Faith...

the hardest concept to accept, but the easiest to believe. Not religious faith, but faith in general. Dropping a ball and having faith that it will fall. Science has proven gravity exists, and the concepts surrounding why gravity exists. But will it always be there? Ever imagine how screwed up everyone would be if we all woke up tomorrow and there is no gravity? Think about that for awhile and realize that even scientific concepts still involve some level of faith...faith that the concept will remain constant. Scientific theories remain until they can be proven false.

Just to show my level of naivety, I have faith that if I believed in something and worked as hard as possible, I can achieve anything. Even though reality tells me this is not the truth, I have to have faith that it is true for my own benefit. Is this blind faith? Probably, but I'm alright with that.

Even though there is no scientific evidence out there to prove it, I have faith that when it's all over, there will be something better on the other side. Blind faith again? Sure, but it helps to keep me on the upside and always striving to do the right thing. Not because I think that if I don't there will be eternal badness, but if there is something on the other side, I want to feel that when it came time to make a choice, I chose the right thing no matter how much it hurts.

Besides, without faith, I'd have to abandon my ambitions to become President of the United States of America! Stupid lemming you say? I say thanks when I've got the football!

Movie Review

Alright, I went and saw Walk the Line the other night. In case you don't know, this movie is about Johnny Cash. I don't know his music, and didn't know anything about him before I went to see this movie. The only song I had heard was "Ring of Fire" which they played in all the previews. I wanted to see this one because I'm a big fan of Joaquin Phoenix (sp?). I think he's one of our generation's best actors...and he pulled off quite a performance. I hope he wins awards for it, because he really portrayed all the ups and downs most excellently. It didn't bother me at all that it was him (and Reese Witherspoon) singing the songs. That wasn't the point of the movie. He was sufficient as a singer, but all the anger, addiction, pain, suffering...he made it convincing. Reese did a smash-up job as well, and was very entertaining. I'm a sucker for biographical movies like this, but I found this one was much better than most. I'd recommend this movie quite a bit.

4 out of 5 stars.

My New Car

Here it is...my new (to me) car:

Much Needed Rest

That's right...after 53 straight days of working, I felt the need to take a couple of days off. In the end, it was a bad idea for work, but a good idea for me, because I was getting so mentally tired that I was losing response from my faculties. I was running into walls, and my body tended to do things without me telling it to (like getting up and walking somewhere only to realize I had no destination).

After the last couple of days of rest, I feel physically tired still, but I feel mentally better! Ready for me to get back to working the LONG hours again to make up for the time off, particularly on this project that I had to put on hold to mentally freshen-up.

During my time off, I took the plunge and got a new (to me) car! I broke down and got a Range Rover. I had wanted to get one of these a couple of years ago, but settled on the Volvo XC90...and recently I've seen more and more of these Volvos everywhere, so I decided I needed a change. Everything in my life is in an upheaval right now, so I guess I might as well make a change in everything. Other than that, I've had no adventures the last couple of days, which also means I haven't really thought about much to post. That's it for now, more tomorrow.

Cheers,
Rocco

P.S. I went to a restaurant the other day and when they asked for my name, I paused...this is always a tricky one for me, because it's not much fun giving my real name. My personal favorite is "Yo" so that when they come to find me they say something like "YO, party of 2...YO, party of 2" and to my amusement everyone who put their name in for 2 people look at each other as if it was a general cattle call for anyone having a reservation for 2. Instead, I stuck with the reliable Rocco, and they even screwed that one up. How many different ways can Rocco be spelt? Well, I've found another, and almost lost my reservation because I didn't realize they were calling me because they were mispronouncing my name.

Winter Wonderland

Caption Contest #1

Here's the first installment of the caption contest...I'll provide the picture, you provide the caption.

Caption away:

One Man, One Riot

I watched the movie "Spartan," and Val Kilmer's character made mention of a saying "one riot, one ranger." Val's character also explained that Leonidas I, king of Sparta, who, when a neighbor state needed military aid, would send one man.

Reflecting back on this line, I wonder if one person can truly make a difference? Although very few major events in history have ever been done by one person, but is it possible? Rosa Parks didn't move to the back of the bus, which started a riot of sorts, leading to the desegregation and integration of the South (and elsewhere). But she didn't do it alone. She merely provided the spark to set things in motion.

Fidel Castro led the hostile takeover of Cuba, but he did not do it alone. Jackie Robinson is often credited as the person who integrated sports, but he didn't do it alone. Nelson Mandela is often credited as the person who brought down apartheid, but he didn't do it alone.

Again, I continue to ask myself if one person can make a difference? If one person can't make a difference by themselves, how many more are needed to institute significant change?

The conclusion that I have come to, as of now, is that it doesn't take many to make a difference, but those that join the cause must be able to sacrifice everything. Rosa risked death by defying the whites (in a time and place that lynchings were commonplace), Fidel and his men risked their lives (and many paid that price), Jackie risked a life of shame and ridicule, and Nelson risked death to convey his activist messages. I think that it shows that sometimes greatness really is thrust upon people. These people didn't wake up one morning and decide that they wanted to be top billing in history books, all they wanted was to fight for a cause they felt was worth fighting for. Those that fought along side of them and died are nowhere to be found in the annals of time, yet they made the ultimate sacrifice that someone else has taken credit for simply because they survived.

I don't think anyone is left in our society that is willing to fight the fight. The apathetic, me-first, entitlement-demanding people may want change, but are scared to do what it takes to make it happen. I want change. I demand change. As much as I want to start the riot, I'm afraid I will be alone, so again I wonder: can one person make a difference?

Time

My clock:

This is the clock I have on my desk in my office. Behind the clock, you might (vaguely) be able to see my visitor chairs. Visitors to my office cannot see my clock because it faces me. However, it seems that my visitors want to know what time it is, so they turn the clock around to look, but they can never seem to tell what time it is. To me, it's pretty simple, I learned how to tell time on a non-digital display back in the first grade, but adults can't seem to be able to tell time anymore when they come into my office. I like to dub my office "the black hole of apathy" (yeah it's a rip-off from college days, but it seemed so appropriate) because everybody gets sucked in here, can never seem to leave, and nothing gets done. One look at the clock and all reasonable conversations are over...and I don't know why.

Just a bit of background: I'M WEIRD. I know this. I put the numbers on the clock myself more for self amusement than anything. I got bored one day and thought it would be fun to change things up a bit, swim upstream. No matter what position you have the clock in, the only number that is lined up correctly is 9 o'clock. I didn't plan it that way, I just kept turning the clock and putting the numbers on. There is no method to the numbers other than the fact that they are in proper order according to the hour, but the starting hour was picked at random. All I wanted to do was to make sure that the time went beyond the typical 24-hour clock, 'cause it's kinda my way of creating time. I've always wanted to add another hour to the day, and this was my chance, so I added 2 just because. Now, every time I look at my clock to mark down the hours I've billed I'm reminded that I'm different. It's also another example of me against "the man"...my own personal revolution. Even though my favorite saying is "if you're different, you're bad" I like to think that being different isn't ALL bad.

Time is all relative anyway.

Cheers,
Rocco

Today

Here's what it looks like today:



I've started about 10 different entries in the last couple of days, but I have either deleted them or just haven't finished them yet. I have alot going through my weird head, but nothing ever comes out right. As such, I'm going with easy today...here's my top-5 list of things I'm thankful for right now.

1. Job - I'm glad I have a job that allows me to do the things I like to do, such as watch soccer games, go to the World Cup, and visit California regularly!

2. Friends who will listen when things get bad.

3. Family who cares, no matter how stupid things get.

4. A home - something that until recently never made much sense how anyone could really be thankful for one.

5. Other's sense of humor and patience - without them, I'd probably be all alone this holiday season...wait a minute, if I don't get this project done, I probably WILL be alone this holiday season. Well, I won't scratch this one off the list until I know for sure.

Cheers,
Rocco

Expired Parking

I'm feeling a bit better now that this doesn't only happen to me...and they say paybacks are hell!

WCTIF!

Yeah, that's right "who cares that it's Friday?" I don't!

I have to work all weekend anyway, so to me the only advantage to it being friday is that I don't have to "dress up" to come into the office. To make things worse, this is what it looks like outside today:

Yeah, it's taken from my camera phone so it's not the best quality, but it's also just a pretty crappy weather day here. UGH, I need a break. Today is my 47th straight day of working. I'm mentally drained and I'm having alot of difficulty concentrating for more than a couple of minutes at a time. Not good, because I have a huge project that is due on Tuesday and I'm not yet done (and it still has to be reviewed).

Alright, enough complaining from me...time to get some more coffee and get back to it.

Bah humbug,
Rocco

Funny, ha ha

This has got to be one of my favoritest pictures of all time, so enjoy:

Just wondering...

is there another word for "synonym"?

Sorry, it's not the greatest, but I promised I'd try and keep it light today.

Taking Deutschland By Storm

Yeeee-haaaaaw! The World Cup is in Germany next year, and my brother and I are planning a month-long adventure in Germany to watch it. We applied for tickets in the first ticket phase, but didn't get any tickets. The second ticket phase was for "follow your team" tickets. The gist of this is that you pick a team that you want to watch in the World Cup, pay the money for the tickets, and hope your team qualifies for the World Cup. Also, you can choose how many games you would like to follow that team. First, each team that qualifies automatically is placed in a 4-team group in which they play each of the other teams in the group. So, just for qualifying for the World Cup, every team is guaranteed at least 3 games. The top 2 teams from each group then advance to a win and advance, lose and go home elimination-type tournament culminating in the world's most-watched event...THE FINAL. For the "follow your team" package, you could choose to get the TST-3 package that allows you to watch all the group phase games, or you could choose TST-5 package that allows you to watch the three group phase matches as well as 2 of the playoff-style matches. Finally, you could pick the TST-7 package that guarantees you tickets to watch every match for your team, including THE FINAL. However, if the team you picked does not make it out of the group phase, you still have tickets to the remainder of the games you chose, but now the team you follow is the winner of the group. This is a great option, because even if your team doesn't make it out of the group, you will be following a very strong team, and if they get beat in the playoff, you get to follow the team that beat them. Simple enough...the trick is to make sure that the team you choose even qualifies!

During the second phase, we wanted to get the "follow your team" tickets to follow the US, but they were all sold out in the first phase, along with any other team that was pretty much a guarantee to make it to the World Cup. A couple of months ago, FIFA re-released about 40,000 tickets that people bought in the first phase but didn't pay for. This was quite a hectic day because they didn't release them all at the same time. Instead, it was a slow trickle of releasing tickets for different countries at different times. So the FIFA website was changing every second on what tickets were available. Because we didn't know this until after we applied for tickets, we tried to choose a team that we would like to see that also had a strong probability of making it to the World Cup. We settled on Ireland because...well, the Irish know how to have fun! Come to find out later, if we would have waited around a bit more, we could have gotten USA tickets. Oh well. I also applied for tickets later in the day for the Czech Republic. I know alot of their players because they mostly play in the EPL, which I watch every weekend. As it turns out, Ireland didn't qualify, so we are without those tickets...but TODAY, the Czech Republic booked their place in the World Cup! We now have tickets to watch the Czechs play 5 matches if they make it that far (or whatever team makes it from their group). I'm pretty excited, because in a couple of weeks, FIFA will have the drawing to see what teams are in what groups. I only hope that the Czechs get drawn into the same group as Brazil...it would be a dream to get to watch the Brazilians live.

Anyway, look out Deutschland, here we come!

Cheers,
Rocco

Gettin' Political

For some reason, I'm feeling in a political mood today. Maybe it's because I'm pensive, or maybe it's because I'm disappointed in the things I see around me.

Either way, I just want to say that I think our entire governmental structure is a complete wreck, and it's beyond repair. The judicial system, the executive branch, and Congress...there is supposed to be checks and balances between each of these bodies, but it has gotten to the point where there is no accountability to any of them. I think that somewhere along the way they have lost perspective. It's not about the people, the state, or the federal government as much is it is about how much power every person in these branches can achieve. This has come at the cost of the populace, and we are all suffering.

In my very first legal interview, the interviewer asked me directly: "why did you go from a job in engineering to law school to become a lawyer?" I figured that it was a fair question and one that I had asked myself many times before that day and many times since. My answer was "I want to save the world." Simple, but the "wrong" answer as I have previously explained. I didn't mean for this answer to be taken as a joke because I didn't mean for it to be, but it was truly how I felt. I still feel that way. Somehow, I think that becoming a lawyer, a patent attorney at that, will somehow help me to develop skills to help save the world. No, I don't think of this as saving the world religiously in a salvation sort of way. Instead, I want to save the world from itself, and changing the way our government operates and treats people is the hardest charge. However, this is the first place to start as I see this as being key to people recognizing that it's time to take personal responsibility and the government isn't going to bail you out when you make stupid choices.

It's not the place of the government to legislate morality, but because no one wants to take responsibility for their actions, that is precisely what our government has to do to require common decency. I think the goverment should be changed to only govern what is necessary, nothing more and nothing less. Once our government starts taking responsibility for their actions, the people will soon follow suit; everyone will start to respect others instead of treating them as the next stepping stone to get where they're trying to go. I want to be part of the revolution, but I don't know where to start.

If you've gotten this far (which I'm amazed if you have), I would like to pass along something that I have read but have to continue to re-read in order to fully grasp what is being professed. It is "The Law" by Frederick Bastiat. It was written in the early 1800's, but it is still as applicable today as it was then. This is just something to consider. I'm not trying to cram any political agenda down anyone's throat, but just trying to challenge you to consider an alternative to what we have now. Read it, don't read it. Either way, thanks for at least taking the time to read this far. I will try to give you something a bit lighter tomorrow. Anyone who knows me knows that I prefer funny to serious!

SUIT UP!...errrr, cheers yo!

Time's a-changin'?

I was just reading an article about Judge Alito who is the presidential nominee to replace Sandra Day O'Conner on the bench of the Supreme Court. The article was explaining how Alito took a position against the Roe v. Wade decision in an application from back in 1985.

This is an issue that I've been struggling with for some time: can the interpretation of a law change over time, depending upon the "morals" of society? For example, killing another has always been wrong in the eyes of the general public. But how about in 100 or more years times change or circumstances change to the point that killing someone else is not wrong in the eyes of the society as a whole. However, there are laws on the books against killing. What then? The executive branch (police, etc.) can arrest people for breaking the law, but must the court keep a consistent interpretation of the law at all times? That is the job of the court...to interpret the law. Could it be that simple, that the court can interpret a law by taking into account the general "feelings" of society?

Now, back to the reality of today. Roe v. Wade is going to be a huge controversial case very soon. The court's take on the constitution and laws is that there is some inherent right in the constitution that does not prevent abortion. However, that case was decided in 1973, more than 30 years ago. Assuming times have changed such that society as a whole believes that abortion is bad, should, or MUST, the justices take that into account in their next decision regarding abortion?

Interesting thing is that when the issue next comes before the Supreme Court, the court will look to interpret the Roe v. Wade decision...even though the decision provides a description that should be clear, conservatives will read it one way and liberals will read it another such that if the same case was in front of the justices today they may "interpret" the law differently than they did back in 1973. Thus, a different position would be taken. Is this fair?

Sometimes it is a harsh reality that I have to face is that while 99.9% of the people read and interpret a law that may be in my favor when I show up in court, if the .1% is sitting on the bench, I lose. It's the same law that the other 99.9% read, so why is there a different decision?

Just something to think about, yo.

Maybe I should just go back to engineering where you know whether or not you have the right answer depending upon if it breaks or not...life is much simpler there.

Cheers,
Rocco

Movie(s) Review #2

I watched "Spanglish" over the weekend on one of the myriad of movie channels I get. Interesting movie. I'm not quite sure if there was supposed to be a message conveyed, but it kept my attention. Tea Leoni's character was quite annoying, and I'm really hoping this isn't how she is in real life. Sometimes, I think that some people play parts exceptionally well because that is how they act day-to-day, so there's no "acting" involved. Adam Sandler played his typical passive victim-type role, very similar to his character in 50 First Dates...uh, that is, if I'd actually seen it...As for Paz Vega, I wish she was in more American movies, because she is absolutely stunning. She looks alot like Penelope Cruz, but she is a much better actress. The plot was interesting, but a bit slow and undeveloped. I'm glad I waited for it to be on the movie channel. I'd recommend it if you feel like watching some TV and there's nothing else on.

2 out of 5 stars

I also went to the theatre to watch "A History of Violence" with Maria Bello and Viggo Mortensen. As I walked out, my comment was "there was sure lots of gratuitous sex, violence, and drugs" and that about sums it up. I was surprised at the graphic nature of the sex scenes. The violence was also very graphic, and I think I was the only one in the theatre that was laughing and clapping at it...sorry, I found it amusing. I go to the theatre to get away from reality, even for just a bit, so when there's that much violence of a graphic nature I got what I went for...I don't see that from day to day, so it was a nice break from reality. I thought overall that the movie was well done, because nothing ever seemed to happen in the "tense" scenes and the action always seemed to happen without any buildup and very little notice...I liked it 'cause it kept me guessing. Well done, but I just thought that the sex scenes were a bit over the top and unnecessary because it really didn't have anything to do with violence.

3 out of 5 stars

Sometimes, you just know

Everyone's always talking about "the one" as if there is truly only one person with whom you are supposed to spend the rest of your life.

I don't think there is only one person you are meant to be with, but several. The trick is to find one of those with whom you are also one of their "the one"s. I have known several people throughout my dating career that I am positive it would work out between us in the end, but they just didn't feel the same way. They had everything I'm looking for, but obviously I didn't have everything they were looking for. Does that mean they are not "the one" for me? No, I just wasn't one of theirs. That's the breaks. While it may suck, it also is a good thing that I don't end up with someone who doesn't feel for me the same that I feel for them. I don't think there should be an uneven kind of love between two people...it should be 50-50.

Also, alot of talk comes up when two people decide to get married after knowing each other for a very short period of time (like a week, a month, or some short period of time like that). I don't see the problem, because sometimes you just know! If both people feel the same way, that they found their "one", then why waste time? Timing is nothing more than a temporal determinant that is relative to each person. I'm not suggesting rushing into marriage, but if both are sure, then their friends and family should cut them some slack and be happy for both of them.

Well, time for me to get back to work.

Cheers,
Rocco

Poll

Alright, it's speed-freaky-mind Thursday, which means I have a million thoughts pouring through my head. I can't settle on just one to write about, so I figured I'd take a poll and get some interactive feedback.

Question: What has been the most adventurous thing you have ever done, what made you do it, and did you enjoy it in the end?

I know it's bad...

but I want a motorcycle! It's bad because I know that if I get one, it will literally be the end of me. No pulling punches, just the truth. I love the speed, and too much speed can be bad...but I don't think I'd know how much is too much. This is why I don't have one.

Here it is, my bike.

A Ducati, red, fast. Nothing less.

I know the risks of riding such a bike, but part of me doesn't care. I love the adrenaline rush. I want to skydive as well purely for the adrenaline. I think my problem would be that I'd get the adrenaline rush from going 90mph, but soon that will wear off, so it's time to try 100mph...same thing, eventually that rush would wear off. It would only be a matter of time until I'm maxing it out, and when you play with fire you're bound to get burned; it's only a matter of time.

I've always thought that I could drive a car as fast as it could possibly go, and I had my chance. A couple of years ago, I was in Germany on the autobahn in a Mercedes. A dream come true. I pushed it and pushed it, but I had to draw the line. I could feel myself wanting to go faster, but it wasn't just me; I had 2 passengers. In the end, I didn't want something to happen where I'd have to be the one that had to explain to parents what happened, so I hit my limit. It was about 120mph. I think had they not been in the car, I would not have stopped. I don't wish that on anyone. I found out my limit of what I was willing to risk with others involved. I know enough about myself that given a different set of circumstances (alone on a bike), I would not know when to stop.

That's my story...

I HATE BAD DRIVERS

That's right, I take my driving seriously, and I hate those that don't. You know who I'm talking about...the ones who, on the highway, drive in the PASSING LANE without passing. Speed limit is 55, and they drive 55 like it's their right to be in that lane. Everyone is passing them on the left, but they still refuse to get over. And why, when I pass them on the right, cut them off, and slam on my brakes with my turn signal on (trying to give them as many subtle hints as I can that they should get over), do they insist on flipping me off or turning on their brights. This situation wouldn't happen if they would follow the law and use the PASSING LANE for what it is there for: TO PASS, NOT CRUISE AT YOUR OWN LEISURE. I also find it funny that after I cut them off and slam on my breaks how they then decide to speed up to get up beside me on my right to flip me off...makes me wonder why they are so bent on "showing me" as opposed to stopping this situation before it stops by getting over when (or if) they ever decide to pass someone. It's kinda sad that Illinois had to resort to passing a law that says that it's illegal to drive in the left lane if you are holding up more than 2 cars...sad that it requires the government to legislate common courtesy. Of course, I shouldn't be surprised because this is a me-first society, and these drivers obviously think that they are more important than everyone else that the rules of the road and courtesy don't apply to them. Here's to @$$hole drivers...

Gypsy

Gypsy: n. One inclined to a nomadic, unconventional way of life; A person who moves from place to place as required for employment, especially (a) A part-time or temporary member of a college faculty, or (b) A member of the chorus line in a theater production.

I think this is a pretty accurate description of my life. I hate to stay in the same place for very long...usually long enough for a particular purpose. Even if I don't know what the purpose is at the beginning, I know when the purpose has been satisfied and it's time to move on to the next locale. Since I left for college, the longest time I had ever lived in one place was almost 2 years, and that was because I purchased the house. I sold it almost a year ago, have moved to another house (which I rent for this reason alone), and am ready to move again.

Other than the fact that I'm ready to move houses, I have also recently felt that it's time to move on to something different in my life. I've dedicated the last 6+ years to law school and my career as an attorney. While I enjoy(ed) both, I think I'm ready for a new challenge. It's not that I'm bored, but I think that I've met my purpose for being a lawyer. I went to law school in the first place to prove something to myself. I am now at a large law firm with the best in the business. I feel as if I've proved something to myself and I'm ready to take on the next challenge. I haven't quite figured it out yet, but I do see it happening. It's nothing personal against the people here, the work itself, or the job. I don't know how to explain that I feel that it's time to move on.

There are times that I've wondered to myself if I'll ever settle down in one place. I don't think that would make me happy though. Even though I'm structured and regimented, classic type-A personality, I require change. I think it's because if I'm not challenged I'm afraid of becoming complacent. Not that I have, as I've proved to myself by billing 240 hours last month, but I think complacency is my biggest fear for myself. I realize that I may never be the best at any one thing, and I never want to be famous, I have this deep down urge to always do better. I am never satisfied with good enough, even if good enough from me might be better than 99% of the rest of the world (I'm in no way saying that's what level I perform at).

Maybe it's my desire for competition. Maybe it's my desire to know more than what I already do. Maybe it's just simply that I haven't figured out what makes me happy. Maybe I never will. Maybe I want to see the world. Maybe I already have.

I think all I want is perfection from myself, but the closer I get the further away I want to be. I prefer to live on the edge to risk falling rather than feeling safe. I hate the easy road, there's no adventure there.

The one thing I'm sure of is that it's time to move on and continue on my gypsy way.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Being a huge fan of soccer, I try and watch it as much as I can, or whenever it is on TV. However, there is one announcer that annoys the living daylights out of me. This guy is an english prat. He cannot pronounce names properly...or at least how most English speakers would pronounce the names. Usually his ineptitude is limited to spanish names, because he seems to pronounce all Brits properly. My biggest hang-up is that he lisps his esses in select spanish names. There may be some funky way of pronouncing esses in the Basque region, or something, but he insists on doing this for every spanish name. For example, I'm trying to watch the Real Madrid-Zaragoza soccer match. He is pronouncing Zaragoza as "Theragotha"...he also says "Luith Garthia" instead of Luis Garcia (which totally pisses me off when I take time off of work to watch Liverpool), but he pronounces Sevilla correctly as well as many other S-names. I don't understand if this is just another case of someone who can't properly roll their arrrr's, so they just butcher it instead (this is my theory). Another thing I don't understand is that soccer is the most popular sport in the world, yet this is the only person who speaks English that seems capable of commentating matches on both ESPN and GolTV. Just wanted to vent my frustration as I watch the match on mute.

Movie Review #1

I finally got out to the theatre last night. It's been awhile, so I didn't really care what I saw. I went with my PP and her roommate to the theatre in Ft. Wayne to see "The Legend of Zorro." On our way to the movie, I had to warn my PP's roommate that when the lights go out in the theatre that I tend to have wandering hands...but she didn't seem to care. I figured after that, she would make my PP sit next to me. Also, my PP and I both laugh very loudly during movies...which we have found out after going to see several funny movies. When we got into the theatre, it ended up that the roommate sat in the middle between me and my PP...which meant that the roommate got all commentary and laughing in stereo! It was quite a fun night out with the girls, even though we all had to be home early because of early days today.

Overall, the movie was entertaining. The action scenes were good, the plot was boilerplate (which is fine). You pretty much know what to expect from the movie going in, and it didn't disappoint It was funny, and Catherine Zeta-Jones wore very...ummmm, tight outfits that were very appealing. Although she and Antonio Banderas are getting a bit old to be playing action roles, they kinda made that part of the script/plot. The music was fun too. Everyone left with a smile on their face. While it was fine seeing it on the big screen, this definately isn't a must-see on the big screen, but would be a great rental. Also, it's great for kids because there is no swearing and in all the fight scenes there is no one actually killed (by stabbing, shooting, or anything like that)...but there is simulated death (in which you know the person dies, but it is not shown).

I give it a 3 out of 5.

On a side not, I was very amused on the drive home because both my PP and her roommate are very attractive, and there was a car full of immature guys that pulled up to us at a stoplight and were hoopin' and hollerin' at the girls and probably making some inappropriate comments, so the roommate rolled down the window and told them "why don't you dial 1-900-UR going home alone tonight"...funny stuff!

Cheers!

Back Home again in Indiana...

I'm sitting at my P's house all alone. They went to visit an uncle in St. Louis and the dog is at my sister's house. I came back home to get my hair cut...yeah, I drove 3 hours to get my haircut back in my hometown. I know that there are plenty of people that can cut hair in the entire Chicagoland area, but it's just not the same. I always look forward to getting my hair cut here because I can get caught up on all the goings-on and gossip that I missed since the last haircut. Just can't get that in Chicago.

I also just needed to get out of town for awhile. I've been working extremely hard the past couple of months and simply wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. As I've said before, the drive home is refreshing. I get to relax and enjoy everything around me when I'm here. Other than the spotty weather, fall is a pretty good time in the small town for me. I've been driving around everywhere today, and it's been great. One of my favorites is to be driving out in the country near someone who has a fire a-goin'. No, not the fireplace fire, but the burning leaves with some wood thrown on for effect-type fire. The smell of the sap that is being burned/evaporated from the wood brings back good memories from when I was a kid and "helped" grandpa make real maple syrup. I don't think he did it very often, but I distinctly remember the one time he had the big vat out in the shed and was boiling down the sap to maple syrup. It took a couple of days, and it takes something like 10 gallons of sap to make 1 gallon of syrup (yup, I'm full of useless knowledge). But the smell of the condensing sap, and the same smell from burning leaves and wood, that make me enjoy being back home.

It's just alot simpler here, and there are times that I do miss it, and those times seem to be more frequent lately. Well, it's getting late and I've got to get up at 5 so I can drive back to the big city so I can catch the big Man U-Chelsea match tomorrow morning. Sure 'nough, I make it a point to be at a bar at 10Am, and I'm not drinking...maybe I've got my priorities out of whack. Well, 'til next time...

Cheers!

Professionalism

I hate it. There were people at work that asked me what I was going to dress up as for Halloween and I replied "a lawyer" to which I got weird looks. I have to put on my lawyer costume every day I go to work, and it's not something I enjoy. I didn't grow up wearing nice clothes (i.e., dress shirts, pants, and shoes). I prefer the comfortable clothes: shorts, T-shirt, sweatshirt, tennis shoes, so to have to put on business casual clothes makes me somewhat uncomfortable every day I go to work.

One reason I'm looking forward to my trip to Germany next year is so that I can "do" my hair any way I want for an entire month. I've dyed my hair blue, green, long, and even had it braided (yeah, at different times). More recently, I've had a "mohican" like David Beckham:

I've got a tatoo and have the design for my next one ready (just trying to get up enough nerve to get it done). However, none of this is acceptable in a "professional" environment. While I act professional while at work, it is really starting to suck to have to try and be someone I'm not on a day-to-day basis. I'm not saying that I'm not professional, but I enjoy a sense of humor and being stuffy in clothes that are not me is becoming annoying. I guess I shouldn't complain because it has provided me with opportunities that I wouldn't otherwise have. I guess the alternative is to put out my own shingle, then I can dress and act however I want...but I've still got student loans to pay off, so that's not going to happen any time soon.

Here's to a vacation where there won't be anyone from work!

Cheers!

Let the Countdown Begin

As of today, there are only 216 days left until my brother and I leave for Germany for a month to watch the World Cup, und ich kann nuer ein bisschen Deutsch sprechen! Ich muess sehr viel lernen...ich weiss: ich bin auslaender und spreche nicht gut Deutsch. Wo ist das Badezimmer? Ein gross Cervesa, por favor...

Here's the apartment we're going to (hopefully) be renting for the month (the "Am Lottenbach, not the Fillipo Miller):
I can't wait!

Now I just need to find a countdown timer...

Cheers!

Things that made me go hmmmmm...

A short primer on patents: there are 2 "main" types of patents, a utilty patent and a design patent. Design patents are simple as the only thing that it covers is whatever is shown in the drawings, so if someone were to infringe your design patent, they would have to make a product that looks almost exactly like your drawings (or at least look that way to an ordinary observer). Utility patents are on more complex things, and this type of patent requires a written description of your invention. The utility patent covers alot more than the design patents.

In the 3+ years I've worked as a patent attorney, I've personally filed nearly 500 design patents. Needless to say, some people around here think I am the local expert on design patents. I can normally answer just about any design patent-related question, or know where to look for a quick answer. However, I was totally stumped this afternoon. A paralegal that sits near me came into my office and asked "can I get a design patent on my baby?" Yeah, let that sink in for a second.

I asked her who she thought would be the "inventors"...I also asked whether she thought that there was any protectable intellectual property involved in the conception of this invention...

In design patents, you can submit photographs instead of drawings if the only way to convey the invention is by photograph, so I thought that this might just be possible. An issued patent only provides the patentee with the right to prevent others from making, using, selling, offering to sell, or importing the patented invention. Hmmmm...so the only real way to infringe a design patent of her baby would be to clone it.

I'm very interested in testing this, because I would give anything for a picture of the patent office examiner's face when they receive a patent application for someone's baby.

Also, even if a patent did issue, it would be even more hysterical (in an odd way), if the patent was invalidated because one of the inventors listed on the patent was not really an inventor...you's gots some 'splainin' to do...

In the end, I don't know the answer to the question, but it was sure a welcome (and funny) break to my afternoon, so I thought I'd share.

Cheers.

Interesting factoid

78.3% of all statistics are made up.

Oh yeah, and I love the Smoosh Test!

Flying solo

Yesterday was quite a day because I had a couple of "firsts." It was the first time I have ever had my shoes shined. Growing up, I never really had any "fancy" shoes that required shining (at least that I can remember). If they needed I shine, I didn't do it. My dad had the stuff to shine shoes, but that stuff was usually only broken out to accent a halloween costume and not for its intended purpose. Good thing was that Shoe Shine Freddy came to my office to shine my shoes! I really like this convenience as I can continue to work while my shoes are being shined...no need to stop billing. Another convenience that I really enjoy is that I have a tailor that comes to my office as well, so if I need any clothes, I don't have to go to the store or order anything online any more...this is sweeeeet. Simple things seem to give me the greatest pleasure; besides, I'm easily entertained.

Also, I had my first client meeting in which I was the one running the show with no support. I got an email from the partner last week that indicated we were going over to the client site for a meeting and that I was to schedule it, which I did. I communicated with the client, got everything arranged, and told the partner the day and time of the meeting. He also told me it was a "suit client," which meant I had to wear a suit (which I'm not too thrilled to do). I changed into my suit at noon, ready for the 1PM meeting, and waited until it came close to the time to leave. As it approached 1, I couldn't find the partner...not in his office, nothing else scheduled, secretary doesn't know his whereabouts. So at 5 'til, I send the partner an email asking what time we are going to be leaving (because I know he has a blackberry so he should get the email instantly). No response. I continue to wait. At 10 after, the client calls me and says "don't we have a meeting scheduled at 1?" Of course we do, and I told the client I was waiting for the partner, at which point the client told me that it was their understanding that I was doing the meeting by myself.

Now, this is the sort of thing that would normally keep me awake all night the night before going over everything in exhaustive detail so I don't screw up because I don't have a second opinion by someone else with me. Nope. This came as a total surprise that I was being entrusted to represent the firm by myself. I guess maybe it shouldn't surprise me, but it was definately a weird feeling. In the cab ride over, I was just flipping through (in my head) what was going to be discussed because I didn't have the materials. I was also trying to convince myself that if I wanted them to believe what I was going to say that I'd have to say it with conviction and believe it myself. The meeting went fine, and I reported back to the partner as to what happened. In the end, the meeting was just another meeting, but to me it was personally a huge step for me in my career because it showed me that (at least) this partner has enough trust in my ability to do this myself. I'm really glad it happened this way so I didn't have any time to think about being nervous, and it ended up flowing very smoothly. It also has given me the confidence that I know I can do this again in the future without any assistance.

Now it's time to get my ear to the grindstone again.

Cheers!

I've been everywhere, seen everything...

Alright, so #1 on my to-do list before I die is to visit every continent. To date, I've been to Mexico and Europe. Yeah, I said Mexico, because I don't consider travelling within the US as "visiting" the continent. That leaves, uh, let's see if I can remember my geometry correctly: Asia, Australia, Afrika, South America, and Antarctica. I have decided that after my whirlwind tour of Deutschland next summer with my brother to watch the World Cup for a month, I'm off to Antarctica. Of the 5 remaining continents, this one appeals to me the most because it is such a challenge. It's an out-of-the-way destination that very few people destine to go, or even want to go. Maybe that's the appeal. How many people do I know that can say they've been to Antarctica? NONE...that's the beauty of it! I'll be going to a place to see things first-hand that hardly anyone else has seen up-close and personal. No more seeing it in movies or on the news, I'm going to experience it live. I've been taking a look around, and Abercrombie and Kent seems like the perfect company to take me there. I've reviewed their website MANY times, read everything they have to offer and realized that if I'm going to make such a huge commitment (both time and money) to make this trip happen, I might as well go with the people who appear to be experts. Some day soon I will be able to mark yet another thing off my to-do list, and I'll take pictures as proof I WAS THERE.

Anyone else have such a "to-do" list? If so (or not), what would be included on your list?