San Mateo County is charging

San Mateo County is charging television stations $51,000 to reserve a coveted spot next to the courthouse for the Scott Peterson murder trial.

The 16 assigned spaces, which are about 13 feet by 17 feet, will be used for television reporters to store equipment, work and conduct interviews. Each station must provide their own tent.

The $51,000 fee amounts to about $230 per square foot. At the height of the dot-com boom, prime office space in San Francisco leased for about $80 per square foot.

Guess we'll find out just how hungry for the story these stations are.

Water. Whatever you do, where

Water. Whatever you do, where or when, you do it
with all of your heart. You listen to your
heart and all of your emotions are true non-
acting. Friends are very importent to you and
you will do anything for them. You're the most
dreamy of all 4 elements.


What is your element?
brought to you by Quizilla

I've heard some bad pick

I've heard some bad pick up lines, but this might just take the cake (said to me at a bar the other night):

Stupid Guy: Are you from Tennessee?

Me: No, I'm from Indiana. (Thinking he wanted an actual answer).

Stupid Guy: Because you're the first ten I see.

Me: Uhh, right, thanks.

What lines have you used or heard that are worse?

I thought this was quite

I thought this was quite amusing and cute. (Disregard that whole WMD reference--wink, wink).

Thanks for the tip, Jaime C.

Yale Diva has a very

Yale Diva has a very amusing post about John Kerry's transformation.

In just 2 months, you too can look presidential.

Poker has become THE hot

Poker has become THE hot game. I know tons of people who have been watching the "World Series of Poker" on ESPN, as well as "Celebrity Poker" on Bravo. I also know a group of law schools guys who have recently started playing poker weekly.

And now...

From 4-6 p.m. ET on Super Bowl Sunday, while CBS is into its fifteenth or sixteenth hour of pre-game features, NBC will air the World Poker Tour Tournament of Champions from the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

So, you can have your poker AND your football on Sunday.

Paris Hilton's sex tape co-star

Paris Hilton's sex tape co-star Rick Salomon has reportedly offered to drop his $10 million lawsuit against her family - in exchange for the distribution rights to the video.

I wondered when he was going to ask for those.

If there was ever a

If there was ever a doubt about how horrendous I am at pool, it was reaffirmed tonight.

And AVOIDABLE! A 10-month-old girl

And AVOIDABLE!

A 10-month-old girl drowned after falling into a toilet in her family's home, police said. Brianna Morgan, who had just begun learning to crawl and walk, got into the bathroom, then pulled herself on top of her mother's jewelry box which was on the floor, police said. She apparently leaned over and fell headfirst into the toilet, which held six inches (15 centimeters) of water.

Where the hell was 1) the mother or father 2) babysitter 3) ANYONE?????

Stories like this make me ANGRY!

Happy Birthday, Oprah! Oprah

Happy Birthday, Oprah!

Oprah Winfrey turns 50 today. And the most powerful woman in television is throwing herself a big birthday party that starts on her daytime talk show - and will continue through the weekend.

Exactly how she'll mark the birthday on TV remains a secret. The show will be taped in Chicago Thursday morning.

When you have a $1.1 BILLION media empire, I bet you can throw one hell of a party.

For the first time in

For the first time in its long basketball history, Vincennes Lincoln (where I went to high school) is ranked No. 1 by The Associated Press.

I'm so thrilled for not only the team, but Coach Combs. Coach's wife was killed this year when she was struck by a semi on the highway while she was pulled over to help someone on the side of the road. I've heard that the team has really pulled together for him.

For the past two years,

For the past two years, dressing up horse manure has been both a hobby and a business for the this woman. She has sold almost 200 so far and people have been paying $20 a pop.

Engelmann made her first manure masterpiece about 10 years ago at Christmas time. She was stuck for a Christmas present and was part of a gift-giving circle where she needed to make the gift herself.

What could she do? She turned to poop and decided to make turd birds.

Each Turd Bird is handcrafted by Engelmann, made from horse manure from a Lockeford field. She typically goes out early in the morning, equipped with some thick, yellow dishwashing gloves, fireplace tongs, some worn out tennis shoes and an old tote bag, in search of the driest specimens.

...I had the first "I'll

...I had the first "I'll always remember where I was" moments of my lifetime: I was in the cafeteria with my class watching as the Challenger exploded.

...how to get to

...how to get to Arab Street?"

Public television's attempt to bring Big Bird and friends to Arab-Americans has been curbed by reluctant corporate sponsors -- and a wary immigrant community.

Three months ago founders of the famous children's show proposed a new program called "Sesame Neighborhood." It would take place in South Dearborn, off Warren, and provide an inside look at the life of a community that boasts a population estimated at anywhere from 150,000 to 300,000 people of Middle Eastern descent. The goal was to produce five half-hour shows that would be available for syndication on Public Television stations across the country.

But with every idea comes a demand for money. And in this case, the lack of corporate sponsors -- and a notable lack of financial commitment from a conflicted Arab-American community -- have kept "Sesame Neighborhood" from coming alive.

My Hoosiers beat the Purdue

My Hoosiers beat the Purdue Boilermakers tonight 63-58 at Assembly Hall in Bloomington. This win keeps Indiana atop of the Big Ten standings.

Today I bet my boss at the law firm (who is a die hard Purdue fan) lunch that we'd win. He already emailed me asking where I'd like to go.

My response? Double or nothing--we play Purdue again on Valentine's Day at Mackey Arena (Purdue's home court). I want TWO lunches.

I know, I know...I should quit while I'm ahead. But, I'm a fan. And fans bet with their hearts, and not their heads.

The Oscar nominations are out!

The Oscar nominations are out! Let the fun begin! Do I think the best always gets nominated? No. But, they are what they are, and they are still entertaining.

I'm sure many posts will follow as the date of the award ceremony approaches.

I heard on the

I heard on the radio on my way to school today that Jordan Knight, of New Kids on the Block fame, will be in Indianapolis performing next week. I just never got in to them. I liked them alright, but didn't have any of their records, never went to their concerts, had no t-shirts, no posters--NOTHING.

My big obsession? Debbie Gibson! (Although now she's Deborah). I seriously wanted to be just like her. I even had her disgustingly sweet "Electric Youth" perfume. I immediately bought the sheet music to "Lost in Your Eyes" when it came out and played it on the piano. Then, when I found out she made the move to Broadway, I was completely sold.

The things we like when we are young.

I had no idea

I had no idea that I had visited (or darn close) the real Cold Mountain until I read this article.

Its namesake motion picture was filmed an ocean away--in Romania.

When I was in high school my family, and my best friend and her family drove to Asheville, North Carolina. Asheville, the largest city in western North Carolina, is about 25 miles northeast of Cold Mountain. We stayed at the Grove Park Inn and toured the Biltmore Estate (which are both mentioned in the article).

It really was beautiful country.

Hispanics Across America believes its

Hispanics Across America believes its new program, "Operation Rat Attack," will rid Joyce Kilmer Park, in NYC, of 10,000 rats within 30 days, the group's president, Fernando Mateo, said.

Yep, 10,000 rats in ONE park. Ugh.

The bait? Bacon, cheese, and peanut butter. Sound appetizing? Well, rats apparently think so -- and that's why two dozen boxes filled with the combination were put down as bait in a Bronx park yesterday by the advocacy group seeking to exterminate them.

"It's a very serious situation because people in that neighborhood cannot walk the sidewalks, nonetheless use the park," Mateo said.

It took me about 10

It took me about 10 minutes to scrape off my car. What should have been a 30 minute commute took 50 minutes. Overall, however, I didn't think the roads were too bad--just slow.

I can't wait until I have a garage. My socks are soaking wet from baby-stepping to my car and wiping off all of that snow.

SO ANGRY! I had a

SO ANGRY! I had a rundown of the first hour and my computer crashed and I lost the entire long post (as well as the last hour of law review edits I was incorporating). ARGH. So, I'll have to start with the second half.

Recap of the first hour: Glad SJP won; Super-glad Diane Keaton won--she was superb in "Something's Gotta Give"; surprised "The Office" won--guess I need to watch the BBC more; Cate Blanchett looked like the band Flock of Seagulls did her hair; Meryl didn't need to make the Bush stab; my take on the "Sex" girls: Kristen looked classy; Cynthia and SJP had bad hair; Kim's dress was AWESOME! (wonder if she'll let me borrow it for Barristers' Ball); shocked that Robin Williams said "wet like Paris Hilton" at the Golden Globes; ok, I think that's about it on the first half.

9:10--Molly Sims looks great.

9:13--"The Office" wins another award. Definitely need to watch this show.

9:25--Been flipping back and forth between the Globes and "Sex and the City." LOVED Samantha's J'adore Dior head wrap after the head shave.

9:33--cut the bangs J-Lo.

9:35--Oh come on! Mary-Louise Parker over the "Sex" girls AND Megan Mullally? I demand a recount.

9:46--I like Michael Douglas. With a roster like "Jewel of the Nile," "Wall Street," "Fatal Attraction," "The Game," "A Chorus Line," and "Basic Instinct," you can't go wrong. Damn--Sharon Stone looks horrendous!

10:07--Is it me or does Peter Jackson (director of ROTK) look strikingly like Michael Moore?

10:14--Pacino's the man.

10:24--Man, I was hoping Nicole was going to have to hand the award to Tom.

10:35--Jack, what's with the sunglasses indoors all the darn time???

10:36--YES! Charlize. I smell an Oscar for her.

10:46--Man, "Lost in Translation" is totally cleaning up! I wish I had seen it so I could comment.

10:53--ROTK--not a big surprise. I wish I was more "in" to those movies.

Hope you're all gearin' up

Hope you're all gearin' up for the Golden Globes!

Here's a list of all the nominees.

Who will I be cheering for? Charlize Theron, Sofia Coppola, Holly Hunter, Patricia Clarkson, "Six Feet Under" (and its cast) "Nip/Tuck," "Sex and the City" (and its cast), Michael Chiklis, and William H. Macy.

In a British poll, Michael

In a British poll, Michael Jackson was the #4 hero to young people.

Jesus was #123rd.

Look what fun stuff is

Look what fun stuff is coming my way:

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST MONDAY

SNOW WILL SPREAD THROUGH MOST OF CENTRAL INDIANA BY NOON. FREEZING RAIN AND SLEET MAY DEVELOP BY LATE AFTERNOON. PRECIPITATION WILL DIMINISH TONIGHT. SNOW ACCUMULATION SHOULD BE 4 TO 6 INCHES BY LATE EVENING. ANY ICE AND SLEET ACCUMULATION SHOULD BE A TENTH OF AN INCH OR LESS.

And I just remembered: my scraper broke and I forgot to get another one. DARN, DARN, DARN!

Wine is supposed to be

Wine is supposed to be in a BOTTLE and have a CORK. Anything shy of that is just WRONG.

If you like Outkast

If you like Outkast and you like the "Peanuts" characters...THIS is for you! I think it's too funny!

Courtesy of Wizbang!

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates on

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates on Friday predicted the death of spam in two years and said his company is working on a new software that would make it impractical and uneconomical for marketers to send the mass e-mails that annoy so many e-mail users.

Gates made the bold prediction at the World Economic Forum, an annual gathering of business leaders in the Swiss skiing village of Davos.

Lord, let's hope so!

Well, the Oxygen network certainly

Well, the Oxygen network certainly didn't want to miss out on the reality show blitz that so many other networks are enjoying. They announced yesterday the launch of a new show titled, "My Best Friend is a Big, Fat Slut."

Sounds like something on "The Jerry Springer Show" or the Playboy Channel. But the Oxygen Network? Isn't that run by Oprah? Maybe Dr. Phil will come on and tell the women how to love themselves and not be sluts anymore.

Today we lost a

Today we lost a Captain and a Cameraman.

May they both rest in peace.

Here's the Friday Five: At

Here's the Friday Five:

At this moment, what is your favorite...

1. ...song? Canon in D by Pachelbel (I'm listening to one of my classical music CD's while I study).

2. ...food? Sugar free jello (any flavor) with low-fat whipped topping. I've had it for the last 4 nights for a late-night snack. It's low-fat, low-cal, and low in carbs. Can you beat it?

3. ...tv show? "Sex and the City" or "Newlyweds." (I know, I should be ashamed of myself).

4. ...scent? My Tocca Feu de Touch candle.

5. ...quote? "I'll go hunting or fishing for the day. But I better be coming home at night to a Ritz Carlton and a stripper." --spoken by my best friend's boyfriend, who when asked, said he wasn't a huge "guy's guy."

An Amhurst, Massachusetts public high

An Amhurst, Massachusetts public high school will perform "The Vagina Monologues." The play, to be performed Feb. 13 at the high school, will culminate a week of events educating students and faculty about women's health and reproductive rights, as well as violence against women.

This has caused great debate not only in MA, but nationally.

Written by Eve Ensler, ''The Vagina Monologues'' is a series of short scenes based on her interviews with more than 200 women around the globe.

I was lucky enough to be in a production of this show--but I was in college. I sure as hell know that this would not have flown at my high school. Hell, we couldn't do "Grease" because it was too controversial and we almost didn't get to do "West Side Story." I have no doubt that a show that contains an entire monologue about "the C-word" would cause outrage in the conservative small town where I grew up.

However, I think that if this community is behind the production (and the majority seems to be), and since the performers obtained permission from their parents, I'm having trouble seeing what's so wrong with the idea. The show is NOT just about sex. It's about sexuality, rape, love, growing up, international oppression of women, domestic violence, etc. Additionally, you know what you're getting yourself in to when you go--I mean the show has the word "VAGINA" in the title for gosh sakes! It's not like you're going to round up the kiddies and head to the show and be surprised.

What do you guys think?

...POT!" Art Garfunkel was busted

...POT!"

Art Garfunkel was busted for marijuana possession today.

Thought I'd share with all

Thought I'd share with all of you my good news: I accepted an offer with a law firm for after graduation (and after I pass the bar).

This is the firm I've been clerking for off and on since May. They notified me prior to finals and the holidays that I had a standing offer, but that I could accept or decline when I was ready. After exploring and interviewing at other firms, some MUCH larger, I made my decision. I sat down with the head partner last week and discussed salary and benefits. It all sounded good to me (although, what the hell did I know? I went straight from college to law school, had loans to pay off, and had NO idea about the ins and outs of a 401K). I told him I needed a few days.

After talking it over with my parents and other attorneys, they all indicated OVER and OVER that I was a fool to pass up an offer like this. While out of the gate, I won't be making as much as my pals at the big law factories, my chances for a quick road to partner are high, as well as my chances for major economic growth as well.

My firm is small--only has 9 attorneys. But, it has a great reputation. They do a little bit of everything, but focus on business law and health law. I really enjoy the close-knit environment that they share--it's almost like a family. I indicated to them my interests in lobbying (something they don't do a lot of) and they told me that since I'm interested, they would throw as much lobbying work my way and not refer it to friends like they normally do. That's another thing I love about them--they are very interested in helping each person cultivate the law practice that they want.

Ethics are paramount at this place. They also aren't all about being slaves. Every single one of the partners came from what we call in Indianapolis as "the big 5" firms. And, while there are benefits to big firms, the members of my firm aren't interested in the slave mentality anymore. They all have families and while I've stayed late to work a few times, it's rare that anyone is there past 6 p.m.

There is also much collaboration at this place. And, while at a big firm I'd have an expert in every area at my fingertips, this firm kind of learns new things together. Asking for help is something that is encouraged.

Last week when I was working, I was asked to draft up a letter to a widower who had just lost her husband and advise her how to marshal her husband's assets so we could get to work on closing his estate. Through research, I found what I thought was an excellent chart on how to marshal assets, mark them, and get them ready for distribution or sale. I gave it to the attorney who gave me the assignment. She looked at me and said, "This is great, Lawren. And if this was a regular administrator, I'd use this in a heartbeat. But this is a widower. She has just lost her husband. We need this chart in letter form expressing not only instructions, but our condolences. It's important you remember who your audience is." Point duly noted by me. This is why I like them.

So, there's my story. With the job market the way that it is, I'm so lucky to be blessed with employment.

I found out yesterday that

I found out yesterday that an old teacher of mine, Mrs. Kixmiller, passed away. I had her for 8th grade Advanced English class. You know how there are certain things you know, and you can remember exactly how old you were when you learned them, and what class you were in? Well, Mrs. Kixmiller made us learn and recite the "Friends, Romans, Countrymen..." speech from "Julius Caesar" in front of the whole class.

I can still remember it, in its entirety, to this day. Thanks Mrs. Kixmiller.

Does this picture freak anyone

Does this picture freak anyone else out? Considering I think John Kerry looks like "The Cryptkeeper" from "Tales From the Crypt" it seriously concerned me when I saw it!

...but not cowdumping. Gross. My

...but not cowdumping. Gross.

My favorite part of the story is when the woman called to report the incident: "I said, ‘This is Peggy Crane and there’s a dead cow in the county administration building parking lot,’" she said. "And he said, ‘Did you say a dead cat?’ And I said, ‘No sir, a dead cow. C-o-w, cow.’"

A St. Louis TV station

A St. Louis TV station has obtained permission from NBC to rebroadcast the final segment of "Average Joe: Hawaii," interrupted Monday night for a news report from the Iowa caucuses.

Viewers clogged the KSDK switchboard and fired off questions to the station's Web site on Tuesday to protest the interruption, which came at a pivotal point in the episode.

The station broke into "Average Joe" to go live to a speech by Missouri Rep. Richard Gephardt, who had finished fourth in the Iowa caucuses, all but ending his political career.

Dick: if your state likes AVERAGE Joe more than they like you, what does that make you?

Someone from work sent me

Someone from work sent me this little number game. Enjoy! I played and it got my number exactly right!

I was listening to the

I was listening to the 80's radio station this morning on the way to school. They were playing selections from the "heavier" side of that decade. It was great! I was rockin' out!

Some highlights:
"One" by Metallica
"Rocket" by Def Leppard
"Here I Go Again" by Whitesnake

Here comes another one of

Here comes another one of those, "What the hell is wrong with people?" moments:

A husband and wife have been charged with murdering a 6-year-old girl whose back was broken in what police said may have been an exorcism gone wrong.

--And if that wasn't weird enough:

Police learned of the death around 12:30 a.m. when the unidentified man and woman were seen walking naked down a city street with two children, a 2-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl, Quigley said.

--Glad they caught those psychos. Those other little kids were probably next.

With the football season drawing

With the football season drawing to a close, it's time to see how much we actually know. Take this football quiz and find out how you rate.

I can't say that I'm a huge football fan, but I think it's paramount that I know about it. My dad and mom were good about teaching me that notion--I may not be totally interested in something, but I still need to be reasonably intelligent on the subject. Plus, it's fun when a guy tries to act macho and starts to explain something to you, you cut him off, and then show him what you know. :)

I scored an 8/10.

(This one's for you, Kelly

(This one's for you, Kelly G. and Kelly P.)
From FoxNews:

MUNCIE, Ind. (AP) — The Muncie Kennel Club has canceled four days of dog shows usually held at the Horizon Convention Center in January because management would permit them only if the group covered the center's newly carpeted floor with plastic.

"Convention officials wanted us to cover the carpeting with plastic, but the insurance company wouldn't cover it and the dogs and their owners wouldn't tolerate it," said Tim Catterson, the kennel club's president.

Catterson said club members were afraid that either they or their dogs would slip and fall if the shows were held on plastic-covered floors.

Joann McKinney, the convention center's general manager, said she was disappointed that the dog shows were canceled. She said, however, that the new carpeting had increased business from corporate meetings and weddings and needed to be protected.

"The convention center people did everything they could for the dog shows, but they couldn't overcome the carpet," McKinney said. "I hope someday we can bring the shows back. It's a unique piece of business that has been very good for the city."

I signed up for a

I signed up for a bar review course today. $1,195 (and that was the early bird price). Ugh.

She says her homeland is

She says her homeland is too dangerous and has a "weird, over-patriotic atmosphere," so she's raising her new baby in London. The Oscar-winning actress lives there with her husband.

Paltrow says, "I worry about bringing up a child in America. At the moment there's a weird, over-patriotic atmosphere over there, like, 'We're No. 1 and the rest of the world doesn't matter.'"

Take this quiz, and find

Take this quiz, and find out!

Tip from Just a Girl in the World.

Let me know your results! :)

UPDATE: Currently, Christina is in the lead, followed by Leslie and Amy. I'm not surprised since if I got married tomorrow, I'd have these girls as three of my bridesmaids. Also, I've known Christina and Amy since I was 2, so they might have a slight edge over everyone since I've known them longer than almost anyone.

UPDATE #2: Allison, a sorority sister from college, is now tied for second with Leslie.

UPDATE #3: My mom scored a perfect 10/10! Nice job, Mom. Dad wasn't too far behind with a 9/10.

UPDATE #4: And Shelley scores a perfect 10! :)

This article is a good

This article is a good read for ANYONE. It's especially vital for those of us in school and with student loans.

They told us this at orientation my first year: Live like a student now, so you can actually live like an attorney once you become one.

You are going to Marry

You are going to Marry Josh Hartnett. He is really
shy, but don't let that fool you. He is really
outgoing and sweet with those he loves and will
be loyal to them for the rest of his life.
Congrats!!


Which male celebrity are you going to marry? (10 results that have pics!)
brought to you by Quizilla

Several bloggers have written interesting

Several bloggers have written interesting posts about Martin Luther King. Check them out! (I'll update the list periodically today).

Josh Claybourn

Lori at Downtown Chick Chat

Oliver Willis

A Small Victory

C-O-L-T-S! Go get 'em

C-O-L-T-S! Go get 'em blue!

I'm off to a Colts party at my law school pal, Jaime's.

We're going to be loud and proud, baby!

UPDATE: Josh notes that Sports Illustrated picks the Colts to win today--let's hope they're right!

UPDATE #2: It was a good run, guys.

I had a great time

I had a great time with my friends last night. I'm back in Indianapolis now.

Last night a large group of us were at Nick's. Most of our group was playing "Sinking the Bismarck." For those of you who don't know it's a drinking game you play with beer. I hate beer, so I was just sitting back and drinking a whiskey and diet. Well, the night progressed and we seem to just laugh more and more and get louder and louder.

After pool, darts, etc., a guy in our crew thinks it's a great idea to do Irish Car Bombs. Again, I hate beer, so I just watched as everyone downed these bad boys. All of the sudden, my friend L looks at me and says, "I need to go to the bathroom." I figured she either needed to tell me something or needed my help, so off we went.

We barely made it in before she said, "I'm going to get sick." I go in the stall with her and grab her hair to pull it back. She then vomits her little guts out.

The problem is...I have the most HORRIFIC gag reflex known to man. If I hear someone vomiting or smell it, I'm in trouble. If I see someone spit, I'm in trouble. So I'm standing there, holding her hair back with one hand, and covering my own mouth with the other--and gagging right along with her. My only saving grace is that I never actually throw up, I just gag.

I hate that I can't get over this. What am I going to do when I have a kid and he/she vomits all over me? Deep breaths, I guess.

Hi All! I'm in Bloomington,

Hi All! I'm in Bloomington, Indiana right now. I just got back from the IU v. Northwestern game. The Hoosiers pulled it off--all due to my stellar cheering, I'm sure.

Right now I'm sitting in my best friend and her boyfriend's apartment--she's a third year law student at IU-Bloomington and he's an MBA student. We're about to start consuming some alcoholic beverages, eat dinner, and hit the great bars. There's something really fun about going out in a college town.

So, I'm signing off for now...I'll blog tomorrow morning before the Colts game!

I was in the grocery

I was in the grocery store today, and began to turn down the aisle. I happened to spot a little (not even 5 feet tall) old lady pushing her cart at the other end of the aisle. I watched her try to reach the top shelf to get some peanuts in a glass jar. She was reaching and reaching, but just couldn't make it.

I'm of course beginning to push my cart at the speed of sound to get down there and help her. But before I could, I watched THREE MEN look at her reaching, turn away, and keep shopping. What the hell? I got down there and said, "Could you use some help?" "Oh yes," the cute little old lady replied. I grabbed a jar of peanuts for her. She immediately shook her head in disapproval--those were not on sale. She wanted the ones to the left. I grabbed those for her instead. She was so appreciative.

I continued on my shopping journey, but I couldn't help feeling angry.

I'm a proud female. I can do things for myself. I'm going to be an attorney soon and can and will hold my own with men. I can open a door for myself. BUT, that doesn't mean that I don't APPRECIATE it when a man offers to help me. I still get scared walking to my car alone--offer to walk us, fellas. I always say "thank you" when a guy opens a door or walks me to my car. I don't expect it from a man, but I sure am grateful when it happens.

Maybe "feminism" has scared a lot of men away from the traditional gestures of chivalry. But today's little incident was just RUDENESS. Maybe what I'm griping about is just about common decency and not chivalry.

Hell, maybe I'm just warped. My dad still stands up at the table when a woman gets up or approaches. No guy I have gone out on a date with has EVER done that.

Is it contradictory to ask to be treated equally yet ask to be treated with a little chivalry? Maybe it is.

Looks like good old Slick

Looks like good old Slick Willy is on the South Beach diet.

He must be slimming down for the ladies.

Here's the Friday Five: 1.

Here's the Friday Five:

1. What does it say in the signature line of your emails? 2 quotes that I change periodically. Right now I have:
"It doesn't matter if you're on the right track. If you don't move, you'll get run over. ---Will Rogers
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." ---Albert Einstein

2. Did you have a senior quote in your high school yearbook? What was it? If you haven't graduated yet, what would you like your quote to be? I didn't have a senior quote in my yearbook, but our school newspaper did a "Senior Spotlight" for selected seniors. My quote was from the musical "Rent": "Forget regret, or life is yours to miss. No day but today."

3. If you had vanity plates on your car, what would they read? If you already have them, what do they say? I HATE vanity plates. Or at least the ones that try to say something. I have a charity license plate that gives money to my undergrad institution.

4. Have you received any gifts with messages engraved upon them? What did the inscription say? Mostly the things I have that are engraved just have my initials.

5. What would you like your epitaph to be? Hmmm, that's a toughy....

Isn't this just like a

Isn't this just like a Kentucky fan?

We've all woken up in

We've all woken up in the middle of the night with a charley horse. I've had them before, and typically I can just massage my leg and they will go away.

Well, the other night I had the mother of all charley horses in my left calf. It hurt so badly I was yelling in pain and rolling around on my bed. It lasted for what seemed like forever. I finally went back to sleep.

I got up the following morning and my calf still hurt really badly. I went to the gym to lift and my trainer had me do some stretches for it. Today, it STILL hurts--almost so much I have to limp.

I've never heard of a cramp lasting for so long or causing so much post-cramp pain. My trainer thinks I'm probably dehydrated so I'm doubling up on the water today.

I thought this pic was

I thought this pic was pretty cool--literally:

Love--Blog style.

Love--Blog style.

Ladies, take note: Scientists say

Ladies, take note:

Scientists say much of a woman's attractiveness can be calculated through a volume-height formula.

Hong Kong researchers claim the index can explain 90% of a woman's attractiveness as men make a snap decision about a woman simply by looking at her rough body volume, rather than any specific features.

The complex formula involves calculating a woman's volume in cubic meters and then dividing it by the square of the distance between her chin and her feet.

Considering I stand at 5 feet 3 inches, I do not think this study bodes well for me. :(

I was SO sad to

I was SO sad to see that Uta Hagen died yesterday. Hagen's brutal, braying performance of Martha in the original production of Edward Albee's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" galvanized Broadway in the 1960s. Hagen also ran the famous HB Acting Studio.

I learned some of the basics of her techniques in my Beginning Acting classes in college. I was lucky enough to have a professor for Advanced Acting my senior year that studied with her. We specifically focused on her methods during our Shakespearean study. I remember my professor saying, "Lawren, think Hagen. Think Hagen."

She was a master.

The "Queer Eye For the

The "Queer Eye For the Straight Guy" show is releasing a soundtrack. Artists include Sting, Elton John, Kylie Minogue, and Duran Duran.

Click here for the story and song list.

For all of you Atkins/South

For all of you Atkins/South Beach dieters, Frito-Lay Inc. says it will sell a new lineup of tortilla chips with fewer than half the carbohydrates in the company's regular chips.

This is great news to me since I could eat a mound of chicken nachos ANYTIME!

I'm buying this as soon

I'm buying this as soon as it comes out.

Mr. Blackwell, chronicler of

Mr. Blackwell, chronicler of clothing catastrophes, poked fun at socialite-reality TV star Paris Hilton Tuesday for committing the worst fashion follies of the past year.

The acid-tongued critic and former fashion designer has been ailing in recent years, preventing him from reading his 44th annual list aloud to the press.

The Bad and the Ugly (not surprising): Paris Hilton, Madonna, Britney Spears, Shania Twain, Diane Keaton, Jessica Simpson, Celine Dion, Missy Elliott, Melanie Griffith, Courtney Love and Lara Flynn Boyle.

The Good: Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Garner, Diane Lane, Salma Hayek, Oprah Winfrey, Katie Holmes, Tippi Hedren, Beyonce, Faith Hill, Sarah Jessica Parker and the Countess of Wessex, the former Sophie Rhys-Jones.

I'd raid Salma or Faith's closet ANY day!

What Would Tony Do?

What Would Tony Do?

Courtesy of FoxNews:

Managers are thinking outside the box to get more results from their cubicled troops, throwing out their training manuals as well as the furniture and looking up to a mob boss for motivational advice.

Deborrah Himsel, vice president of organizational effectiveness for cosmetics giant Avon (AVP), is an avid viewer of HBO's "The Sopranos" and became inspired by Tony — "a catalyst for learning about both effective and ineffective leadership practices."

Himsel compiled Tony's mafia-style management lessons into a book, "Leadership Sopranos Style: How to Become a More Effective Boss." Using the technique of a sit-down as a conflict resolution device is a skill Tony has mastered and other leaders need to work at, particularly during these high-tech times, said Himsel.

I had class this morning

I had class this morning and then headed to work at the law firm I clerk for. (I've been clerking there since May). My previous last day of work was the beginning of November, for a variety of reasons--annotated outline of my law review paper due, studying for finals, wanting to enjoy my holiday break, etc.

I got to my desk and opened a drawer to get a pen, and found a lovely surprise. A $100 cash Christmas bonus! I didn't even expect to get anything!

It's going immediately in my "I need a couch, kitchen table, new TV, when I move out in July" fund.

One of my former professors

One of my former professors at DePauw University, Ken Bode, has weighed in on Democratic Dean-bashing. Bode, a veteran, award-winning journalist with CNN, NBC and PBS, notes, "Previous attacks on Dean have only served to solidify the commitment of his supporters.

With the Iowa caucus ten days away and Howard Dean leading in the polls, Bode writes, "The candidates lining up to take their shots at Dean all believe they are raising legitimate issues. Perhaps they are, and how Dean takes the fire will reveal important attributes of his temperament. In the short run, however, the piling on may prove counterproductive."

Read the entire article, here.

...when you look forward to

...when you look forward to a study break of paying bills because your income tax law reading is so dry.

Note to self: Don't go in to income tax law.

I had a car accident

I had a car accident in July (not my fault) and am still dealing with repairs to my Volvo. I just had some service work done last week. Volvo always does a phone follow-up to see how satisfied their customers are with the service.

So my phone rings and this guy tells me he's from Volvo and wants to follow-up with me. I'm not surprised since this has happened several times before. However, with his accent, it sounds like he is asking me about my VULVA, not my VOLVO. I thought I was hearing things, so I waited for him to say it again.

I maintained my composure and refrained from giggling...until he asked: "How can we make your vulva experience more enjoyable?"

Well since you asked...

"Don't spit at me!!!" You

"Don't spit at me!!!"

You know the drill--name of movie and who said it (character name or real name).

UPDATE: OK, here's a hint since no one has guessed it yet. Another quote from this movie, said by the same character: "That's a bear in a bee costume."

My thoughts on tonight's episode

My thoughts on tonight's episode of "Sex and the City":

1. Other than what her studman bought her, Carrie wears the WORST clothes.

2. I really liked this episode because for the first time, the girls actually reminded me a bit of me and my friends.

3. I liked that it was a mixture of old world romance (Dance Man) and new world romance (Miranda proposing to Steve).

4. I think most women today are not romance-intolerant. We want it, most often don't get it, so we pretend it makes us "icky" to avoid sounding like a needy, whiny females. Am I right?

5. Ladies: Do your shower breast examinations like clockwork!!!!

You are Film. You are

You are Film.
You are the youngest of the art forms and you have
a lot to prove. A blend of Photography and
Drama, it's difficult to see you as anything but a unique
individual.


What form of art are you?
brought to you by Quizilla

Via Drumwaster.

Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura,

Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, known as Jesse "The Body" during his pro wrestling career, will join Harvard's Institute of Politics as a visiting fellow for part of the spring semester, institute spokesman Andy Solomon said Thursday.

Interesting.

Wonder if he will wear is feather boa and teach them some wrestling moves.

Move to Tacoma, Washington! The

Move to Tacoma, Washington! The residents need you!

1. "Six Feet Under"

1. "Six Feet Under" will return in the summer with new episodes. Ellen DeGeneres will guest star in an episode. Other guest stars include Mena Suvari and Veronica Cartwright.

2. Steve Buscemi will play Tony Soprano's cousin in the new season of "The Sopranos." I love that guy!

3. And last, but certainly not least....Just when you thought Carrie would ride off into the sunset with Mikhail Baryshnikov, there's word that Mr. Big is returning to "Sex and the City." Chris Noth says he'll be on three episodes this spring. THANK GOD!! :)

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" actress

"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" actress Alyson Hannigan is to appear opposite Luke Perry in the upcoming West End stage production of "When Harry Met Sally."

I can't say that I really agree with the casting on this one, but I'm having trouble coming up with better replacements. Any suggestions?

I just got in from

I just got in from Chicago today. Had a great time--as usual. I arrived at 5 p.m., and my friend didn't get out of MBA class until 9 p.m., so I had some to kill. I decided to take a cab from her condo to Michigan Avenue to do some shopping. I shopped--bought nothing. Then I started noticing the shops starting to close.

"Ack!" I thought. It was only 7 p.m. so I still had 2 hours before my friend was done with class. "What to do, Lawren? What to do?" I decided to go have a drink at the Four Seasons Hotel bar.

I'm a little nervous to walk in by myself, but I think, "What's the worse that could happen?"

I walk in and sit at the only empty chair at the bar--on the end. I order a cosmo and start chatting it up with a nice lady beside me. She was in sales with Microsoft.

Fast forward an hour and one more martini.

The lady has to leave and up comes this old man. My estimate is that he was around 65 years old. Silver hair, deaf as a door nail, and had nerve damage in his hands. We begin talking and he tells me that he is retired (big shock) and that he use to trade at the CBO (Chicago Board of Options). I had been on the floor a few times, so I talked with him about that. He said that now all he does is eat, drink, and bet on sports games.

I asked if he had a bet on the Indianapolis Colts game for Sunday. He said he did not yet, but he was planning on it. Jokingly, I told him to definitely bet on the Colts. He said, "You must be from Indianapolis." Indeed, I told him.

I then watched him get out his phone and call "someone." He placed a $15,000 bet on the Colts. I immediately freaked out. I kept telling him I knew NOTHING about football, and that I was just being a loyal fan. He said he was on the fence as to which team to vote for, and that talking to me nudged him to go with the Colts. Again, I kept persuading him not to bet on them because of me, but it did no good.

Now I know he could have been faking placing the bet. I also know that if he indeed placed the bet and can throw that kind of money around, he can probably afford to lose it.

But, needless to say, I'll be cheering EXTRA hard now. GO COLTS!

Now this is funny: Police

Now this is funny:

Police believe teenage pranksters are hacking into the wireless frequency of a US Burger King drive-through speaker to tell potential customers they are too fat for fast food.

Policeman Gerry Scherlink said the pranksters told one customer who had just placed an order: "You don't need a couple of Whoppers. You are too fat. Pull ahead."

This actually could be the future of fast-food if any of the bullshit lawsuits against fast food companies actually succeed. (I doubt they will, but you never know...)

Jim Carrey tops the

Jim Carrey tops the list in a poll of the Top Ten Money-Making Stars of 2003 by Quigley Publishing Co. which conducts an annual survey of motion picture exhibitors.

Nicole Kidman finished second, followed by Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, Julia Roberts, Johnny Depp, Russell Crowe, Tom Hanks, Will Ferrell and Renee Zellweger.

As if we needed this survey to tell us they were rollin' in the dough. I have to also say that I have mixed feelings about the actual talent of some members of this group: Johnny Depp and Renee Zellweger come to mind.

"Stuff Magazine" reveals its 20

"Stuff Magazine" reveals its 20 worst calls in sports history.

...addicted?

...addicted?

Indianapolis was the nation's top

Indianapolis was the nation's top city for professional sports in 2003 based on the average of the winning percentages of its two major league teams, according to an ESPN.com survey.

Righteous Brothers singer Bobby Hatfield's

Righteous Brothers singer Bobby Hatfield's death in November was caused by cocaine and not just heart failure, according to the official autopsy report.

Looks like he should have been singing about "white sniffs" instead of "white cliffs."

Damn. This would be sweet.

Damn. This would be sweet.

The winner of the $162 million Mega Millions multistate lottery jackpot has been announced -- and it's not the woman who claimed she lost the winning ticket, lottery officials said Tuesday.
Rebecca Jemison, a hospital worker of South Euclid, turned in the 11-state jackpot at Ohio Lottery headquarters in downtown Cleveland. The lottery validated the sole winning ticket Tuesday morning for the drawing a week ago.

I'm excited about this: Michael

I'm excited about this:

Michael J. Fox guest will be starring in two episodes of "Scrubs" next month as a doctor who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder, reports E! Online.

I'm gearing up for my

I'm gearing up for my LAST semester of law school. I went to buy books today, and the prices never cease to amaze me. And, piss me off.

Food and Drug Law--borrowing the book and statutory supplement from a friend

Business Associations--borrowing the book from a friend

Income Tax--$86.50

Family Law 2--$91.50

Yep, I only have to buy 2 books this semester and I spent almost $200. Not to mention the class supplements that I'll be buying in the next few days.

Sheesh. (And of course you all know that when you sell your books back, you're lucky if you get 20% of the original cost).

A soldier who lost both

A soldier who lost both legs in Iraq was denied entry to a Des Moines-area nightclub last week because the shoes he wore on his prosthetic legs were too casual, the Des Moines Register reported in a copyright story.

His wife told club employees that "those were the only shoes he can wear with his prosthetic legs," but they still were turned away.

What the hell did they want this guy to have on? Apparently Stuart Weitzman hasn't come out with a prosthetic "party" shoe yet, but when he does, I'm sure all the amputees will surely go out and buy them.

The nightclub should apologize IMMEDIATELY.

A woman with the surname

A woman with the surname Wink has been charged with stealing 50 antique glass eyes from a hospital.

Melissa Jane Wink, 36, of Owensboro, Kentucky was charged after CCTV footage allegedly showed her leaving Owensboro Medical Health System with the artifacts.

The eyes have been recovered from a house Wink was staying in.

The eyes, which went missing on Christmas Eve, are valued at between $20 and $50 each.

Police are baffled as to the motive for stealing the eyes as there isn't high demand on the black market, reports www.wtvw.com.

Her firm is still at

Her firm is still at it--even though their 15 minutes of fame is up.

Erin Brockovich's law firm has filed a third lawsuit against Beverly Hills, its school district and several oil and gas companies, claiming residents developed cancer from toxic fumes emitted by a campus oil derrick.

My thoughts on tonight's show:

My thoughts on tonight's show:

1) Dance man is still creepy. Carrie needs to be with Big. Although the pancake thing was nice.

2) Richard is a bastard.

3) Seeing Samantha have a conscience and a heart was refreshing. Smith is the bomb. Not too many men would sit there while their woman was having gratuitous sex with another man to make sure they got home OK.

4) Are the 80's back? What the hell is with the bras exposed, armbands, and bad bangs? While I know that they are all "in," don't expect me to sport those looks.

5) "Lovaaaahhh" is annoying.

6) I've heard that Samantha is going to get breast cancer--I think that is where that whole breast implant thing is going.

7) While I'd love to raid Charlotte's closet, her character has done no developing lately.

Had a great time at my little soiree. I had a few Hypnotiq cosmos. Well done, Miss Dobbs. Also enjoyed munching on havarti with dill and red pepper hummus. MMMMM.

Polly has the cutest dog. She's half lab and her name is Phoebe. For some reason she was obsessed with humping my leg. It provided much entertainment for us all. I'm trying to put her picture up on here, but I'm having trouble. Maybe tomorrow.

1 down, 7 to go. :(

Josh and Michael both comment

Josh and Michael both comment on a new idiotic statement made by Pat Robertson. PunchTheBag also weighs in.

Rita and Chelle have some crazy weather going on in their necks of the woods.

Jay and Deborah got married this past weekend. Congrats!

Gigglechick has a great pic of the new Britney wedding.

Lori reviews "In America."

DaGoddess is drumming up creative Valentine's Day ideas. Go help her out!

Geoffrey gives us his perspective on blogging.

Laurence over at Amish Tech Support shows that tips from "Queer Eye" can applied to most any situation.

Inspiration to give out some link love: Bogie

The final episodes of

The final episodes of "Sex and the City," a show about four high-flying New York women starts airing at 9 p.m. EST Sunday, and after that it's goodbye to Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha.

To get you caught up to speed, here is a recap:
When last seen, Miranda had reunited with Steve, her son's father. Charlotte had tied the knot with Harry. Carrie (Parker) was starting a red-hot romance with an artist played by Mikhail Baryshnikov. And Samantha (Kim Cattrall) appeared in danger of being tied down — emotionally, that is — by one man, the hunky Smith.

I like Samantha and Smith. I do NOT like Carrie and Mikhail. He's too old for her and not to mention, short. Also, he reminds me of Hannibal Lecter for some reason. Let me know if you agree. SO pumped about Miranda and Steve. (Although I was QUITE a fan of Blair Underwood's doctor character).

I'll be at a cocktail party this evening to watch the show at Miss Polly Dobbs' new abode (And we'll also be celebrating Miss Jaime Cole's birthday). Two parties in one!

Enjoy your cosmos!

Pop star Britney Spears marched

Pop star Britney Spears marched down the aisle in Las Vegas, marrying a childhood friend from Louisiana, according to news reports.

But an unnamed source close to singer told the Web site that the wedding was a joke that went too far and Spears is planning an annulment.

Interesting. I'm not sure what the marriage laws in Nevada are, but I don't think she would be able to get an annulment in Indiana. Joking around and being drunk and stupid are not grounds for annulling a marriage in Indiana.

Wonder if her girlfriend Madonna was upset.

How cool is this? A

How cool is this?

A NASA rover plunged through the atmosphere of Mars and bounced down upon its rocky surface Saturday night, beginning a mission to roam the Red Planet in search of evidence that it was once suitable for life.

This makes me wish I could go back to SpaceCamp right now.

I saw "Something's Gotta Give"

I saw "Something's Gotta Give" last night. It was a pretty cute movie, although I think they could have made it about 20 minutes shorter. Diane Keaton is very deserving of her GG nomination.

One of my favorite bits of dialogue from the movie:

(As they are about to have sex)
Jack: Do you have protection?

Diane: Menopause.

Jack: Who's the lucky boy? (With the typical Jack-style sheepish grin).

I'd recommend it, although you could probably wait until it comes out on video.

I'm officially an adorable little

I'm officially an adorable little rodent in the TTLB Ecosystem.

Hooray!

...always a dirty slob. Apparently

...always a dirty slob. Apparently even when in someone else's home.

I'm certainly glad I didn't have to collect or examine that evidence.

Wouldn't this have been sweet?

Wouldn't this have been sweet?

Here's the Friday Five: What

Here's the Friday Five:

What one thing are you most looking forward to . . .

1. ...today? Catching up on my blogging and reading everyone else's thoughts from the past couple of days.

2. ...over the next week? Enjoying my time off from school.

3. ...this year? Graduating from law school and passing the bar (hopefully--cross your fingers, folks).

4. ...over the next five years? You know, marriage, kids, job success, happiness, travel, etc.

5. ...for the rest of your life? Looking back when God comes calling with many smiles, joyful tears, and few regrets.

Star quarterbacks Peyton Manning

Star quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Steve McNair reached the individual pinnacle of the NFL today when they shared The Associated Press NFL Most Valuable Player award.

Maybe I'm biased, but I think Peyton should have won outright.

UPDATE: Colts playoff spirit is alive in Indianapolis. The water in the Downtown Canal was turned blue this morning, kicking off a day of Colts-related activities.

I had a great time

I had a great time in Chicago. Got to see my friends, got a little shopping in, ate at some new restaurants. I've come to the conclusion that I simply must visit more often. There were so many things I wanted to do and see, but I didn't have the time.

There was a little incident on NYE. As everyone was filing out of the bar around 2 a.m. and getting their coats from the coat check, some of the party-goers had lost their coat check tickets. People's tempers were high (aided by drunkenness). I had been sucking down waters for at least 2 hours, so I got to view the goings-on with much more clarity than the rest of the bunch. Some asshole was getting pissed at the bouncers (who were simply just doing their jobs).

Bouncer: Please just exit the bar or stand to the side and we will get your coat for you. (Bouncer gently touches asshole's shoulder).

Asshole: I'll kick your nig#er ass.

Bouncer: (Totally holding his cool). Please get out of my face.

All of our jaws just dropped open. My guy friends told the bouncer he should have knocked his lights out. The worst part is that after walking down the block, everyone was trying to find cabs. We overheard the asshole saying that calling the bouncer that name was the "most gratifying thing" he had done all day.

Maybe I am naive, but I just can't believe people like that are still walking around with their teeth in tact. The incident was the topic of discussion for the rest of the night and part of yesterday. We were just in awe.