Wednesday, May 19, 2004

My to do list

I am going to be a busy man in the next few weeks. I do have some conflicts now towards the end.

-- Today, softball game Update I went 8 for 8 with a cycle and scored every time. Needless to say we won. We are now 4-0. Chris, doesn't that sound like our old stats?
-- Tomorrow, head to Bend for weekend at Diamond Lake for the yearly family fish camp.
-- Sunday hang out with recently graduated Jeff
-- Tuesday Doctor's Appointment
-- Wednesday leave for trip to Vegas to watch the World Series of Poker...
-- Tuesday go to the Dentist, and perhaps meet with an attorney regarding me setting up my own firm
-- Wednesday or Thursday go to Central Washington to visit Jason and Erika
-- Saturday either have BBQ with Jason and Erika or head back for a party with Jason Skelton and his crew.

Busy times, busy times. Oh, and thanks Jen in advance for the CD. And congrats on one year.

Silva, Iowa, and Name-calling

So, during my second year at law school, this guy named Frank Silva started this petition to make it so that the University of Oregon would not play teams with "racist" mascots such as the Florida Seminoles. I recall that Mr. Silva got pissed at me for not being fully supportive of his idea (actually I thought it was ridiculous since I went to that particular law school for the football program and I wanted the best for it, not some ultra-politically correct guidelines) and wrote and threatened me. Anyway, apparently the Iowa Hawkeyes have a similar policy in place. Greg at the Sports Law Blog notes that Iowa's own nickname, the Hawkeyes, is based on an Indian name. I, too, wonder why no one has said anything about this before.

Tuesday, May 18, 2004

Fashion Police

I am sure you've heard by now that Lousiana is considering making low rider pants illegal. My two cents: I am not sure that would be legal. It may sound stupid, but you say something when you wear those low riders. The message may be as stupid as "I am sexier than you", but it's still a message. It may be a permissable "time place manner" regulation, but I am not sure. Still is this a 'significant' governnmental interest? Even if it survives free speech muster, it still has the problem of being under-inclusive. It doesn't appear that thongs are prohibited on the beach or that two piece suits are prohibited. These are forms of underwear allowed in public. Anyway, not an expert here, but think some issues will be explored if this is enacted.

Bush vs. Kerry vs. Anyone

I am torn.

I don't think I can force myself to vote for Bush this year. I am not a Republican. I am not a Democrat. I am a Libertarian. However, often my political views are more aptly aligned with the Republicans and I feel that the Democrats in this country are rather misnamed. Democrats in this country are much closer to socialists than anyone wants to admit. Anyway, I don't think I can vote for Bush because of his extreme views that are tightly tied to his religious beliefs. The religious side is one big reason is why I can't call myself a Republican.

Bush has distanced himself from the entire Republican party except the Religious Right. As such the majority of the Republican party is left to decide whether to vote for a President who has royally messed things up internationally and internally or to vote for the other side.

Its not like the Democrats have it any better. They have Kerry, who was in Portland yesterday, who is a politician without a message. His only message is apparently "I am not Bush." This leaves the Dem's with a choice of voting for a guy who has no real goals or platforms or voting for the most hated man in the world. Somehow I think I know how that will turn out, but they won't be happy.

However, I am thinking that the Blogsphere can have a big impact on the election. The Blogsphere is the ultimate Grass Roots. I mean, we have all heard of Six degrees of seperation (and I'm not talking about the movie). If someone can find a good third party candidate, I think he could really catch on this year. Nobody is really excited about either of the candidates.

I checked out the Libertarian Party's home page, and it appears some former Hollywood Producer is trying to get the LP nomination. I gotta say, I am not excited about this candidate. He doesn't appear to be that serious of a candidate, to me at least. How about it blogsphere? Can't we find someone, anyone, to be a viable third party choice? At least if they get 5% then some party will get matching funds in the next year's election. So long as that party didn't screw up all that momentum like the Reform Party did. I mean the Buchanan debacle was bad enough, but now to support Nader rather than finding your own dude (or dude-ette)? That is weak. I didn't vote for your party back in the day so you could throw away your power.

So I call on Mr. Poon, Mr. Bashman, Mr. Homowner, Mr. Murphy, or Anybody.... come up with someone better. There has to be someone better than those two.

Monday, May 17, 2004

Blatant Copyright Infringement and Attempts to Discount its Value

A few years ago, the Baltimore Ravens had a contest for a fan to "name the team". One fan sent in a Ravens logo that looks very similar to the logo the Ravens used. See the logo's compared here. You'll notice that the differences are minor. Well, the Supreme Court just declined to review a subsequent hearing where the fan was denied a portion of the sales of apparel with the logo. What I find interesting is the statement from the Ravens at the end of this ESPN article on the subject: "The attorney for the Ravens and the NFL said the logo did not boost sales of merchandise."

Is it just me, or did the NFL just say that their marketing department is a bunch of crap that couldn't sell carrots to starving vegatarians? Otherwise, wouldn't the logo have made some boost to the sales?

The Great Gatsby

When I first started reading this book, I found it to be boring and fairly poor. I could not understand how it would make all sorts of best-novels lists. Well, today I finished it. I now understand the greatness of the novel. The language is unique and the orchestra of the plot cresendoes as it draws you to the sorrowful conclusion. The bulk of the text is an examination of the pompous lifestyle while the end is a brutal reexamination of the lifestyle and a triumphant restatement that time past is time lost.

the time i spent reading this book was not time lost

As if our plan for Iraq wasn't having enough problems...

The President of temporary government of Iraq was killed in a car bomb. What is it with the middle east and bombs? Why would anyone want to live there? I mean, its hot, its dry, and full of bombs. I guess if I was there I'd be cranky too.

Sunday, May 16, 2004

Frisbee Golf

I went frisbee golfing today for the first time in a year. Champoeg park has certainly changed many of its holes. Despite not playing since this event, I did fairly well, throwing +6 on 15 holes. And some of these holes are much much worse than in times past.

I have been feeling a bit depressed lately regarding my social life (or lack thereof), my career (or lack thereof), and about myself in general. Recently I found out that my mom often has bouts with depression. Finding that out was depressing too. :) Anyway, right now is not a good time in my life other than my poker playing.

Oh, and congrats Jeff on the graduation. Sorry I didn't make it down.