Author Archives: Michael Froomkin

Why I am Not Making a Modest Proposal About Makeovers as Preparation for a Career as a Lawyer

Posted on January 18, 2004 by Michael Froomkin

I had been going to suggest that since studies show that better looking lawyers make more money, the law school should start offering third year students free makeovers and hire a dress consultant in an effort to create more rich alumni and generally happier 'customers'.

But I'm reconsidering. In light of this story in today's Daily Telegraph, I'm not at all sure it is in a lawyer's interests to look too good. It seems that the Court of Appeal in London may order a new trial after a recent fraud conviction because — two weeks after the end of the trial — the foreman (a woman) sent the prosecuting barrister (described as a happily married man) a bottle of champagne and note asking, “What does a lady need to do to attract your attention?” It could be that a lawyer can look too good for his/her own good.

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A Balmy Walk Through the Beaux Arts Festival

Posted on January 17, 2004 by Michael Froomkin

We spent a good chunk of the day at the Beaux Arts Festival of Art, which is sort of lke a very high class arts and crafts show with a small sprinkling of fine art, and is held annually on the campus, a good five minutes walk from our house.

The children were delighted that the marble-selling man was there again, and also the pirate captain with the demonstration of ancient nautical gear and games.

Caroline (and therefore I) took a keen interest in the many very elegant displays of jewelry.

It was a beautiful day, although we were mostly a little overdressed as the radio falsely claimed it would be cool instead of balmy.

Hard to believe it's January and it's cold in much of the country.

Posted in Miami, Personal | Comments Off on A Balmy Walk Through the Beaux Arts Festival

Dave Barry Sinks His Teeth Into the Primaries

Posted on January 17, 2004 by Michael Froomkin

Dave Barry, Miami's answer to either Will Rogers or what happens when you cross a journalist with a basoon, is reporting from Iowa. Most of the article is about meat and vegtables, especially the ambulatory carrot, but some of it has Barry's inimitable political summaries. Often, after all, comedians have a better grasp on reality than pundits. (Especially if they're the Miami Herald's pundits….)

But the biggest applause came when Howard Dean, the feisty little Surgemeister himself, surged into the room and fired up the crowd by biting the head off a live puppy.

Not really! I'm making a little joke about Dean's reputation for having a temper. In fact, it was a squirrel.

NO KIND WORDS

Ha ha! But seriously, Dean did express anger at George W. Bush, as well as Washington insiders and special interest groups. In covering five national campaigns, I have yet to hear a presidential contender say a single kind word about Washington insiders or special interest groups. Every last contender swears he's going to stomp these people like ants. Yet, incredibly, Washington remains infested with them.

By the way, did I say “basoon”? I meant “baboon”. Or maybe I meant “clown”. Or something.

And then there's what has to be the worst pun of the campaign:

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‘A Uniter Not A Divider’ or Rather, Just A Liar

Posted on January 17, 2004 by Michael Froomkin

Bush Bypasses Senate On Judge. A sign that things will get worse, and worse, as the junta pulls out every stop to consolidate its power.

Jack Balkin weighs in. And even a Volokh conspirator isn't proud of this one.

Posted in Politics: US | 1 Comment

Harris Out of Senate Race, Alas

Posted on January 16, 2004 by Michael Froomkin

A Harris candidacy would have been a gift to Democrats. Gotta hand it to Rove and Co., they run a tight ship: ABCNEWS.com : Source: Rep. Harris Won't Run for Senate.

'course sometimes the arm twisting does go a bit overboard , but why worry when the prosecutors in Main Justice are not looking to cause trouble unless forced.

Posted in Florida | 1 Comment

Mark Your Calendar: Hutton Report Due Jan. 28

Posted on January 16, 2004 by Michael Froomkin

Date set for Hutton report. Due Jan 28. The Hutton report is the one that will speak to what role Tony Blair and his administration had in the death of David Kelly (much more like “Vince Foster” than the real Vince Foster….) and is also expected to go into the issue of the extent to which Blair and his crew went beyond the evidence to support their claim that it was necessary to invade Iraq.

Meanwhile, it seems Tony Blair is not very popular in Spain. Here's what Jose Bono, one of the three most powerful figures in the opposition Socialist Party said about him when he wasn't aware a camera was recording…

“Blair? He's a complete dickhead (un gilipollas integral). He's an imbecile.”

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