will be back in Cali on the 5th... and will have a lot of free time for an interview.
But we must'nt speak about the Holiday Bowl.
Posted by: Hugo at January 02, 2005 05:41 AM (62QFN)
Posted by: annika at January 02, 2005 04:52 PM (a4hFR)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
December 23, 2004
Finals Update
Finals are done. Overall i feel good about it. i tried to avoid the extensive post-mortems that everybody warned me about. i'm just glad they're over and i can relax for a few weeks until grades come out and we start all over again. Yesterday's test was property and i think i really nailed that exam, despite it being such a huge subject.
Afterwards there was much drinking and merriment. We hit the local law school hangout and the night included loud music of course, lots of beer, a few white russians which i made the b/f buy me, some pool, some smoking, more heavy drinking, and a heated but good-natured debate about the relative merits of Divac versus Osterslug at the center position.
Charissa and i are driving to L.A. this morning so Mike drove us home early. i was stinky drunk. We lost track of my roommate Colleen halfway through the night and were a little worried when she wouldn't answer her phone. But we figured she was okay after we saw a strange car in our driveway. As we stumbled towards the door, we also found this on the lawn. i took a picture to preserve the evidence and also because i was stinky drunk.
My environment was beginning to spin, so i went straight to bed. Early this morning, when Charissa got up to make coffee she was greeted by more evidence in the kitchen. Ho ho ho! Way to go Colleen!
What do you do when you find something like that? There are two options: One, pretend you didn't notice and maintain secrecy so as to preserve everyone's dignity. Or two, call attention to it in a way that will maximize embarrassment for the guilty parties. Charissa and i discussed the matter and, quite predictably, we chose option two.
Oh that gossip mill is going to be on fire next semester!
Alright, it's already late and we should have left an hour ago. i wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas in case i don't post before then. May Santa be good to you all! Ho ho ho!
Posted by: annika at
09:08 AM
| Comments (15)
| Add Comment
Post contains 357 words, total size 3 kb.
1
congratulations girl. on finishing and on not being so stinky as to leave your stinky feet all over. oh! and for drinking white russians. those are my favorite.
Posted by: candy girl at December 23, 2004 11:01 AM (AIQSK)
2
I call them Caucasians.
Posted by: dude-rod at December 23, 2004 11:33 AM (CSRmO)
3
Congrats, Annika! And Merry Christmas!
And dude-rod, as a White Russian myself, in multiple senses, I would object to that change of terminology. :-p
Posted by: Dave J at December 23, 2004 03:23 PM (CYpG7)
4
"All The Dude ever wanted was his rug back".
Posted by: Casca at December 23, 2004 06:49 PM (cdv3B)
5
Congrats on finishing your finals.
Your instincts on getting so drunk that sex was impossible was a good one.
Merry Christmas.
Posted by: Jake at December 23, 2004 07:22 PM (r/5D/)
6
Congrats on the finals. posts on being stinky drunk and quoting isiah...that's why we keep coming back
Posted by: Scof at December 23, 2004 08:08 PM (9lWXc)
Posted by: shelly at December 24, 2004 02:28 AM (fLlQ8)
8
Broads shoudnt be lawyers! Shoudnt vote eether!
Posted by: Um Yeah at December 24, 2004 06:48 AM (7XTy8)
9
Hey Um Yeah:
Would it be OK for broads to learn grammar and spelling, or should they be like you?
Posted by: shelly at December 24, 2004 09:23 PM (6krEN)
10
i dont care what you do just stay on your knees!
Posted by: Um Yeah at December 25, 2004 07:18 AM (7XTy8)
11
Merry Christmas, Annika! And congratulations on finishing your finals.
Posted by: Leah at December 25, 2004 03:59 PM (0t3Sb)
12
congrats on finals... and i am wishing you a happy merry x-mas!!!
wow!! crazy party time... goodness... heee... fun!!
Posted by: maizzy at December 25, 2004 04:20 PM (NgODS)
13
Merry Christmas, Annika!
Posted by: Tuning Spork at December 25, 2004 08:00 PM (f/+LY)
14
Wow. I'd almost forgotten that, for some people (maybe most people), there's actually a social aspect to law school. After
my last final I always went straight home to bed, so I could get up the next morning and go to work! Quite a contrast! LOL
Congrats, Annie. It's all downhill from here.
Posted by: Matt at December 27, 2004 05:38 AM (SIlfx)
15
Congratulations on completing yet another semester. Yay!
Posted by: Ron at December 27, 2004 10:04 AM (U0SAC)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
December 22, 2004
Exams Are Over
Let the drinking begin!
Posted by: annika at
06:03 PM
| Comments (7)
| Add Comment
Post contains 10 words, total size 1 kb.
Posted by: Hugo at December 22, 2004 10:47 PM (SbPve)
2
You know, you could've slammed a beer in the time it took you to write that post.
Posted by: Victor and his seventeen pet rats at December 23, 2004 08:06 AM (L3qPK)
3
Even though I gradeeated thirteen years ago, I remember well both the stress of exams and the exhuberance of finishing 'em. Congrats! And if you can read this comment, you're not drunk enough yet.
Posted by: Robert the Llama Butcher at December 23, 2004 08:28 AM (XBUdh)
4
Annie:
Well, you made it.
Reminder: Next year, work to death; third year, bore to death.
We fully expect a listing of grades, by subject, so that we can make meaningless judgments about what you should do after law school.
Cal should crunch Tech. Twelve points is not enough; lay the points. Same with USC over Oklahoma, except that Lendell White has a sprained ankle, but is recovering.
Posted by: shelly at December 23, 2004 08:51 AM (fLlQ8)
5
Amen, and congratulations, Annika.
Today is my first real, un-encumbered day off in nearly a year. My wife's at work, and I have a gloriously empty day ahead of me.
So, what am I doing? Sitting in one of Austin's best dive coffee bars, having big mugs of hot joe with numerous sides of Irish Whiskey.
Merry Christmas, Annika.
Posted by: Robbie at December 23, 2004 08:59 AM (aWOVQ)
6
Congrats on completing your exams!
I hated finals in law school. Yes, hated. The grading curve was a sham, some profs were compelled to protect the G.P.A.s of the law review brigade, and it all seemed like more work than it was worth.
I should have went to art school.
Posted by: Mark, J.D. at December 24, 2004 08:01 PM (l1juy)
Posted by: Um Yeah at December 25, 2004 07:41 AM (7XTy8)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
November 15, 2004
Dad's Greatest Hits
At lunch today, a bunch of us were talking about our parents, and the pithy, often funny things that they say, in an effort to impart wisdom on us.
i love my dad. If there's one man i admire more than any other it's him, because i consider him the standard by which all other males of the species should be judged. i like to think i inherited some of his brains (except for his genius for math), his sense of humor, and his love of science, technology and sports. i wish i had inherited his rock solid dependability and work ethic. Or his unflappable calm and good humor.
My dad's a quiet man with a very dry sense of humor. He doesn't often give advice or make declarative statements, unless it's something funny. This actually serves to increase the value of anything serious he does tell his two children. Like the old TV commercial says: When my dad speaks, people listen. At least his kids do.
Here's a compilation of the most memorable and infuential statements my dad has uttered in my presence.- Sometimes Annie, you have to do things you don't want to do.1
- Don't ask me, look it up.2
- Learn to like sports, and you'll never be sorry.3
- The Democrats are a bunch of fucking communists.4
- You can apply to that school, but I'm not gonna let you go there.5
- What did you do to your hair?6
- What do you wanna do that for? There's too many damn lawyers.7
- You ride a motorcycle long enough, you're gauranteed to get a broken leg.8
- Me too.9
- Your career goal shouldn't be to just be a lawyer. It should be CEO.10
- What the hell did you do to your hair?11
- Go ahead and spend it, that's what money's for.12
- A little hard work never hurt anybody.13
- You don't like that? That's the best part!14
- You're not going out of the house looking like that.15
- As long as you're living here, you follow my rules.16
Feel free to leave any of your own memorable dad quotes in the comments.
_______________
1 Probably the best advice he's ever given.
2 This recurring theme was responsible for fostering my lifelong love of books.
3 Ditto for sports.
4 The impact of this statement was magnified by the fact that it was the only time i have ever heard my dad use the f-word.
5 In reference to U.C. Santa Cruz.
6 Upon seeing his only daughter as a brunette.
7 Which is what my dad, a lawyer, said to me upon first hearing that i was thinking about going to law school.
8 Statement made about a month before my high school boyfriend crashed his motorcycle.
9 His standard mumbled but sincere response to "i love you, Daddy."
10 After warming up to the idea of me in law school.
11 Upon seeing his only daughter as a redhead.
12 i know, i still can't figure that one out. Like i said, a real dry sense of humor.
13 What dad hasn't said this?
14 My dad, the quintissential Midwesterner. This statement usually referred to the most disgusting by-product of a meal, like tripe, bone marrow or chicken kidneys, for example.
15 This was also a favorite of my mom's, along with the next quote.
16 Thank God for those rules, though. They made me the sweet young woman i am today . . . well, occasionally.
Posted by: annika at
07:54 PM
| Comments (10)
| Add Comment
Post contains 578 words, total size 4 kb.
1
This is not a quote from my dad - none memorable there. But it is a quote from my wife. I believe it is the most profound thing anyone ever said about men. I am sure your dad would agree.
"A man knows he is middle-aged when a beautiful young woman is not worth the trouble she causes."
Posted by: iam doubt at November 15, 2004 10:12 PM (YNN4J)
2
aww, makes me think of my own sweet papa. undoubtedly the most influential person in my life.
Posted by: candy girl at November 16, 2004 12:16 AM (6bjbt)
3
I went to UC Santa Cruz, your dad was right, my dad (and mom) are Left... I should have gone anywhere else.
Posted by: -keith in mtn. view at November 16, 2004 09:02 AM (04TFv)
4
I'm always impressed when someone says their Dad is the most admired person in their world. Dads get short shrift. You're lucky to have him!
Posted by: jeff at November 16, 2004 09:58 AM (kYDsj)
5
Personal Favorite Dad (well Mom too)Quote:
"Bet you won't do that again" Usually in reference to somehting causing injury or possible injury.
Posted by: the Pirate at November 16, 2004 12:40 PM (FvqEB)
6
My Dad, very English, says
"My dear boy, what were you thinking?"
Posted by: Hugo at November 16, 2004 02:29 PM (hDybU)
7
lol, gotta love that guy. Tell him I'm buying if he's in SD.
Posted by: Casca at November 16, 2004 04:31 PM (cdv3B)
8
Some of my dad's favorites were;
"If its worth doing, its worth doing right."
"People don't always have to agree." &
"Give the other fella a break."
Its been 4 years since he passed on. Today would have been his 71st birthday. Thanks for the reminder.
Posted by: Mike at November 19, 2004 10:53 AM (EyLEO)
9
Oh Mike, i'm sorry. : (
My dad has said #2 as well.
Posted by: annika at November 19, 2004 05:36 PM (Ta08O)
10
I'm enjoying reading my way thru your blog. Serh gut!
Anyways my top two favorites are:
"Someday, this will all make a good story"
and
"If I have an obligation to talk to them, they have an obligation to talk to me"
(Dad was quiet, to say the least)
Good luck to you and your husband.
Posted by: Chris Mayhew at December 17, 2004 07:34 AM (mpS28)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
November 02, 2004
Election Party Exit Poll (informal)
i took an informal poll of the attendees to the election night party at our house. Admittedly, the results are not scientific since we're all law students, but i thought they were interesting just the same. Keep in mind that my school is decidedly wacky-liberal.
Here are the results, with annotations:
annika: Bush
Colleen1: Kerry
Charissa2: Bush
Lori3: Kerry
Kathy4: Bush
Kimberly5: Bush
Monique6: Bush
Stacy7: Kerry
Erica8: Kerry
Mike #19: Bush
Mike #210: Kerry
Quan11: Bush
Greg12: Kerry
David13: Kerry
Marc14: Kerry
Jeffrey15: Kerry
Professor M16: Kerry
Total: 10 for Kerry, 7 for Bush
_______________
1 Colleen is of my housemates. Her big issue is "the Supreme Court,"� which is code for "pro-choice" voter.
2 Charissa is another housemate. Her family is from Utah. In order to live in Utah, there are two legal requirements, one of which is that you must always vote Republican.
3 Lori is a Democrat from Arizona. i didn't think those existed, but apparently they're about 44% of the voting population.
4 Aka Texas Kathy.
5 Aka Texas Kimberly. It's no surprise that the two Texans voted for Bush.
6 Monique defies conventional wisdom. She's an African-American conservative and voted for Bush.
7 Stacy is one of the top students in my class. Her vote surprised me. i thought for sure she was a Republican until i learned she went to UMass. Then i laughed when she told me she pictured me as a Kerry supporter.
8 Erica is also a one issue "pro-choice" voter, although she doesn't want to admit it. She repeats all the typical anti-Bush arguments, but without conviction.
9 My third housemate Mike is a thoughtful and committed Republican.
10 My boyfriend. He was afraid to tell me who he voted for. i'm mulling over whether or not to forgive him.
11 Yes, that Quan. His family emigrated from Vietnam and raised him to be a good freedom-loving Republican.
12 Lori's boyfriend seems apolitical and i might have swayed him had i known in time that he was undecided.
13 David is openly gay and open minded on many political issues, but like Andrew Sullivan, the FMA made up his mind for Kerry.
14 Marc is liberal Hispanic Catholic Kerry voter who won't forgive the Republicans for trying to take down Clinton.
15 Jeffrey is brilliant, but sorta crazy. He can't sit still and he's always spouting off some insane opinion, usually conspiracy related. He's fun to have around, but there's no sense arguing with him.
16 Professor M is an expert on criminal law and procedure as well as a member of the vast left wing academic conspiracy.
Posted by: annika at
08:06 PM
| Comments (7)
| Add Comment
Post contains 449 words, total size 3 kb.
1
Forgive your Carville. Quan ownz. That is all.....
Posted by: reagan80 at November 03, 2004 12:21 AM (hlMFQ)
2
Love the footnotes. Law Review here you come!
Posted by: Daniel Lowenberg at November 03, 2004 05:11 AM (kQ2jY)
3
Dump the boyfriend. I KNEW there was something fucked up about that guy.
Posted by: Casca at November 03, 2004 05:20 AM (cdv3B)
Posted by: wobots at November 03, 2004 10:40 AM (djVNl)
5
What a bittersweet day! The happiness I feel about Bush's re-election has been offset by the disappointment of hearing that Annika has a boyfriend.
Posted by: Patrick at November 03, 2004 07:08 PM (olOFd)
6
Annie,
Just withhold sex; when your boyfriend becomes frustrated, angry and hateful, he'll turn into a Republican. If you don't believe me, just ask anyone at Democratic Underground. They'll tell you. (By the way, DU has "temporarily" closed its discussion forums to "unregistered users." They are
biiiiiitter. They claim they closed the discussions because of unusually high traffic volume -- a-holes like me going over for cheap entertainment -- but personally, I suspect they're planning a
coup d'etat. Lord knows some of the charming folks at Fat Ollie's seem inclined in that direction.)
Posted by: Matt at November 04, 2004 04:23 AM (eWM9Y)
7
Is Charissa a good mormon? Because otherwise the requirement to vote Republican is lifted...
Posted by: Jordan at November 04, 2004 06:49 PM (dLmIW)
Hide Comments
| Add Comment
136kb generated in CPU 0.04, elapsed 0.1576 seconds.
78 queries taking 0.1299 seconds, 383 records returned.
Powered by Minx 1.1.6c-pink.
