11.02.2009

more

Uppendahl, a dc case on which the court below and markel rely, does not even mention my supreme ct case.

words

appellee's construction of the conv allows foreign defs to hijack and exploit the american legal system. It allows markel to escape in personam jurisdiction in american courts while it continues to do business in this country and unjustly enrich itself by denying valid claims of american plaintiffs injured by its insured.

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

issue

Was the District Court wrong in holding that the Hague Convention Treaty invalidates otherwise legitimate methods of service of process? (too broad)

9.05.2009

8.08.2009

352 Days. Marathon, not a sprint.

8.06.2009

354 Days

8.05.2009

355 Days

4 park, 3 drinks, 12 mon. dinner, 8 tues lunch

8.04.2009

356 Days. The externship is over. The experience continues.

8.03.2009

357 Days

8.02.2009

358 Days

Wanna go outside?

19 wal mart

8.01.2009

80 costco, 8 TB, 80 jcf.

359 Days

I'll be ready.

7.31.2009

360 Days

77 over for the month.

7.29.2009

362 Days

5 qdoba
32 gas
12 ruby t's
6 qdoba

7.27.2009

364 Days

Good luck to all the summer 2009 bar takers out there.

7.26.2009

60 sophie, 8 lnch.

365 Days

My official SEC West prediction coming soon.

7.25.2009

Sophie at the Vet

Poor thing's leg.

366 Days

Best costume among idiots running alongside competitors at Tour de France: guy dressed as the Pope. Second: guy in sumo suit.

7.23.2009

7.22.2009

369 Days

Busy, busy.

7.21.2009

370 Days

I might be "Live from the Red Carpet" at SEC Media Days after all.

7.20.2009

371 Days

SEC Media Days is this week.  I'll be there Wednesday for the prelims but am missing what will undoubtedly be the three-ring cirucs surrounding Nick Saban.  It will be the first time since 1999 I've missed Alabama at SEC Media Days.
 
 

7.19.2009

5 keys

372 Days

The class above begins its bar exam in a week and a day. I wish them luck.

7.18.2009

5 tb

373 Days

Law Reviewin'! Need some good things to happen today.

7.17.2009

Tiger misses cut at the British? Some days are better than others, indeed.

374 Days

Michelob, cuz some days are better than others.

7.16.2009

375 Days

My dog likes loves to swim.

7.15.2009

376 Days

Sotomayor, J.

4 snacks
6 lunch

7.14.2009

11 lunch Taj

377 Days

B'ruptcy ct week 2.

7.13.2009

378 Days

Soaked up to my knees.

7.12.2009

82 costco (52 dog stuff), 30 gas.

379 Days

Where does the time go?

7.11.2009

81 publix

380 Days

Trying to backfill with some basic b'ruptcy reading. Hope my interest in the subject will last.

7.10.2009

Extraordinary

Cronkite: I think being a liberal, in the true sense, is being nondoctrinaire, nondogmatic, non-committed to a cause - but examining each case on its merits. Being left of center is another thing; it's a political position. I think most newspapermen by definition have to be liberal; if they're not liberal, by my definition of it, then they can hardly be good newspapermen. If they're preordained dogmatists for a cause, then they can't be very good journalists; that is, if they carry it into their journalism.
 
 

381 Days

They say times flies when you're having fun...

7.09.2009

382 Days

Back to Montgomery tomorrow. Week one at bankruptcy court almost complete. Great experience so far!

7.08.2009

383 Days

Enjoying my stay at Camp Moody...

7.07.2009

4L, 29 CG, 37 groc+cash, 15 car, 4 MN
384 Days. B'ruptcy begins.

7.06.2009

$539; Good Deal!

FYI,

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.

Carvinal Destiny Virtual Tour!

Check this out.  Awesome!
 

385 Days

FAQ # 2: Should I fly or drive to the port? What do I need to know?

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.

In addition, U.S. Customs and Border Protection will no longer be accepting oral declarations to satisfy the requirements for identity and citizenship documentation. Guests must present the proper travel documentation at embarkation. U.S. citizens traveling on other cruises (cruises that begin and end in different U.S. ports or begin and end in a foreign port) will require a valid passport or other recognized WHTI-compliant document. For complete information on the required travel documentation, please visit the U.S. Government website (http://www.travel.state.gov/).

We would appreciate your assistance with helping us to comply with these new U.S. Government regulations. We strongly encourage you to complete the online registration process at least three (3) days prior to departure.
Most importantly, we want to thank you for choosing Carnival for your vacation. We are looking forward to providing you with a great cruise experience.

Embarkation Hours:
Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Mobile, Galveston, Tampa, Port Canaveral, New Orleans and San Diego - 12:30 P.M.


You must check in at least one hour prior to departure.

Guests on Carnival's Fly-Aweigh Program and who have purchased Carnival's Transfers

Arrival at the Airport:
Guests will be met by the Meet & Greet Staff either at the Baggage Claim area or just beyond the security check point area, depending on the airport.

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 will debark the motor coach and claim their luggage. Guests will then give the luggage to the Porter; the customary tip for this service is $1.00 per bag.

Guests will proceed into the cruise terminal for Check-In.

Guests Arriving at the Cruise Terminal by Private Car

Arrival at the Cruise Terminal:
Guests will follow the directions to the Port and pass through Port Authority Security.

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:
Security Checkpoint
Guests will pass through the X-ray Security Machines with their carry-on bags. Luggage larger than 24" x 16" will not be permitted through the security machine and must be checked-in with a curbside porter.

Check- in
Guests will proceed to the Check-In area. The embarkation process will include submitting cruise documents, showing proof of travel documentation and issuing a credit card (if applicable) for their Sail & Sign Account.

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
Guests will have a "Welcome Aboard" photo taken by the Ship's Photo Staff. The photo will be on display later in the cruise for purchase.

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

Lazy Sunday

386 Days. Federer.

7.04.2009

387 Days

7.03.2009

388 Days. Happy 3rd!

7.02.2009

Decompress after the bar exam - you'll need it (cruise sails on Sat. July 31, 2010)

In case you haven't heard:
 

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.

389 Days

Encouraging response on the cruise so far. I think a couple of people are already signing up. It's only 3 weeks until this year's bar and the test-takers really seem like they could use a break once it's all over.

7.01.2009

Post Bar Cruise FAQ #1

Q: Can I book the group cruise online?

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.

LINK

http://tiny.cc/QVZpY

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:

•Visit Jamaica's popular Bamboo Beach Club where "reggae-style" hospitality reigns. 

•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.

Detailed Itinerary

(click picture for larger image)

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.

I recommend booking the late dinner seating.

390 Days

e-mail me at mitch.dobbs@gmail.com for cruise info sheet and group rate number.

Carnival Destiny Palladium

Carnival Destiny

Carnival Destiny Pool

Carnival Destiny Bar

6.30.2009

UPDATE: Group Cruise

I just spoke to a rep from Carnival. Here's the deal on the $459 rate below:

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

Contact me if interested in hearing more. I'm trying to get a group rate!

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.

391 Days

Think I have a really good idea for a paper on the Nat'l Banking Act.

6.29.2009

Waldo's Wedding

392 Days

Start work at B'ruptcy court in Birmingham next week.

6.28.2009

116 groc., 22 clothes; 32 gas, 5 sun bkfst, 31 jim/nick, 12 carp.

393 Days

A day to nap.

6.27.2009

Could have been worse

Laying sod wasn't that bad. Beats moving.
394 Days

6.26.2009

Things We Do

I volunteered to help a friend lay sod tomorrow. The high temp is supposed to be 95. What was I thinking?

Cat Story

I was hoping to have resolution on the Cat Caper by now, but no such luck. Here’s the 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?

St. Martin

Post Bar Destination

Thought

What if MJ's death is really just a well-orchestrated stunt to promote his upcoming tour?

395 Days

"Moltz says, is, what's the difference between a real covenant and an equitable servitude?"

Update: Moltz responds: "I'm pretty sure wikipedia doesn't even know the answer to that question."

6.25.2009

Hooked Like a Largemouth Bass

Damn you, T-Mobile! Get me hooked on web feature then try to charge me $24.99 for it.

Update:T-Mobile and I are friends again. Great company. You should use them.

Dead at 50

Michael Jackson

396 Days

Shows I'm working on for when I start my entertainment production company:

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.

6.24.2009

Hiking the Appalachian Trail.

397 Days

Faulkner Law Review is born. Vote to re-launch the publication at Vol. 1 Issue 1 was passed 14-0 by the members last night.

6.23.2009

Moving On

Burt Bank, who survived the infamous Bataan Death March and later launched the radio network for Alabama football, died earlier today. He was born in 1914.

398 Days

Busy day. I still owe you a story about the Bell Gables cat caper. Stay tuned...

6.22.2009

399 Days

Cat caper in the neighborhood yesterday... police were called, Details coming.

6.21.2009

400 Days

Father's Day.

6.20.2009

401 Days

Happy weekend!

6.19.2009

Phrase that Pays

I can hardly wait to break out a well-timed "Why don't you try reading the rules, Shankopottomus?" in the courtroom some day.

Heat Is On

Currently 94 degrees here in the Capital City, heat index of 103. Temp is expected to reach 100 tomorrow. Of course if you're reading this it probably means you're not outside working in it -- be glad.
In case you want to check my count, I called the Ala. State Bar yesterday for the 2010 summer exam dates: July 26-28.

Loverboy

"How many Fridays until the bar exam?" you ask? 57

402 Days: Workin' for the Weekend

Fridays usually remind of me one of the great Jeff Hammond lines of 1L. Workin' for the Weekend, indeed. Enjoy!

6.18.2009

Demonstrators in Tehran today numbered in the hundreds of thousands according to NPR report. Wow!
Post-bar trip ideas: 1-Havasupai Falls, 2-Nassau/Paradise Island, 3-St. Maarten/St. Martin (cruise or air) 4-Royal @ Playa del Carmen, 5-Fla. Keys, 6-Ocho Rios.
Test to blog

403 Days: The Countdown Begins

I'm counting down the days until I take the bar exam in July 2010. Maybe post some other fun stuff too. Stay tuned!