I have a few minutes, so I thought I would add a few lines today.
I have just started my paralegal studies and have decided that Lawyerese is its own language. Our studies this week have focused on the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. I read one sentence that had to be the equivalent of 6 sentences in English. I guess that's one reason the law can be so intimidating. It is rare to find anything written in simple terms. But I have also discovered that there is a reason for this. Everything that is written for the field of law has to cover many different contingencies. Otherwise, court cases would abound with technicalities that thwart the efforts to apply justice.
Common, everyday English can be very fluid, and leave a lot of room for interpretation. The law cannot do that. For example, what is murder? It is easy to say that it is one person who purposely kills another. But the law cannot allow for such a wide use of terms. If we left it at that, then we cannot allow for circumstance or state of mind or the like. It would be nice to say that murder is murder, but it just isn't that simple.
That having been said, it sure would be nice if these paralegal textbooks carried more examples, and if the FRCP had a "plain English" translation alongside for rookies. But, they don't, and I have to fight off the desire to run screaming into the night rather than make sense of how to serve a summons.
It's going to be a looooong series of classes. Sure, it will be about 6 months, but it's going to feel long. (I wonder how that would be described in Legalese?)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Few and Far Between
Well, my efforts of keeping this blog going on a daily basis has hit a snag. My English course at the local community college was no big problem. However, adding the paralegal course has caused my time to be at a premium. Therefore, I am going to have to return to "catch as catch can" on my postings.
I'll try to do it as often as I can. Sorry for my inability to do more.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
First Impressions
Well, I did it. I bought an iPhone. So, like everyone else, I'm going to give my first impressions of this expensive little toy.
First of all, it is sleek. When it is turned off, all you see is a silver frame around a pitch black screen. But when it is turned on, everything comes to life. The registration process with AT&T is easy, but I'm sure that it was easier on my iBook than it would be on a Windows PC. After the registration, syncing, restarting, syncing again, and disconnecting, I was ready to play.
I think the thing I liked most was the phone and contacts feature. Dialing the phone is simple, and adding and editing the phone contacts are incredibly easy. I was even able to add pictures to my contacts with just a touch. I had to use the pictures that I imported, but it's easy to import more. One of the cool things is that when you call up a photo to use for a contact, you can zoom in and crop the photo to look how you want. It is such an absolutely easy process that I want to add everyone right away!
The Safari browser is a bit slow using the Edge network, but it's great when you hook up via wi-fi. The iPod feature is nice, although a bit less intuitive than the iTunes program on my iBook.
One thing I didn't like is the inability to bring in .mp3 ringtones or use a song that's already in your iPod as a ringtone. You can go into iTunes and create and download a ringtone for 99 cents (which is far less expensive than it is to download one online through normal AT&T methods), but it still seems a bit unfair to charge me twice for the same song. I also have a short song I want to use as a ringtone, but the current methods don't allow for it. Come on, Apple! Don't you make enough money from the phone itself???
Another negative is the lack of voice dialing. Apple needs to add this feature, especially for those who use a bluetooth headset and need to dial while driving. With voice dialing, I don't even have to take a look at the phone.
Overall, my first impression is one of glee. I can tell I'm going to have a lot of fun with this phone. That is, if I can get my co-workers to quit asking to see it.
First of all, it is sleek. When it is turned off, all you see is a silver frame around a pitch black screen. But when it is turned on, everything comes to life. The registration process with AT&T is easy, but I'm sure that it was easier on my iBook than it would be on a Windows PC. After the registration, syncing, restarting, syncing again, and disconnecting, I was ready to play.
I think the thing I liked most was the phone and contacts feature. Dialing the phone is simple, and adding and editing the phone contacts are incredibly easy. I was even able to add pictures to my contacts with just a touch. I had to use the pictures that I imported, but it's easy to import more. One of the cool things is that when you call up a photo to use for a contact, you can zoom in and crop the photo to look how you want. It is such an absolutely easy process that I want to add everyone right away!
The Safari browser is a bit slow using the Edge network, but it's great when you hook up via wi-fi. The iPod feature is nice, although a bit less intuitive than the iTunes program on my iBook.
One thing I didn't like is the inability to bring in .mp3 ringtones or use a song that's already in your iPod as a ringtone. You can go into iTunes and create and download a ringtone for 99 cents (which is far less expensive than it is to download one online through normal AT&T methods), but it still seems a bit unfair to charge me twice for the same song. I also have a short song I want to use as a ringtone, but the current methods don't allow for it. Come on, Apple! Don't you make enough money from the phone itself???
Another negative is the lack of voice dialing. Apple needs to add this feature, especially for those who use a bluetooth headset and need to dial while driving. With voice dialing, I don't even have to take a look at the phone.
Overall, my first impression is one of glee. I can tell I'm going to have a lot of fun with this phone. That is, if I can get my co-workers to quit asking to see it.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Needing Focus
Have you ever had something that you are supposed to do but have no real set schedule as to when it is supposed to be done? That is a real challenge for me, as I will procrastinate until the cows come home.
The problem is, this is no longer an option for me, at least for the next 26 weeks or so. I am currently completing a writing course, which ends in December, and as of this coming Monday, I am also going to be starting a fast-track paralegal course. Both of these classes are in addition to my spiritual and family responsibilities.
So what is the solution? It's especially tough for someone who has attention issues as I do. So, here is my plan based on what has worked for me recently:
1) Schedule everything. There can be no deviations. If part of an assignment, reading, writing, or studying is scheduled for a particular day, that task must be completed before bedtime.
2) Prioritize. Ideally, I should do this while making my schedules, but at times this might have to be done on the fly.
3) Celebrate the small victories. They are victories, you know. When a large assignment is done on time and my other activities haven't suffered, I need to treat myself somehow, whether it is with a particularly good cup of coffee or a day off.
4) Don't ignore my family and even rely on them. I have a wonderful wife who is a huge help and support. I can't be so proud that I turn down help from her. I also can't focus so much on my tasks that I forget that she is the most important human being in my life. I have good kids, too, who don't demand more than I can give. They need less attention now that they are older, but they still need my time and my praise from time to time.
5) Pray. 'Nuff said.
In the end, the only way I can finish these courses without going insane is to keep my eyes focused on the goals and the reasons for these efforts. If I do that, and I follow my own instructions, I may make it through the next six months with just a minor need for a lobotomy.
The problem is, this is no longer an option for me, at least for the next 26 weeks or so. I am currently completing a writing course, which ends in December, and as of this coming Monday, I am also going to be starting a fast-track paralegal course. Both of these classes are in addition to my spiritual and family responsibilities.
So what is the solution? It's especially tough for someone who has attention issues as I do. So, here is my plan based on what has worked for me recently:
1) Schedule everything. There can be no deviations. If part of an assignment, reading, writing, or studying is scheduled for a particular day, that task must be completed before bedtime.
2) Prioritize. Ideally, I should do this while making my schedules, but at times this might have to be done on the fly.
3) Celebrate the small victories. They are victories, you know. When a large assignment is done on time and my other activities haven't suffered, I need to treat myself somehow, whether it is with a particularly good cup of coffee or a day off.
4) Don't ignore my family and even rely on them. I have a wonderful wife who is a huge help and support. I can't be so proud that I turn down help from her. I also can't focus so much on my tasks that I forget that she is the most important human being in my life. I have good kids, too, who don't demand more than I can give. They need less attention now that they are older, but they still need my time and my praise from time to time.
5) Pray. 'Nuff said.
In the end, the only way I can finish these courses without going insane is to keep my eyes focused on the goals and the reasons for these efforts. If I do that, and I follow my own instructions, I may make it through the next six months with just a minor need for a lobotomy.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Pick Yourself Up...
OK...so my posts lost their regularity. I'm not going to let it get me down. Instead, I'm going to infuse a bit of literary Metamucil and try to get regular again.
I'm about 2 months away from getting my AA degree. That's 25 years after my high school graduation. Even though I berate myself for taking this long, I do feel good that I have finally accomplished something in this area. As such, my wife has told me that I deserve a graduation present. (Awwwwwww......cute.)
The problem here isn't that I don't deserve a present (which I don't think I do), but instead it is how to justify spending money on myself. I don't like to do this, because every time that I do I tend to buy something absolutely pointless. For example, a while ago I bought a Palm TX; a relatively useful item which I do use, though not as regularly as I once did. Still, it has served a purpose. I bought a Nintendo Wii. Useless, but I love it! (Geek alert!) I have my iPod, which I also use every day and I love it. (Level 2 Geek Alert!!) So what graduation gift do I have my greedy little eyes upon? An iPhone. Why? 'Cause it's so darn cool!! (We have achieved Nerdvana! Alert Dilbert writer Scott Adams!) The problem is the price. Even though it has dropped $200 since it was released, it's still $400 plus an extra $15 a month for internet fees. Lots of moolah.
Still, both my wife and son insist that I should get it as a gift for myself. Do I do it? As they say in the old cartoons, "I dood it!"
Nerds of the world unite!
I'm about 2 months away from getting my AA degree. That's 25 years after my high school graduation. Even though I berate myself for taking this long, I do feel good that I have finally accomplished something in this area. As such, my wife has told me that I deserve a graduation present. (Awwwwwww......cute.)
The problem here isn't that I don't deserve a present (which I don't think I do), but instead it is how to justify spending money on myself. I don't like to do this, because every time that I do I tend to buy something absolutely pointless. For example, a while ago I bought a Palm TX; a relatively useful item which I do use, though not as regularly as I once did. Still, it has served a purpose. I bought a Nintendo Wii. Useless, but I love it! (Geek alert!) I have my iPod, which I also use every day and I love it. (Level 2 Geek Alert!!) So what graduation gift do I have my greedy little eyes upon? An iPhone. Why? 'Cause it's so darn cool!! (We have achieved Nerdvana! Alert Dilbert writer Scott Adams!) The problem is the price. Even though it has dropped $200 since it was released, it's still $400 plus an extra $15 a month for internet fees. Lots of moolah.
Still, both my wife and son insist that I should get it as a gift for myself. Do I do it? As they say in the old cartoons, "I dood it!"
Nerds of the world unite!
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Dealing With New Phones
My wife and son just got their new cell phones today. They traded Sony Ericsson w600i phones for Razrs. As soon as they saw them, they loved them. Until...
Until they realized that even though they transferred their phone directories over via SIM card, they were going to have to "manipulate" them. In so many words, they are going to have to fix the names and combine the home and cell phone numbers for single persons into single entries.
The phones aren't so much fun now. sigh...I can't win for trying to do something nice. I'm sure they'll love them again once everything is fixed. But for now...
Another thing that cracks me up is that they just jumped right in to playing with the phones instead of reading the instructions first. Thus, I became their walking, talking, pulling my hair out by the roots instruction book.
It's late. I'm tired. It's been a lousy couple of days at work. I'm going to bed. Honey, put your phone on silent, will you? Oh...well check the instruction book on how it's done.
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
No Time To Blog
It's been one of those days at work. A day when I thought that every piece of equipment, every program, and every employee was out to get me and drive me nuts.
And I was right.
But seriously, it's been a day that I will be trying hard to forget, so I'm going to leave the blog alone today. That's life.
To any of you who are reading this blog, (I think it's just you, Asia), see you tomorrow.
And I was right.
But seriously, it's been a day that I will be trying hard to forget, so I'm going to leave the blog alone today. That's life.
To any of you who are reading this blog, (I think it's just you, Asia), see you tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
AT&T Makes Things Right With Me
A couple of days ago I complained about AT&T and their website. As of this morning, my feelings had gotten even worse.
I went online to their upgrade site and clicked on the chat button. I tried to communicate my questions to the person on the other end, but the tech simply did a typical cut-and-paste response and didn't respond to any of my questions. Then, she ignored my follow-up postings and then closed the chat.
Annoyed as can be, I decided to try calling AT&T again, although my past discussions about the subject matter had been fruitless. (Yes, it does sound like I was banging my head against the wall.) However, lo and behold, I spoke with someone who actually heard what I was saying. She not only acknowledged the logic in my statements, but made things right! I now have the phones that I wanted for my son and wife on the way, and I have to say that AT&T Business Services showed a human side that many cell phone companies lack.
Before this, I had good experiences with this part of the company, and was distressed that suddenly things were not going as well, but my faith has been restored. I can hereby state that I am still a customer and will be so for another two years. Thanks AT&T. It's nice when something like this happens and a company shows appreciation for a loyal customer. (Now I just have to wait for a month or so and treat myself to an iPhone as a grad present!)
I went online to their upgrade site and clicked on the chat button. I tried to communicate my questions to the person on the other end, but the tech simply did a typical cut-and-paste response and didn't respond to any of my questions. Then, she ignored my follow-up postings and then closed the chat.
Annoyed as can be, I decided to try calling AT&T again, although my past discussions about the subject matter had been fruitless. (Yes, it does sound like I was banging my head against the wall.) However, lo and behold, I spoke with someone who actually heard what I was saying. She not only acknowledged the logic in my statements, but made things right! I now have the phones that I wanted for my son and wife on the way, and I have to say that AT&T Business Services showed a human side that many cell phone companies lack.
Before this, I had good experiences with this part of the company, and was distressed that suddenly things were not going as well, but my faith has been restored. I can hereby state that I am still a customer and will be so for another two years. Thanks AT&T. It's nice when something like this happens and a company shows appreciation for a loyal customer. (Now I just have to wait for a month or so and treat myself to an iPhone as a grad present!)
Monday, October 01, 2007
Sports Weekend
Lots of stuff went on this weekend. My blog...my opinions...so there.
Baseball - What a collapse! The Mets went down in flames and frankly, I'll shed no tears. Now if only the Yankees will go down, too. But who am I to brag? I like the Athletics!
I'm also kind of happy to see the Fuzzy Cubbies in the playoffs if for no other reason than to hopefully break the Bartman hatred. Maybe if the Cubs win, then Steve Bartman can come out of hiding. (Do you think some baseball fans take things waaaay too seriously?)
So, out of the teams that are still in it, I'll root (if I root at all) for the D-Backs in the National League (because I'm an Eric Byrnes fan) and the Indians in the A.L. (just because Cleveland could use a break.)
Football - Did anyone else think that the 49ers offensive line looked like a sieve? I'm not amazed that Alex Smith got injured. I am amazed that Trent Dilfer was still standing at the end of the game. Although he didn't do much to worry the Seahawks anyway. Truly a sad display, and I still wonder about Nolan's play calling from the sidelines.
Oakland won?? Oh...it was against Miami. Never mind. Still, it's kind of funny to see the Raiders at the top of the division with a 2 - 2 record. Lane Kiffin is probably going to get an earful from all those who said Daunte Culpepper should have been the starter from game 1.
Arizona beats Pittsburgh....bwah ha ha ha haaaaaa!!!!!
Chicago loses to Detroit .... bwah ha ha ha haaaaaaa!!! (Ouch! My side hurts from laughing too much!!!)
Basketball - The NBA is looking at Sacramento's Cal Expo for a place to build an arena. If it keeps the Kings in Sacramento, I'm all for it. However, to soothe the nerves of the citizens, they had better release a traffic plan that makes sense before they even release the plans for an arena itself. That area is already a nightmare, and an arena is going to make it far worse.
More on the Kings...does anyone else wonder what the heck Petrie is doing? This team looks like such a mixed up hodge-podge right now that I hear the NBADL is thinking of accepting the Kings as one of their teams. I have ZERO hopes for a playoff spot right now with the way the roster looks. Here's hoping the Mr. Petrie has a rabbit somewhere in his clothing if it isn't in his hat.
Baseball - What a collapse! The Mets went down in flames and frankly, I'll shed no tears. Now if only the Yankees will go down, too. But who am I to brag? I like the Athletics!
I'm also kind of happy to see the Fuzzy Cubbies in the playoffs if for no other reason than to hopefully break the Bartman hatred. Maybe if the Cubs win, then Steve Bartman can come out of hiding. (Do you think some baseball fans take things waaaay too seriously?)
So, out of the teams that are still in it, I'll root (if I root at all) for the D-Backs in the National League (because I'm an Eric Byrnes fan) and the Indians in the A.L. (just because Cleveland could use a break.)
Football - Did anyone else think that the 49ers offensive line looked like a sieve? I'm not amazed that Alex Smith got injured. I am amazed that Trent Dilfer was still standing at the end of the game. Although he didn't do much to worry the Seahawks anyway. Truly a sad display, and I still wonder about Nolan's play calling from the sidelines.
Oakland won?? Oh...it was against Miami. Never mind. Still, it's kind of funny to see the Raiders at the top of the division with a 2 - 2 record. Lane Kiffin is probably going to get an earful from all those who said Daunte Culpepper should have been the starter from game 1.
Arizona beats Pittsburgh....bwah ha ha ha haaaaaa!!!!!
Chicago loses to Detroit .... bwah ha ha ha haaaaaaa!!! (Ouch! My side hurts from laughing too much!!!)
Basketball - The NBA is looking at Sacramento's Cal Expo for a place to build an arena. If it keeps the Kings in Sacramento, I'm all for it. However, to soothe the nerves of the citizens, they had better release a traffic plan that makes sense before they even release the plans for an arena itself. That area is already a nightmare, and an arena is going to make it far worse.
More on the Kings...does anyone else wonder what the heck Petrie is doing? This team looks like such a mixed up hodge-podge right now that I hear the NBADL is thinking of accepting the Kings as one of their teams. I have ZERO hopes for a playoff spot right now with the way the roster looks. Here's hoping the Mr. Petrie has a rabbit somewhere in his clothing if it isn't in his hat.
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