Friday, November 14, 2008

The Dawning of the Age


Weirdly, I didn't used to think that this image much resembled me, but over the past few weeks and months... well, I've changed a bit, is all.
While I still doubt that I would wear a mini dress with a gaping keyhole in the cleavage area, I am far more open to the idea of a crazy big updo, dangly earrings, and amputating both of my legs just above the knee. (This last change was made palatable by a long flight on Delta, an airline that clearly assumed I'd already begun making such an adjustment.)
I do like the frog with the cigarette--I feel that this is indicative of the inexplicable draw I have for the French and compulsive smokers alike (often, these two categories overlap, as seen here). In addition, the large pitcher and sole martini speak to my deep and long-held belief that if you are going to drink alone, you may as well REALLY drink alone.
I'm not entirely sure about my ability to rest my hand on what appears to be solid area, but this anti-gravitational feat would certainly be eased by the loss of thirty pounds of leg. Then again, perhaps I am resting my hand on the blue carpet, next to my stumps. The olive branch is an obvious reference to my peace-making nature, and my inability to commit is indicated by the line up of leaves in the "outside" area. Please note also the lack of solid walls or doors of any type. No obstacles in the way of my points of egress!
The only thing I find truly unsettling in this picture is the fact that I am about to be nailed by a giant fly swatter. I do, however, appear to be handling my impending doom in a way that is almost eerily well-adjusted. (Don't be fooled people, I'm oblivious to my fate!)

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Things you can learn from the law


The students on my Moot Court team have been working hard to prepare for their mock Supreme Court appeal. (Our tournament slot is Friday--cross your fingers, dear reader!) Yesterday, we spent the whole day in Manhattan at the firm of Crowell & Moring, home to our lovely law firm partners and attorney coaches. They were wonderful, and the kids had a great time hanging out in the 26th floor conference room, snacking on a catered lunch and trying to prep their arguments while battling pretty serious cases of nerves.

But that's not the point. This post is not about how adorable and "go get 'em" these kids are. This post is just to share with you my new absolute favorite phrase from a legal document. One of the issues we are arguing relates to First Amendment rights in a school setting. As I was briefing a related case (Fricke v. Lynch--interesting reading and worth looking into), I came across this, the most marvelous thing I have ever read:

"The first amendment does not tolerate mob rule by unruly school children."

I am definitely posting that in my classroom until further notice. In a week that has seen the vicious pummeling of a pregnant girl in the hallway by dozens of kids, three students tell me that I have no idea what the Constitution is about because I told them that the First Amendment is not limitless in its protection of free speech, especially in the school setting, and a horde of kids chasing each other around the hallways armed with parts of desks, I'm feeling sort of smug about the fact that the Supreme Court has ruled in MY FAVOR.
Now, if I could only get the kids to see it that way...
Hmm....
In the meantime, I bring you live feed of six puppies. Beware, it is far more addictive than a reasonable person might assume.