From: John Marshall Law School Office of Admission
Dear Mr. Dietz:
Congratulations! Our Admission Committee is pleased to inform you that based upon your academic credentials and supporting statements, your application for admission to our August, 2010 entering class, Full Time division, has been accepted.
Additionally, due to your outstanding academic record, you have been awarded an Edward T. Lee Scholarship for the full amount of tuition. At our current tuition rate, this scholarship is valued at $113,400.00 and is renewable in full on an annual basis as long as you remain in the tip third of your class.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Mo money mo problems
Hey everyone, I'm not going to be posting for a little bit because I need to finish a scholarship essay. I did the math of my available time this week and I need to reserve my mornings to write it. Sorry. Check out the new, improved style of my blog. I think it looks pretty good (that means don't free ride off of the emails).
Mr E
Mr E
Monday, February 8, 2010
3NN: Ninendo No-Nonsense News (yeah... that's 4 Ns total!)
An excerpt from Monday night's transcript from the 3NN special event with Bowser
Toadsworth (T): Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to a special 3NN one on one with leader of the opposition party, Bowser, King of the Koopas. Koopa King, thank you for joining us.
Bowser (B): It's my pleasure Toadsworth. Is it okay if I call you Toadsworth?
T: Of course.
B: Thanks.
T: Now Bowser, I must begin by asking about what has the entire Mushroom Kingdom in an uproar, of course, I mean the Koopa Party's "Just say kidnap strategy," which has paralyzed the Mario administration's legislative goals.
B: Well, as you know the Koopa party has had a difficult few years. After my last defeat at the hands of Mario and his brother... what's his name?
T: Luigi.
B: Right. Luigi. Thank you. Anyway, after my defeat by Mario, our party took a big hit in the midterms and again in the presidential elections.
T: Yes. The Mario Party has succeeded quite swimmingly. Chuckles.
B: Chuckles. I see you're referring to the frog suit slogan. Yes, even I was surprised how popular the image of Mario in a frog suit became. More surprising yet was his slogan, "A Suit We Can Believe in." The entire kingdom loved it.
T: Back to the point at hand. Just say kidnap?
B: Yes. With our substantial losses in the Mushroom Kingdom Congress, we are being forced to go to drastic measures in order to preserve what we believe is the proper future for out Kingdom. Remember, just because the Mario Party made gains in Congress doesn't mean that we're about to forget about our constituents. They deserve to have their beliefs represented too.
T: What problems do you specifically have with the Mario Party's agenda?
B: Well take health care reform for instance. We agree that reform is necessary, but that a number of hurtles must be overcome. Immigration, the kingdom's debt problems... the Mario Party is trying to rush this reform through. This problem isn't as simple as a game of tennis or golf (also basketball, soccer, and kart racing). Laughs
T: Laughs. Yes. Mario's recreational activities are quite well known aren't they?
Toadsworth (T): Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to a special 3NN one on one with leader of the opposition party, Bowser, King of the Koopas. Koopa King, thank you for joining us.
Bowser (B): It's my pleasure Toadsworth. Is it okay if I call you Toadsworth?
T: Of course.
B: Thanks.
T: Now Bowser, I must begin by asking about what has the entire Mushroom Kingdom in an uproar, of course, I mean the Koopa Party's "Just say kidnap strategy," which has paralyzed the Mario administration's legislative goals.
B: Well, as you know the Koopa party has had a difficult few years. After my last defeat at the hands of Mario and his brother... what's his name?
T: Luigi.
B: Right. Luigi. Thank you. Anyway, after my defeat by Mario, our party took a big hit in the midterms and again in the presidential elections.
T: Yes. The Mario Party has succeeded quite swimmingly. Chuckles.
B: Chuckles. I see you're referring to the frog suit slogan. Yes, even I was surprised how popular the image of Mario in a frog suit became. More surprising yet was his slogan, "A Suit We Can Believe in." The entire kingdom loved it.
T: Back to the point at hand. Just say kidnap?
B: Yes. With our substantial losses in the Mushroom Kingdom Congress, we are being forced to go to drastic measures in order to preserve what we believe is the proper future for out Kingdom. Remember, just because the Mario Party made gains in Congress doesn't mean that we're about to forget about our constituents. They deserve to have their beliefs represented too.
T: What problems do you specifically have with the Mario Party's agenda?
B: Well take health care reform for instance. We agree that reform is necessary, but that a number of hurtles must be overcome. Immigration, the kingdom's debt problems... the Mario Party is trying to rush this reform through. This problem isn't as simple as a game of tennis or golf (also basketball, soccer, and kart racing). Laughs
T: Laughs. Yes. Mario's recreational activities are quite well known aren't they?
Intelligent Inquiry 1: Obama's Bi?
Obama Plans Bipartisan Summit on Health Care
from the NYT
So I believed I would be writing about the Super Bowl this morning. Not that I was excited about that possibility, but let's face it. We're America. We care about Haiti when it makes us look good and we care about football and celebrities the rest of the time. In any case, to my surprise the top story on NYT this morning was about Obama and another showdown between him and the Republicans. Obama really is a genius in his own way, and that's because Bipartisan nothing. This is about as Bipartisan as anything in politics (which is nothing at all). Really, this is an opportunity for Obama to make a bunch of old white dudes look like idiots, which is smart because that is probably what Obama can do best (and they probably are). To be fair, he also has to do it because he is really bad at politics as far as his first year is concerned. He can't bully his own party, so he might as well bully the opposition party. And... if all else fails, I recommend playing the race card (I really hope he doesn't).
Moreover (for writing only), I'm bothered that this health care nonsense isn't done with. I'm under the impression that politicians are paid to do something (mistake #1... not the paid part, the doing something part). Change the bill, cut things out, present it in parts, do something! Sure, Obama and the Democrats would love a public option, expansion of medicaid (great time magazine article about medicaid expansion and state costs in TIME), and the ending of insurance company exempting patients with pre-existing conditions. All of those things won't fly by in one bill (at least right now). However, I could see one of them getting through... the pre-existing condition thing. Honestly Congress, I bet some people could use that part right now. Stop having press conferences, lunch, and state of the union addresses and do it.
from the NYT
So I believed I would be writing about the Super Bowl this morning. Not that I was excited about that possibility, but let's face it. We're America. We care about Haiti when it makes us look good and we care about football and celebrities the rest of the time. In any case, to my surprise the top story on NYT this morning was about Obama and another showdown between him and the Republicans. Obama really is a genius in his own way, and that's because Bipartisan nothing. This is about as Bipartisan as anything in politics (which is nothing at all). Really, this is an opportunity for Obama to make a bunch of old white dudes look like idiots, which is smart because that is probably what Obama can do best (and they probably are). To be fair, he also has to do it because he is really bad at politics as far as his first year is concerned. He can't bully his own party, so he might as well bully the opposition party. And... if all else fails, I recommend playing the race card (I really hope he doesn't).
Moreover (for writing only), I'm bothered that this health care nonsense isn't done with. I'm under the impression that politicians are paid to do something (mistake #1... not the paid part, the doing something part). Change the bill, cut things out, present it in parts, do something! Sure, Obama and the Democrats would love a public option, expansion of medicaid (great time magazine article about medicaid expansion and state costs in TIME), and the ending of insurance company exempting patients with pre-existing conditions. All of those things won't fly by in one bill (at least right now). However, I could see one of them getting through... the pre-existing condition thing. Honestly Congress, I bet some people could use that part right now. Stop having press conferences, lunch, and state of the union addresses and do it.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
A Little Change
So, ERICtalk has basically just been a forum for what's on my mind which has worked out great. Surprisingly, I've kept a up a regular stream of content and personally, I'm not embarrassed about the quality. At the very least, it has entertained readers to a nominal extent. However, over the next week I'd like to change it up a little bit. I was having a conversation with one of my friends this weekend and he suggested that I start a news blog... because i'm an excellent journalist? Nope... because we were talking shit with each other and he was laughing at what I was saying. I'm not sure if he suggested it after a lot of thought, or just said it to be nice. In either case, I would like to try it. I'm not going to be shooting for hilariousness every time, but I never do. So with luck, it will be funny or at least marginally entertaining.
THE PLAN:
Just to take the headline from one of my favorite news sites (mpr, nyt, scotusblog), read the article, and then write about it.
It's unlikely that this plan will eat up every post, and maybe I'll think of a way to classify these posts so they can be organized in some way.
Mr E
THE PLAN:
Just to take the headline from one of my favorite news sites (mpr, nyt, scotusblog), read the article, and then write about it.
It's unlikely that this plan will eat up every post, and maybe I'll think of a way to classify these posts so they can be organized in some way.
Mr E
Thursday, February 4, 2010
The State of the Union
I must admit that over the past year, I have slowly lost some of my faith in Obama. Now, I don't believe I am part of the Obama generation. I didn't really vote for him because he was offering something radically new. He did what any politician does... he promised a lot of stuff. Promises were expected and that's fine. I did vote for him because I thought he would do a better job than McCain and I still stand by that decision (that dude is old... really old... and as an old man told me, "I know what it's like to be that age. You forget things!"). Anyway... I've slowly been losing faith. He's not a bad guy, but I'm losing the belief that he can get things done. Health care reform was badly handled and I'm not seeing the "bipartisanship" that he claims to be interested in. Yet, he did kind of win me over again at the State of the Union. I like the guy. What can I say? He comes off as frank and honest and I'm convinced that he believes that his programs will be the best solution for the United States' problems. Only one year in, that is good enough for me.
I would like to see Obama change a few things. First (and smaller), I don't think Obama had any business giving the Supreme Court guff (for lack of better words). Alito sat there shaking his head (which could have been for a number of reasons) and I don't think he was out of line doing so. Obama may disagree with the decision, but it's not like he's going to change it. Also, I feel as if he has bigger fish to fry (<--cliche). Second and finally, I wish he would uphold his own claim to bipartisanship. At one point, Obama made a comment about how America had all kinds of problems before he walked in the door. The Democrats had a good laugh... obviously the Republicans didn't... but I would have really liked to see Obama tell all the Democrats to sit down, shut up, and stop laughing. "Why are you laughing? This isn't funny. This is terrible for our country." I feel this is a constant problem with politicians. They would rather dance in their competitors failures than create their own victories. Frankly, Obama is no different than these politicians that I mentioned. I wish he was.
I would like to see Obama change a few things. First (and smaller), I don't think Obama had any business giving the Supreme Court guff (for lack of better words). Alito sat there shaking his head (which could have been for a number of reasons) and I don't think he was out of line doing so. Obama may disagree with the decision, but it's not like he's going to change it. Also, I feel as if he has bigger fish to fry (<--cliche). Second and finally, I wish he would uphold his own claim to bipartisanship. At one point, Obama made a comment about how America had all kinds of problems before he walked in the door. The Democrats had a good laugh... obviously the Republicans didn't... but I would have really liked to see Obama tell all the Democrats to sit down, shut up, and stop laughing. "Why are you laughing? This isn't funny. This is terrible for our country." I feel this is a constant problem with politicians. They would rather dance in their competitors failures than create their own victories. Frankly, Obama is no different than these politicians that I mentioned. I wish he was.
Health Care Debate
Note: I've put together a list of positions some people on another blog that I'm active with have taken. For privacy sake, I've replaced their names with numbers.
1: Pro Reform
- Believes we are all susceptible to lack of coverage under current system
- Doesn’t believe there is proof that Federal government can’t handle reform
- Believes state only reform is hampered by “race to the bottom”
2: Pro Reform
- Believes primary care should be available to everyone in order to bring down ER usage for non-emergencies
- Believes denying primary care drives up cost for entire system by forcing uninsured to leave medical issues untreated that become much more expensive as they get worse
- Believe offering primary care to undocumented immigrants is cheaper than forcing them to use ER
3: Against Federal Reform, Pro State Reform
- Doesn’t believe federal reform will be efficient or effective
- Believes federal government should solve immigration first
- Believes people still would not be covered sufficiently
- Doesn’t believe that insurance could be managed/enforced sufficiently
4: Pro Reform
- Doesn’t believe budget crisis to be sufficient reason to put off reform
- Believes supply and demand will fund health care (at least somewhat)
5: Against Reform
- Believes that abuse by undocumented immigrants should block reform
- Believes that some use the current system irresponsibly and should not be offered coverage
- Believes system would become too clogged with abusive patients
- Believes that too many human services are offered that can be abused
- Doesn’t believe federal government should take over the system
- Doesn’t believe oversight is the answer
- Believes a “revamping” is a good thing
6: A little from A and a little from B
- Believes companies should offer more affordable coverage
- Believes parents should have options of keeping their child on their coverage
- Believes that government should offer some level of regulation on the companies
- Legalize pot
1: Pro Reform
- Believes we are all susceptible to lack of coverage under current system
- Doesn’t believe there is proof that Federal government can’t handle reform
- Believes state only reform is hampered by “race to the bottom”
2: Pro Reform
- Believes primary care should be available to everyone in order to bring down ER usage for non-emergencies
- Believes denying primary care drives up cost for entire system by forcing uninsured to leave medical issues untreated that become much more expensive as they get worse
- Believe offering primary care to undocumented immigrants is cheaper than forcing them to use ER
3: Against Federal Reform, Pro State Reform
- Doesn’t believe federal reform will be efficient or effective
- Believes federal government should solve immigration first
- Believes people still would not be covered sufficiently
- Doesn’t believe that insurance could be managed/enforced sufficiently
4: Pro Reform
- Doesn’t believe budget crisis to be sufficient reason to put off reform
- Believes supply and demand will fund health care (at least somewhat)
5: Against Reform
- Believes that abuse by undocumented immigrants should block reform
- Believes that some use the current system irresponsibly and should not be offered coverage
- Believes system would become too clogged with abusive patients
- Believes that too many human services are offered that can be abused
- Doesn’t believe federal government should take over the system
- Doesn’t believe oversight is the answer
- Believes a “revamping” is a good thing
6: A little from A and a little from B
- Believes companies should offer more affordable coverage
- Believes parents should have options of keeping their child on their coverage
- Believes that government should offer some level of regulation on the companies
- Legalize pot
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