11.02.2009
words
Markel wants collins to attempt to serve its summons and complaint on the central authority of canada, to which it will then undoubtedly considering its strategy, claim service is invalid under some canadian law and seek the protection of a canadian court to agree with it. The drafters did not, and could not have intended this because it violates the gov'ts basic duty to preserve the interests of its citizens..
9.21.2009
9.05.2009
8.29.2009
8.02.2009
8.01.2009
7.27.2009
7.26.2009
7.25.2009
7.21.2009
7.20.2009
7.19.2009
7.18.2009
7.17.2009
7.14.2009
7.12.2009
7.11.2009
7.10.2009
Extraordinary
7.09.2009
7.07.2009
7.06.2009
$539; Good Deal!
Cruises similar to this Post Bar Exam Cruise linked to the right start at $599 on Royal Caribbean, which is $60 more than ours. If you see any deals better than what I've got let me know.
Call for special group booking at this rate before July 31 to guarantee your rate. Click on the photo of the Cruise ship for more the special group booking instructions and for more details.
385 Days
Obviously, the answer to this question depends a lot on personal preference. Our post bar exam cruise departs at 4 p.m. local time, which leaves a decent amount of time to get to the ship and get boarded. On my last cruise, we drove most of the distance to the port the night before the cruise and a group of us split an inexpensive hotel room. This worked out well and is probably what I'll do again. Google maps puts the drive from Montgomery to Miami at 11 hours and 11 minutes. There are some cheap flights to Miami, though, especially if you happen to be near Miami. I have seen flights as low as $159. With the 4 p.m. departure time you should not be rushed in arriving for departure.
My plan currently is to leave Friday, July 30 and drive from Montgomery to Orlando (8 hours) or farther, perhaps all the way to Fort Lauderdale (10 hours, 56 minutes), and then to drive on to Miami for departure the next day. Embarkation begins at 12:30 and Carnival states that you must check in at least one hour prior to departure. With a group to split gas and lodging expenses this should be the most economical, and for me, the most convenient way to travel.
More information on the embarkation process is below:
Important Embarkation Arrival Advisory and Embarkation Process |
Government regulations for U.S. departure ports require that a final departure manifest is submitted 60 minutes prior to departure. Guests must provide us with the required information prior to embarkation. The easiest and most convenient way is to complete our FunPass on line registration process (www.carnival.com/mycruise) at least (3) three days prior to departure. Guests that do not complete the registration process prior to embarkation are required to check-in at least 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time. Guests on Carnival's Fly-Aweigh Program and who have purchased Carnival's Transfers Guests will be led to the Baggage Claim area where he/she will claim their own luggage. The Meet & Greet Staff will lead guests (with their luggage) to the awaiting motor coaches once enough guests have arrived for the motor coach to leave at full capacity. Arrival at the Cruise Terminal: Guests Arriving at the Cruise Terminal by Private Car Arrival at the Cruise Terminal: Guests will be asked to show Proof of I.D. and Cruise Documents. Guests will drop off their luggage at the Baggage Drop-Off area and give the luggage to the Porter; the customary tip for this service is $1.00 per bag. Guests will park their car in the designated parking area and walk back to the terminal; depending on the distance, some cruise terminals have a complimentary shuttle from the parking area to the terminal. Guest will proceed into the cruise terminal for Check-In. The Embarkation Check-In Process: Check- in All guests must activate his/her Sail & Sign Account with a credit card (Amex, Visa, Discover, JCB, Visa/ MasterCard gift cards and MasterCard ) or opt to pay with cash. The credit card must be present at embarkation and the cash is deposited on board at the Information/Purser's Desk. Each guest will be issued a Sail & Sign card, which is used to (1) charge on their Sail & Sign Account, (2) access their Stateroom Key and (3) get on/off the ship. The Sail & Sign Card is used to (1) charge to their Sail & Sign Account and (2) get on/off the ship. Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Elation, Carnival Paradise, Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Victory, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty and Carnival Freedom: Holiday, Celebration, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination and Imagination: Each guest will be issued a Sail & Sign Card and Stateroom Key. Embarkation Photo The Security Personnel will take guest's Sail Sign Card and with the onboard security system, imbed a full color, digital photograph together with personal database information directly onto the Sail Sign Card. |
7.05.2009
7.02.2009
ALLURA CATAMARAN SAIL TO STINGRAY CITY SANDBAR - GRAND CAYMAN SHORE EXCURSION
One of many shore adventures available on the 2010 post bar cruise!
Snorkel in the world famous waters of Grand Cayman's stingray sandbar.
On this excursion you will:
•Take a short transfer to the Cayman Island Yacht Club.
•Board the amazing spacious and comfortable Allura catamaran.
•Sail the beautiful waters of the North Sound to the stingray sandbar.
•Snorkel, feed and interact with dozens of Southern stingrays. The stingrays literally eat out of your hand!
•Have plenty of photo opportunities before hoisting the sails and returning to the yacht club.
7.01.2009
Post Bar Cruise FAQ #1
A: No. You have to call and provide the group number first. Once you have been signed up for the group cruise, you will then be able to go online to manage your cruise booking.
BAMBOO BEACH CLUB & DUNN'S RIVER FALLS
Check out one of the 39 shore excursions available in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This is the ultimate combination of adventure and entertainment with visits to the famous Dunn's River Falls.
On this excursion you will:
•Your outing begins with a scenic drive to the spectacular Falls where you will join hands with your fellow guests for an exhilarating climb up the natural stone staircase to the top.
•Your climbing guide will take you along the best route and will point out the many cool plunge pools you can slide into as you journey upwards.
•You will then be taken to Bamboo Beach Club where white sand, blue water and beautiful views create an unforgettable paradise.
•Caribbean bamboo huts and sprawling almond trees line the seashore and create an atmosphere of relaxation and fun.
•Enjoy one of the most unique cultural experiences on the island, as live entertainment is ongoing and gives you a real feel of the Jamaican culture.
•Jamaican dancers, reggae drummers, exotic singers and artistic acrobats make up our distinctive troupe of professionals who present vibrant and energetic shows right on the sand.
•Take a swim in the sea, dip your toes in the sand, and sip on cool unlimited beer, Jamaican mojitos, rum punch or lemonade as our DJ plays a fashionable mix of local and reggae beats.
•The food keeps coming as your charming hostesses with their friendly smiles and excellent service continually circle the Beach Club with an array of unlimited tasty dishes freshly prepared by our chef.
•These culinary treats are served "tapas style" and mix Jamaican and Asian accents to create cuisine that is sure to delight. Dancing in the morning, drinking cocktails at noon, and "taking it cool" is Bamboo Beach Club's philosophy.Cruise Info Sheet
2010 Post Bar Exam Cruise
Sat. July 31 thru Thurs. Aug. 5 - 2010
Join your coolest classmates and soon-to-be professional colleagues on a post-bar-exam Caribbean cruise. This is a 5-night cruise of the Western Caribbean, departing from Miami, Fla. with relaxing days at Sea and stops in Ocho Rios, Jamaica and George Town, Grand Cayman aboard the 100,000-ton Carnival Destiny! The ship has a theater, 4 restaurants, 18 elevators, 4 pools, a waterslide, a casino, clubs, bars, spa and exercise room among its amenities.
This cruise departs 3 days after end of the Alabama Bar Exam; 2 days after the Tennessee Exam. Plan now so you can begin saving; arrange your employment plans around this one-time opportunity to relax and decompress after the stress of the bar exam before beginning work.
Group Booking
Group Rate: $539 per person for interior stateroom based on double occupancy. (10 cabins have been reserved for at this group rate). Oceanview and balcony staterooms (5 each currently being held) are available at an additional rate.* After taxes and fees the price comes to $591. Oceanview staterooms are $619 ($671 after tax & fees), balcony staterooms are 738 ($791 after taxes and fees.)
This rate is protected through at least July 30, 2009. The rate-hold will likely be extended through August 30, 2009 to give you time to save money for your deposit.
There is a $200 per person deposit required by the rate-hold date. This deposit is 100% refundable through May 31, 2010 - no final commitment required until May 2010! May 31 thru July 2, the penalty for cancellation is $200. July 2 thru July 24 the penalty for cancellation is 50% of the cost of the trip. After July 24th no refunds are given.
Group booking also allows free transfer of the cruise through May 31, 2010.
Should the price of any future group booking for this cruise be reduced, the price under this group booking may be reduced accordingly.
To Book:
Select your cabin mate
Call 866-721-3225 to pay your $200 and reserve your cabin by the rate-hold date
Use group number 30K3C8
Personal checks, credit cards, debit cards and most other forms of payment are accepted.
* Note: You may notice a less expensive EarlySaver rate for this cruise online. This EarlySaver rate requires a $200 deposit that is non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are definitely will go on the cruise this might be a better deal for you. Group booking at the $539 rate as noted above allows a 100% refund of your deposit upon cancellation by 5/31/2010. Also, the group booking allows transfer of a cruise at no cost before 5/31/2010.
** For more information contact Mitch Dobbs at Mitch.Dobbs@gmail.com or 205.887.6824.
6.30.2009
UPDATE: Group Cruise
The deposit is $200. This is non-refundible, so if you cancel you lose the $200. Also, name changes on this option are not allowed so you cannot pawn your cruise off on someone else if you decide not to go. Obviously, this is risky for us who will be trying to manage work schedules around this. But if you're positive you want to get then this might work for you. The group rate has more security built in at a bit higher cost (like $80 more). More on the group rate coming soon!
Post Bar Cruise Info
INTRO
I'm trying to gauge everyone's interest in a post-bar-exam cruise. I'm thinking if we book soon we can begin saving for the trip and plan any post-bar work plans around this adventure. The cruise linked below is one of the best I have found for value, cool destinations, and a great ship. Please check it out and let me know what you think.
I've been doing a lot of research and have found an excellent 5-Night Wester Caribbean cruise on Carinival that sails the Saturday after the bar exam.
THE SHIP
This ship is called Destiny. It was refurbished and modernized in 2008. It has a gross tonnage of 101,353 with 4 restaurants, 4 pools, 18 elevators, clubs, a casino, a theater and much more. If you've never cruised, the ship is smaller than the biggest mega ships but 100,000 tons is still quite large.
PORTS OF CALL
The cruise I've isolated leaves out of Miami on Saturday, July 31. (The Alabama bar exam is July 26-28 and the Tennessee bar is July 28-29.) The best bet is to either fly into Miami if you can get a cheap flight, or to drive most of the distance on Friday night prior to the cruise, getting an inexpensive room overnight, and driving the shorter distance the day of the cruise. I would probably be driving some passengers are welcome.
Day 1 (Sat. 31st): Miami, Fla. (Departs at 4 p.m.)
Day 2 (Sun 1st) : At Sea
Day 3: (Mon 2nd): Ocho Rios, Jamaica (9 a.m. - 5 p.m.)
Day 4: (Tue 3rd) :George Town, Grand Cayman (8 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
Day 5: (Wed 4th): At Sea
Day 6: (Thur 5th): Miami, Fla. (8 a.m.)
PRICE
A rate of $459 is availabe for interior rooms is available with a non-refundable deposit. Someone from Carnival is supposed to be contacting me soon on what type of deposit is required and by when. This will cover great food, including room services. Alcohol and some specialty items are charged extra. Tips are left in envelops for each group who provided services during the cruise. Tips are generally not made on a daily basis.
6.29.2009
6.28.2009
6.27.2009
6.26.2009
Things We Do
Cat Story
BACKGROUND
Sunday evening, at about 6 o’clock I get a ring at my doorbell. I wasn’t expecting visitors. At the door was a short, stocky, older man of about 60. His hands trembled with Parkinson’s. His name was Mr. Smith. He spoke slowly and clearly, pausing a half-beat between nearly every word.
“Yes, sir,” he said. “I live across the fence in the neighborhood behind you, and I’m looking for my white cat that’s been missing.”
I knew the cat. It often wondered around our neighborhood, but I hadn’t seen it, and told him so.
“Well, actually sir,” he said, and began pointing ahead of him off to his left, “I see the cat through the window right there.”
He pointed towards the window, but it wasn’t my window. I live in a row of connected townhomes and he was mistaken. My bedroom window was to his right. I told him this as I stepped outside with him to see the cat sitting in the window sill just as he’d said. He noted that the cat stitches in its side with the hair around the stitches shaved in a neat circle. We deduced that the lady had taken the cat to a vet. The man thanked me and I went back inside.
THE RETURN
Five minutes later the doorbell rings again.
“Your neighbor is refusing to give me my cat,” Mr. Smith said. “Will you call the police for me?”
This is an interesting development, I thought. The neighbor, Ms. Craft was certainly the type.
She was probably in her forties, but one could easily mistake her for being in her sixties. She wore think eyeglasses and always kept her head pointed towards the ground. In my 9 months of living there I’d hardly spoken two words to her. In fact, I remembered right there the only time I had spoken to is when she asked me what my friendly Boston terrier Sophie’s name was, and whether it was okay for her to pet Sophie though the fence. Many times I’d waved or spoken with the only response from Ms. Craft being a perfect ignorance – if acting as if someone didn't exist were a sport she would be a world champion contender.
I asked Mr. Smith what happened. He said he’d rang her doorbell and gone through the same scenario he’d done with me. He started by telling her he was looking for the cat, but not that he’d seen it in her window.
“She denied having the cat,” Mr. Smith said. “That’s when I confronted her about seeing it in the window and asked her to give me my cat back. Will you call the cops.”
I call the cops, 911 to be exact because I couldn’t find their number. An hour later two patrol units pull up, knock on the door and wait… nothing. Ms. Craft doesn’t drive. Her live-in spouse is not at home with the only car, and there’s no way she could have left without someone seeing her. Nevertheless, the lights are off and no one comes to the door. The cops, not wanting the paperwork a report would require, tell Mr. Smith to call them if she comes outside and they will come back over.
The next morning Mr. Smith, and the cops, are back. Mr. Smith got the door shut on him again, this time by the man who lives with Ms. Craft. Seems he didn’t want to discuss it either. The cop advises Mr. Smith to go down to small claims court against her. Someone else suggests he should swear out a warrant against her for her arrest. He asks the cop if he can do that and the cop says yes. Five days later and I’m awaiting updates from the neighbors.
Odd story, eh?
6.25.2009
Hooked Like a Largemouth Bass
Update:T-Mobile and I are friends again. Great company. You should use them.
396 Days
Man vs. Yard - A show about ordinary people battling common lawn problems.
Waffle House - A reality show about the action-packed restaurant
Campus Flavor - A show that combine's the personality and good times of Travel Channel's Samantha Brown with Todd Blacklege's popular segment on college football games.