Friday, Sept. 5, SODA (Sexual Orientation Diversity Alliance) held its annual drag show. Students and a faculty member performed in drag to raise money for SODA. The following are the first set of snap shots from that show.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Larry Craig Redefines "Gay
by Josh Studor
As has been widely reported, three-term U.S. Senator and UI alumnus Larry Craig resigned last week after his conviction for disorderly conduct became public. In pleading guilty, Craig admitted that there was a factual basis to the allegations that he had attempted to solicit lewd conduct from an under-cover male police officer in a public Minneapolis airport bathroom.
Though he had previously admitted to the conduct, Craig now claims that his actions were nothing more than an awkwardly wide stance while using the crapper and a paper mirage.
But, much to the elation of political humorists – and people with the sense of humor of a fifth grader – the story doesn’t end there.
Following the initial report in Roll Call, Craig held a press conference to discuss the allegations. At that conference he thanked everyone for “coming out” and told reporters, “Let me be clear. I am not gay and never have been gay.”
This statement set off shockwaves throughout the whole gay community. Prior to Craig’s definitional clarification, gay people assumed that being gay meant being attracted to members of the same sex rather than members of the opposite sex. Now, everything is nutty.
Apparently, that means that men can solicit other men for sex in a bathroom, hook up with other dudes shopping at a Boise R.E.I., and have oral sex with another man in D.C.’s Union Station and not actually be gay. The logical extension of his definition is that men can generally have sex with other men and not be gay.
Such a realization sparked joy from at least one University of Idaho Law Student. “Ha! I knew it,” shouted Josh McCarthy. “I am gayer than Josh Studor.”
Following Craig’s press conference, at least one gay man called his mothers to say, “Hey mom. Did you see? I’m not gay. Yes, I still exclusively have sex with men and yes, you will still be able to complain about me not providing you with any grand children. But I’m not gay!”
During the press conference, the senator added to his definition of “gay” saying, “I love my wife, my family, I care about friends and staff and Idaho, I love serving this great state. There are still goals I would like to accomplish and I believe I can still be an effective leader for this state.”
Clearly, if you love your wife and family, care about your friends and staff and Idaho you can’t be gay. If you have goals you would like to accomplish or if you can still be an effective leader, you are not gay.
Though not reported, Craig went on to say, “of course I am not gay. I was in a fraternity.”
It has been widely reported that Idaho Gov. Butch Otter will appoint Lt. Gov. Jim Risch as Craig’s replacement, however, there is no word about whether Risch plans to solicit men for public sex. Also, there has been no word about just how butch Otter is.
Cop takes back airport restroom
by Eric Haley
Another week, another political scandal. This one needs no introduction and I will save the obvious comedic route for the big boys like Robin Williams and Carrot Top. And besides, its hard to conjur cynicism at such a time of National celebration, LET FREEDOM RING AMERICA!
Through brave undercover operations involving strategic toilet stall monitoring and one cop who risked his life to portray the shins and feet of the criminal element, the police have taken back our (as in, We the people) Air port public restrooms, let’s dance!
Do you remember the days when the Air port public restrooms were a haven for strangers of the same sex to unwind and let their kids play after a long flight? Boy, I sure can. I remember being giddy with excitement when the Captain announced our decent into “Who gives a damnville” ( I couldn’t be bothered with questions of destination, I had visions of urinal cakes dancing in my head).
“Father, tell me, tell me, is the men’s room at this air port swell?”
“Son, when I was a boy, this was the best Air port restroom ever. Urinals short and tall, lined the walls in the Grown up’s “new arrival meet and greet” area, and there were stalls as far as the eye can see for boys to crawl under and be rascals.”
“Oh boy! I sure hope this one has hot air hand dryers and not the boring old paper towels.” I said with anticipation that rivaled a run to the tree on Christmas morning.
“We will just have to see when we get there.” He said with a knowing wink (Years later my father confessed he knew there would be hot air hand dryers but he didn’t want to ruin the surprise)
“Hooray! This shitter sounds fantastic!”
“I know son, I know.”
But what was once an oasis of wholesome family oriented fellowship had degenerated into a den of sins of the flesh. The meet and greets turned into meat markets and you could forget trusting the stall users to ignore the children playing under their feet. Yes, the children’s laughter and jovial exchanges were replaced with unspeakable propositions to engage in sexual activity in quiet possibly the most bacteria-laden environment on the planet. Soon, the Air port public restroom became what it is today, an icy prison used only to excrete bodily waste and move on.
But as American’s were we to stand by and let the criminal element takeover one of the relics that makes America great? If criminals looking for a discrete romp with strangers could invade the stalls where our children crawled and played, then why the hell do we have a police force? Thankfully, one police force in Minneapolis had enough and decided to take the fight to these harmless but unquestionably gross criminals. If these criminals were going to hide in the stalls and use code to discretely communicate their wish to do evil then, well by God, an under cover agent of lady justice would be waiting in the stall next to them. The seedy element of society has been put on notice, if you want discrete anonymous sex, the Air port public restroom better not be on your places to visit.
I don’t have a kid, or really want one but if I had one, and it was a boy (or a girl if it becomes socially acceptable for me to take her to the women’s room) I would proudly fly him to Minneapolis and when the plane lands I would look down into his eyes and choking back tears I would tell him,
“C’mon son, there’s a little piece of the Apple Pie, once taken by evil but now back in the hands of the citizens thanks to the undercover police, you go play in the stalls in the restroom when we land, Daddy’s gotta drop a deuce.”
Another week, another political scandal. This one needs no introduction and I will save the obvious comedic route for the big boys like Robin Williams and Carrot Top. And besides, its hard to conjur cynicism at such a time of National celebration, LET FREEDOM RING AMERICA!
Through brave undercover operations involving strategic toilet stall monitoring and one cop who risked his life to portray the shins and feet of the criminal element, the police have taken back our (as in, We the people) Air port public restrooms, let’s dance!
Do you remember the days when the Air port public restrooms were a haven for strangers of the same sex to unwind and let their kids play after a long flight? Boy, I sure can. I remember being giddy with excitement when the Captain announced our decent into “Who gives a damnville” ( I couldn’t be bothered with questions of destination, I had visions of urinal cakes dancing in my head).
“Father, tell me, tell me, is the men’s room at this air port swell?”
“Son, when I was a boy, this was the best Air port restroom ever. Urinals short and tall, lined the walls in the Grown up’s “new arrival meet and greet” area, and there were stalls as far as the eye can see for boys to crawl under and be rascals.”
“Oh boy! I sure hope this one has hot air hand dryers and not the boring old paper towels.” I said with anticipation that rivaled a run to the tree on Christmas morning.
“We will just have to see when we get there.” He said with a knowing wink (Years later my father confessed he knew there would be hot air hand dryers but he didn’t want to ruin the surprise)
“Hooray! This shitter sounds fantastic!”
“I know son, I know.”
But what was once an oasis of wholesome family oriented fellowship had degenerated into a den of sins of the flesh. The meet and greets turned into meat markets and you could forget trusting the stall users to ignore the children playing under their feet. Yes, the children’s laughter and jovial exchanges were replaced with unspeakable propositions to engage in sexual activity in quiet possibly the most bacteria-laden environment on the planet. Soon, the Air port public restroom became what it is today, an icy prison used only to excrete bodily waste and move on.
But as American’s were we to stand by and let the criminal element takeover one of the relics that makes America great? If criminals looking for a discrete romp with strangers could invade the stalls where our children crawled and played, then why the hell do we have a police force? Thankfully, one police force in Minneapolis had enough and decided to take the fight to these harmless but unquestionably gross criminals. If these criminals were going to hide in the stalls and use code to discretely communicate their wish to do evil then, well by God, an under cover agent of lady justice would be waiting in the stall next to them. The seedy element of society has been put on notice, if you want discrete anonymous sex, the Air port public restroom better not be on your places to visit.
I don’t have a kid, or really want one but if I had one, and it was a boy (or a girl if it becomes socially acceptable for me to take her to the women’s room) I would proudly fly him to Minneapolis and when the plane lands I would look down into his eyes and choking back tears I would tell him,
“C’mon son, there’s a little piece of the Apple Pie, once taken by evil but now back in the hands of the citizens thanks to the undercover police, you go play in the stalls in the restroom when we land, Daddy’s gotta drop a deuce.”
Get to know Moscow
So, you’re new in town or you’ve spent WAY too much time in the library (you know who you are) Well, here’s a brief guide to the top 25 locales of note (listed in no particular order) in the great city of Moscow. The first thing you need to know is, go downtown. That’s basically where everything is. Next, it is really hard to find interesting things to do during your time off. Granted, it’s probably also hard to find time off too. But if you do it right, you can play hard and work only as hard as you actually need to.
1. The Law School. You’re probably here right now. If you don’t know where that is... didn’t I see you at the Plant the other day?
2. The “Mall.” This glorious shopping bonanza contains Macy’s; Ross; Bed, Bath, and Beyond; Qdoba; Starbucks;and other places you can spend your financial aid. It’s not real money anyway — right?
3. The Kibbie Dome. You didn’t come here for the football right? At least tailgating is still fun.
4. The Plantation. Home of the yearly back to school and Halloween parties, karaoke on Friday and Saturday, bar games, bacteria, and the occasional grey-out.
5. The East Side Market. Yes, we are big enough to have an East side. This is the other pseudo-mall that has Safeway, a movie rental place, a Mexican restaurant, a Mongolian BBQ, and a “movie theater.” See Pullman for a decent theater.
6. WinCo. The largest, cheapest, and most annoying grocery store in town. And everyone knows it. It’s always packed - even at 3 a.m.
7. John’s Alley. Hippies, over-priced booze, hippies, and the same crappy jam band every weekend - what more could you ask for. Yes, the band names are different but they are the same. Trust me.
8. The Garden. You can find a law student or five almost every night of the week, but you’ll smell like you had an old school wrestling match in an ash-tray when you come out of there. Mondays = cheap drink night.
9. The Co-op. Locally grown, organic, and gold-covered. There is a bit of an excess of smug and way too much kale.
10. One World Cafe. The best coffee shop in Moscow but good luck finding a table. When you are sick of studying, you can always crack open a Spaten beer.
11. The Beach. Perhaps the only bar on the planet where you can find line dancing, step dancing, and cross-dressers in the same bar — on different nights of the week though. It boasts generally tacky décor, no hard alcohol, and is thoroughly schizophrenic.
12. C.J.’s. Moscow’s only dance club but no self-respecting law student goes here. It’s owned by a guy who told this reporter, “I specifically designed this place to get guys laid.”
13. The Corner Club. Also called, “The Club,” you enter this place a normal person and leave smelling like a fratboy who smoked a carton. It is essentially a concrete bunker that sells cheap tubs.
14. Loco Grinz. Serves great Hawai’ian plate lunch even during our crappy winters.
15. San Miguel’s. It used to be a taco truck. Now it’s the best Mexican food in town. Still, it was better at 2 a.m. on the way home from the bar.
16. Pattie’s Kitchen. Forget Qdoba, this is the place for great burritos. Plus, they cater the Welcome Back Picnic.
17. The Ale House. They brew their own beer, which is pretty good. But the food is usually overcooked and the wait staff is generally pretty bad but you are there for the beer.
18. The Red Door. Moscow’s “fancy” restaurant. A good place for a date, good food, good wine selection, French sauces, and 3L Josh McCarthy as your waitress.
19. Nectar. Good wine selection, an ever-changing menu, and an atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in Moscow, which you’ll want, especially after summer gives up her fight and the slopes are too far away with the homework that you have left to do.
20. Wal-Mart. Your source for cheap plastic crap made in China. Sure, it might be covered in lead or kill you, your children, or your pets but it’s cheap right?
21. Sangria. Another good date place as long as you don’t mind that wonderful Moscow smell of cow and suage drifting in whily you eat. Also a bit ironically, their sangria isn’t very good.
22. Wingers. If I have to explain after you read the name, you lied no your law school application. Uside, they have satelite TV so if you need to watch a game on Fox, you can do it there.
23. The Quiet Bar/University Inn. Lots of law school events happen here and I guess this is another “fancy” place. The Pantry isn’t so hot but the other places to eat and drink are pretty good.
24. The Student Rec Center. If you can avoid the place between 3 and 9 p.m., you’ll be doing yourself a favor. I mean, the view’s not bad but there are so many tools it’s like walking into Home Depot.
25. The 1912 Building. A frequent location for law school get-togethers.
Sadly, that’s about it. But you should be studying anyway.
1. The Law School. You’re probably here right now. If you don’t know where that is... didn’t I see you at the Plant the other day?
2. The “Mall.” This glorious shopping bonanza contains Macy’s; Ross; Bed, Bath, and Beyond; Qdoba; Starbucks;and other places you can spend your financial aid. It’s not real money anyway — right?
3. The Kibbie Dome. You didn’t come here for the football right? At least tailgating is still fun.
4. The Plantation. Home of the yearly back to school and Halloween parties, karaoke on Friday and Saturday, bar games, bacteria, and the occasional grey-out.
5. The East Side Market. Yes, we are big enough to have an East side. This is the other pseudo-mall that has Safeway, a movie rental place, a Mexican restaurant, a Mongolian BBQ, and a “movie theater.” See Pullman for a decent theater.
6. WinCo. The largest, cheapest, and most annoying grocery store in town. And everyone knows it. It’s always packed - even at 3 a.m.
7. John’s Alley. Hippies, over-priced booze, hippies, and the same crappy jam band every weekend - what more could you ask for. Yes, the band names are different but they are the same. Trust me.
8. The Garden. You can find a law student or five almost every night of the week, but you’ll smell like you had an old school wrestling match in an ash-tray when you come out of there. Mondays = cheap drink night.
9. The Co-op. Locally grown, organic, and gold-covered. There is a bit of an excess of smug and way too much kale.
10. One World Cafe. The best coffee shop in Moscow but good luck finding a table. When you are sick of studying, you can always crack open a Spaten beer.
11. The Beach. Perhaps the only bar on the planet where you can find line dancing, step dancing, and cross-dressers in the same bar — on different nights of the week though. It boasts generally tacky décor, no hard alcohol, and is thoroughly schizophrenic.
12. C.J.’s. Moscow’s only dance club but no self-respecting law student goes here. It’s owned by a guy who told this reporter, “I specifically designed this place to get guys laid.”
13. The Corner Club. Also called, “The Club,” you enter this place a normal person and leave smelling like a fratboy who smoked a carton. It is essentially a concrete bunker that sells cheap tubs.
14. Loco Grinz. Serves great Hawai’ian plate lunch even during our crappy winters.
15. San Miguel’s. It used to be a taco truck. Now it’s the best Mexican food in town. Still, it was better at 2 a.m. on the way home from the bar.
16. Pattie’s Kitchen. Forget Qdoba, this is the place for great burritos. Plus, they cater the Welcome Back Picnic.
17. The Ale House. They brew their own beer, which is pretty good. But the food is usually overcooked and the wait staff is generally pretty bad but you are there for the beer.
18. The Red Door. Moscow’s “fancy” restaurant. A good place for a date, good food, good wine selection, French sauces, and 3L Josh McCarthy as your waitress.
19. Nectar. Good wine selection, an ever-changing menu, and an atmosphere that makes you forget you’re in Moscow, which you’ll want, especially after summer gives up her fight and the slopes are too far away with the homework that you have left to do.
20. Wal-Mart. Your source for cheap plastic crap made in China. Sure, it might be covered in lead or kill you, your children, or your pets but it’s cheap right?
21. Sangria. Another good date place as long as you don’t mind that wonderful Moscow smell of cow and suage drifting in whily you eat. Also a bit ironically, their sangria isn’t very good.
22. Wingers. If I have to explain after you read the name, you lied no your law school application. Uside, they have satelite TV so if you need to watch a game on Fox, you can do it there.
23. The Quiet Bar/University Inn. Lots of law school events happen here and I guess this is another “fancy” place. The Pantry isn’t so hot but the other places to eat and drink are pretty good.
24. The Student Rec Center. If you can avoid the place between 3 and 9 p.m., you’ll be doing yourself a favor. I mean, the view’s not bad but there are so many tools it’s like walking into Home Depot.
25. The 1912 Building. A frequent location for law school get-togethers.
Sadly, that’s about it. But you should be studying anyway.
Legal Nuggets
by E. Wilson
Vick pleas guilty in dog-fighting controversy
Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. After initially denying involvement and blaming his cousin and friends, Vick pleaded guilty last Monday to federal dog fighting charges. The athlete will be sentenced December 10 and could face up to five years in prison. Though the NFL suspended Vick indefinitely, some people are confident he will return to the game at some point. In terms of his contract, the Falcons are trying to recoup $22 million in bonus money he received as part of the $130 million contract he signed back in 2004.
That’s a lot of money y’all!
K-Fed wants Brittany to fork over $50K for his legal expenses in the couple’s divorce case. The pair has been battling over custody of their two children, 23-month-old Sean Preston and 11-month-old Jayden James, since their divorce became final in July. Though he currently receives $20K per month in spousal support, Federline’s attorney claims there is nothing left after the rapper’s various expenses. Kools, wife-beaters, and Coors Light can really add up!
90 hours = 82 minutes??
At least when you’re a celebrity behind bars it does. Nicole Richie served time August 23 in the same L.A. county jail as her friend,Ms. Hilton, after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge. The socialite was originally sentenced to 96 hours in jail, but had it reduced to 90 after factoring in the time she spend immediately following her arrest. Thanks to overcrowding, she didn’t even make it to her cell, and was released after going through the booking area. Richie received the DUI December 11 after driving her Mercedes the wrong way on a freeway. She admitted to police that she smoked marijuana and took the painkiller, Vicodin, prior to driving.
Survivor for Kids
The New Mexico Attorney General’s office is looking into whether CBS violated any child labor laws while filming Kid Nation, a new reality show featuring 40 kids who are left alone in a mock ghost town to build their own society. The network reportedly scooted around the state’s labor rules by declaring the show a summer camp, (one that just happened to have a production crew) instead of a place of employment.
The Power of Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris CAN believe it’s not butter. Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs. Well, watch out Chuck Norris, because Mrs. Idaho is about to give you a roundhouse kick out of the spotlight. The Mrs. America contestant sprung into action last Sunday when fellow beauty Mrs. Tennessee was bit by a rattlesnake. The women were on their way to rehearsals for the September 5 finals, when the snake attacked. Fortunately, Mrs. Idaho (also a nurse) quickly extracted the snake’s fangs from her friend’s foot and helped her to the hospital, where doctors injected 10 vials of antivenom. Mrs. Idaho has two speeds: Walk, and Kill. Mrs. Idaho does not sleep. She waits.
He’s the baby’s daddy
After denying he fathered a child with Scary Spice, (AKA Melanie Brown) Eddie Murphy confirmed he was indeed the baby’s daddy following a DNA test that proved he was the father. Murphy divorced from his wife last April, with whom he has five children. The actor finally acknowledged Baby Scary in June, and decided to celebrate the occasion by asking his girlfriend, Tracey Edmonds (recent ex-wife of singer/songwriter “Babyface” Edmonds) to wed a month later. How romantic!
He’s not the daddy.
Or at least he’s not admitting it. Actor Jack Nicholson is denying allegations that he is the father of an illegitimate handicapped son. In an unauthorized biography coming out in October, author Dennis McDougal claims it is common knowledge that the actor has at least 5 love children in addition to his daughter Jennifer, but that he possibly has two more (including the handicap son).
No get out of jail card
Former Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong was sentenced Friday to a day in jail, after being held in criminal contempt of court for lying to a judge during his pursuit of rape charges against three falsely accused Duke Lacrosse players in 2006. Nifong, who had already lost his law license and resigned from office, was facing up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Instead, the judge sentenced him to jail as a symbolic gesture aimed at protecting the integrity of the justice system.
Also visiting the slammer…
Our favorite messed up celebrity, L.L. The actress copped a plea Thursday on misdemeanor drunken driving and cocaine charges, stemming from two separate arrests – one on May 26 in Beverly Hills and the other on July 24 in Santa Monica. Both incidents were immediately following the actress’s stints in rehab. Lohan will spend one day in jail, serve 10 days of community service, and complete a drug treatment program.
What a lucky b*%$!
“Queen of Mean” Leona Helmsley died August 20, leaving $12 million dollars to her Maltese, Trouble, and nothing for two of her grandchildren, “for reasons that are known to them.” Ouch.
Vick pleas guilty in dog-fighting controversy
Falcons quarterback Michael Vick. After initially denying involvement and blaming his cousin and friends, Vick pleaded guilty last Monday to federal dog fighting charges. The athlete will be sentenced December 10 and could face up to five years in prison. Though the NFL suspended Vick indefinitely, some people are confident he will return to the game at some point. In terms of his contract, the Falcons are trying to recoup $22 million in bonus money he received as part of the $130 million contract he signed back in 2004.
That’s a lot of money y’all!
K-Fed wants Brittany to fork over $50K for his legal expenses in the couple’s divorce case. The pair has been battling over custody of their two children, 23-month-old Sean Preston and 11-month-old Jayden James, since their divorce became final in July. Though he currently receives $20K per month in spousal support, Federline’s attorney claims there is nothing left after the rapper’s various expenses. Kools, wife-beaters, and Coors Light can really add up!
90 hours = 82 minutes??
At least when you’re a celebrity behind bars it does. Nicole Richie served time August 23 in the same L.A. county jail as her friend,Ms. Hilton, after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge. The socialite was originally sentenced to 96 hours in jail, but had it reduced to 90 after factoring in the time she spend immediately following her arrest. Thanks to overcrowding, she didn’t even make it to her cell, and was released after going through the booking area. Richie received the DUI December 11 after driving her Mercedes the wrong way on a freeway. She admitted to police that she smoked marijuana and took the painkiller, Vicodin, prior to driving.
Survivor for Kids
The New Mexico Attorney General’s office is looking into whether CBS violated any child labor laws while filming Kid Nation, a new reality show featuring 40 kids who are left alone in a mock ghost town to build their own society. The network reportedly scooted around the state’s labor rules by declaring the show a summer camp, (one that just happened to have a production crew) instead of a place of employment.
The Power of Chuck Norris
Chuck Norris CAN believe it’s not butter. Chuck Norris is currently suing NBC, claiming Law and Order are trademarked names for his left and right legs. Well, watch out Chuck Norris, because Mrs. Idaho is about to give you a roundhouse kick out of the spotlight. The Mrs. America contestant sprung into action last Sunday when fellow beauty Mrs. Tennessee was bit by a rattlesnake. The women were on their way to rehearsals for the September 5 finals, when the snake attacked. Fortunately, Mrs. Idaho (also a nurse) quickly extracted the snake’s fangs from her friend’s foot and helped her to the hospital, where doctors injected 10 vials of antivenom. Mrs. Idaho has two speeds: Walk, and Kill. Mrs. Idaho does not sleep. She waits.
He’s the baby’s daddy
After denying he fathered a child with Scary Spice, (AKA Melanie Brown) Eddie Murphy confirmed he was indeed the baby’s daddy following a DNA test that proved he was the father. Murphy divorced from his wife last April, with whom he has five children. The actor finally acknowledged Baby Scary in June, and decided to celebrate the occasion by asking his girlfriend, Tracey Edmonds (recent ex-wife of singer/songwriter “Babyface” Edmonds) to wed a month later. How romantic!
He’s not the daddy.
Or at least he’s not admitting it. Actor Jack Nicholson is denying allegations that he is the father of an illegitimate handicapped son. In an unauthorized biography coming out in October, author Dennis McDougal claims it is common knowledge that the actor has at least 5 love children in addition to his daughter Jennifer, but that he possibly has two more (including the handicap son).
No get out of jail card
Former Durham County District Attorney Mike Nifong was sentenced Friday to a day in jail, after being held in criminal contempt of court for lying to a judge during his pursuit of rape charges against three falsely accused Duke Lacrosse players in 2006. Nifong, who had already lost his law license and resigned from office, was facing up to 30 days in jail and a $500 fine. Instead, the judge sentenced him to jail as a symbolic gesture aimed at protecting the integrity of the justice system.
Also visiting the slammer…
Our favorite messed up celebrity, L.L. The actress copped a plea Thursday on misdemeanor drunken driving and cocaine charges, stemming from two separate arrests – one on May 26 in Beverly Hills and the other on July 24 in Santa Monica. Both incidents were immediately following the actress’s stints in rehab. Lohan will spend one day in jail, serve 10 days of community service, and complete a drug treatment program.
What a lucky b*%$!
“Queen of Mean” Leona Helmsley died August 20, leaving $12 million dollars to her Maltese, Trouble, and nothing for two of her grandchildren, “for reasons that are known to them.” Ouch.
First-years need pro bono credit
by Jordan Taylor
As I wrote in these pages last year, the current pro bono policy of the College of Law is that First Year students cannot receive any pro bono credit until after the end of spring semester exams. After lobbying by outgoing SBA President Pele Peacock and others, the Pro Bono Advisory Committee recently submitted a new proposal to the Faculty Council for a vote by the faculty.
The proposal is as follows:
All pro bono work done by the class of 2010 during their 1L second semester will count toward the graduation requirement. For the class of 2009 pro bono done during their second semester will count towards graduation recognition. Students who have complete 80 and 120 hours of pro bono will receive special “graduation recognition.” There will also be special award for select students who have demonstrated outstanding personal service in the area of pro bono.
Note that 1L’s can receive pro bono credit for activities in addition to Alternative Spring Break, such as LSADR Mediations in Small Claims Court, Education Programs, and many other pro bono programs. The standard for granting pro bono credit will be the same for 1L’s as it is for all other students.
I think this proposal is fair and reasonable. Last year I criticized the faculty as being overly paternalistic for not granting 1L’s pro bono credit. After looking in to the issue, it seems the faculty was merely negligent in
PRO BONO continued Page 8
addressing the issue – the issue came up at the end of a long meeting and lost in a narrow vote.
There are many reasons to grant 1L’s pro bono. Many 1L’s are going to be doing the work regardless; they might as well get credit for it. Also, the school has “mandatory pro bono” – they should not discourage those who have a genuine interest early on from participating. Finally, there is a lot of need and 1L’s can do a lot of great things.
The faculty will be voting on the above proposal on SEPT 5th at 3:30. If you feel as strongly about this issue as I do, I encourage you to talk to your professors and let them know why 1L’s should receive pro bono credit. Track them down in the hall, send them an email, or go to their office. If the faculty recognizes how passionate the students are about pro bono, they will surely allow 1L’s to get involved.
As I wrote in these pages last year, the current pro bono policy of the College of Law is that First Year students cannot receive any pro bono credit until after the end of spring semester exams. After lobbying by outgoing SBA President Pele Peacock and others, the Pro Bono Advisory Committee recently submitted a new proposal to the Faculty Council for a vote by the faculty.
The proposal is as follows:
All pro bono work done by the class of 2010 during their 1L second semester will count toward the graduation requirement. For the class of 2009 pro bono done during their second semester will count towards graduation recognition. Students who have complete 80 and 120 hours of pro bono will receive special “graduation recognition.” There will also be special award for select students who have demonstrated outstanding personal service in the area of pro bono.
Note that 1L’s can receive pro bono credit for activities in addition to Alternative Spring Break, such as LSADR Mediations in Small Claims Court, Education Programs, and many other pro bono programs. The standard for granting pro bono credit will be the same for 1L’s as it is for all other students.
I think this proposal is fair and reasonable. Last year I criticized the faculty as being overly paternalistic for not granting 1L’s pro bono credit. After looking in to the issue, it seems the faculty was merely negligent in
PRO BONO continued Page 8
addressing the issue – the issue came up at the end of a long meeting and lost in a narrow vote.
There are many reasons to grant 1L’s pro bono. Many 1L’s are going to be doing the work regardless; they might as well get credit for it. Also, the school has “mandatory pro bono” – they should not discourage those who have a genuine interest early on from participating. Finally, there is a lot of need and 1L’s can do a lot of great things.
The faculty will be voting on the above proposal on SEPT 5th at 3:30. If you feel as strongly about this issue as I do, I encourage you to talk to your professors and let them know why 1L’s should receive pro bono credit. Track them down in the hall, send them an email, or go to their office. If the faculty recognizes how passionate the students are about pro bono, they will surely allow 1L’s to get involved.
Deep Thoughts
by R.J. Linnan
As possible, I respond to letters in a column called “Dear, RJ.” Since it’s early, and I don’t have any questions, I give you dear readers a short list of thoughts overheard in the first three weeks of school, and relayed to me by a mind reading law student who wishes to remain anonymous.
• Jesus, did they catch E.T in the lobby?
• One more SECOND of DIVERSITY training, and I am going to choke someone.
• Lawyers drink too much. I GET IT!!
• Does Dean Burnett use any words that AREN’T in Black’s Law Dictionary?
• This chick bugs me.
• What time does the liquor store close?
• 15 minutes left.
• Who IS this chick??
• “Whereas.” What an ass.
• “Last night it was Guinness, Scotch, and Grand Marnier.” – “Oh, so it was like an embassy party.”
• “As a prosecutor, you’re going to find a lot of your witnesses are scumbags.” I wonder if he is including cops.
• I must have been reading from the wrong part of the book.
• Why does that guy PERPETUALLY have sunglasses on his head?
• How does she talk that fast?
• Great. Introductions again. I REALLY don’t want to know any more about this person
• Is it too late to go to business school?
• Is RJ DANCING??
• Who told Kenzo he could sing?
• Did I call him a douchebag on Saturday? Ah, shit… I think I called him a douchebag on Saturday.
• Re-distribute all the wealth, huh, Che McCarthy?
• So bored
• How many frickin’ IM windows does she have open??
• For the love of GOD it’s hot in this room. Why can’t there just be ONE TEMPERATURE in this f-ing building??
• Please don’t call on me. Please don’t call on me.
• Suck up.
• A wide stance huh?
• Wait. Larry Craig never hit on me.
• Giant sucking noise, huh? I thought that was just Moscow.
• Giant sucking noise? Maybe it was coming from Senator Craig’s office.
For future Inter Alia issues, please send your Dear RJ questions to rjlinnan@vandals.uidaho.edu. Past questions have included queries into the reason that pedestrians and bicyclists in Moscow are such ridiculously annoying idiots, confrontations with teachers, confrontations with classmates, and Lance Armstrong’s testicles, so feel free to write on whatever topic you’d like, and I will look forward to trying to help.
As possible, I respond to letters in a column called “Dear, RJ.” Since it’s early, and I don’t have any questions, I give you dear readers a short list of thoughts overheard in the first three weeks of school, and relayed to me by a mind reading law student who wishes to remain anonymous.
• Jesus, did they catch E.T in the lobby?
• One more SECOND of DIVERSITY training, and I am going to choke someone.
• Lawyers drink too much. I GET IT!!
• Does Dean Burnett use any words that AREN’T in Black’s Law Dictionary?
• This chick bugs me.
• What time does the liquor store close?
• 15 minutes left.
• Who IS this chick??
• “Whereas.” What an ass.
• “Last night it was Guinness, Scotch, and Grand Marnier.” – “Oh, so it was like an embassy party.”
• “As a prosecutor, you’re going to find a lot of your witnesses are scumbags.” I wonder if he is including cops.
• I must have been reading from the wrong part of the book.
• Why does that guy PERPETUALLY have sunglasses on his head?
• How does she talk that fast?
• Great. Introductions again. I REALLY don’t want to know any more about this person
• Is it too late to go to business school?
• Is RJ DANCING??
• Who told Kenzo he could sing?
• Did I call him a douchebag on Saturday? Ah, shit… I think I called him a douchebag on Saturday.
• Re-distribute all the wealth, huh, Che McCarthy?
• So bored
• How many frickin’ IM windows does she have open??
• For the love of GOD it’s hot in this room. Why can’t there just be ONE TEMPERATURE in this f-ing building??
• Please don’t call on me. Please don’t call on me.
• Suck up.
• A wide stance huh?
• Wait. Larry Craig never hit on me.
• Giant sucking noise, huh? I thought that was just Moscow.
• Giant sucking noise? Maybe it was coming from Senator Craig’s office.
For future Inter Alia issues, please send your Dear RJ questions to rjlinnan@vandals.uidaho.edu. Past questions have included queries into the reason that pedestrians and bicyclists in Moscow are such ridiculously annoying idiots, confrontations with teachers, confrontations with classmates, and Lance Armstrong’s testicles, so feel free to write on whatever topic you’d like, and I will look forward to trying to help.
Law School Dos and Don'ts
by Mark Coppin
Don’t: Submit articles to Inter Alia with the sole purpose of offending the entire student body. Doing this may create a dangerous bottleneck of would-be complainers attempting to gain access to the Dean’s office. Here’s a tip: If you must offend, attempt to alienate a single student or group of students one week at a time. This will create a steady, manageable stream of complaints and drama and avoid the dangerous deluge of torch wielding villagers.
Do: Recycle. Even if you hate the environment, trees, and dirt worshiping hippies, it is just easier to throw your plastic bottle in the bin marked “Plastic Only” than it is to listen to the tree huggers whine. Save the eardrums! Recycle.
Don’t: Rush in to the classroom before the other class has had a chance to get up out of their seats and exit the classroom. As eager as you may be to dive in to the day’s learning, it’s not going to happen any faster by rushing the room. The professor will still wait until the designated start time and you’re only going to make the aisles feel like Wal-Mart on back-to-school weekend.
Do: Get involved in clubs and organizations/Attend social events. You are not allowed to complain about the law school, Moscow, or North Idaho if you refuse to participate and contribute to the efforts to make life here a little better.
Don’t: Raise your hand in class. While you may think we all care that you used to work in a job that gives you some special insight into the practical application of some concept, we really don’t. Do not waste our time because you feel the need to supplement the course materials with your own anecdotal observations about life in the small town where you grew up. If you find yourself starting a comment with “As a [insert qualifying characteristic]…” stop! Take a deep breath.
Do: Raise your hand in class to answer questions. We all have to chip in folks. The awkward silence that follows a professor’s plea for “anyone” who may know the answer is almost as painful as the annoying sound of the same two people answering questions every day. To make matters worse these people are often the same people guilty of instructing professors (see above). Take one for the team. Raise your hand every now and then.
Don’t: Stare at your neighbors’ laptop screen. If the student next to you chooses to play solitaire, send instant messages, shop for shoes, write in their blog, check sports scores, or even look at porn, it’s none of your business. If you feel the need to complain to professors about the things appearing on the surrounding screens, you probably need a life. We take finals on the same notebooks in the same classrooms. Get in the habit of keeping your eyes on your own work.
Do: Shower and use deodorant. You know who you are and your odor bothers us almost as bad as your whining about recycling.
Don’t: “Phu” the food. Contrary to what many students may think, nobody owes you a free lunch. If you want to partake of the bribe, at least have the decency to stay for the meeting. Also, staying for the meeting means at least pretending to pay attention.
Editor’s Note:
Phu (foo) verb
1. To attend a meeting or law school event simply to eat the food.
[origin: Vietnamese. Meaning a strange, fashion-challenged law student who goes to everything event that has free food including, but not limited to, The Federalist Society and the ACLU meetings.]
Do: Encourage your student organization to find something other than pizza to serve at meetings.
Don’t: Attempt to quiet your neighbors in the carrels next door by means of some passive aggressive strategy. This includes; Screaming “SHHHHH” to no one, Stating loudly something about someone being “rude” or a “jerk”, sending emails to the SBA, and complaining to the administration. As much as his or her conversation might be bugging you, you are probably going to bug everyone else even more. Here’s a tip: Here at U of I we strive to become lawyers, people who function in our adversarial legal system. If you are so afraid of conflict that you can’t even speak to your classmate about possibly lowering his or her voice, perhaps you should consider another career. I understand there is a great program for high school guidance counselors across the street.
Don’t: Submit articles to Inter Alia with the sole purpose of offending the entire student body. Doing this may create a dangerous bottleneck of would-be complainers attempting to gain access to the Dean’s office. Here’s a tip: If you must offend, attempt to alienate a single student or group of students one week at a time. This will create a steady, manageable stream of complaints and drama and avoid the dangerous deluge of torch wielding villagers.
Do: Recycle. Even if you hate the environment, trees, and dirt worshiping hippies, it is just easier to throw your plastic bottle in the bin marked “Plastic Only” than it is to listen to the tree huggers whine. Save the eardrums! Recycle.
Don’t: Rush in to the classroom before the other class has had a chance to get up out of their seats and exit the classroom. As eager as you may be to dive in to the day’s learning, it’s not going to happen any faster by rushing the room. The professor will still wait until the designated start time and you’re only going to make the aisles feel like Wal-Mart on back-to-school weekend.
Do: Get involved in clubs and organizations/Attend social events. You are not allowed to complain about the law school, Moscow, or North Idaho if you refuse to participate and contribute to the efforts to make life here a little better.
Don’t: Raise your hand in class. While you may think we all care that you used to work in a job that gives you some special insight into the practical application of some concept, we really don’t. Do not waste our time because you feel the need to supplement the course materials with your own anecdotal observations about life in the small town where you grew up. If you find yourself starting a comment with “As a [insert qualifying characteristic]…” stop! Take a deep breath.
Do: Raise your hand in class to answer questions. We all have to chip in folks. The awkward silence that follows a professor’s plea for “anyone” who may know the answer is almost as painful as the annoying sound of the same two people answering questions every day. To make matters worse these people are often the same people guilty of instructing professors (see above). Take one for the team. Raise your hand every now and then.
Don’t: Stare at your neighbors’ laptop screen. If the student next to you chooses to play solitaire, send instant messages, shop for shoes, write in their blog, check sports scores, or even look at porn, it’s none of your business. If you feel the need to complain to professors about the things appearing on the surrounding screens, you probably need a life. We take finals on the same notebooks in the same classrooms. Get in the habit of keeping your eyes on your own work.
Do: Shower and use deodorant. You know who you are and your odor bothers us almost as bad as your whining about recycling.
Don’t: “Phu” the food. Contrary to what many students may think, nobody owes you a free lunch. If you want to partake of the bribe, at least have the decency to stay for the meeting. Also, staying for the meeting means at least pretending to pay attention.
Editor’s Note:
Phu (foo) verb
1. To attend a meeting or law school event simply to eat the food.
[origin: Vietnamese. Meaning a strange, fashion-challenged law student who goes to everything event that has free food including, but not limited to, The Federalist Society and the ACLU meetings.]
Do: Encourage your student organization to find something other than pizza to serve at meetings.
Don’t: Attempt to quiet your neighbors in the carrels next door by means of some passive aggressive strategy. This includes; Screaming “SHHHHH” to no one, Stating loudly something about someone being “rude” or a “jerk”, sending emails to the SBA, and complaining to the administration. As much as his or her conversation might be bugging you, you are probably going to bug everyone else even more. Here’s a tip: Here at U of I we strive to become lawyers, people who function in our adversarial legal system. If you are so afraid of conflict that you can’t even speak to your classmate about possibly lowering his or her voice, perhaps you should consider another career. I understand there is a great program for high school guidance counselors across the street.
A Strange Primary Season Approaches
by David Morse
I know who will be the next president of the United States. Also, I will buy some ocean front property in Moscow. It has a unicorn farm. Any political analyst who claims certain knowledge of the major party nominations for president is delusional, inattentive or lying. Oh certainly, we have our hopes, fears and probabilities. But this is one of the most altered and confusing political seasons in the history of the United States. Even excluding the wide open cast of both major-party races and the regular political intrigue, there is still the fact that the nominating process has turned upside-down.
First, quick polisci101… depending on the jurisdiction, each state party either selects its delegates using either a primary or a caucus. Caucuses are a gathering of party members in an informal town meeting with apportionments based on head counts for candidates. Primaries are simple ballot votes.
In politics, timing is everything. Traditionally, primaries and caucuses have been held in Iowa and New Hampshire first. Then after the 1st Tuesday of February, state parties hold their nominations along the next 6 months. Spread out nominations enables the vetting process of candidates and direct competition in early states, with early wins propelling candidates forward.
After 2004, the DNC decided to move Nevada’s and South Carolina’s nominations before February 5th, 2008 as well. The RNC chose to hold status quo.
However, now the state parties have gotten into a “Me-first” fight. According to the latest NASS calendar of 2008 primaries/caucuses, Wyoming republicans moved up their nomination to Jan. 5. Iowa is on Jan. 14. Nevada and S. Carolina Republicans are on Jan 19. Florida and S. Carolina Democrats are on Jan. 29. New Hampshire is marked TBD and Michigan and Ohio are poised to move their primaries before Feb. 5th as well.
Not to mention all the big states that moved their date up to February 5th itself.
This leap-frog process has forced Mama DNC to pull out the belt on Florida. Florida democrats chose to follow the lead of the Florida legislature and consider the vote on Jan. 29 to be determinative, instead of hold a separate caucus a week later. The DNC is withholding all Florida’s delegates to the democratic nominating convention as an example to other states planning to leapfrog ahead. If Florida democrats don’t back down, front-runner Hillary Clinton will take the hardest hit, as her popularity in the state would assure her the largest portion of delegates. Meanwhile, Papa RNC took a few state parties behind the woodshed as well. Florida, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Michigan and South Carolina will all lose half their delegates at the republican nominating convention unless they fall in line as well. This will affect any republican candidates who have put their emphasis on those states as well.
The question remains will these groundings get the states in line, or will the house of cards fall. At this point, it is anybody’s guess.
But, just as a side note, Kansas has opted not to hold a presidential primary election for 2008.
I know who will be the next president of the United States. Also, I will buy some ocean front property in Moscow. It has a unicorn farm. Any political analyst who claims certain knowledge of the major party nominations for president is delusional, inattentive or lying. Oh certainly, we have our hopes, fears and probabilities. But this is one of the most altered and confusing political seasons in the history of the United States. Even excluding the wide open cast of both major-party races and the regular political intrigue, there is still the fact that the nominating process has turned upside-down.
First, quick polisci101… depending on the jurisdiction, each state party either selects its delegates using either a primary or a caucus. Caucuses are a gathering of party members in an informal town meeting with apportionments based on head counts for candidates. Primaries are simple ballot votes.
In politics, timing is everything. Traditionally, primaries and caucuses have been held in Iowa and New Hampshire first. Then after the 1st Tuesday of February, state parties hold their nominations along the next 6 months. Spread out nominations enables the vetting process of candidates and direct competition in early states, with early wins propelling candidates forward.
After 2004, the DNC decided to move Nevada’s and South Carolina’s nominations before February 5th, 2008 as well. The RNC chose to hold status quo.
However, now the state parties have gotten into a “Me-first” fight. According to the latest NASS calendar of 2008 primaries/caucuses, Wyoming republicans moved up their nomination to Jan. 5. Iowa is on Jan. 14. Nevada and S. Carolina Republicans are on Jan 19. Florida and S. Carolina Democrats are on Jan. 29. New Hampshire is marked TBD and Michigan and Ohio are poised to move their primaries before Feb. 5th as well.
Not to mention all the big states that moved their date up to February 5th itself.
This leap-frog process has forced Mama DNC to pull out the belt on Florida. Florida democrats chose to follow the lead of the Florida legislature and consider the vote on Jan. 29 to be determinative, instead of hold a separate caucus a week later. The DNC is withholding all Florida’s delegates to the democratic nominating convention as an example to other states planning to leapfrog ahead. If Florida democrats don’t back down, front-runner Hillary Clinton will take the hardest hit, as her popularity in the state would assure her the largest portion of delegates. Meanwhile, Papa RNC took a few state parties behind the woodshed as well. Florida, New Hampshire, Wyoming, Michigan and South Carolina will all lose half their delegates at the republican nominating convention unless they fall in line as well. This will affect any republican candidates who have put their emphasis on those states as well.
The question remains will these groundings get the states in line, or will the house of cards fall. At this point, it is anybody’s guess.
But, just as a side note, Kansas has opted not to hold a presidential primary election for 2008.
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