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February 27, 2008
MovableType: Apparently, We No Longer "Get It"
We'll it appears that the upgrade to MT4.1 broke commenting on my blog. Now, this wouldn't be so bad--if I had any idea how to fix it. Or, if, when I clicked the "Help" link from within my blog management console, it didn't take me to this page:
http://www.movabletype.org/documentation/help/dashboard/
Which, at least as of the writing of this post, generates a 404 "Page Not Found" error:
Yep. Helpful.
Posted by Dave! Permalink | Comments (4)
February 26, 2008
You Can Rent My Mind
Prof. today... "That's what I get paid for, my mind. You're all renting my mind. And when you work as a lawyer, that's what you're doing: renting out your mind."
Posted by Dave! Permalink
Dear Class Eater
I am not unsympathetic to hunger. Check out this blog. I enjoy food. I also understand that hunger can be distracting in class, especially an evening class. And when my blood sugar gets low, I get really cranky. Like now. You know what else makes me cranky? YOUR CONTINUED CHOMPING ON YOUR SANDWICH AND CHIPS.
Seriously, you were late to class anyway, you couldn't finish it outside? Instead, I have to sit here and smell your greasy cafeteria food and listen to CHOMP after CHOMP while I'm trying to fight my own hunger and pay attention to the lecture.
What's worse is this is the second time this week that you've done this. It's becoming a habit, and I'm getting peeved. Please, eat before class or next time, I'm going to bring a bowl of cereal to class, slurp and crunch it down in your face, and then dump the leftover milk on your head.
Thank you.
Irritable Dave.
Posted by Dave! Permalink
February 17, 2008
Wee!
Okay, I want a Wii. I am not a big gamer, but on two occasions in the past few weeks I've had the opportunity to play games that are seriously fun and relaxing...
First, there was just about everything I played on our friend's Wii... she has a 4 year old who got a Wii for Christmas, and man, that thing is just plain fun. The games are fun to play, and the controllers are great... it's not like playing a game with any of the other consoles I've owned in the past.
Then, last night, we went over to a friends house and played Guitar Hero. This is my kind of game! I could seriously enjoy rocking out... and when I found out it's available for the Wii, that clinched it.
I want one.
And they are still impossible to find!
Posted by Dave! Permalink | Comments (3)
February 6, 2008
Trial Advocacy
I've been meaning to post about this for quite some time...
At the end of the summer, just before the fall semester, I took "Intensive Trial Advocacy". It's an eight-day intensive course--and at my school, you have to take the follow up ("Trial Ad 2") the next semester. Many schools have similar classes, called "Trial Ad" or "Trial Practice" or somesuch.
It was definitely an intense experience. Essentially, you are cramming a three credit hour course into eight days--eight long days--covering as many aspects of trial practice as possible. It's mentally exhausting, but it was one of the best experiences I've had in law school. First, I learned an incredible amount. Second, I felt more camaraderie with my classmates in Trial Ad than in many of my other law school courses--not to say it wasn't competitive, it was. But it was also a lot of fun.
The course takes you through skills like direct examination, cross examination, witness prep, opening and closing statements, objections, etc. It is without a doubt the best way to learn the rules of evidence--much better than evidence class! Having to think about the rules of evidence in a practical sense, during prep and during trial, is far more instructive than reading caselaw.
Learning to direct and cross witnesses was valuable as well, and opening statements/closing arguments helped cure some of my public speaking foibles (hopefully). All in all, there was a lot of thinking on your feet--it's a great way to hone your presentation and public speaking skills, all while actually getting to apply your analytical skills and knowledge of the law. I'll admit, the motion practice section is a little weak, at least in the intensive session. Intensive really focuses on the trial itself, with many exercises and mini-trials, leading up to the final, which is a full-blown jury trial. In the second course, you get to delve into motion practice a little more, and refine some of the skills from intensive.
If you're a law student looking to take something in your 2/3L year that will not only be educational, but also a lot of fun, I would highly recommend taking a Trial Advocacy course, even if you don't plan on being a litigator--which I don't. The skills you'll pick up in Trial Ad will help you think on your feet better and refine your communication skills. Regardless of what type of law you hope or think you will end up practicing, I think every law student would benefit from this type of practical course.
Posted by Dave! Permalink
February 5, 2008
Vote!
I already have...
Have you?! If not, get out and do it!!
Posted by Dave! Permalink