Yes, on my flight home I saw the one and only Kenny G-- curly haired saxophonist extraordinaire. Alex, who is oddly a huge fan, wanted me to get something autographed but the Cleveland University soccer team, who was also on my flight, was taking pictures with him, and then he took his seat in first class, of course.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
So LA
I flew back to California today to attend my friend's wedding. I was really excited to take a mini vacation, especially since the weather in DC has been rainy and gloomy. Along with abundant sunshine, I checked another California attribute off my list on my flight home: seeing a celebrity.
Yes, on my flight home I saw the one and only Kenny G-- curly haired saxophonist extraordinaire. Alex, who is oddly a huge fan, wanted me to get something autographed but the Cleveland University soccer team, who was also on my flight, was taking pictures with him, and then he took his seat in first class, of course.
Yes, on my flight home I saw the one and only Kenny G-- curly haired saxophonist extraordinaire. Alex, who is oddly a huge fan, wanted me to get something autographed but the Cleveland University soccer team, who was also on my flight, was taking pictures with him, and then he took his seat in first class, of course.
Friday, August 29, 2008
America's Promise
If anyone ever asked me why I am voting for Barack Obama, why I am a Democrat, what I think the role of the government is, or why I think that the United States of America is the best nation in the world, I will just point them to this speech. I am not even going to attempt to write anything else, as it will pale in comparison to Obama's speech. Bravo.[Photo courtesy of CNN]
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Take Me Out to the Ballgame
My law school has an annual auction to raise money for public interest scholarships, and last spring I bid on and won tickets to a baseball game with one of my favorite professors. So today my friend JK (who also loves this prof) and I went to the Nationals Game with my professor and one his colleagues.
In addition to amazing seats, great food and beer (on them), and an exciting game, it was just fun hanging out with professors. At first JK and I were worried about what we would talk about but there was never a moment of awkwardness over the 4+ hour span. It helped that the profs are political junkies like us, love con law, and are just overall funny. Before law school, I would have never imagined socializing with professors liket this.
Looking back, it made me think about what it would have been like to go to a smaller university. Although I loved UCLA, huge classes meant that we did not get to know most of our professors very well. The vast majority probably would not even recognize me if I walked by them. I was lucky, however, that there were two professors and a few club advisors who mentored me and really helped me over the years,
I think it all worked out in the end. Even though connections with professors at UCLA were more difficult to make, they were still possible. Moreover, I think even at smaller undergraduate schools, you don't have the same kind of relationship as you do at law school. Because we're a little older and in a professional school, we are treated a little more as equal. Heck, some students are older than the professors at our school.
But of course there's still the hiearchy and the paternal aspect of professors-- like when my professor today gave my friend JK and I money to go buy dessert.
In addition to amazing seats, great food and beer (on them), and an exciting game, it was just fun hanging out with professors. At first JK and I were worried about what we would talk about but there was never a moment of awkwardness over the 4+ hour span. It helped that the profs are political junkies like us, love con law, and are just overall funny. Before law school, I would have never imagined socializing with professors liket this.
Looking back, it made me think about what it would have been like to go to a smaller university. Although I loved UCLA, huge classes meant that we did not get to know most of our professors very well. The vast majority probably would not even recognize me if I walked by them. I was lucky, however, that there were two professors and a few club advisors who mentored me and really helped me over the years,
I think it all worked out in the end. Even though connections with professors at UCLA were more difficult to make, they were still possible. Moreover, I think even at smaller undergraduate schools, you don't have the same kind of relationship as you do at law school. Because we're a little older and in a professional school, we are treated a little more as equal. Heck, some students are older than the professors at our school.
But of course there's still the hiearchy and the paternal aspect of professors-- like when my professor today gave my friend JK and I money to go buy dessert.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Give em 'Hill
Earlier today, Faithsalutes, my favorite Republican, told me that she felt bad for Hillary because it must be hard to be at the convention. I am sure it must still be hard getting over the loss, but she did a great job of sincerely rallying her supporters to back Obama, framing the debate, inspiring Democrats, and of course, attacking John McCain. I have seen many Hillary speeches but this has definitely been one of her best- (embedded below for your viewing pleasure) right up there with her speech on women's human rights she gave as First Lady. She's pretty amazing.
Along with being ultra moving, I think the video montage yesterday of Senator Ted Kennedy was a good example of how much good you can do outside of the Presidency. After he lost the primary battle to Jimmy Carter, he became the most influential Senator, helping pass landmark bills and creating a legacy that spanned beyond eight years. I have no doubt that if Hillary wanted to, she could become the same kind of leader.
On the annivesary of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote, I am especially proud of being part of a party with so many female pioneers and leaders. In addition to Hillary and Michelle, there is of course Nancy Pelosi, Barbara Boxer, and so many more.
Yes, my blogs for the next two days (and probably two months) probably will be pretty partisan, but conventions and elections do that to me.
Along with being ultra moving, I think the video montage yesterday of Senator Ted Kennedy was a good example of how much good you can do outside of the Presidency. After he lost the primary battle to Jimmy Carter, he became the most influential Senator, helping pass landmark bills and creating a legacy that spanned beyond eight years. I have no doubt that if Hillary wanted to, she could become the same kind of leader.
On the annivesary of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote, I am especially proud of being part of a party with so many female pioneers and leaders. In addition to Hillary and Michelle, there is of course Nancy Pelosi, Barbara Boxer, and so many more.
Yes, my blogs for the next two days (and probably two months) probably will be pretty partisan, but conventions and elections do that to me.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Obama Momma
When I grow up, I want to be Michelle Obama. Intelligent, poised, family-oriented, ambitious, opinionated, altruistic, and sassy.I have always liked Michelle Obama, but now I love her. The campaign really did a great job introducing Michelle and her story. I know I learned a great deal like about her dad's MS, how she was always concerned about the kids being picked on at school, how she left a big firm to come back to the South Side of Chicago, how she sent up the University of Chicago's community service center, how she kept saying no when Barack asked her out on dates, or how she likes to play scrabble.
I think tonight was especially moving because the way Michelle framed her and Barack's lives related so closely to so many people. Hearing about how Michelle got to live the American Dream thanks to hardworking parents and a college education reminded me so much of my own mom's life. She gave a great speech and you could tell everyone in that room had tears welling up in their eyes. If you did not get to see it, I highly recommend that you check out the videos (Senator Ted Kennedy's speech was also great, and very emotional).
Though I hope for some more "red meat" in the following days, I think today was a good start and very feel-good.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Back to School
To steal the words of my friend Jessie, I am starting 19th grade tomorrow. Or as someone else said, today is the close ceremonies . . . of summer.
It's hard to believe that this will likely be my last first day of school.
19 years in a row. I am not burnt out of schooling in general; just need a little more time before going back this time around. Even though I finished work a few weeks ago, I never felt like I got a vacation. Between journal, Dean's Fellow obligations, and clerkship applications (all self-inflicted obligations of course), I have been at school almost every day this last week. Is it possible to go back to school if you never left it?
I just have to make it to Thursday, then I will get a little vacation by flying back to California for a wedding and long weekend.
It's hard to believe that this will likely be my last first day of school.
19 years in a row. I am not burnt out of schooling in general; just need a little more time before going back this time around. Even though I finished work a few weeks ago, I never felt like I got a vacation. Between journal, Dean's Fellow obligations, and clerkship applications (all self-inflicted obligations of course), I have been at school almost every day this last week. Is it possible to go back to school if you never left it?
I just have to make it to Thursday, then I will get a little vacation by flying back to California for a wedding and long weekend.
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