YES!!!

I got a GRA position as a researcher for the research librarian in the law library!! SWEET!!! (It pays half tuition and stipend...)

Looking for a Dog?? Let Me Help:

1. Dolly:
Are you looking for a super sweet female dog that gets along with anyone and everything? Great with kids, great with people, great with dogs, and LOVES to give hugs and kisses? Then Dolly is the one for you:


2. Bruno:
Are you a marathon runner and/or triathlete looking for a dog that not only keeps up with you, but encourages to keep going? Want a dog with more pure athletic ability and running stamina than an Olympic athlete? Then Bruno is the one for you:


3. Zorro:
Are you looking to grow up with a younger, year-old pup who never forgets and wants nothing more than to explore and love? Want to help him remember there is love in the world and that he doesn't need to be so scared of everything? Need to feel unconditional love? Then Zorro is the one for you:


If you are interested in any of these dogs, or are looking for something else, please contact me. I had the privilege of walking all three of these dogs today, and I've really fallen in love with how great they are!

Also, if you are looking for an older dog, my sister-in-law found one that had been abandoned in a rental home in the greater Savannah area. I think he's some sort of lab-mix. She's looking for a home for him as well!

The Best Commercials from the 2000's

This is a supposed list of the best commercials from the last decade. You can vote on your favorite, but I don't really remember most of these. Does this mean I didn't watch enough TV, because if so, I'm working hard to fix that!

Professional Blog

I've started my own blog on Water Rights - a career interest of mine. I, Carmela Orsini, am the main contributor but take guest posts as well, if you interest in contributing as well. I post on upcoming water issues, events, and people. Please check it out, leave a comment, and let me know what you think!

Here's the Link:
Carmela Orsini's Water Rights Blog

YAY! Life is Complete.

On The Office tonight, which by the way is my favorite TV show like ever, they did one of those games where there's a fake murder AND the murder was set in SAVANNAH! They all walked around with southern accents and everything. It was pretty much awesome.

Unsung Heroes

In honor of Veteran's Day, I thought I would spotlight some lesser known veteran heroes from America's past - K-9 Soldiers. Thank you to all Veterans, human and animal! While researching this post, I discovered a movement to make a Nation Wide K-9 Veterans Day (some states already have it) on March 19th. I'm still honoring them with all the Veterans today! [PS - the dog bios are edited versions of one's I found on various web sites. I'm not citing properly, I admit, but before suing me over it, please ask, and I'll take the time to cite your article properly.]

Vietnam:
Kaiser
Lance Corporal Alfredo Salazar and his German Shepherd partner, Kaiser, met in Fort Benning, GA. They completed months of training at Fort Benning and then in Camp Pendleton, CA before being shipped to Vietnam. Once there, they completed more than 30 missions together before joining D Company, First Marines, 3rd Marine Division on a search and destroy mission. The two were leading a patrol through heavy brush towards a small village when the Company was hit by heavy automatic weapon fire and hand gernades. Kaiser was hit almost immediately. The Company returned fire and proceeded with the attack, but Salazar stayed by his partner. The dog tried to lick his hand, but couldn't before passing away. The dog was carried back the Company tents and burried under a shady tree. The site was named Camp Kaiser in his honor.World War II:
Chips
Probably the most famous War Dog was Chips. Chips was trained at Fort Royal, VA in 1942 and was among the first dogs shipped overseas. He was assigned to the 3d Infantry Division and served with that unit in North Africa, Sicily, Itlay, France and Germany. Although trained as a sentry dog, Chips was reported on one occasion by members of Company I, 30th Infantry Regiment while stationed in Sicily, to have broken away from his handler and attack a pillbox containing an enemy machine gun crew. He seized one man and forced the entire crew to surrender. He was also credited for having been directly responsible for the capture of numerous enemies by alerting his company of their presence. In recognition of his service, Chips was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart, both later revoked (WHY??).
World War I:
Sergeant Stubby
Stubby, served 18 months 'over there' and participated in seventeen battles on the Western Front. Stubby was a bull terrier. One day he just appeared when a bunch of soldiers were training at Yale Field in New Haven, Ct; he trotted in and out among the ranks as they drilled, stopping to make a friend here and a friend there, until pretty soon he was on chummy terms with the whole bunch. One soldier though, in particular, developed a relationship with the dog, a Corporal Robert Conroy, who when it wastime for the outfit to ship out, hid Stubby on board the troop ship. It was at Chemin des Dames, France that Stubby saw his first action, and it was there that the boys discovered he was a war dog par excellence. The boom of artillery fire didn't faze him in least, and he soon learned to follow the men's example of ducking when the big ones started falling close. Naturally he didn't know why he was ducking, but it became a great game to see who could hit the dugout first. After a few days, Stubby won every time. He could hear the whine of shells long before the men. It got so they'd watch him!

Then one night Stubby made doggy history. It was an unusally quiet night in the trenches. Some of the boys were catching cat naps in muddy dugouts, and Stubby was stretched out beside Conroy. Suddenly his big blunt head snapped up and his ears pricked alert. The movement woke Conroy, who looked at the dog sleepily just in time to see him sniff the air tentatively, utter a low growl, then spring to his feet, and go bounding from the dugout, around a corner out of sight. A few seconds later there was a sharp cry of pain and then the sound of a great scuffle outside. Conroy jumped from his bed, grabbed his rifle and went tearing out towards the direction of the noise. Stubby had captured a German spy, who'd been prowling through the trenches. The man was whirling desperately in an effort to shake off the snarling bundle of canine tooth and muscle that had attached itself to his differential. But Stubby was there to stay. It took only a few moments to capture the Hun and disarm him, but it required considerably more time to convince Stubby that his mission had been successfully carried out and that he should now release the beautiful hold he had on that nice, soft German bottom.

By the end of the war, Stubby was known not only to every regiment, division, and army, but to the whole AEF. Honors by the bale were heaped on his muscled shoulders. At Mandres en Bassigny he was introduced to President Woodrow Wilson, who "shook hands" with him. Medal and emblemed jackets were bestowed upon him for each deed of valor, plus a wound stripe for his grenade splinter. Not to be left out, the Marines even made him an honorary sergeant. Stubby returned home with Conroy and his popularity seemed to grow even more. He became a nationally acclaimed hero, and eventually was received by presidents Harding and Coolidge. Even General John "Black Jack" Pershing, who commanded the American Expeditionary Forces during the war, presented Stubby with a gold medal made by the Humane Society and declared him to be a "hero of the highest caliber." He was even made an honorary member of the American Red Cross, the American Legion and the YMCA, which issued him a lifetime membership card good for "three bones a day and a place to sleep."

Civil War:
Sallie
Sallie, a brindel bull terrier, joined the 11th Pennsylvanis Vol. Regiment as a puppy in the early days of the war. Through it all, she provided a source of comfort, pride, and inspiration for her fighting comrades. Sallie would hold her position on the line and bark fiercely at the enemy. At Gettysburg, the gallant little dog became separated from her unit in the confusion of the first day's battle. Refusing to pass through the Rebel lines, Sallie returned to her unit's former position atop Oak Ridge, staying among her fallen comrades, licking wounds of the injured and watching over lifeless bodies. Days later, after the Confederates retreated from the field, she was found weakened and malnourished, amidst the dead and debris. Miraculously Sallie had avoided being shot at Gettysburg, but on May 8, 1864, the same day the regiment's Captain Keenan was killed; she was shot in the neck by a minie ball. After a few days recuperation at the hospital, she returned to the unit with the painful and annoying wound. Upon reporting for "active duty" she felt it necessary to tear the seat out of the pants of a young soldier from another unit running away from the battle line as he crossed along the back of the "Old 11th." Sallie was in her usual position on February 6, 1865, at Hatcher's Run, Virginia, when a bullet struck her in the head, killing her. Heartbroken over the loss of their beloved mascot, the men buried her on the filed of battle under heavy enemy fire.

Number 77

80. Closer
79. Ocean's 11
78. Dogma
77. Strictly Ballroom (1993)


What It Is:
The Australian Dirty Dancing directed by Laz Buhrmann.

Why I Like It:
Take out the cheese of Dirty Dancing and add the talent of So You Think You Can Dance. The dancing is incredible and powerful, since the story line involves competitive dancing, not a summer dance lodge. I fell in love with both Scott and Fran, the leading characters!!! Plus it has one of the best taglines ever: "There's something in the air. It might be love - but it isn't."

I Bet You Didn't Know:
This film is the first part of the Red Curtain Trilogy. Followed by Romeo + Juliet (1996) and Moulin Rouge! (2001). Strictly Ballroom was the only one not to receive an Oscar nomination - which is shameful!
The film received a 15-minute standing ovation when it played at the Cannes Film Festival.

Memorable Moments:
Again - the dialogue is magical (if you can understand an Australian accent.)
The dance scene with Fran's mom.

Number 78

Not one of my best reviews, but it'll do.

80. Closer
79. Ocean's 11
78. Dogma (1999) [wow, I didn't realize it's ten years old!]What It Is:
A movie about the fallen Angel of Death (Matt Damon) and his best friend (Ben Affleck) who try to get back into heaven using the loop hole of plenary indulgence offered by Cardinal George Carlin. Chris Rock as an Apostle, Alan Rickman as the voice of God, Selma Hayak as a muse, Jay and Silent Bob as prophets, and Alanis Morrisette as God try to step them from uncreating the universe.

Why I Like It:
It's funny. It's different. Most people don't like religious movies or humor combined with God. Me, I love it. I think God has a sense of humor. And this movie just makes me happy. The main lady isn't great at acting, but the rest of the cast, especially Jason Lee and Alan Rickman. Plus, Kevin Smith has a definite touch in his movies that make them his.

I Bet You Didn't Know:
All angels are identically dressed except for the color of their clothes.
Bartelby and Loki's address in Milwakee is 345 Redemption Blvd. This can be seen on the envelope containing the newspaper clipping in the airport scene.

Memorable Moments:
Matt Damon and Ben Affleck buying a gun. The dialogue of the entire film is awesome, funny and insightful.

It's Been Awhile

Sorry it's been so long. Last weekend, Katie was in town for her birthday. Then, I had to drive to Jacksonville Monday for an interview. Then, Monday night, I got sick. I've stayed sick until now. I actually pulled a muscle in my chest from being sick, so it kinda hurts to breath and laugh, but that's slowly getting better, too. On the plus side, I lost a pound and a half.

Lots of Congrats are in order: Katie turned a quarter of a century last Friday. My grandfather celebrated his 93 or 94th birthday last Saturday. I rocked my job interview last Monday. Dad turned 72 yesterday. And Don and Wren closed on the sale of their first house yesterday, embarking on what I have done many times: living with Mom and Dad. So a pretty stressful, yet celebratory week all around.

I'm going home this weekend for Halloween. I'm resurrecting Carmaflodge from the Halloween costume graveyard, because Anne Boelyn is not done yet. Next year. I also have my last interview on Monday in Savannah. Hopefully, by the end of next week, I'll know where I'll be/what I'm doing next summer.

I also realize that I haven't done a movie in awhile. This makes me sad, but finals are coming, so I don't know if I'll be able to get a movie in any time soon. I don't think it should take me more than a year to review 100 movies, so I have a goal to finish them before a year comes up.

Finally, I saw two movies with Katie: Where The Wild Things Are and Paranormal Activity. I don't recommend either. Paranormal Activity kept me from sleeping for two nights, and if I'm still awake between 2 and 3 am, I still have a hard time. I just think Where the Wild Things Are missed the mark, and I don't normally judge movies on their books or vice versa.

Great Dog News!!!

Found out today that SAILOR (one of my last posts in September) has been adopted! He has been in his new home for two weeks and is doing very well.

AND, one of the dogs, CARTER, from my last post, went on a home visit today. Let's all hope it went well and that he's found his forever home.

That's all for now. School is getting CRAZY busy, so I have to go. Oral Argument next week and two interviews in the next two week. Plus outlines, papers, and exams vastly approaching. YIKES!

This Is What Winners Look Like

Lists Are Awesome

I'm a list person. I like them.

The AFI Top 100 Films:
I have seen 35 of the Top 100 films.
Click here to see how many you have seen.

The Guardian's List of 1000 Novels Everyone Should Read (It's a GREAT list!!!):
I have read 43 of the 1000 Novels.
Click here to see how many you have read.

All of the Academy Award Nominees for Best Picture:
I have seen 95 of the 465 nominees.
This list only has 349 of the nominees on it, but it's the best I can do. Click to see how many you have seen.

Forgive My Legal Paranoia But I Don't Want to Be Fined $11,000

I do not now nor have I ever been compensated for this blog.

Two Really Awesome Doggies

These two dogs are just incredible and really deserve a good home. Dude's demeanor sorta reminds me of Max: very sweet and friendly but super skiddish. While we were walking, every five feet or so he would stop and look back at me to makes sure he wasn't in trouble! I constantly had to say "Good Dude" in a cheerful way. He's super soft and sweet and amazing.

Carter reminds me of Homer. He loves to jump up and wrap his arms around your waist and give you lots of kisses. He's full of energy and never met a stranger. He was great on a leash despite his massive amounts of energy and enjoyed sniffing and meeting people on our walk. At one point, we stopped and I just gave him lots of love! He can't get enough of it. He's gorgeous!!

Here are their pictures:

Dude

Carter

More pictures!

I got my waterproof camera developed today and LOVE the pictures on it! Hope you do, too!


We stumbled upon this amazing view of the mountains after getting lost on one of the trails in the rainforest. The pictures doesn't do it justice. This was the "take-you-breath-away" moment.


Can you find the rainforest critter? Right in the middle on one of the giant leaves is a little lizard. They were

There were some amazing views around every corner. A lot of the pictures were too dark (the waterproof camera didn't have a flash) even though we were there during the day. The trees were that thick.

The roar of the rivers actually helped us when we were lost. We figured if we got close enough to water, we would find a trail again.

This is La Mina Falls. The water was freezing but that didn't stop me! The powerful force of the falls is indescribable. Even when I was just knee deep, I thought it was going to pull me in.

La Mina Falls without me in them. Just as impressive as when I was in them!

I know this picture is dark, but I thought it was a pretty shot and sorta acurately portrayed the mountains and the dense jungle. That's Katie in the foreground.

This is me deflating the floats at the end of the camping trip in Augusta. They wouldn't fit in the car inflated, but they took forever to deflate! I was the best at it!

Our tents overlooking the lake! That's Kara taking pictures in the middle and Lindsey looking at her tent, hoping it would take itself down!

Things You Should Never Be Without in Law School

• chapstick - but, okay, this applies to life in general
• a fork - plates and napkins are nice, but bulky, especially when you can always use a paper towel from the bathroom; the fork is for leftover free meals in the lobby or microwaved meals you brought from home
• a facebook account - what law students did before facebook, I'll never know
• a pen - pens are rapidly becoming obsolete with so many people taking notes on laptops; this year, lexis/west/barbri/pmbr rarely give them out when last year, every event had them for free; and, when they are given out these days, it's done in a 'whoa'-retro-pen type of way
• tylenol
• a water bottle (see prior)
• at least one case book and one supplement - if nothing else, to make myself hope that at some point I'll use them to study with, even though we all know they are just for show
• sunglasses on the top of your head - if you leave them in your purse, they inevitably get broken when you put your bags (with the aforementioned case book and supplement) down
• a phone with a text messaging plan - for when facebook chat breaks and gmail is down
  
• body spray - because the smell of the mold in the library needs masking
• a bitter sarcasm accompanied with disbelief in the system - all law students have this, no matter how idealistic or naive they are; it takes approximately 6 weeks to develop upon entering law school - though some get it much sooner
  
• a useless parking pass - not to mention the six flights of stairs in the urine filled stairwell at 9pm
• caffeine
• an alternative career path - not because you think you'll fail at law, but because it's nice to dream of jobs that don't require 3000 billable hours a year
  
• gym clothes - you never know when the need to work out immediately in order to get rid of some angst will hit
  
• a real lawyer's phone number - because we're all sitting around waiting for that moldy banana peel to trip us
• my own business card - it's my token "who am I kidding, this networking ploy won't get me a job" item
• My to do lists - they are made on old guest check pads from the years I've waited tables
• a sweater - Urban Life Building remains a balmy 45 degrees year round, except after 8pm when the temperature rises to 120 degrees.
• A Crush on a Professor - another item all law students have. I LOVE YOU STEPHENS!
  

Can't Find It

I had a cool legal post to share about Congress authority to tell a guy that he can't grow his own wheat for his family (not selling it at all) because it effects interstate commerce. But I can't find what I did with my post. If I find it, I'll edit this post. I know you hope I find it and will sit and wait with baited breath until I do!

In the meantime, go read this article about the effects of Federal Spending on Education. The chart is pretty telling. Despite the ENORMOUS increase in Federal Spending, test scores and performance of students has stayed about the same.
http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/2009/09/30/chart-of-the-day-federal-ed-spending/

Snooze advice

I am having a severe, severe issue with snoozing in the morning instead of getting up. I need advice on how to rectify this immediately.

Number 79

90. Borat
89. Chicago
88. Zoolander
87. Apollo 13
86. Grease
85. The Thin Red Line
84. Born Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red-Light District
83. The Natural
82. The Little Mermaid
81. Meet Me In St. Louis
80. Closer
79. Ocean's 11 (2001)


What It Is:
A remake of the Rat Pack movie of the same name. A group of thieves attempt to jack a multitude of casinos in Vegas on fight night while the ring leader also tries to win back his girl. Dialogue is quick and witty. The story is more complex than you would think. And the cast, oh the cast, is a who's who of sexy Hollywood: Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Andy Garcia, and George Clooney (though he's not my type.)

Why I Like It:
This cast is incredible, down to the last supporting character! They can actually pull off the witty back and forth sass that the original Rat Pack was so famous for. It's not overly original as far as filming and cinematography go, but this star studded cast more than compensate. Julia shines, as always, and Brad Pitt's physical acting (as in his body language) is some of the best work he's done.

I Bet You Didn't Know:
-With the exception of Danny Ocean, the title character, none of the other characters has the same name as their 1960 counterpart.
-Danny Glover, Owen Wilson, and Luke Wilson all turned down parts (the Bernie Mac character and the brothers who fight all the time) to do The Royal Tennenbaums.

Memorable Moments:
Do I have to pick? "You think I need one more?" Matt Damon's impersonation of the Nevada Game Inspector and his report with Bernie Mac. The last scene when Rusty and Tess go to pick up Danny. They have lots of jokes about shirts and girls and it's awesome.

Halloween

Got the fabric for my costume yesterday. Starting sewing today. I hope this isn't too ambitious of a project for me to tackle. I'm excited.

Dogs

In case you didn't know, I've started walking dogs and tending to the kitties at Lifeline Animal Project (the shelter that saved mine and Homer's lives last year!) every Thursday. I walked some amazing dogs today and wanted to get their pictures out on the web for everyone to see. Reece and Rosa cannot be adopted by themselves. Reece comes with his brother, Elliot, and Rosa comes with her partner, Theodore. If you want more info about any of these dogs or others (including kitties), contact me or go to www.atlantapets.org.

This is Rosa. She was an animal cruelty case so she had to learn survival skills. She's not so great with other dogs except Theo, her partner, but she is awesome with people and loves to give kisses!!!

This is Sailor. He's a little pit bull mix, pretty close to a year old. He's got big, uncoordinated feet, but the vet says he's done growing. He's super playful and great with other dogs and people.

This is Reece and he's one of the coolest dogs I've ever met. His tail curls, but not like other dogs, and he has these little bitty tiny ears. He's so uncooridnated and adorable! I LOVE THIS DOG! He comes with his brother Elliot who looks more German Shepherdy.

And Some More.

There are so many more, but this takes forever! Advice, please on how to post pictures more efficiently.

Nickajack Creek on the Silver Comet Trail near David and Lauren's house

Yes. Owen climbed all the way across through the rafters. Mom nearly had a heart attack.

The flooded law school library

I-285 at the exit to our house

The guard post overlooking the vast Atlantic at a fort in Old San Juan

Katie inside the fort at Old San Juan

Puerto Rican Mountain Rain Forrest

My adorable doggie sleeping

Sorry if this is huge and makes your computer take forever!

Owie at his first football game.

About to score some points in ladder golf.

The view from my tent.

Me taking a study break while camping.

Yo

I'll be camping until Sunday. Pray it doesn't rain....

A Twist on My Life

Things I Hate Today:

• People who walk in the middle of the street even though there is a sidewalk
• Eye allergies
• Leaving stuff at home
• All parking decks besides M Deck
• My cornbread going bad before I get to eat it all
  
• Cars that stop in the middle of the lane and turn on their flashers to look at a map or pick someone up/drop someone off. Pull over, already!
• Not having an umbrella
  
• People who cut in line. I know you just want food, but we all just want food. Wait your turn!
• Useless Georgia State Parking Passes
• Let's expand that to include all of Georgia State Parking Services
• My volunteer project getting rained out
• The alarm sound options on my cell phone
• Depressing financial lectures....
• Really tall people that come in late and sit right in front of me so that I can't see anymore
  

Now, Things I Like Today:

• Getting a parking space right next to the door
• Wearing my newish yellow sweater for the first time
• Happy Gameday!
• Cool lecture series
• The feeling you get the day after you accomplished a lot
• When people want to sit next to you in the lunch room
• That my phone auto-corrected Tish's name to Tush
• Standing up for myself and those behind me in line (that's right - the food cutter got denied!)
• Having sources of income
  
• Voting Clicky-Thingies
  
• Being prepared for Class
• Lists
  

What to Expect This Week

Here are some things to expect from my blogs in the coming week:

1. A Photo post that will include Puerto Rico, the Silver Comet Trail, and my upcoming camping trip.
2. The next movie from my top 100. It's a good one.
3. A status of my life right now. Riveting, I know.
4. Some sort of legal topic, probably stemming from my favorite Constitutional Law class.

So, there it is. I feel like that's ambitious for this week, but what can I say, I'm moderately ambitious....

Stars and Stuff

So, outer space is pretty cool. More pictures and an article are on CNN.com about this "butterfly nebula" captured by Hubbel....

Number 80

I was trying to come up with a way to do a picture post that wouldn't take eight hours but realized that I was actually watching Number 80 on my movie list, so that works, too.

90. Borat
89. Chicago
88. Zoolander
87. Apollo 13
86. Grease
85. The Thin Red Line
84. Born Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red-Light District
83. The Natural
82. The Little Mermaid
81. Meet Me In St. Louis
80. Closer (2004)


What It Is:
The best word to describe this movie is "raw." It follows the love-hate-lives of four characters (the only in the movie): two American women and their male British lovers in London. All four stars are beautiful and tremendously talented. Daniel is an obituary writer who meets the stranger, Alice, a stripper from New York. Daniel writes a book about Alice, and then meets Anna, who is the photographer taking his picture for the dust jacket. An odd occurrence causes Daniel to introduce Anna to Larry, a dermatologist, at the local aquarium. It's based on a play by Patrick Marber, and is so real and revealing about love and sex that it's painful.

Why I Like It:
I think my love for documentaries makes me love this movie. As I said, it's very real and very revealing, like most documentaries. Julia Roberts and Clive Owen are two of my favorites, and Jude Law and Natalie Portman gained lots of respect from me. The movie is captivating, which is a testament to all four of their talents because not much happens. It's mostly talk, so to be so engaging really speaks wonders for them! Don't expect a feel good movie here, but for some reason, after watching it, I always feel closer to some ascertainable truth.

I Bet You Didn't Know:
Anna's exhibition is the only time all four characters are in the same room.

The play has a very different ending than the movie. If you want to know what it is, highlight the text in between the arrows. >> (The play closed with Dan and Anna speaking briefly on a park bench, several years after Alice and Dan's breakup. Dan tells her that Alice had been hit by a car in New York City and had died, and that he was the only one authorities could find to identify her body. However, the film closes showing Alice alive, well and confidently walking the streets of Manhattan. The very last shot as she's walking across a road in Manhattan is a pan/tilt up to a red "DON'T WALK" signal, thus hinting at the her fate as it is in the play.) <<

Memorable Moments:
The opening sequence with Damien Rice in the background is beautiful.
"I love everything about you that hurts."
"Dan: Everybody wants to be happy.
Larry: Depressives don't. They want to be unhappy to confirm they're depressed. If they were happy they couldn't be depressed anymore. They'd have to go out into the world and live. Which can be depressing. "
"It's a lie. It's a bunch of sad strangers photographed beautifully, and... all the glittering assholes who appreciate art say it's beautiful 'cause that's what they wanna see. But the people in the photos are sad, and alone... But the pictures make the world seem beautiful, so... the exhibition is reassuring which makes it a lie, and everyone loves a big fat lie."
"I would have loved you forever."

What Not To Do When Traveling - San Juan, Puerto Rico

Wisdom from my traveling experience:

• Don't assume that everyone goes out at the same time you do.
• Free drinks save money!
• At the Blackjack Table, bet your gut, not just the odds. Just don't be surprised when the "pros" at the table try and beat you up later.
• Just because the hotel says the pool bar is open until 5pm doesn't mean that it will still be open when you show up at 3:30 in you bathing suit expecting a pina colada.
• The hike to La Mina Falls is brutal but worth it. The force of a real-life waterfall is powerful.
  
• The staff at the hotel probably doesn't know anything about the area.
• Not all car rental agencies are the same, especially if you aren't 25 yet. CHARLIE, YOU ROCK!
• You can still flush urine even if a sign says you're only allowed to flush toilet paper.
• Refrigerators and thermostats in a hotel room make all the difference in the world.
• I CAN do a trip without bringing my blanket - so THERE!!!!
• El Yunque Rain Forest is pretty amazing. But DO NOT trust the maps and don't bother with the welcome center that charges you $3.00 for no reason.
• Online reviews are extremely helpful in finding amazing places to eat. Honest to God: two of the best meals I've ever had in my life!!
• Local spice stores make for great shopping, but if you don't plan on checking luggage, it can be limiting.
• Unfamiliar oceans make me a little jumpy to get into... But walking barefoot on the beach in the moonlight is one of the coolest experience no matter where you are!
• Even though the tourist attractions are, well, tourist attractions, they can still be kinda cool.
• Delta may* be the worst airline ever.
• It is an established fact that I'm bad luck when traveling.
• If you have a really early flight, it can be pretty nice just ordering a movie and staying in the night before.

* Replace "may" with "is"

Pictures coming soon.

Traveling

Will be in Puerto Rico, fighting Erica, for the rest of the weekend. Try not to miss me too much.

Inglorious Basterds

Do yourself a favor and go see it now. You'll thank me later!

Number 81

Some good news today! I had a phone interview for a job, and I got it! It's just a one time thing - I get to be an Antitrust Monitor at an upcoming annual meeting for the Industrial Minerals Association. And one of the people at Top of Mind (David's company) is on maternity leave, so I get to fill in whenever I can there. So, yay! Money! Also, I'm going to win $300 million in a few hours.

90. Borat
89. Chicago
88. Zoolander
87. Apollo 13
86. Grease
85. The Thin Red Line
84. Born Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red-Light District
83. The Natural
82. The Little Mermaid
81. Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)


What It Is:
It's that musical. Yes, but I love it all the same. Maybe that's why I love it. The Smith family might be moving to New York in 1904 St. Louis. Esther, one of four daughters, falls in love with the new boy next door John, right as the move is announced. Songs are sprinkled everywhere and the costumes are perfect.

Why I Like It:
Judy Garland. Vincente Minnelli. Esther chasing John, John chasing Esther, are we moving to New York? And then, Clang Clang Clang Went the Trolley. This musical feels more modern than many modern musicals.

I Bet You Didn't Know:
Judy Garland recorded "The Trolley Song" in one take.

Memorable Moments:
"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" (I'm a sucker for Christmas music!)

Look at the Cool Stuff I Do!

This is the flier I had made for my first event as President/Co-coordinator of LSRJ! I'm excited and hope at least 50 people come.

Also, first time I've gone running since I lived in Charleston and I totally ran a 9:45 mile! That's usually my goal time, not my start time. I bet if I keep it up, I can get my time back to 7:37 when I was playing at AASU!

So all in all, yeah, a good day!

ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!

This just makes me happy. Click HERE to be happy too!

What's the Point?

I hate when I get those moods where I'm like "What's the point??" It usually comes after watching a depressing movie or reading news articles online.

On an unrelated note, Blood Diamond is a depressing movie. My last netflix movie was The Last King of Scotland. My next one is Born Into Brothels. After that, I swear, the next ten movies are going to be comedies!!!!

And everyone tell Lauren to STOP PAINTING!

Cheers!

TV is Great

Over the Summer, I discovered a few TV gems that I've been missing out on. Therefore, I shall share them with you.

First: Weeds

This Showtime series follows the life of Nancy Botwin, a suburban housewife with two sons. Her husband dropped dead suddenly, so she must sell marijuana to maintain the lifestyle for her children. Her dead husband's brother, Andy, and her accountant who makes it all possible, Doug, make the show utterly hysterical. It's gritty, not afraid to show glamor and dirt, and wonderful!!!


Second: The Tudors

Okay, so I'm a sucker for historical fiction, especially British historical fiction! I know I prefer the Victorian time period, but who doesn't love Henry the 8th stories!!! The show is absolutely beautiful, beautiful costumes, beautifully crafted, beautiful scripts, drama, etc! It's gripping, occasionally humorous, horribly tragic, and just the best thing ever. I've only seen through wife two (of six if you don't know), and I really hope the show goes beyond Henry to show the reign of Edward, Mary and Elizabeth as well.


Third: So You Think You Can Dance

Okay, I admit. I don't really watch this show. But Lauren made me watch a few clips and I fell in love with this one:

Back to the Movies

Water Rights is the best class ever. So you know. The others I've had so far, well, jury is still out. Big drama with parking, too. Later, my pets.

Lots of movies this summer, so let's get back to the top 100.

Here's a refresher of what we've covered so far:
100. The Three Muskateers
99. Independence Day
98. Kindergarten Cop
97. Hook
96. Beetlejuice
95. Mulan/Aladdin
94. Talledega Nights
93. Back to the Future
92. Tommy Boy
91. Finding Nemo
90. Borat
89. Chicago
88. Zoolander
87. Apollo 13
86. Grease
85. The Thin Red Line
84. Born Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red-Light District
83. The Natural
82. The Little Mermaid (1989)

What It Is:

Dude, if you don't know, I can't tell you! No, seriously. It's yet another Disney cartoon, I'm sorry to say. I wish I had more non-Disney cartoons on this list, like Secret of NIHM, but only one non-Disney cartoon makes the list. Wait, maybe two. Either way, I'm not telling what they are now. You'll just have to wait. Back to this movie. Basically, Aerial has problems with authority in yet another absent-mother fairy tale where girls are told to shut up and spread their legs in order to get the man and live happily ever after. Despite the horrible message, I still love it!!

Why I Like It:

I think it's because I love all things ocean. I don't like the anti-feminist messages of the movie, but the soundtrack, water, and story just make me happy. Maybe it's the fabric of my culture that I can't split from working on my subconscious. Maybe it's the fact that Aerial is definitely the hottest of the Disney princesses. Maybe, oh who cares! I just like it so shut up!

I Bet You Didn't Know:

The girl that came in second the year I came in fourth in state for Original Oratory in Speech and Debate sang part of "Part of That World" for the opening of her speech. I had tried to sing the year before and met no success because I can't sing well. It made me want to punch her in the face. I kid. She was sweet. But I hated her!

In the opening scene when King Triton arrives at the arena, you can briefly see Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Donald Duck in the crowd of sea-people as mermen when he passes over them.

Sebastian the Crab's full name is Horatio Thelonius Ignatius Crustatious Sebastian.

Memorable Moments:

"Kiss the Girl" and "Under the Sea"

Hiatus

In case you couldn't tell, I went on hiatus for the month of July. Mostly it was because I was working 14 hours a day every day waiting tables, so no opportunity to get online and blog.

I'm back in Atlanta. I have a new iPhone. I've cleaned out all my clutter. Look out world! Here comes Caca!

Naps

Ever have one of those days where no matter what you do, you feel like you could be a whole lot better if you could just take a five minute nap? I'm having one of those days.

I may or may not have gotten in a fight with my boss, but I was totally right. Oh, well. I'm leaving that job this week anyway. I cannot keep working 55 hours a week and make less than $200. I just can't.

Time

It absolutely amazes me how much time can go by with me saying "I'll post soon." Then, a month goes by.

A few weeks ago, I purchased a discount bottle of wine from Harris Teeter for $1.80. It tastes worse. I think my tongue might burn off, but so do hard times call for.

And the cute firefighter down the street has a girlfriend. They have a dog together. All my dreams are now smashed.

Do you?

Do you have a spare $24,000, then here's what you should buy me:


I saw it at the art walk last Friday and fell in love with it! It reminds me of my favorite book, Tipping the Velvet. Anyways, if you have that kind of cash and want to get me something, then let me know, and I'll tell you which gallery to go to!

Oh, and - how have I not mentioned that my Brother and his wife are expecting their first baby! Congrats David and Lauren!

Finally, the next movie as well.

90. Borat
89. Chicago
88. Zoolander
87. Apollo 13
86. Grease
85. The Thin Red Line
84. Born Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red-Light District
83. The Natural (1984)

Good Day

Just noticed that my last post was my 50th post on this blog! Go me and thanks all of you for reading!

I've had a great few days that I would like to share! Friday night, Melissa, Katie, and I went on a free tour of art galleries downtown where we got to see lots of cool art and drink lots of free wine. Then, we went on a ghost tour downtown. Pretty cool day.

Saturday, Katie and I painted. She now has a red dining room and a "cup of coco" hallway and kitchen. We did some touchups today and still have a lot more to do, but it's been fun working on it. She also got a neutral green for the living room but we haven't gotten there yet.

Sunday, I went to church then had a pretty good, busy shift at work - the most I've made in any shift so far.

Today, I got a volunteer job at a law firm! Yay! I was searching admiralty firms here, and came across one that had a lawyer working there with the same name as a guy that was sorta in my same circle of friends at Bishop England. His name was Dawes Cooke, and this lawyer is his dad, I think, at least one's a junior and one's a III. Anyway, I sent him an email and I start volunteering this week - probably Friday since I work the morning shifts every day but tomorrow, which is too soon to start. The lawfirm is Barnwell Whaley Patterson and Helms and their office is on Daniel Island where we used to live. Here is their website: http://www.barnwell-whaley.com/default.asp?catID=14315&parentID=14315
Wish me luck!

Also today, I finally cashed in my mycokerewards! Here's what I got:



For free! Thanks to everyone who saved points for me to help me get them! I'll take pictures of you with me in them. I wonder what I'll save up for now???

Sun Burn

In case you weren't aware, I've been very adamant about weight loss and have dropped about 13 pounds in a month. I'm doing a pound a week now as my goal, but this week I've completely plateaued. I've continued with my diet and upped my exercise routines, but haven't lost anything yet this week and I do my weigh ins on Fridays. So I hope I can drop at least one pound by then.

Today, after work at Ali Baba's, Katie, Melissa, and I met and walked the Ravenell Bridge. It was harder than I thought it would be and I'm definitely a little sore. Then, Katie and I hit up the pool then Sonic for FREE Root Beer Floats. I'm excited to sleep in tomorrow, but I still have stuff to do.

When I started this post, I had ambitions to do a movie, but then I saw which movie it was and just wasn't feeling it tonight. It's a good movie and I want it's review to do it justice. So you're just going to have to wait in anticipation!

Spoilers

I'm going to go ahead and ruin the surprise and tell you 2 movies that will NOT ever, ever, ever appear on my Top 100 Best Films list:

There Will Be Blood
and
Open Water.

Heaven help me. They were terrible - well, There Will Be Blood was terrible. Open Water just terrified me beyond reproach. It's basically a movie about my biggest fear in life.

Oh Geeze

I have it in my planner that I need to blog but I'm pretty drained, not really tired, just drained. So I'm not going to do a movie, even though it's a good one. The list is finally getting into some of my favorite movies!

I had my first shift tonight at Ali Baba's Mediterranean Cuisine. If the money is good, I think it's really going to be cool. It's really a chill place. There are 10 tables inside and 4 outside and with the exception of some end of the week shifts, there's usually only one server on the floor. Granted, only about 7 people came in tonight, but I think the guy walked with about 50 for the shift. The food is pretty accredited - had lots of good write ups in several local papers, but the only thing on the menu I've ever heard of is hummus.

Oh, geeze. Sorry this post is so lame. Like I said, I'm drained.

Charleston After a Week

I have a pretty good lead on a job. The owner of the Brickery in Atlanta knows the guy who owns the restaurant that I wanted to work at the most here in Charleston. He is going to call the owner on my behalf. So yeah, an owner calling another owner to tell him how awesome I am! Hopefully, by the end of the weekend, I will know something. I may work at the Vickery at Shem Creek or Downtown. I spent the day at the pool yesterday in celebration. I'm pretty sick of driving all over the low country to fill out applications and get rejected. So the day at the pool was nice.

I'm also reading some good books this summer! So far they include On Chesil Beach, Fingersmith, and The Known World. I highly recommend each of them. One day, I may do book reviews, but I want to finish my AFI movie list first. It's been awhile, so here's a refresher....

100. The Three Muskateers
99. Independence Day
98. Kindergarten Cop
97. Hook
96. Beetlejuice
95. Mulan/Aladdin
94. Talledega Nights
93. Back to the Future
92. Tommy Boy
91. Finding Nemo
90. Borat
89. Chicago
88. Zoolander
87. Apollo 13
86. Grease
85. The Thin Red Line
84. Born Into Brothels: Calcutta's Red-Light District (2004)


What It Is:
A documentary. I love documentaries. This photographer goes into the brothels in India and teaches the children of the prostitutes about art and photography. It's really sad because the girls are so young and the mothers are determined for their daughters to become prostitutes so that they can have money. The photographer tries to get the kids into schools and get their art shown and sold around the world to get them out of that life. It's moving and beautiful and everyone should watch it.

Why I Like It:
I just love documentaries. This one is particularly well done because you really get the feel of how hard it is to make a documentary and how dedicated documentary filmmakers are to their film subjects. She really cares about the kids and not only teaches the photo classes but sits through all the beaurocratic crap that even the kids parents aren't willing to do. It's inspiring in a non-cheesy, non-after-school-special way.

I Bet You Didn't Know:
Anything about this film. Most don't. This isn't the only documentary on my list so be prepared.

Memorable Moments:
The art show in Amsterdam was a highlight. I also like all the pretty pictures the kids take.

New Hobby

My new favorite hobby = mattress shopping. I wonder how many times I can go back to the five mattress stores nearby pretending to be looking to buy before they don't let me lay on the $7000 beds anymore...

Charleston

Eventually, I'm going to do a full, all-out, real post. Right now, just wanted to let everyone know that I made it Charleston. I spent all day today trying to find a job. Every place I went to said they were hiring, but I'm a little nervous that I won't be making money anywhere for a few weeks. I have $35 to my name, so hopefully I can get on the floor somewhere by the end of the week, but it's doubtful. Yes, these jobs are for waiting tables and NOT in the legal field. I'll figure that out once I figure out how to pay my bills.

And then I got sick. I feel like poop. I don't know if it's allergies, my teeth, or a cold. I'm going to try and sleep forever tomorrow if the construction guys across the street don't show up at 4am again. Say a prayer that I feel better and get a job or win the lottery (that I'm not playing.)

Just so you know....

....I'm done with my first year of law school. Yeah, I'm pretty awesome!

Quickie

If there's one thing that people without money like to do it's imagining what they would do if they had it. And by they, I mean me. Right now, I'm trying to decide between saving up to study abroad for a month next May in Austria or saving up to buy a king size tempurpedic bed. Both cost about the same, and I'm torn. Thoughts? Votes?

Long Overdue

As predicted, my posts became less frequent as exams arrived. I've completed RWA (legal writing), Property (THANK GOD!), and Torts. I have Contracts tomorrow, Civil Procedure Monday and Criminal Law next Thursday. The first half of the month, I got to do some cool stuff, so here are some pictures.

Some of the old and new LSRJ leaders with Sarah Weddington. It was a bad hair day for me.


The next generation of cousins at MORBID JOKE2.


Melissa and I at the Braves game for my 24th Birthday!

Wish me luck on my exams and I'll give you number 85 on my MyAFI Top 100 list!

100. The Three Muskateers
99. Independence Day
98. Kindergarten Cop
97. Hook
96. Beetlejuice
95. Mulan/Aladdin
94. Talledega Nights
93. Back to the Future
92. Tommy Boy
91. Finding Nemo
90. Borat
89. Chicago
88. Zoolander
87. Apollo 13
86. Grease
85. The Thin Red Line (1998)


What It Is:
One of the few (maybe the only) war movie on my list. I normally can't do war movies, but this one is beautiful, poetic, poignant, and everything I love about a good movie. The central story line is about a private fighting in the Pacific during WWII who goes AWOL but then comes back. The unique story telling gets enhanced by the imagery - the beauty of the scenery juxtaposed with the violence of war, etc. etc. Plus, this movie has EVERYBODY in it! It's kinda sad that it came out at the same time as Saving Private Ryan because (although both films are good and moving,) they are just two very different films. The Thin Red Line gets brushed over because of the fame of the D-Day violence scene from Saving Private Ryan.

Why I Like It:
Two reasons: The cast and the quotes. The cast includes John C. Reilly (his third film on my list so far?), George Clooney, Sean Penn, Woody Harrelson, John Caveziel, and Nick Nolte. And that's not including everyone. I'm not a huge poetry fan despite my literary background, but this movie's narration has a definite poetic flair that I love. I would put it more in a creative non-fiction prose catagory, but I just love it!

I Bet You Didn't Know:
The original cut of the film was over 6 hours long, and included in the cut hours were scenes from actors Viggo Mortenson, Billy Bob Thorton, Gary Oldman, and Bill Pullman who appear nowhere else in the film. There was a novel and a 1964 film versions before the 1998 version.

Memorable Moments:
- "If I go first, I'll wait for you there on the other side of the dark waters."
- When Woody Harrelson blows off his own ass, as he puts it.
- "We were a family. How'd it break up and come apart, so that now we're turned against each other? Each standing in the other's light. How'd we lose that good that was given us? Let it slip away. Scattered it, careless. What's keepin' us from reaching out, touching the glory?"