Motivation is Scarce

I got an email today from student affairs saying that we have about 75 days to graduation. Hmmm.. Is it that soon? This cocoon called law school is about to spill us all out into the world to fend for ourselves!! I am taking four classes this semester but can't seem to find the motivation to be on fire. As far I am concerned, I am just plodding along. Actually, I seem to have relaxed a bit this semester and I am doing a lot more leisure reading than I am law school reading. My reading has also been a bit ecletic!!! There is no rhyme or reason to my reading and I will give you a random sampling of what I have read in the last two months.

I don't think I can be bothered to list them in the order that I read them so here we go:

Driven from Within by Michael Jordan















Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden




Between Worlds:
The Making of an American Life
By Bill Richardson
Mary Mary and the 5th Horseman
by James Patterson

Artic Freeze

Temperature Reading : -4 F

Do I live in Siberia or has Chicago been annexed by the Soviet Union - sorry Russia. I am in my living Room, the heater is set at 85F but the heater seems to have caught a cold as well. The house is not heating up and is actually having a hard time moving past 65 F. Thats not warm either.

Its funny and annoying at the same time. I just happen to be watching Steve Martin in Planes, Trains and Automobiles. At least I am better off than him. He got stuck in Wichita Kansas because Chicago OHare was shut down due to inclement weather. Makes me wonder, is OHare still the busiest airport in the country?

No Parking Spaces

And so it was, packed our bags, got on the train to the airport and made a bee line for the USAirways counter.

We certainly did not want to miss our flight to Charlotte. We had a party to attend and we intended to rock it to the max. My traveling partner, Yemi was getting toasted by a German lady who loved his mandigo looks.

Just when we thought we should be boarding, an announcement came over the PA system. "For passenger to Charlotte, your plane has landed in Boston but is looking for a parking space."

Only in Boston!!! We don't have parking spaces on our streets and now we don't have parking spaces at the airport. Other flights had to leave before that plane could park. I am surprised the pilot didn't need to stop and ask for directions to the terminal.

But you know, this is Boston and people have called Boston a strange place. I mean, if we don't have parking spaces on the streets and at the airport, will it surprise you that we don't have parking spaces in our hearts?

Could that be why the guys and gals are complaining about a lack of space to park their hearts without getting an emotional ticket. Or better yet, many are trying to park in the spaces that could fit their hearts but sometimes either the parking spaces don't fit or as soon as they decide to park their hearts after moments of indecision, someone ahead of them maneuvers into the spot.

Yeah, you all know what I mean. I will give you various examples

I have my friend, God Bless his heart, I am beginning to think that even if love hit him the head, he might not know it. I won't blame the lady in question if she has to take out an advertisment (which won't cost her anything) but it seems to me that that parking space has been empty, she has the car and wants that spot. I wonder if my friend can stop being a meter maid and let her park her heart there.

My next example kinda illustrate what my friend Darkberi would call "The Fast Chick Factor" (T.F.C.F) akin to that driver who parks in your spot while you are busy deciding whether you want to park in the space.

Tebunmi was the toast of the town, all the guys wanted her, dates were no problem. There was one guy she really wanted but she still figured playing hard to get was good game to play.

I guess she didn't hear the referee blow the whistle cos when "she" decided her game was over, someone else had parked in the parking space!!! Yeah, there are fast chicks.

I love my friends, I like to hook them up too. In trying to hook up people, I give them phone numbers to call. Problem is some people are so cheap that 7 cents a minute seem to inhibit their love life. They can't seem to pick up the phone to call. Oh and please, if you are in the toasting stage of any relationship, it is safe to say that using internet phones such as dialpad where all you hear are echoes is not kosher.

Okay, nobody wants to deal with long distance relationship but hey, what makes you think you are in the right city or that the person you are meant to be with is in that city???

I don't limit my hookups to Boston alone after all, like I tell my friends, you could meet "THE ONE" when you are boarding your flight to Nigeria this Xmas, the person could be sitting next to you on the flight, it might be that person that smiles seductively at you while you are transiting London or Zurich, so watch out and please dress to kill too. Sweating in Lagos will not matter anymore after the deal has been sealed right?

For real though, I met some ladies in Charlotte, actually one of them is on the Umunna list.

Thelma is a really nice person, good cook and for the interested guys, I have a picture. I still have to ask her for the recipe for that slamming jollof rice. Taste it and you will be doing cartwheels!!!

Like I said, a parking space is in the headlights of the beholders. I will be happy to accept inquiries about parking spaces.

Chicago Traffic

Can you frigging believe that it took me two hours and ten mins 2hrs 10mins 4 secs to get to school from my house today!!! Hello Metra!!!! This is just a lesson for me. I had better sleep in Chicago the night before my final or I will be huffing and puffing into my final just as the proctor says " 15 minutes more" I know I have to do mass transit next semester. My plan to take classes only on thursdays and fridays should work and I plan on staying home as much as possible to catch up on sleep and put some in reserve for when I start as an Associate.

I am glad I took a time-out and went to see a movie yesterday - "Get Rich or Die Trying" starring two quarters. It was a nice break from reality that is biting my behind.

Exams have started and I had Mediation first. I totally missed one question and saw it at the last minute. This semester has been a mix. I feel in some way that my body was fully here but my mind was on vacation at certain points. I think its because of all the things that are going on in my head. There is always the next thing to do or figure out. I did a mediation simulation and totally went "unneutral" on one side. I think my mouth was speaking faster than my brain was thinking (Isnt that the same as talking without thinking?) Anyway, I was mediating a landlord tenant dispute between an old lady and her landlord and I may have seemed bias against the landlord. I knew I was asking the LL too many questions but as I was asking, my brain was trying to figure out how to bring the discussion back to the two of them. Anyway, didnt work.
I think I may do better as an evaluative mediator when I really sit to think of it. If I did that, the mediation would probably go something like this:

That way, I could say, look get real, the lady has been trying to call you to help her fix her damn door that is broken and the window that brings in chilled air. Didnt you know there was a problem? She would say something like : Well, her apartment can't be perfect, everyones apartment is like that. My response would be to ask her what she thought a perfect apartment is? Besides the old lady wasn't asking for a perfect apartment, she was asking for a safe apartment. Whats your understanding of a LIVABLE apartment!!Gosh that darn word...I just introduced a word that the parties did not use (a mediation offense by the way). I guess I should at this point be asking what their ideas of an apartment is....but wait...what if we grab our pens and draw houses...then they could show me what the apartment looks like, what window and door is broken so I can ask the Landlord if she would swap houses with the old lady
....now that would be cool right...Well, this is just the craziness in my head...I would probably go to mediation hell for doing that. Okay, enough venting...I should be a party in a mediation. I think I should hire Lynn Cohn (my esteemed professor - let me tell you, she's the best and I would love to be like her) to mediate between me (the flumoxed wanna be straight-jacket mediator) and the Bobby Knight of Mediation trainers. That would be exciting. Although, knowing Lynn's style, she would probably convince me that I am in love with my trainer and should go clubbing with the trainer. Obviously, before we get to that point and before Lynn separates us, you will not witness the chair throwing and yelling frenzing that would be unleashed, all while yours sincerely is quiet!!! Guess whose throwing the tantrum!!!

Phew....I got that momentary overload off my brain...now back to Federal Rules of Evidence 407 which in the mediation context would say:

When, after an injury (Emotional damage) allegedly caused by an event (multiple mediation simulations) measures are taken that, if taken previously (certifying me in the first instance), would have made the injury or harm less likely to occur, (oh yeah!!!) evidence of the subsequent measures (Lynn's motherly love) is not admissible to prove negligence(not certifying me in the first instance), culpable conduct(losing mediator neutrality), a defect in a product(bad trainer), a defect in a product's design(Bobby Knight Trainer), or a need for a warning or instruction(This Trainer is bad for your Certification). This rule does not require the exclusion of evidence of subsequent measures (Lynn's motherly love) when offered for another purpose, such as proving ownership (My inability to learn a process that a 10 year old understands), control (mediation flash cards), or feasibility of precautionary measures (maintaining mediator neutrality), if controverted, or impeachment (Booting myself from the mediation practicum).


As one Wise Guy once Said...

"That the World gets wiser as it
gets older does not mean that
the world was foolish before!!!"

Sour Lemons

My mediation class went to the Center for Conflict Resolution office in the loop for mediation training. They showed us what they called the short form mediation style. In the video presentation we watched, the plaintiff in the mediation alleged that the defendant sold her a car for $3500 and the next day, the car broke down on the highway. It was embarrassing she said, it was a Sour Lemon she added!!!!

Now I have heard of Lemons both the vehicular and the fruity types but sour lemons? How else does a lemon taste or how many tastes could you possibly attribute to a lemon? Beats me. I guess I could start to use that phrase from now on. Getting a bad grade in securities regulation is like a sour lemon!! Having to hand write my evidence exam is a sour lemon, breaking up with your boyfriend two days before valentines day is a sour lemon. Borchien breaking up with Puja is a sour lemon (disclaimer: Borchien did not do this two days before valentine's day). Having the registrars office tell you on graduation day that you need three more credits to graduate is a frigging sour lemon. You get my point. Sour lemons I guess are bad.


By the way, I think Merlin has ADHD. He never seems to sit still. I had CLR with him in our first year and he was standing half the time in class or lying on the floor. He is doing the same here at the mediation training. At first I thought he had pins in his butt but I remembered our first year. I think he would do better to have a dancing career since he would never have to sit, alternatively, he could work at intersections directing traffic anytime the lights break down. He would love the standing. I can totally see Merlin throwing a fit at the firm where he is an associate if anyone ever asked him to do document review, especially if he is asked to do it in a windowless office where he has to sit down for hours. Merlin, have a happy thanksgiving and if you can't sit long enough to eat the turkey, at least do a dance anytime there is a touchdown during the football game. Peace Out!!!

Presentation Galore

Today was the last day of Negotiations. The students had to make their presentations and they were all great and I hope they all get As. We had great food as well courtesy of Lynn. You are really blessed if you get to take a class with her. Merlin and I have officially retired as TAs for the semester!!

The food was plenty and I had my fill as well. I can't even begin to describe what we had but I was full by the end of the night. I was also trying not to be a papparazzi during the night. I know I told some people that I will put their picture on ebay or playboy.com but sorry to set so high an expectation. Its only going on my blog. If I have defamed you by putting you on my blog, please let me know so I can sue you for "Waste of bandwith Space" Thats the new cause of action in the seventh circuit.





What am I going to do on Wednesday afternoons now? I have no box to prepare since there wont be any class. What will I do from 6-9 pm on wednesdays, I just may walk up to McCormick just to pretend like there is class.

As I drove home, I actually realized that in some sense, I am sad that this class has ended. I dont like to say good byes, I prefer to say "See you later." I had a conversation with another student who talked about being afraid of public speaking. I recommended Toastmasters, this is a group that will help you hone your public speaking skill. Check them out at http://www.toastmasters.org/

In the spirit of the law student on the left who has already passed out from drinking diet coke combined with egg noodles...good luck with "eggzams" and may the law be with you!!

Is a Barista a lawyer?

Nooooooooo. Not according to Starbucks. A barista is the title of the person who serves you coffee at Starbucks. Go figure. The first time my sister mentioned the word "Barista" to me, I was wondering why her Nigerian lawyer was now serving coffee in Starbucks. Whats with that.

Right now I am trying to finish two things. Finish the first season of West Wing and then finish the book I am reading. I started watching the first season of West Wing this summer when I went to Kenya. I took it with me but it sucked to try to watch TV while you are on vacation, especially since it was something I brought with me. I am finishing it tonight, yes it has taken me this long but I have managed through classes this semester to try and finish it. Actually, it means I have not done any studying during the past three wekends. Have you tried watching TV with kids buzzing around you? Try two kids. Anyway, I am on the last DVD, I love this show. By the way, I have Season 2, 3 and 4 on standby and I am hoping someone will buy Season 5 and 6 for me. Can I also say, that I am kinda ticked off that Season 5 and 6 are available in England and we can't even get season 6 here? Whats with releasing an American show in England first. I know they were our colonial masters but I thought we already protested and dumped tea in the Boston Harbor!!! Anyway, thats on my wish list, West Wing Season 5 and 6 cos I am going to knock out 2,3,4 over xmas!!!


I am reading Ambler Warning by Robert Ludlum, good so far especially considering that I am supposed to be reading my law school books. Anyway, thats not what worries me. I am reading a book by a guy who is dead and keep churning out books. I am told someone else is writing these books and appending his name to it. I should remember that in the future when I decide to publish my book.

I am a rat pack, I go to a bookstore, see a book I like or author I read who now has a new book and I buy it to read later. It has come to the point where I have a suitcase full of books that I have not read and I take them out one at a time to read them as I have time. I have somewhat decided to be supportive of my local public library and borrow books to read instead of buying them. The only problem I face as in the above book is that the due date comes quick, I am not done with the book and if its a new book I cant renew it. Holding time for the book is 14days. Well, 14 days is enough when I have nothing else to do. When I am in school full time like this, I dont get to read as fast.

Which explains why the book I borrowed from Bishop at the end of the first year of law school is still on my shelf, unread and accumulating fines. I should read it this xmas.!! Anyway, peace out, let me finish West Wing and then this book, cos I really need to be studying for finals.

What a Week

Yeah, I finished a draft of my paper, my securities markets paper, I went through the final proofs for my journal's first issue, we just have a few more articles to go through on monday. I was able to turn in a draft of my paper on Wednesday to Prof. Ruder. I want to get that back next week so I can finish it over thanksgiving and have one less class to worry about.

I have one final the week after thanksgiving and then the rest finals week. The week after TXG, Tuesday is a Thursday schedule and Wednesday is a Friday by order of the Dean. Hmm, which means I have two days of class technically that week instead of four. Whose complaining.

I have one class where I get homework everyweek, structuring transactions, I just wish the class would end today!!Its enough already. how many signature blocks can a man memorize, I guess I should live with it since that will be my life in the near future, drafting contracts endlessly.

Dunkin Donuts - Poor Man's Starbucks

Disclaimer: I have been ordered by some people at "star with money" that they do not differentiate between the folks at Corporate headquarters in Seattle and the baristas at the various coffee shop...in their words, we are family...(cue song) We are family...ye ye ye yeaaah, All the baristas are with meeeeeeeeee.....(Cue next song) All I want to drink is white mocha, but all you have is, Caramel Mocchiattoo.....back to my day job


Anyway, I was discussing coffee with some friends one day and people were talking about what they like about different brands 0f coffee. While I am a big fan of Caramel Mochiatto from Starbucks and that about the only drink I get there in addition to the White Mocha, I sometimes have to go to Dunkin Donuts when I dont have up to $5 in my pocket for a cup of coffee!!! (I believe we will all be drinking Starbucks one day after they buy up all the coffee shops) Anyway, I ended up saying to my regular DD drinking friend that DD is what you drink when you are broke and cannot afford Starbucks. Well, did I stir a hornets nest or what!!!! After the words snooty, bourgie and other well timed words to indicate how "I think I am better than those that drink DD," I had to eat my words.

Well, this morning (one of my many broke days), I just came out of DD where I went to get myself a straight forward Medium French Vanilla with a Boston Creme Donut. I stepped out of DD and there were two panhandlers outside of the Starbucks next door. As I walked out, they looked at me and one of them said hello and then not another word. As I continued walking, a guy came out of Starbucks and he was instantly mobbed for whatever extra quarter/money he may have for them.

Hmm, I thought to myself. These guys must have figured that there was no point asking my broke-ass self for money since I could not afford Starbucks and was buying DD. As a matter of fact, they did not ask any of us who came out of DD for anything.

If thats not proof that DD is a poor man's starbucks, then I am not sure what else could prove it.!!! I could be wrong but I am sticking to my story.

My Graduation Speech

Fellow Graduates, Faculty and Staff, Dean Van Zandt and our Special guest of honor, Senator Obama, Welcome. We meet today to celebrate the end of one journey and the begining of another one. I remember the oath we all took in Lincoln Hall when the Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court swore us in after giving us the oath. DVZ has always promoted this school as student run. We interview incoming students, we welcome admitted students at Day at northwestern and we are truly glad when they come.

Before I continue, let me give honor to one man who made my day early in January of 2003, to Dean Rebstock, who for all of us sitting here, was the bearer of good news that you have all been accepted to this great institution to study law and learn other things while we were at it. By the way, I am glad that on the first day, unlike my undergrad, the Dean did not ask us to "turn to the left and turn to the right, one of you wont be here at graduation." He believed in our staying power.

Classes started with much apprehension on our minds, most of us came to law school despite reading Scott Turow's book - One L, we started to learn abbreaviations like CLR, RB, LM and DVZ . I have to say that I am not sure what DVZ means but I have come to conclude that whether its David Van Zandt or Dean Van Zandt, either way, I was right. We learnt not to buy lunch on most days because one of the student organizations on campus will have an event and feed us with Pizza or burritos. Sometimes, we are lucky and many more than one will have an event and we would have to choose the event we attended by the food we serve. February was always a favorite for me, it was then I got to taste Mrs. Keys soul food especially her sweet potatoes.

What is law school without Bar Review. While many of my non-law school friends thought I was going out to study hard every thursday night, I met my class mates at one of the bars chosen by the social committee. We bought $2 pitchers of beer, talked about Lion Wolves and Water and got to know ourselves better without having to use a power point presentation. It was at one such bar review that I met Eric Olshan who I told about the four wives I never had, For sure, Mr. Olshan will not forget me and I will not forget him for that brief moment when he must have wondered how I could cope with having four wives and attend law school at the same time.

For those we did not meet at Bar Review, we met in the Atrium - the center of the Northwestern Law Students existence, that is, until you became a 3L and the only class you had were the Tuesday and Wednesday class from 6-9pm.

We discovered self scheduled exams even if my computer did crash during my sec reg exam but that doesn't matter anymore, but anytime I hear the word 10b-5, Sarbanes Oxley or the '34 Act, I cringe.

How could I forget my compatriots on the Journal of International Law and Business. As Editor in Chief, I tried to look at the big picture, but what use is the big picture if no one is paying attention to the details. Kate Fugina has done such a good job of making sure the commas were in the right place, that the printers got our articles on time, she kept me on my toe the whole year and for that I thank you. JILB members, I thank you all for your work, my fellow journal compatriots, we spent time on the 5th floor trying to do service to many articles that cross our desks and the evidence is in the publications that now line our journal offices for this year.

If you were in Section 1, you certainly will not forget Prof. Ron Allen, our Civ Pro professor, who is retiring today to start the Law firm of Lion Wolves and Water. I still remember him debating Miranda Warnings with Yale Kamisar on the Justice Talking show at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. After listening to that debate, all I can say is Yale Kamisar, eat your heart out!!

As we all go back out in the world, lets not forget where we came from, where we started and the people we leave behind. When Northwestern Law starts calling to raise money, don't forget to be generous. After all, its tax deductible.

I have learnt a lot in my three years in law school and I will end with those things.
1. That you should never start a listserv war you cannot end.

2. That any listserv war that Blake has not contributed to, does not qualify as a listserv war.

3. Law school has taught us that there is such a thing as a free lunch - even though we now realize that it comes as part of our tuition and we still have work off all that burrito at the gym

4. That SFPIF could raise more money if I could pronounce and spell it properly

5. That I have a classmate who looks spartan, is knowledgeable, can wax philosophical, is called Bishop even though he is not a priest

6. That he same people investigating the Joan Benet Ramsey Murder are the same people investingating Merlin's missing green nalgene bottle. We all know that would never be solved.

Kids

I am in class and yeah, I know I should not be blogging but seeing as my mind keeps traveling far away from here, I may as well. Actually, a word the professor just said jarred me back to reality. I think he was talking about Trump and the mortgages he has on his building, anyway, he said the word Fabulous. Why does that mean anything? Well, it goes like this....

My daughter loves her aunties, my sisters!! She knows everyones names except for my youngest sister. My daughter knows her as Fabulous!!! I dont remember how that came about, I think my sister may have asked her to call her that but when we went to Kenya to visit my parents in August, my dad was holding my daughter and pointing at pictures and asking my daughter if she knew who these people were..but of course...yeah grandpa....This is Aunty Ify, Aunty Ije, Uncle Emenem, daddy and this is FABULOUS...and she said it so loudly too. My dad looked at her and pondered for a second what she meant or was talking about. "What is fabulous?" I had to quickly jump in and explain that in her own kind of way, my sister has managed to get my daughter to know her as Fabulous....Talk about setting up expectations... I hope when she comes for thanksgiving, that she does bring Fabulous presents for her niece...Akuada, I hope you are reading this!!!Go ahead, make her day Fabulous!

Atticus Finch, Perry Mason & Matlock

We encounter Great lawyers in different place. I am a sucker for law related shows - the law and order series come to mind. I used to watch The Practice until they mucking around with the time schedule, then I watched a variety of shows including Law and Order. The L&O series is starting to get to me. It was sweet when you had one version, now I have to keep up with the different versions they have- which are all good I might add.



Long before I decided to come to law school, I watched a lot of Matlock - the epitome of a Southern Lawyer. At least, thats what his demeanor and accent seem to show. Hey I might be wrong, but he sure knew how to prove his case and win!!











Perry Mason on the other hand, is what my Legal Ethics Professor calls the Baby Boomer's idea of a lawyer. Who am I to argue with that?
I may have caught a couple of Perry Mason episodes on TV back in college - at the risk of dating myself and you think that I am a baby boomer - they were reruns. Perry Mason in the episodes I saw, had grey hair - wise guy, not in the mafia kinda way and knew his stuff. And to think I wasnt thinking of law school then!!!



How did I meet Atticus Finch. I have one of my professors Steve Lubet at Northwestern to thank for that. I took a class with him -I am not sure what name to call the class but lets call it "story telling." I remember reading somewhere where someone said "When Atticus Finch walked from the courtroom and the gallery rose in his honor, tears streamed down my face," now thats powerful stuff. I read to kill a mockingbird and wondered if we still had lawyers like Atticus Finch. Steve Lubet might come close - maybe its the grey hair that to me signifies wisdom - but he sure reminds me of someone with the credibility of Finch. It is probably my association of Lubet with Finch and the fact that Lubet is an ethics scholar/expert, that makes me associate ethics with Atticus Finch and that every lawyer should strive to be like Atticus Finch.

In any case, these are lawyers we should at one time or another, watch as they perform in the courtroom, cos we sure can learn a lot from them.

My Son, My Daughter, My kids

My son has decided that I have to include him in my blog. He likes my laptop although he bangs on the keyboard just like the girl who sits next to me in legal ethics. He likes to play with the remote...I think its a guy thing and for some reason, he likes to turn the TV on and off, maybe its the clicking sound, maybe he just wants me to pay more attention to him but whatever it is, he is such a lovely child. He actually likes this picture of himself that I am putting on the blog. He looks at me and smiles his approval. Now thats my boy.

Ezi is my daughter, she is 3 and likes to remind you of that. Whats a trip to a restaurant without a coloring book. This is one child that has as much empathy for everyone as her father. "daddy what is wrong, daddy are you okay?" Then again, on those days when I ask her to go to bed cos its already 9pm, she shakes her head in despair and goes "Daddy, its not fair" Well, nothing in life is fair my child, not the least, you staying up and preventing me from studying and then giving your mother hell in the morning when she wakes you up to give you a bath.!!!

A School in Cote D'Ivoire is Missing a Prostitute

There is a school in Cote D'Ivoire missing a prostitute. University of Cocody? I am surprised she did not say her father died in the Bellview flight while on business in Nigeria or something like that.Once I read the line that said her father was king, I knew that the millions of dollars he left behind were not far behind. (pun seriously intended). The princess is smart sha, harvard material, somehow her father knew he was poisoned because of his wealth and of course, she should find a mugu who will believe the whole royal crap.

Notice how she says Shell Petroluem Dev. Company sends money to her popsie, a king in Cote Divoire but SPDC does not even operate there!!!!! Liar Liar Pants on Fire!!! Shell has operations in Abidjan but not SPDC which just happens to be a Nigerian operation. When will these thieves leave us alone. Princess Jessica....School's Out!!!


From: "jessica_sangare@voila.fr [jessica_sangare@mail333.com]" To: jessica_sangare@mail333.comSubject: PLEASE READ THIS MASSAGE,Date: Sat, 5 Nov 2005 03:22:54 +0300 (MSK)FROM MISS JESSICA SANGAREABIDJAN COTE D'IVOIRE WEST AFRICADear Friend,Good day and Compliments,I am writing this letter in confidence believing that if it is thewish of God for you to help me and my family, God almighty will blessand reward you aboundantly and you would never regreat this.I am a female student from University of COCODY,COTE D'IVOIRE. I am20 yrs old. I' dO like any person who can be caring, loving and homeoriented. I will love to have a long-term relationship with you andto know more about you. I would like to build up a solid foundationwith you in time coming if you can be able to help me in thistransaction.Well, my father died earliEr Died on 12/2/2004 ago and left I and myjunior brother behind. He was a king, which our town citizens titledhim over sixteen years before his death. blessed moemory.My fatherwsa a very Wealthy Coca Merchant base in Abidjan the Economic Capitalof Ivory Coast But befor he was the assistan Director of cafe andcocoa exporting INC,I was a princess to him and I am the only person who can take care ofhis wealth now because my junior brother is still young and my motheris not literate enough to know all my father's wealth. He left thesum of USD 14,350, 000.00 dollars (Fourteen Million, Three Hundredand Fifty Thousand US Dollars)in the custody of a security companyHere In Abidjan the capital city of Cote D'ivoire. but befor myfather give up the ghost He also explian to me that it was because ofthis wealth that he was poisoned by one of our family Brother whowant to take over the Kingship from my father, he advice me that Ishould seek for a foriegn Partner in any Country of my choice Where iwill Transfer this Money and used it for investment Purpose,(SUCH ASREAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT).And make sure that I and my Jenior BrotherCompleted our education,This money was annually paid into my late fathers account from Shellpetroleum development company(spdc)and chevron oil company operatingin our locality for the compensation of youth and communitydevelopment in our jurisdiction.I don't know how and what I will do to invest this money somewhere inabroad, so that my father's kindred will not take over what belongsto my father and our family, which they were planning to do withoutmy present because I am a female as stated by our culture in thetown.Now, I urgently need your humble assistance to move this money fromthe security company to your bank account and I strongly believe thatby the grace of God, you will help me invest this money wisely.I am ready to pay 15% of the total amount to you if you help us inthis transaction and another 10% interest of Annual After Income toyou, for handling this transaction for us, which you will stronglyhave absolute control over.If you can handle this project sincerely and also willing to assistme in lifting this fund, kindly reach me.Please, note that this transaction is 100% risk free and I hope tocommence the transaction as quick as possible, I will send you myPersonal international Passport as well as Other Important Documentas to proof you of the legality of this transaction,NB:I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THIS TRANSACTION WOULD BE CONCLUDED WITHINSEVEN (7)WORKING DAYS IF YOU SIGNIFY INTEREST TO ASSIST ME.please for security purpose respond witrh my private email address:(jessica_sangare@voila.fr)Yours sincerely,Princess Jessica (ms.

The MPR What, Backpacks and Other Stories

DId I say I was going to study for the MPRE yesterday? Well I fell asleep while doing a practice test. I wonder if that could possibly happen to me while I am taking the actual exam.


That means more work for me today. The only thing is we are editing the journal and thats occupying my time this morning. If you can believe it, I am taking a break in class, well, my makeup class. I had two make up classes today and had to choose one to go to, it wasnt supposed to happen since Professors usually check the registrar's office for student conflict. Either the system did not work in this case or one prof. did not check.

Oh, yesterday, I was reading Red Eye and there was a column where the columnist discussed people who bring big bags on the cta. She asked people to respond, many did, berating the backpack carriers, laptop laden briefcase toting people and other huge bag carriers. Well, I decided to respond as well and my email is reproduced below:

http://www.redeyechicago.com/public.htm

Hi Kyra,

I am in law school at Northwestern Univ. and as a result, have a lot of books to carry.
Personally, I would rather have two sets of books, one at home and one at school, (like one of my classmates did in our first year) so I dont have to carry anything but until Congress appropriates more money for me or my father becomes a surgeon like my classmates father, its one set of books.

I was on the bus one day when a lady gave me the looks and said I may tear her panty hose with my book bag!!! I looked at her..nicely and given that we Northwestern people are nice, did not say what I would have said if I wasnt so constrained, which is "here is $5, go to walmart and buy yourself extras just in case my backpack tears your pantyhose."

No matter how I carry my books, rollerbag, bookbag, shopping bag or no bag, no one will be happy. People don't even seem to be happy when they see you carry your bag!! On another note, I once entered the #3 on my way to school, I left my book bag at the front of the bus on the lugguage space (some buses have them) and sat in the back. Seeing how beautiful Chicago is, my concentration was outside admiring the city when I realized we were stopped at Randolph and Michigan and my bag was about to be tossed out because it was an "unattended lugguage" and could pose a terrorist threat to the good citizens of bus #3 and the people around us.

I still carry my backpack while I am still in school but not to worry Chicago, I graduate next semester and will suffer you no more but I must warn you, I will be trading in my backpack for a briefcase!!

Dozie Okpalaobieri
Lived in Bronzeville and now take the CTA/Metra out to Wheeling.
By the way, taking the metra is a different story altogether!!!


I got that off my chest and she did reply...nice lady!! The original article is below:

November 1, 2005Fighting oversized items on the CTA? It's in the bagThey're big. They're bulky. They can hurt people. I'm not talking about club bouncers. I'm talking about supersized bags on the CTA. Some people board the "L" and buses as if they're headed on a four-year mountain expedition. They could probably fit a sleeping bag, an inflatable tent and a lifetime supply of beef jerky into their biggie bags. Even when these riders exercise caution, they often smack fellow riders in the face or bruise ribs as they seek out seats. The issue has inflamed quite a few "Going Public" readers. Just ask Leslie Mitchell. The 5-foot-2 rider says she has suffered repeated attacks while on the "L." "I've been clocked numerous times in the head by tall men's (and women's) briefcases, backpack, designer handbags," writes 36-year-old Mitchell. "My calves have been permanently dinged by those damn rolling suitcase-size computer totes." Rider Joan Gorrell suggests that the backpacks serve no real purpose. "Shopping bags are an occasional necessity for all," writes Gorrell, who lives in Jefferson Park. "People with luggage on the way to the airport have a legitimate reason—but the backpackers—urrrggghhhh!" But before the backpackers go ballistic, I'm sure nobody is suggesting that all big bags—unless airport-related—should be banned. Of course we should make an exception for local students who are wielding a wide load in the interest of education ... as long as they don't block the doors. But for those of us who are not studying or traveling out of state, it's time to unload the excess baggage. I've come up with some big, bulky ideas about how we can do that. Riders, feel free to weigh in on the discussion. Bring in the baggage sizers Airlines have no problem asking passengers to limit bag size, so why can't the CTA? Why not place baggage sizers outside "L" turnstiles and in front of bus stops? No hard and fast rules on dimensions, but I would say that if you could carry a 5-year-old onboard in your bag, then it's too big. Ladies, oversized handbags are all the rage, but if you're able to transport your entire makeup and medicine cabinet stash in those things, it's time to downsize. That, or risk the ire of one Logan Square rider who's really peeved over purses. "I cannot count the number of times I've felt a poke in MY armpit or MY ribcage from some dumb broad's enormous leather bag," writes 25-year-old Jennifer Bacher. "Hold it in front of you, or put it on the damn floor." Punish carry-on crimes So, you still want to tote a Sherpa's load for a four-stop odyssey to work? Think it's not your fault if some 4-year-old and his grandpa get gouged in the eye with your backpack strap? Under my new rules, riders who harm others with their packs would walk a gauntlet down "L" or bus aisles while being poked and pushed by their peers. If you don't accept this punishment, you'll be ejected from the CTA until you get a smaller bag or learn how to maneuver without mowing down innocent bystanders. Mandatory show & tell I can already hear the executive types complaining that their employers are the ones forcing them to cart laptops, mobile phones and a tome of documents on their daily commute. It's not their fault they need another seat just for their briefcases. I hear you, brothers and sisters. At the end of the day, we're all working for The Man. But my new bag policy is prove it or lose it. Every rider with an overly heavy load would have to open their bag for their fellow riders, announce its contents and let the majority rule on whether or not it's justified for their job. So if you're really hiding your rare rock collection or a hundred Beanie Babies in your briefcase, repent now and save yourself some shame. How would you deal with big bag-wielding bullies? Do you feel entitled to your behemoth bags because you've paid your way to ride on the CTA? Send your opinion—along with your name, age and neighborhood—to kkyles@tribune.com. E-mail Kyra Kyles at kkyles@tribune.com

My negotitiations class had a joint class with Prof. Maloney's class today. I was getting so much love from my students. Apparently, Merlin had sent an email out to everyone telling them how hard I have worked and how overwhelmed I was. It was very much appreicated. I was begining to thank my starts that I dont have the ability to blush. It may seem surprising but sometimes, I am actually a shy person. I know I know...Jumoke actually told me yesterday that I schmooze way too much, according to her, I am a verbal social butterfly. (Cue song...I believe I can fly....). It's funny though, some days I like to hang out and talk, sometimes I just like to be laid back and not say much. Those are the days I want to go to the movie theatre and watch a movie alone. Let me go and study my MPRE, thats looming.....Are you ethical?

Starbucks - The New McDonalds

Okay, so I went to Starbucks this morning and the lady at he counter asked me what I wanted. I told her I needed a "Grande White Mocha with whipcream". Do you know what she asked me next? "What size"!!!!



What part of Grande did she not understand especially since I always see here there so I know she has worked there for a while. What size? Hmm, maybe I should have said Venti so that when she does give that to me, I would just pay for what I initially asked for...the customer is always right, right?

















Lately, I have been reading the newspapers more, well, actually I prefer the free ones www.redeyechicago.com and you see all these news items about celebrity couples breaking up! Well, lately and I think this may have started with Tom Cruise or was it Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston, anyway, now when couples break up they put out a Press Release that always includes the phrase "The couple remains close and asks that you respect their privacy at this difficult time." They remain close yet its a difficult time..hmm sounds like a booty call to me, besides whats so private about it if you decide to share with us all, we have a right to ask why? when? what happened? Who dumped who?








Our latest victim is Gabrielle Union, that fine specimen of a black woman. Who would dump a woman like that? Her now former husband who is a football player for the Jacksonville Jaguars ought to have his head knocked on the football field. But I digress...

Okay, another day, another time. Whats my beef today? Well Butt Cracks!!! Yeah!! What is it with people who don't wear their pants properly. There is this fine woman sitting in front of me and her butt crack is winking at me. I can't help but look and it just looks like an eye that is looking back at me. Now if this was a guy whose zipper was down, I could tell him to zip up but who am I to tell a woman that her pants are down and she should pull it up or pull her shirt over it. Oh, the lady in front of me just did that. Pulled her top over her pants. Maybe my eyes were begining to bore a hole in her butt crack. Things that make me go hmmm.




I am in an interesting class so I really should be listening. Oh by the way, I was just reading Puja's blog, oh Puja is a lady in my school, I feel like saying she is a girl cos she is just so small...anyway, she has this blog that I now read everyday, she is going on a trip to South African with others from school including her used to be boyfriend, our SBA President, the ever vivacious Borchien. Now Puja is thinking of feeding Borchien to the lions in South African when they travel as payback for breaking up with her. A woman scorned.....



Oh by the way, Puja's blog is http://www.xanga.com/indian_masala

Enjoy...

I always seem to write my blogs just before or right after Legal Ethics. I would write it during legal ethics but we have no internet connection in that classroom which is a good thing too cos everyone would be on ESPN checking the scores of Monday night football.

I see some students playing Solitaire, others just do email on outlook so they can send it later when they get a connection. Me? I just pay rapt attention to everything the professor says even though I blank out every 5 minutes and think about the Hageen Daaz Cookies and Cream ice cream in my fridge which I will be consume later while I am watching the episode of law and order which I recorded last night.

Responsibility. Thats a word that some find difficult to understand. Some think it is a word that is meaningless. When people depend on you, it is a powerful word. I am working with someone who literally has no clue and does not seem to know what is expected of their position.

What am I rambling about? Well, I am on a journal at school and we all have duties and well..let me put it this way: If for some reason, we took all the letter "o" off the keyboard, this is how this phrase will look!!::: If fr sme reasn, we tk all the letter "" ff the keybard, this is hw this phrase will lk!! Okay, maybe it will have partial meaning if you are slightly intelligent butI hope I made my point.

To digress, I have a nasty cold and have been sneezing all day. I am either allergic to the above individual or I just really have a cold. Most people sneeze twice in a row when they do sneeze, I am averaging 5 sneezes per episode...now thats embarrassing when you are doing that in class. I wont blame my classmates who want to cover their nose. I would actually have loved to skip my last class but I am sure the professor wouldnt have bought it if I told him I was sick and trying to sneeze in his presence may seem like I am faking it!! Hmm, what to do, well I went to class and kept sneezing, I think I had 4 episodes for twenty sneeze. You think I can sell the DVD of that....yeah, me funny joke, me make you think you all wet....literally.

Did I tell you yesterday that whoever said that your life as a 3L would be easier lied...they lied through their teeth. I need to lobby my congressman to see if we can extend the day by another 3hours. On second thoughts, that may not be a good idea. Can you imagine what a law firm would do with that? You think you have to do a minimum of 2000 hours a year, well now, they would just increase it to 3000 hours if we extended the day any further. I am sure they would even advocate a day to make it 8 days a week. Now what would you call that day. For some reason, Zomday comes to mind. Wait let me ask Merlin what he thinks: Merlin has no idea, I will let him think about it and call him in 5 years after we have racked up approximately a combined 22,ooo hours at our firms.

Come to think of it, you know how the pollution problem was "solved" in the United States a couple of years back? You were only allowed to pollute a certain amount but if you polluted more, you could buy pollution rights from someone who polluted less...are you with me? okay, take that concept to law firms....If you are unable to make your firms 2000 hour requirement, why cant you just call up your law school buddy at another firm or better yet, within your firm and buy his extra hours from him or her. Now you may have to pay them the equivalent of their expected bonus for hitting their hours but at least you will have the hours to avoid being tagged as a loser-slacker!!!! Neat idea hmmm but will our egos allow it??? My hours are bigger than yours!!

Okay, my students should be coming back soon, so I have to pretend like I have been thinking about Negotiations for the past 75mins they have been negotiating. I love this class!!!