Author Archives: Michael Froomkin

What They Said

Posted on December 20, 2006 by Michael Froomkin
  • Digby writes about a disturbing video that was ahead of its time.
  • Flablog writes about two surprisingly smart appointments announced by Florida Governor-Elect Charlie Crist. I agree they’re good, especially Bob Butterworth for the cesspool at the Dept. of Children and Families. But I’m slightly more cynical than Flablog here: part of DCF’s problem is criminal mis-management by far-right wingers. But another part of it is that DCF has been starved for resources. Putting a heavyweight honest Democrat in charge may fix the first problem (if he’s given a free hand with personnel), but that appointment alone will not fix the second. And meanwhile, the appointment conveniently hangs the albatross one of Florida’s biggest problems around the Democratic party — or at least away from the GOP. Smart politics, absolutely. Potential for good outcomes — amazingly so. But far from in the bag.
  • As Lifehacker notes, This one rates a high on the geek scale, but it’s still sort of interesting to learn what you get if you have an eight-page-long URI: A graphic! Got to wonder how sp*mmers will use that one…
  • Read my brother’s column, The Carpetbagger Report, TalkLeft…if you don’t already.
Posted in Linkorama | 2 Comments

Six! Yes, Six New Lightbulb Jokes

Posted on December 20, 2006 by Michael Froomkin

I’m sorry, but I love lightbulb jokes. And it’s a rare day indeed that I find SIX new ones. But thanks to Games * Design * Art * Culture, I learn how Game Developers Change Light Bulbs.

Sample:

Q: How many art directors does it take to change a light bulb?
A: Does it have to be a light bulb?

Posted in Completely Different, Virtual Worlds | 1 Comment

Rightous Wrath

Posted on December 19, 2006 by Michael Froomkin

Ok, I think this guy is a little angry. And with good reason.

Posted in Law: Constitutional Law | 3 Comments

Language Note: “Escalation”

Posted on December 19, 2006 by Michael Froomkin

The Media are full of articles discussing “the surge” proposal which is frat boy talk for sending more troops to Iraq.

For today, at least, we will pass over the minor fact that the The Decider™ has told us over and over that he doesn’t actually decide troop levels, he leaves that to Generals, and try not to figure out why we are discussing sending more troops over the objection of the Joint Chiefs with no reference to this oft-cited rule.

Rather, I should just like to point out that sending more troops into a war is properly called “escalation.” Yet, somehow, this term seems to have eluded much of the major media.

Posted in The Media | Comments Off on Language Note: “Escalation”

Court Orders Mental Competency Exam for Padilla

Posted on December 19, 2006 by Michael Froomkin

Mental Exam Ordered for Terror Suspect.

A psychiatrist and a psychologist hired by Padilla’s attorneys concluded he is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental problems stemming largely from his 3 1/2 years in solitary confinement at a Navy brig in Charleston, S.C.

Prosecutors did not contest the request for the evaluation, although they do contest claims of mistreatment (while withholding evidence relevant to the conditions of confinement).

Trial date is still Jan. 22 — so far.

Posted in Padilla | 1 Comment

The Herald Profiles a Local Legal Legend

Posted on December 19, 2006 by Michael Froomkin

Great article in the Miami Herald this morning about UM Law alum and old-school criminal defense lawyer Sy Gaer. And absolutely don’t miss the sidebar with quotes about and by Sy Gear.

Posted in Law: Practice | 1 Comment