Not a Short Post

Hmm... its been a little while eh? Almost a month it looks like. One would think I would therefore have a lot to talk about. One would be wrong.

Its not that I don't have things to talk about actually, its that some of the things I could talk about would probably bore you (my hypothetical, mythical reader) to tears, and some of the more interesting things I could talk about I really don't think I should talk about on such a public forum. Those of my friends that read this... or I should say those friends I have regular face to face / phone contact with will have heard some of these tales; these thrilling, edge of your seat yarns of my epic deeds as a DA. And while what I would speak of is technically a mater of public record (most of it having occurred in open court, and on the record) the ethics of posting such things on a public blog are a little unsettled. I don't claim to be a genius when it comes to ethics. I know there are some things I can't talk about at all. And there are some things I can. There also seems to be this gray area where I can talk about them, but posting about them in a public forum may be considered different. Bah! I really need to re-read the Rules of Professional Responsibility.

In other news: Many of you may have known this already... some of you likely expected it: I am really quite a klutz... and not all that bright either. As proof, I offer this tale of my culinary exploits: I decided I really wanted a dutch baby (for the record, this is all Eric's fault) for breakfast. And since the Pig n' Pancake does not offer them, and I am miles from the closest Original Pancake House (and even farther from Eric's breakfast table)... I did what anyone else would do. I turned to the wonderful tubes of this very interweb to find a recipe. And find one I did... several. So I set out to make one. I blend up the ingredients, I prime the pan in the oven and bam! its off and running. Only... it doesn't come out looking much like the dutch babies I have eaten. It puffed up and all but it was mostly the middle rather than the edges. Well, to make a long story end sooner after pulling it out of the oven I reach for my trusty spatula and I grab for the handle on the pan... and then the air is rent with the my best impression of a small school girl as I hop around the kitchen like a baboon. Here is a piece of advice for all of you out there... unless you want the imprint of the pan handle on your hand (and I can see why you might) its a really really good idea to use a pot holder. It may be the best idea you could ever have.

On a related note... I still haven't decided if the problem with the actual dutch baby was recipe based or equipment based. I didn't have an iron skillet to use... and I think that would have helped, or at least done better then my non-stick skillet. But the flavor was off too... Hmm... In hindsight I would say the whole thing was a pretty big disaster

Sam is doing well. She makes an awfully cute barrista in training. If you want to know much more about what is going on with her, I suggest poking her here. Maybe if enough of you clamor, she will actually post something.

Parting notes:

Stephen Lynch = hysterical. If you don't know already, its just a shame.

The Mariners = Crap... Crap with a hell of a young pitcher, but crap nonetheless.

Lastly: This spicy BBQ turkey breast I just made is fantastic... I am going to go eat it instead of typing more.

Ultimate

I was really hoping getting to play disc last weekend would sort of soothe my craving. It really hasn't. And since I haven't really found a game out here yet I am forced to get a fix in whatever way I can. Its by no means as good playing but this has helped a bit. Check it out. By the way, that is Oregon Ego Alum (and Callahan award winner of 2004) Ben Willard with the color commentary.

On a related note: I am thinking of heading down to the College Regionals in Corvallis. Its on the weekend of April 28th/29th. Let me know if you be interested in checking out some fantastic ultimate that weekend. I am planning on staying in Eugene, so at a minimum perhaps we could get together for a beer or three. Alright... thats all for now

PS> If you are not in the Oregon area, you can check the schedule and find a Regional or Sectional tourney in your area. It is very much worth checking out.

Sundry News

Well, I really haven't been up to that much. But I have thought of a few things now and again that might be of interest.

I spent last weekend in Eugene hanging with Paul and Jess and Josh. That was a heck of a time, although it was 3 days until I could walk normally (but Ultimate was a blast). Jess picked up her Wii on that Saturday so I now have some hands on experience with it. That thing is absurdly fun. I am not even sure I can describe it. Even the process of making a "mii" is pretty damn amusing. I really hope the developers make some good use of the online play possibilities.

In further geek news, I am in the process (15% through!) of downloading the open beta for Lord of the Rings Online (just to take a looksee really).

Also, reviewing a baseball game through the lens of D&D mechanics (and stereotypes) is a fantastic idea! See it here. And yes, I am aware this shows I am a giant dork in several ways. If you are reading my blog, you probably already knew that.

Work news: I am down for three trials next week, but they really aren't all that interesting. Two of them are 2nd set and very likely won't go, and the one that isn't is just a violation (as opposed to a misdemeanor or felony). I am not even certain I will be going in on the violation (our office doesn't usually appear in violation trials). Anyway... thats the bulk of what I have going on next week. For the most part, work is good. I am happy with the hours, I like the people and I am not bored to tears with substance either.

Thats about all the news I have got for now. As a Judge said just yesterday and in the words of Bill S. Preston, Esquire: "Be excellent to each other."

Frightening

I really should stop just posting about the horribly frightening things I see while surfing the web... but I just can't seem to help it (for proof see the link to MC Rove below).

So what is today's topic you might ask? Well, I would have to respond that today's topic is:

What Keith Richards does when Coke isn't strong enough:

Apparently, if you are famous guitarist impersonating the living dead... or possibly vice - versa, you grind up a little of your father's ashes, mix it with your coke and party down. Part of me really wants to know what the hell is going through your mind when you decide: "You know, I really want to know what it would be like to snort some of my old Pops." Part of me really really doesn't... (You can read the whole interview here.)

I think it really comes down to one thing in my book: If thats what it takes to be a world class rock guitarist (or what world class rock guitarists do in their leisure time)... I am glad I became a lawyer.


Now, I realize his manager is claiming it was "said in jest" (a few days after the interview was released) and its possible that it was... but would anyone really be surprised if it were true? And in all truth, my money is on him getting really high and trying it one night.

Holy Politicos Batman!

Another Post! I should warn you up front, this one leans into some political realms.

Issue 1: What is my take on the whole US Attorney Firing issue?

Well, this is a tricky issue really. Most of the time, I am not a big fan of GW. It would be safe to say I have disagreed with him from time to time. And to some extent I do believe that a prosecutor needs to be left to do his/her job with a good deal of autonomy. That said, these positions are not front line attorneys. They are political appointments, and although I haven't engaged in any serious legal research (i.e. there could be a statute or case saying I am wrong on this) I do believe the top officer in each office serves at the pleasure of the President.

Now let me be clear. I don't mean your average US Attorney. I am talking about the US Attorney appointed to each District. The average US Attorney is a civil servant and should be protected from political house cleanings like any other government employee. But the US Attorney is a different beast. Not quite as high as the Attorney General clearly, or a member of the cabinet, but certainly closer to a cabinet member then some entry level trial attorney. And as such, I can see the importance of those people toeing the line on certain key policy issues. The President is the head of the Executive Branch. His job is to execute and prosecute the laws of the US (among other jobs obviously). It is therefore important that those he have confidence and trust with those people he chooses to act for him.

So, I think, had the President and AG Gonzales come out and clearly stated that they no longer felt the US Attorneys that had been fired fit in with the administration's goals and policies; and if they had stated clearly that it was a political decision well within the scope of the President's power there wouldn't be a controversy. But as is all too often the case this administration felt the need to hide the ball. They didn't want to take whatever political fallout there may have been from such a statement and they all started lying. That is really where the problem comes in, with one exception. That exception being the US Attorney that was pretty clearly fired for failing to pursue charges of voter fraud. It is paramount to our system that decisions of that nature be left to the discretion of the US Attorney in charge. Now wait, I know, your saying Beau! Your contradicting yourself.

I disagree. I think there is a clear difference between dismissing an appointee because you no longer believe that your policies are being carried out effectively, and dismissing an appointee because that person wouldn't pursue charges that were thin at best. Actual charging, prosecuting and plea bargain decisions should remain in the discretion of the acting attorney (barring gross misconduct).

So thats how I see it. For the most part its a tempest in a teapot, and it would have blown itself out had the administration not been so terminally dumb. But they are...

Issue 2: Where can I buy that MC Rove Album?

Ok... This isn't so much an "issue" as me wanting to drop a link. I must warn you: This clip may cause bleeding of the ears and eyes. There have been reports of seizures. Some have claimed that it may single handedly destroy the hip-hop culture. Some have speculated only Satan the Dark Lord himself could have created it in attempt to destroy rap. At best it makes you wonder how cool rap can be anymore. Watch it at your own risk...

Issue 3: Best Republican Candidate for 2008?

Disregarding any wagers, bets or gambles I may have made regarding the outcomes of the upcoming primaries,(Paul: I can't even remember who I took on the Demo side... but I do recall that as long as Rudy doesn't snag the RNC Nomination I can do no worse than break even) I have to say this: I really hope Fred Thompson runs, and wins the Republican Nomination. Hell I might even vote for him in the general. Now, I don't know his politics. But I know 2 things:

1) He would have the greatest career arc ever: Actor that played sleazy politicians => Sleazy politician => actor that played sleazy DA of NY (and really he has done quite well at filling in for Adam Schiff...) => Sleazy President. All that would be left would be to leave the White House and actually start taking acting jobs playing the President...

2) Can you say hottest 1st lady ever! (No, she isn't that hot... but still not too shabby)

Alright folks, thats all the news thats fit to print for now. I am still planning a post breaking down the changes in the Ultimate Rules (v.10 to v. 11) Edge of your seat stuff! Until then, you know where to find me.

Where in I reflect upon the meaning of life...

Well, not really. I actually just wanted to give you all a little update.

Life is rolling along as it tends to in small towns. It seems to move very fast at times, and very slow at others. I am really having a hard time believing I have only been at this job for less then 2 months. As I have probably told many of you already, I am pretty happy with my job. The people are good, the work is interesting and I am getting a lot of great experience.

I had my first jury trial last week. I lost, but I can't call it a bad trial, or even a failure. There are things I could have done better to be sure, but it was a good learning experience. And to tell the truth, I am not all that sure that anything I could have done would have changed the outcome. Sometimes thats just the way things shake out I guess.

Spring is teasing us here out on the coast. We have actually had a couple of sunny days and temperatures approaching the 60's. I know it won't really get that sunny and warm for another couple of months, but it is something at least. I was even able to drop the top on my car a couple of times over the last week. I am really starting to jones for some frisbee though... this sun just makes me miss Ultimate that much more. I haven't found a pickup game out here yet... or even someone to toss plastic with. I am sure I will eventually though. At worst I am planning a trip to Corvallis for the NW Regionals of the UPA College Division. I would urge any and all of you to check out any of the UPA events in your area if you can. You can find the schedule here.

I have been playing some FFXII, but I am not all that far yet... maybe 20 hours in at the moment and just getting to the Sandsea. I like it so far... I am hesitant to rank it in with the others until I am much further along, but I would say its better then VIII >_<.

I guess thats all I have got for now... Take care you there all.

PS: You should read this... its damn funny "Thank you CBS, for turning my son gay."

Strangely Addicting

My lovely lady Sam may find this to be decidedly crack like... I am guessing because it is pretty darn messed up, and strangely addicting. It is clips like this I find myself watching over and over again... go figure eh? Seriously though, how can anyone say his beats are whack?!?

Preview of Upcoming Posts:

1) The UPA has release a new edition of the Rules of Ultimate. I have been thinking about these quite a bit, shaping a post in my mind.

2) I have had a couple of people ask me what I think about the US Attorney firing scandal. So I will likely make my feeling known!

3) What I have been up to lately. I will get around to this... honest!

For now however, its time for the Duck Game!

Crumbling Brackets

Today has made it more or less official. With Texas A&M losing to the Paper Tigers of Memphis (clearly a hardier paper than I had thought) my bracket is pretty much in shambles. I won't join the hard core Aggies fans thinking they got jobbed on the clock, but I will keep wondering how they didn't get the ball to Acie Law for the last shot... Now both Texas and A&M are out... thats half my final four. Damn you Texas!! If you hadn't made my list with the whole Bush thing, or well, numerous other things, this would certainly have qualified!

In other news... well, I am actually going to go watch more of the Sweet Sixteen. I will get up a little something about what I am up to later this weekend maybe.

Remember the SNL Skit about Battle Cats?

Admit it: Fighting Hamster's are so much more awesome, its hardly even funny! Now if you will excuse me; I need to build an arena in which to host HamsterMania. Last hamster standing wins his dinner!

Obligatory “Who I am Post.”

Not to be confused with the Who am I? post. That post may be coming, but hopefully, if it comes to that, my version won't be filled with too much existential quasi-intellectual whining.

So... who am I? I am a 25 year old Oregonian (born and raised thank you). I have degrees in Psychology and Law from the University of Oregon and I live in a fairly quite, decidedly wet little town on the Columbia River.

Until recently I worked at a horrible, soul-sucking job. For some 7 months I seriously questioned my choice to be a lawyer. I could probably spend pages talking about why that place but the important thing is I don't work there anymore. I have a much better job now.

I don't know what else there is to. In all likelihood, anybody actually reading this already knows most of what I just covered, but at least know this place isn't empty.