I'm heading to the Windy

I'm heading to the Windy City today to meet up with best friends from college. I'm quite excited to see everyone and ring in the new year with them. I lived in Chicago for 8 months during my junior year of college and loved it. Chicago isn't a city I'd necessarily want to move for the rest of my life, but it's a great place to visit. We're heading to a bar in Lincoln Park for New Year's Eve. All you can eat, all you can drink top-shelf liquor, and champagne at midnight for $70/person. I think that's a pretty good deal, if you ask me.

DePauw Gang Windy City Gathering Cast of Characters:
Yours truly--Nickname(s): Mills, Millionaire, RC.

Julie--Nickname(s): Jules, Fings, Finger. Currently: works in corporate real estate in St. Louis. Interesting fact: Her name is Julie Finger. She only has 8 fingers. Swear. Her identical twin is exactly the same way. Crazy, huh?

Allison--Nickname(s): Bogs, Booger, Big Fun. Currently: working for her dad's company in Wooster, OH

Leslie--Nickname(s): Lester, Les. Currently: working for Harris Bank in Chicago and taking MBA classes at night.

Keith--Nickname(s): Keithums, Dr. Ace, Red Rocket. Currently: a second year med student at IU.

Ross--Nickname(s): Lieutenant Dangle. Currently: a second year med student at IU.

Tara--Nickname(s): T, T-Dogg. Currently: working for Harris Bank in Chicago and taking pre-reqs for nursing school.

B.J.--Nickname(s): Bone. Currently: teaches 7th grade emotionally handicapped students in Indianapolis.

Matt--Nickname(s): Brown, Gary. Currently: first year law student at the University of Dayton.

Lindsay--Nickname(s): Borch, Linds. Currently: second year vet student at Purdue.

Keith and Bone are picking me up in a few. Well, let me rephrase. They told me to be ready at 3. I have a feeling it will be more like 4.

Have a great New Year's Eve everyone!! I'll be back blogging on the 1st!

Party hard! :)

The Bush administration announced today

The Bush administration announced today that it is banning the sale of ephedra next year.

It's bad stuff. Picture a sorority house full of girls. We were all very competitive in the classroom as well as out. We all wanted to look like cover girls. That stuff (among other eating disorders) was rampant. I took it too. I'll admit it. It would not only speed up our metabolism, but we could stay up studying for hours on end. There were times that I'd look down while reading, and my hands would be shaking.

I was stupid. Lots of us were stupid. And now others won't have to learn the hard way. There have been far too many deaths because of ephedra use.

Thanks, President Bush.

Actor Earl Hindman has died

Actor Earl Hindman has died from lung cancer. You may not recognize his name, but he played neighbor Wilson on "Home Improvement."

I always thought he was the highlight of that show.

Thanks for the tip, Jewdez.

A resident from the tiny

A resident from the tiny town of Lebanon, Indiana has earned himself a spot in the Guiness Book of World Records. With both fists raised in the air, hundreds of family and friends cheering and a big hug from his wife, Gene Wethington bowled his way onto the book's pages Monday by topping the old record of 52 hours and 15 minutes of continuous kegling.

Following Guinness rules, he was allowed a 15-minute break every eight hours. Wethington spent that time using the restroom, smoking, relaxing in a chair for a rubdown, having his fingers retaped and, because he has high blood pressure, having his blood pressure checked.

Some of the gals and

Some of the gals and I went to Broadripple for dinner and then to a bar to watch the IU game (We won! YAY!). Anyway, the following conversation made us all laugh hysterically. I'm not using names because too many of my law school friends read this blog.

Friend 1: So, I wanted to spice things up with _____(boyfriend), so I suggested we rent a sexy movie to fool around to. I suggested we rent 9 1/2 Weeks.

Lawren: Very creative. I haven't seen it, but from what I've heard, you picked a good one.

Friend 2: (Looks puzzled for a moment). Isn't that that movie with Hugh Grant?

Friend 1 and Lawren look at Friend 2 with confusion.

Lawren: That's 9 Months, you moron.

I really want to see

I really want to see this movie and this movie. Both got 4 stars. (Not that I always agree with the critics, but it's a start.)

So many movies, so little time. (Before school starts back up, anyway).

This story made me sick

This story made me sick to my stomach: A woman who had been telling people for as much as 10 months that she was expecting a baby killed a pregnant acquaintance and cut the fetus from her womb, authorities said Monday.

What is wrong with people?

I took a break from

I took a break from writing my law review paper to take some brainless quizzes. (23 pages down!). Here are my results:

Congratulations!! You're a colorful and
sophisticated Cosmopolitan!!


What Drink Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

You're a Caramel!! You are known for your
sweetness. You are comfortable with yourself,
and help others feel the same way about
themselves. You are generally friendly to
everyone, and believe in second chances.


Which kind of candy are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

You're ELEGANT sexy! You have a tasteful style,
that not only draws attention to you, but gives
you respect. Your style is more graceful than
that of others.


What kind of sexy are you? [For girls only! With Pics! Finally Finished!]
brought to you by Quizilla

Romantic-Sexy....
Your fantasies involve love, not lust. You are a
fantastic kisser, and for very good reason:
it's your favorite thing. You are sappy as
hell, and you don't care who knows it.


What's your brand of sexy?
brought to you by Quizilla

I found this story quite

I found this story quite amusing. She wouldn't let airport officials treat her pet like "Osama fin Laden."

Head over to Josh's blog.

Head over to Josh's blog. He is currently accepting nominations for his "Best Of 2003" awards.

My nominations were as follows:
Man of the Year--Donald Rumsfeld

Woman of the Year--Elizabeth Smart

Rock 'n Roll Play of the Year--Rod Stewart giving up on trying to sing and act like he's 30. His 2 new CD's of old favorites are fabulous! "Great American Songbook 1 and 2."

Presidential Play of the Year--The Thanksgiving trip

Loser(s) of the Year--Scott Peterson; Saddam Hussein; Steve Bartman; Martha Stewart; Gray Davis

Movie of the Year--"Door to Door"--TNT movie w/ William H. Macy.

TV Show of the Year--"Six Feet Under"

Album of the Year--Coldplay's "A Rush of Blood to the Head"

Best New Artist of the Year--I'm not sure if he has released a CD in years past, but I feel like Josh Groban's popularity has really soared this year--and it is well-deserved. Also, Evanescence released a great first album this year.

Sports Team of the Year--Florida Marlins

Athlete of the Year--Serena Williams; Lance Armstrong

Irritation of the Year--Jessica Simpson; Dixie Chicks; Bennifer

Blogger of the Year--Michael at DiscountBlogger

Journalist of the Year--David Bloom

Way to go Colts! Mike

Way to go Colts!

Mike Vanderjagt's field goal as time expired not only set an NFL record for consecutive field goals made, it gave the Colts a 20-17 win and the AFC South crown.

Stage and screen has lost

Stage and screen has lost another fine actor this year: Alan Bates. He died this morning after his long battle with cancer.

He won a best actor Tony Award in 2002 for his portrayal on Broadway of an impoverished nobleman in "Fortune's Fool," Ivan Turgenev's dissection of mid-19th century Russian country life. I also thought he was great in 2001's "Gosford Park."

He was knighted last year.

This story reaffirms: dogs really

This story reaffirms: dogs really are man's (or in this case, little boy's) best friend.

You never know--one of your guardian angels could be your pet.

The guy friends that called

The guy friends that called me in the middle of the night last night (see previous post) tried to redeem themselves today. Knowing I was sick, they decided to bring me lunch and rent a movie to watch with me.

They rented "A Mighty Wind," which I had not seen yet. It was very funny. Good choice, guys.

They brought me LaBamba's for lunch (for those of you that don't know, it's a "burritos as big as your head" type place). Not probably what most of us would bring to a sick person, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Thanks, boys.

I have a head cold

I have a head cold from hell and my drunk guy friends felt the need to call me three times from 3:30 a.m until 4 a.m.

Not a good combo, and I was not amused.

Let me repeat: Men are

Let me repeat: Men are stupid.

This guy is a complete moron. Sure buddy, she didn't want you before, but I'm SURE she's gonna want you with wounded genitalia.

...a pencil-thin moustache..." This robber

...a pencil-thin moustache..."

This robber must be a Jimmy Buffet fan!

As 2003 draws to a

As 2003 draws to a close, we can take a look back at the amazing and legendary entertainers we lost this year.

Bob Hope
Gregory Hines
Gregory Peck
John Ritter
Katharine Hepburn
Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash
Nell Carter
Barry White
...to just name a few.

I had a great Christmas.

I had a great Christmas. We had Christmas eve open house at one grandmother's last night and Christmas day lunch, etc. at the other grandmother's house. I'm lucky--Santa brought me lots of good stuff. Someone must have lied and told him I was good this year. ;)

If I had to sum up family gatherings with my family in one word, it would be LAUGHTER. I swear, we all laugh so hard it sometimes hurts. I may be bragging, but I have a very intelligent and quick-witted family.

My grandmother bought my dad, uncle, and two male cousins this fancy-shmancy tie holder thingy. The men were trying to figure it out and one of them actually looked at the directions (I know, SHOCKING!). I wonder if the people who write directions for things actually read them outloud. One of the steps in these directions was "insert your rod into the hole." Needless to say, laughter again ensued. We didn't need our quick wit for this one, the direction-writers supplied us with material.

I got home and got 5 pages of my law review note completed as well. **pats self on back** 10 down, about 40 to go. Sheesh.

Well, I'm off to put away my Christmas goodies. Tomorrow I'll start on thank-you notes.

Hope Santa brought you everything

Hope Santa brought you everything you wanted.

Merry Christmas and God bless.

I was late in

I was late in finding out there really was no Santa Claus. Sure, there were kids at school who used to try and spoil it for me, but I would just reply, "My parents would never lie to me." Keep in mind too, that I had no brothers and sisters to ruin the fun for me either.

Honestly, I think I was around 10 before I figured it out. (maybe older).

We always spent Christmas eve at my grandmother's. This specific year, she had gotten a camcorder to record our Christmas memories. They put me to bed. The next day after we'd unwrapped all of our gifts, we decided to watch the tape of the day's festivities. The tape started off with our arrival the night before, and then progressed in to after I had gone to bed.

There they all were: Mom, Dad, Grams, and Papa putting out the gifts Santa had supposedly brought me. And of course, eating all the yummy cookies I had put out. I just watched in disbelief. I really wish I could have taped all of their faces sitting there, with looks of "Oh shit" on their faces. I got up and left the room, and went straight to the bathroom. The next two hours consisted of me sitting in the bathtub crying my eyes out. I seriously felt like the world had ended. What is there to look forward to? What magic exists in life?

Mom said she remembers me looking up and saying, "I suppose you're going to tell me now that there is no Easter Bunny either." She said it was awful.

I look back on it and think, "God, I was a moron." But it's kind of nice to reflect back on when life was easy and we didn't always have to be realists to shield ourselves from getting hurt. At least we allowed ourselves to feel more then.

Head on over to Josh's page and read guestblogger Ryan's post. It's one of my favorite stories.

What Classic Movie Are You?

What Classic Movie Are You?

(Via The Cheese Stands Alone)

Many of us have been

Many of us have been a bit tipsy in our time (OK, perhaps totally drunk). But can you possibly imagine being so drunk that you didn't notice that you had been shot for 10 hours? I sure as heck can't.

But it apparently happened to this guy.

What movie did I watch

What movie did I watch last night?

"Then one day, I say fuck fish."

I've had a fairly productive

I've had a fairly productive day already. I had a dentist appointment at 8:40 a.m. Fairly routine. No cavities (I've never had one). Much to my surprise, they had a new toothpaste flavor--mint chocolate chip. It was quite tasty.

I then ventured out to finish some last minute Christmas shopping at the Keystone at the Crossing mall. It wasn't too crowded at 9:30 a.m. when I arrived. I hit the usual spots: Pottery Barn, MAC, Bebe, White Barn Candle Company, etc. (Yes, there was some minor browsing for me in there too). Indianapolis is becoming more and more like a small town to me. I literally ran in to 7 people I knew in the first hour of being at the mall. It slowed down my shopping, but was fun.

I then headed to Saks Fifth Avenue (our newest anchor store at this mall). Not a damn person would wait on me. This has happened to me there before. I really think it's because I'm young, because I've walked in looking like crap, and I've walked in there looking really nice. And still--I'm invisible.

I arrived in one of the departments and started looking for something I wanted to get my mom that I found on their website (And since Mom reads this, I'm going to have to be vague). I look around and the one that I need is on a mannequin. Rather than dismantle their "creation," I look around for someone to help me. I make eye contact with three freakin' sales people, and not one of them asks me if I need help. Now granted, I didn't look too great today (jeans, New Balance tennis shoes, wool turtleneck sweater, and IU law school hat), but that shouldn't matter. Since I'm trying to be a happy little elf, I don't get bitchy, but ask if someone can help me. Then they were more than willing. They even wrapped the gift too. They're lucky they crossed me on a good day.

I'm telling you though, they could really use a lesson in customer service.

Now it's time for a low-carb lunch and then work on my law review paper. UGH.

Did anyone see the Oprah

Did anyone see the Oprah show today? (re: her trip to South Africa).

Heartbreaking. I'm speechless.

This week's tip has to

This week's tip has to do with traveling--(which I'm sure many of us will be doing in the next week or so).

Next time, before you fly or before you book check in at Seatguru.com before you leave. Detailed maps of the most commonly flown airplanes provide the lowdown on the best and worst seats on board. Down to the tray table in seat 1E on jetBlue's A320 Airbus or the legroom on seat 19F on Delta's Boeing 757 200. Those not obsessive enough to click their way through 594 seats can select according to color-coded rankings: Very Good Seat, Be Aware, and the dreaded Bad Seat.

Here are some cool travel accessories I've found:

1) Don't cram the itinerary, restaurant and shopping lists, receipts, and Post-Its into your wallet. Organize them in a cheap document case (which also fits a passport).

2) Swaddle yourself in double-duty covers. For planes, trains, and automobiles: a pillow that doubles as a blanket.

3) A sleep mask is a wearable do-not-disturb sign. May as well hang a pretty one.

4) You'll never fit all your shoppings into the suitcase you brought. Come prepared. LeSportsacs fold down smaller than a sweater and expand to hold several dozen new ones.

5) What to bring in order of descending size: The rolly-bag conundrum: brilliant for dashing through airports, embarrassingly ugly at baggage claim. Not so with Samsonite's Black Label collection. It's as functional (nothing will rip it) as it is fashionable (its patterns resemble an elegant men's suit).

Like many bloggers, I wholeheartedly

Like many bloggers, I wholeheartedly agree with TIME's choice this year. While this tribute is to all soldiers, we're especially pleased and proud because a Hoosier female soldier from Lebanon, Indiana made it on the cover.

UPDATE: Click here for the IndyStar article on Spc. Billie Grimes.

I took this palm

I took this palm reading "quiz" for fun. Thanks for the heads up, Gennie. Those of you that know me, let me know if you think this is accurate. Here are my results:

You are intelligent and practical, very likely to have a good memory and the ability to make and follow plans. Leadership skills are among your useful traits. Just be careful not to go to extremes and become a dictator.

You may have trouble concentrating or focusing your attention, especially under stress.

You have so many interests that you may have trouble deciding which ones to pursue.

You are a warm hearted person, with much love to give. You probably like children, and exhibit many playful characteristics.

There may be times in your life when you give in to feelings of sadness or depression.

You are likely to make decisions based on intuition or feelings rather than intellect.

You are naturally charming and inclined to be flirtatious.

You have a basically strong constitution, and should enjoy good health most of the time.

No matter what other factors influence your personality, there is an underlying sense of practicality that you can draw on if you wish.

Someone at the White House

Someone at the White House is reading Geoff's blog.

This has left him wondering: Either someone at the President's office has good taste in blogs or he's headed for a federal pen.

And you thought the holidays

And you thought the holidays were only about silver, gold, red and green. Don't forget about orange.

Man sets drinking world record.

Man sets drinking world record. The unidentified middle-aged man was unconscious but stable after a blood test showed 7.22 parts per million of alcohol.

An average person would vomit at around 1.2, lose consciousness at 3.0 and stop breathing at a level of about 4.0 parts per million.

There's no bottle of aspirin big enough for this guy.

This woman gives the phrase,

This woman gives the phrase, "getting paid with the green stuff" a whole new meaning.

I realize I'm a bit

I realize I'm a bit late posting about this...but I was at my parents' house when the nominations were announced.

No huge surprises with this year's nominations, in my opinion.

Nominations I'm happy about/agree with:
--Charlize Theron for Best Actress in a Drama--Monster
--Helen Mirren for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy--Calendar Girls
--I've heard great things about Thirteen, so I'm glad that movie and its actors grabbed some nods.
--Six Feet Under for Best Drama--it's a damn fine show.
--Sex and the City--you knew I'd be supportive of all its nods. I'm especially pumped that SJP, and ALL THREE of the supporting cast members got nominated.
--Nip/Tuck--I wasn't sure what to think about this show at first, but it just draws you in like nothing else. You almost feel twisted to admit you like it.

Nominations I don't like/disagree with:
--Uma Thurman for Best Actress in a Drama--Kill Bill
--Johnny Depp for Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy--Pirates of the Caribbean
--Alec Baldwin for Best Supporting Actor--The Cooler. I didn't see the movie--I just don't like him.
--Matt LeBlanc for Best Actor in a Comedy--Friends. Come on! He is the least funny and talented of the bunch.

Overlooked:
Scrubs
Gilmore Girls
Jane Kaczmerek--Alicia Silverstone gets a nomination and Jane doesn't? Major mistake.

For an entire list of nominees, click here.

So I'm at the IU

So I'm at the IU game today, and some jackass's cell phone goes off during the Star Spangled Banner. As if that wasn't bad enough--HE ANSWERED IT and had a full conversation.

I was mortified. (Caveat: unless he was expecting bad news about a loved one or perhaps baby news. However, the fact that the guy stayed for the entire game makes me think the call had nothing to do with either)

Good ole Francis Scott Key had to be rolling over in his grave.

I'm off to cheer on

I'm off to cheer on IU against the gross Kentucky Wildcats. Considering the fact that KY is ranked #2 right now, we could use all the extra cheers we can get.

GO HOOSIERS! :)

UPDATE: It didn't turn out too well for us.

Better late than never, right?

Better late than never, right?

You just have to love

You just have to love a small town. Shopping is SO different here than in Indianapolis. Here, we can walk in a store and say, "Bill me." They know us and they know where we live. If I did that in Indianapolis the salesperson would just laugh at me.

Today we went in a locally-owned store and I bought some last-minute gifts for people. As we were leaving Mom and I commented on these cheeseball mixes they had and how good they sounded. We started to leave and the owner grabbed one and put it in our bag and said, "Try one and let us know what you think. Merry Christmas."

Small towns have a sense of goodwill and good cheer the bigger cities lack.

So I drove to my

So I drove to my hometown after my finals today. A list of things I appreciate about home:

1) Our Christmas tree. White lights, angel, and every ornament means something. I also get a kick out of seeing this cut-out Christmas tree I made in pre-school. We each only got 10 sticky stars to place on the tree for ornaments. Most of the kids placed them here and there, including on their own body parts. I, on the other hand, placed them neatly in a row and was completely perplexed when I didn't have enough for the whole tree. I of course didn't understand why I couldn't have more because my tree had to be perfect. Think I was/am a bit anal-retentive? I think tears followed.

2) How nothing changes. Big news though: Vincennes is getting an Applebee's! :)

3) My life-sized cardboard cut-out of Commander Will Riker from "Star Trek: The Next Generation" that is in my room. YES, I watched that show. Get over it. I might also have some other Star Trek stuff, but I'll never tell. It was a phase.

4) The fact that the SAME DJ works for the main radio station. I just smiled as I listened when I drove in to town. Incidentally, his wife and I got into a car accident when I was in high school. (Her fault).

5) My cat Charlotte.

6) The fact that martinis are $6 or under.

I AM DONE WITH LAW

I AM DONE WITH LAW SCHOOL FINALS FOR THIS SEMESTER!!!!!!!!

Can you tell I'm pumped???

:)

That's Oxford English Dictionary. The

That's Oxford English Dictionary.

The OED will possibly be adding some new lingo to its next publication:

"Fembot", which can be either a robot which looks like an attractive woman or an emotionless woman. (Of Austin Powers fame)

"Wand"--which refers to the act of waving a hand held metal detector over a person's body, as in "I got wanded at the airport." (We have the terrorists to thank for that one).

And my personal favorite: "baby momma"--which refers to the unwed mother of a child. (I know you're pumped about this one too, Polly).

I wonder if, on my family law exam tomorrow, instead of talking about the rights of unwed cohabitants, I instead just refer to them as rights of the "baby mommas." Or when discussing child custody and the traditional law of maternal preference, I just say, "Give the kid to the baby momma."

Think I'll get an A??

Lauryn Hill needs to find

Lauryn Hill needs to find some.

Sure, we all think the Catholic Church/Priests molesting little boys scandal is awful. Yes, most of us think that the whackjobs responsible should go to jail. Of course, we all have our own opinions on how the Catholic Church handled the scandal.

But to go on a tirade about the whole thing during a Christmas concert at the Vatican? Perhaps it was the right place, but it was the wrong time, in my opinion.

Apparently Prince Charles doesn't know

Apparently Prince Charles doesn't know the difference between Nicole Kidman and Kate Winslet.

Doesn't he have a staff member briefing him before stuff like this? I mean, if you were going to a movie premiere, wouldn't you find out who was in it? Just a thought.

ABCnews.com has a breaking news

ABCnews.com has a breaking news alert that Colin Powell is currently undergoing surgery for prostate cancer.

More to come as the day progresses, I'm sure.

UPDATE: InstaPundit was the first to break the story.

"...to the sea." It seems

"...to the sea."

It seems as though I've been raised to the ranks of Flappy Bird in the TLB ecosystem.

Many people ask me, "What

Many people ask me, "What is a Hoosier?" I never really know what to say. Sure, I learned the history behind the word in second grade, but I don't think that's really what people are asking.

Some of the guys at the Indianapolis Star tried to answer the question, "What makes a Hoosier, a Hoosier?" this week. I think they did a pretty good job. They mention the progressiveness of Unigov, the fact that we are a branch-plant state, and that we are becoming more racially diverse.

And while I'm on the topic of Indiana, it was a good weekend for Indiana sports:

Indiana University clinched their 6th NCAA soccer championship.

In an Indiana-school v. Indiana-school battle, IU defeated Butler on Saturday. (Sorry Butler Fans, someone had to lose that one). The Hoosiers now get the week off to prepare for Kentucky next Saturday. I'm gonna be there to cheer the Hoosiers on to victory. Yeah, I know it's a long-shot, but a girl can dream...

The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Atlanta Falcons today to clinch a playoff berth.

The Pacers unfortunately lost to the Bulls, but are having a really good season, overall.

And finally, Purdue and Notre Dame won their basketball games this weekend.

"Yes, Virginia, there is a

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. And he has brought the U.S. just what we asked for."

UPDATE: The Swanky Conservative has a nice little picture comparison of the Clinton legacy v. Bush legacy (in light of today's little acquisition).

Cases like these are every

Cases like these are every cop's dream:

This guy left a picture of himself in the car that he stole. Lookin' good my man.

This guy left his cellphone at a Blockbuster Video that he robbed. And if that didn't make him a big enough dumbass, he then left his driver's license at check-cashing store he robbed.

Way to keep 'em on their toes, guys.

So my friend Heidi got

So my friend Heidi got me a great book for my birthday. My birthday was in October, but when she ordered it then, she didn't know the book wasn't coming out until now. Anyway, she gave it to me last week and it's FABULOUS! It's a great guide to planning a fun, original cocktail party complete with drink and food recipies. They've had the author on "The Today Show" several times lately.

I'd recommend it for anyone who likes to entertain!

Flirtini: A Guide to Mixing and Mingling is available here.

Professor Cooper, one of my

Professor Cooper, one of my former law professors, offers a thoughtful and informed discussion of my law school's Christmas tree controversy. Head over to my law school's blog and give it a read.

For Clarence Thomas, it was

For Clarence Thomas, it was a Diet Coke can (allegedly, of course). In this case, it was a burrito.

...why I love Louis. From

...why I love Louis.

From E! News:

Louis Vuitton dropping 2003 campaign pitchwoman Jennifer Lopez because the diva allegedly asked for too many freebies, reports the New York Post.

Here's one more to add

Here's one more to add to this year's Grinch list: PETA.

Geoff over at Dog Snot Diaries has the scoop--AND the picture of one of PETA's new billboards. You gotta love Geoff--he tells it like it is.

Did PETA think about the kiddies when they crafted this masterpiece? I mean, most kids that are of the age to still believe in Santa most likely will not get the sexual undertone of the phrase on the billboard. But don't ya think kids are gonna ask Mom and Dad why Santa is looking down with DISMAY at his "candy cane"?

Use your heads, people.

So I took a break

So I took a break from studying to ring bells for the Salvation Army at the Marsh by my apartment (Yes, I realize I have a cold, Mom, but I didn't know that when I signed up 2 weeks ago--don't worry, I dressed warmly.) So I had the 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. shift, and it was pretty dead. Luckily, I had my handy-dandy Trusts/Estates outline to keep me company.

I was making an effort, talking to everyone who passed, when a man was leaving the store and stopped to talk to me. He said, "I'll double what I was previously going to give, if you sing me a Christmas carol." I looked at him and smiled and said, "Seriously?" He nodded. "What do you want to hear?" I asked. "I'll Be Home For Christmas," he said. I smiled, shook my head a little, and went for it. I tried to remember the words and verses as best I could, but I'm sure I messed a few up.

He got a little teary-eyed. When I was done he said, "Thank you. My son is in Iraq."

He handed me $200 and walked away.

There is something seriously wrong

There is something seriously wrong with this. What's next? Saddam Shiraz?

At least they got the color right.

Check out A Little More

Check out A Little More to the Right's transcript of the Paris Hilton/Jimmy Fallon skit from this past week's SNL. I was lucky enough to catch it and was laughing outloud. Probably partially due to the great delivery by both, but the transcript is the best I can do for you right now.

Josh has an eye-opening post

Josh has an eye-opening post about the actual ingredients in a flu shot.

I'm not sure what I thought was in them, but I didn't think it was that!

The "Treegate" scandal is STILL

The "Treegate" scandal is STILL not over.

The Wall Street Journal weighed in today.

What?? I'm shocked! Funkmaster George

What?? I'm shocked! Funkmaster George Clinton does drugs? (please sense the sarcasm).

Make sure you check out the picture. If that dude doesn't look one toke over the line, sweet Jesus, then who does?

I think I'm the last

I think I'm the last one in the free world to know that Pink and Tommy Lee are dating. Well, let me rephrase. They may not technically be dating, but they're doing this. (Once again, the author's name fits the story).

Just got done with one.

Just got done with one. It wasn't too bad. (Or so I think).

2 down (Secured Transactions and Copyright Law), 2 to go (Wills, Trusts, and Estates and Family Law).

Not quite ladies and gentlemen.

Not quite ladies and gentlemen. It appears that FoxNews.com has taken an interest in our school's little scandal. And the best part, they link to our law school's blog (which I contribute to) in the article. Never thought we'd get this much press.

I do have one beef with the FoxNews people: GET THE NAME OF MY LAW SCHOOL CORRECT!! I do not attend IU-Purdue University law school in Indiana. I attend Indiana University School of Law--Indianapolis. For the love of God, is it that difficult?

Anyway, here's the article in its entirety:

The IU-Purdue University law school in Indiana removed a Christmas tree from the lobby of the school after some students and faculty complained that it made them feel excluded, reports the Indianapolis Star.

Following the complaints, the tree was replaced with a neutral winter scene, inspired by Courier and Ives.

The excluded Christmas tree was decorated with folded fans made of maps of the world, lights and ornaments resembling world globes. It was intended to convey the "diversity and the identification of people everywhere," according to school officials.

Following pressure from students at the school, a less-exclusive display has been erected. The new display has two smaller trees, but they are unadorned.

Bill Maher's a freaking idiot!

Bill Maher's a freaking idiot!

He had the nerve to joke about Bill Clinton's sexual indiscretions at a benefit honoring none other than...HILLARY CLINTON.

You mine as well sign up for unemployment benefits right now, Mr. Maher.

I mean, I'm not a fan of EITHER of the Clintons, but the joke was in poor taste. Ewww...no pun intended.

Maybe it's just me, but

Maybe it's just me, but the title of this article made me laugh.

"Not guilty" tattoo identifies robber.

"Not guilty" tattoo identifies robber.

I love John Cusack, so

I love John Cusack, so I thought this would be fun! Not sure about the tuxedo part though! :)

Which John Cusack Are You?

Sing it with me folks.

Sing it with me folks.

As I was perusing my hometown newspaper's website, I came across this MAJOR news event coming out of Vincennes: Charlie's Smorgasbord is back and bustling!

Yes, kids. It's big news. You have no idea how bad the traffic is around this place. People flock to it like Graceland. It's totally out of control. My mom made me go once when I was 7 (just because we were both curious), and well, we've never been back. Downhome cookin' ain't really my thing. But man oh man, this place is a cash cow, if you're in to that sort of thing.

Let me give you a couple of quotes from the article:

"I've had more hugs from little old ladies since we opened back up than I have in my whole life," Winkler said.

"The Little Wagon Buffet was never well-received." (I guess there really is no substitute for Charlie's).

"Approximately 90 percent of the people working at the restaurant before the change have come back to work," Winkler said. "One of the employees did cartwheels while at work at her replacement job after hearing the restaurant was opening back up."

Tom and Maxine Drogich, from Princeton, have been driving to Vincennes to eat the fried chicken and mashed potatoes and other amenities five days a week, every week, for 17 years. "This is the best that we've ever eaten," said Tom Drogich. "It's the down-home atmosphere and the down-home food."

'Nuff said.

I've been quoted about this

I've been quoted about this blasted "Treegate" controversy in the Indiana Daily Student newspaper. If anyone's interested, you can read it here.

Note: I do not attend IU-Purdue University at Indianapolis School of Law as the article states. I attend Indiana University School of Law--Indianapolis. No Purdue. Yuckie.

Our little law school Christmas

Our little law school Christmas tree scandal made two local Indianapolis 11 o'clock news programs last night. Additionally, there is a front page article in the Indianapolis Star this morning. I've pasted it in its entirety.

Tree Display Vexes Law School

Call it the case of Christmas tree v. Indiana winter scene.

Students and professors wrapping up the semester at IU's School of Law in Indianapolis are hotly debating the dean's decision to remove a 12-foot tree after complaints that it was a religious display, then replace it with an exhibit featuring two smaller trees and a sleigh.

Many law students, who overwhelmingly opposed removing the first tree on Tuesday, wonder what the difference is. And the professor who led the charge to remove the original tree said she also opposes the alternative.

Dean of Students Tony Tarr said the new display represents Indiana woods during winter and that no one would attach religious meaning to it. That's also what he said about the first tree, which bore no religious ornaments or even a star on top.

"That was a nondenominational tree, I thought," he said. "It is now a normal Indiana scene. Some faculty and students said the other tree was too starkly religious."

One of the trees in the new display has lights on it -- but neither has ornaments -- and both trees are flecked with fake snow. The sleigh is stuffed with red and green poinsettia plants, which also are on the ground.

Law Professor Florence Roisman was the first to complain about the original tree. Even undecorated, she said, it was a symbol of Christianity on government property.

"The tree is placed there to celebrate a Christian holiday -- it is not put there in the middle of summer," said Roisman, who is Jewish. "To honor one religion and not honor others is exclusionary. This is unacceptable at a place that presents itself as inclusive of all people."

The Supreme Court disagrees. It has ruled Christmas trees are secular symbols of the holiday. At the same time, the court said putting up trees in a public place gives any other group the right to place a holiday symbol there.

In the mid-1990s, several groups placed displays at the Indianapolis City-County Building when a Christmas tree was put up there. The city eventually banned all public displays at the building.

Tarr said his decision to remove the original tree wasn't based on the law. He was trying to be sensitive to some student complaints. Roisman said she would have preferred several different displays and thinks the new one is just as offensive.

Many law students also said it would have been better to have several exhibits than no religious display at all.

"Removal of that tree is more symbolic than it being there," said Kenneth Allsop, 25, a first-year law student from Utah who described himself as a Christian. "If you want to be inclusive, you shouldn't be taking things down."

"This is (political correctness) gone crazy. It's beyond ridiculous," said Matt Nicholson, a 23-year-old first-year law student from Marion.

Some students said the dean shouldn't have let a handful of objections prompt the original tree's removal.

Student Audrey Smith, 29, said she is Jewish but still enjoys Christmas.

"I don't see the tree as a religious reminder," Smith said. "It reminds you of home. Santa used to come to my house, too."

Himka Shergill, a 26-year-old law student who was raised in India, agreed.

"I am not Christian, but I like to hear Christmas songs, and my schools all had trees when I was a kid," she said. "The students want the tree here. It is exam time, and it helps us relax."

Maybe this year Grandma will

Maybe this year Grandma will get runover by a drunken elk.

Rudy Giuliani was in town

Rudy Giuliani was in town last night. Many came to hear him speak not because of his politics, but because of the inspiration he provided during the September 11th attacks.

He also endorsed his fellow Republican and former White House Budget Director Mitch Daniels for Indiana's governor. Giuliani noted that people should take "a very good look" at Daniels, the man he credited with helping New York get the federal aid it needed after the Sept. 11 attacks.

"(Daniels) didn't just sit back in Washington," Giuliani said. "He wanted to see for himself what was happening, what was needed, and then stayed on top of it every minute of the way . . . which is the way he handles everything, and that's why he'll be a really great governor."

You can read more about his visit, here.

I'm currently kicking myself for not going. I thought I should study instead. Damn finals.

Well, today's little blogfest has

Well, today's little blogfest has me worn out. It turned into THE topic of discussion all day. Students were sending emails to the entire school. My inbox was full.

It seems to me there is a lot of lying and story changing going on. Today students were told by various administration and faculty members that 1) the lawsuit threat was true, 2) the lawsuit threat was untrue, and 3) the lawsuit threat was true, but that I/we shouldn't mention it. The faculty actually angry about the Christmas tree have yet to come forward and voice their opinions, yet we still have no tree.

I'll be sure to keep you informed if anything actually results from this. It was nice to see what often seems to be an apathetic group, get charged up and have an intellectual debate.

UPDATE: Check out Sapere Aude for the latest update on the new, supposedly neutral "winter scene" that now adorns our atrium. Josh echoes my sentiments (and questions) exactly.

More economic good news.

More economic good news.

A group of us were

A group of us were admiring the lovely Christmas tree that adorned our law school's atrium yesterday. We commented how it gave the place where we will be spending an increased amount of time due to finals a bit of a "homey" feel.

It was pointed out to me today, that the tree is GONE. No lights. No tinsel. Nada.

A certain someone who works for the law school, who shall remain nameless, relayed that the tree is gone because a group of professors threatened filing a lawsuit if the tree was not taken down. My guess is that it's the same lovely group who protested last year when an American flag was put up in the atrium, because the flag so clearly was a pro-war symbol.

Give us back our tree. Give us back our symbol of GIVING. Put up a menorah too. Whatever. The more the merrier.

You can see some students' reactions here, at my law school's blog.

UPDATE: Josh seems equally as peeved as I am. His recent post at our law school blog gives a link for anyone who would like to contact the administration.

UPDATE #2: Another insider revealed to me that there have been gripes in years past, but our deans have had the gonads to say, "The tree stays." However, since this prof threatened a lawsuit, they all caved. I'm sorry, don't they know any good lawyers?

UPDATE #3: Josh posts an email he received from the Assistant Dean of External Affairs discussing the "great" reason the tree had to go.

UPDATE #4: Andrew Sullivan notes our little tree incident.

UPDATE #5: Up to date info on the tree scandal, here.

UPDATE #6: Jay Solo weighs in.

Here's his take on our

Here's his take on our emotional needs. It's quite humorous.

Here are my results from

Here are my results from Name Statistics website (They gave Rita an actual number as to how many other women have that same name as well as a percentage. Guess there were too few to even count for me):

Thanks for the tip, Rita.

I wish this acting master

I wish this acting master the best of luck with his cancer treatment.

This teacher should be forced

This teacher should be forced to apologize to the boy and his family, and perhaps go through some "reality" training. (Assuming the allegations are true, of course).

"Chicks dig me because I

"Chicks dig me because I rarely wear underwear."

Acidman has a great post

Acidman has a great post on the appreciation of women (wimmin, as he calls them) and their self-esteem issues.