L Word report
 

Hey, I'm here for you man.

There was much rolling around, a lot of breasts, a lot of heads moving down in certain directions, a very amusing scene in a gynecologist's office, but covered by the gynecologist drape thing, so all in all, a lot implied, not as much shown.

Please, Fashion Gods, Strike Her Down
 

A true monstrosity, perhaps unsurprising coming from someone who spent her wrestling career in pleather bikinis:

http://entertainment.msn.com/photos/...=202315#photos

L Word report
 

So much for cross-marketing.

Please, Fashion Gods, Strike Her Down
 

She looks like a drag queen who went very very wrong.

BTW.
 

If anyone has opinions regarding flat screen tvs, I posted a question on the Other Gadgets board, and would appreciate your responses.

I assume all FBers are the exception to the rule
 

The Loire Valley? Silicon Valley? Texas's "The Valley" where they grow grapefruit? The Los Angeles area Valley, home of the Valley Girls?

Also, I note that this poll has degenerated into a "look how exotic my practice is" fest in just two posts. Please quit.

I assume all FBers are the exception to the rule
 

My list:

(1) Fiji - who do they think the are anyway? Exotic assholes
(2) Antarctica - frozen exotic assholes
(3) Galapagos Islands - Darwin exotic assholes
(4) French Riviera - connards exotiques!! Je suis si divers!
(5) Delaware

Miss Manners reviews Mona Lisa Smiles
 

Well, not really, but the movie apparently annoyed her, too, for slightly different reasons than it annoyed everyone else.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...2004Jan17.html

A Snide 'Smile'

Sunday, January 18, 2004; Page D02

If a Wellesley graduate of a certain age worries about attracting retrospective ridicule, her mind races to . . . posture pictures. Uh-oh.

These were photographs once taken of all students, ostensibly for health reasons connected with posture. As was revealed decades later, the photographs had been ordered in cooperation with a dubious sociological study done independently of the school, which purported to connect body types with intelligence (such as can be discerned from freshmen). These so-called posture pictures were not unique to Wellesley, nor to female colleges; Ivy League colleges, then all-male institutions, also mandated them.

The "uh-oh" is that the female photographs were taken nearly nude, and the male ones entirely so. Whatever effect this had on the posture, knowing that revealing photographs of oneself are out there somewhere beyond one's control ought to teach humility.

If people now want to laugh at the 1950s in general, as it seems they often do, and at Wellesley College in particular, Miss Manners would have thought this provided ample material. The fact that at the time it produced jokes, rather than protests, could illustrate the standard thesis that everyone then was gridlocked into conformity. And think of the visuals, starring innumerable current dignitaries.

But no. The new film with this thesis, "Mona Lisa Smile," passes up mentioning posture pictures for something more shocking: a scene purporting to show Wellesley students taking a course in, of all things, etiquette (and never mind that today's students of both genders are actively seeking remedial etiquette instruction).

But Wellesley did not teach etiquette. Miss Manners was there at the time, and you had better believe that she would have noticed. Even Posture and Relaxation, which served as a cover for the posture pictures, was only a mini-course in the Physical Education department, not -- more's the pity -- an area of study in which she could have captured high honors.

For one thing, the practice of etiquette is not an academic subject (nor, by Wellesley's standards, was journalism, another field into which Miss Manners later fell headfirst). The history and theory of manners are academic subjects, but even now few academics understand this element of philosophy, history, anthropology, sociology and literature.

For another thing, it would have been superfluous, as all the students, not just prissy Miss Manners, knew basic etiquette. This was not because they attended an expensive school, but because etiquette was something all children had to suffer through at home.

Innocent of the history of etiquette, the film is rife with anachronisms. Students were given the dignity of being addressed by title and surname, and faculty eschewed the title of "doctor," since their doctorates were taken for granted. "Poise" was a word associated with beauty contests, which were disdained; the term "gracious living" was said as a joke.

More deeply, the film fails to question the assumption that female students were at Wellesley to pursue marriage, when accomplishing this required an exactly equal number of males with the same goal. Whether they first establish their families and then build their careers, as then, or reverse the order, as now, does not strike Miss Manners as much of a change.

What does shock her is the realization that posing naked is hardly worth mentioning these days, but knowing how to behave is considered damning.

I assume all FBers are the exception to the rule
 

Yeah, shocked the hell out of me, too, but it is a repeated experience. The Dubliner's I've met practicing over here have seemed pretty decent sorts.

Haven't noticed much assholishness with DCers, but in corp I've dealt mostly with regulatory compliance/public contracting types, who tend not to have the raging egos/inadequacies that fuel assholishness. Lit/lobbying/gov't ee types might be different.

A couple people mentioned US assholes in Asia - I've only dealt with one, who was pretty nice though with just one guy I can't really have an opinion, but the Asian lawyers in Asia I've dealt with have all exhibited exemplary behavior and, with a couple notable exceptions, an impressive lack of flexibility or imagination. I understand I am far from lonely in this observation.

I assume the NYC FBers are the exception to the rule
 

This technique may not crossover from lit to corp very well, but recently I got that argument from opposing counsel, in front of a discovery referee, and responded "Of course, we all know that when a lawyer begins an argument with 'never in my xxx years of practice have I seen...', what he's really saying is 'I have absolutely no controlling, persuasive, or even relevant judicial or scholarly authority to support my position, so instead I will cite my own unverifiable personal experience.'"


Worked like a charm.

I assume the NYC FBers are the exception to the rule
 

All ways of short-circuiting variants on the "if you can't hit the substance hit the table" strategy.

It is a bit tetchier to deal with in corp, I think, because in corp-world there aren't really many "precendents" or "regs" or other substantive authorities to ultimately fall back on - you have nothing but your experience. Therefore, someone claiming contrary relevant experience tends to hit at everyone else's insecurities in their basic competence in a way that might be different from other areas of practice. It takes some backbone to say "so what?"

Ticketmaster
 

One ticket for the North Mississippi Allstars = $20

Total price of ticket after service/transaction fees = $31.50.

Over 50% (math IS hard) more than the ticket price.

[sound of one hand clapping]
 

so it seems that many people have a holiday today. are the people here today working despite the holiday or are they like me - no firm holiday today?

it is nice and quiet today at work. no phone calls. all my clients have a holiday. time to get caught up...

[sound of one hand clapping]
 

I am here and "working," meaning that I am looking for a dress for a family wedding.

[sound of one hand clapping]
 

No firm holiday here. The fact that I am also going to trial very soon doesn't help either...

The Empire Strikes Back
 

Since it's kind of slow here today, I figured I'd post this.

Microsoft sues seventeen-year-old for (I'm sure they mean) trademark infringement. (Spree: involves Canadians and geeks, but no nudity.)

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmp...ft_unhappy&e=3

Discuss.

The Empire Strikes Back
 

I understand Microsoft's self-protection from a legal perspective, but their in-house counsel and the management jerk who authorized and made a $10 settlement offer ought to be bitch-slapped. Or at the very least, they ought to have the decency to blush.

The Empire Strikes Back
 

there was a good deal of this sort of domain name "reserving" that went on early. There are now statutes against it. no thinking company would offer much; they'd be in for a flood of follow up nuisance payments.
The kid admits he took the name to sound like Microsoft, so don't feel bad for him. I suppose, since search engines don't search by sound alike, this is benign, but still. If you screw with Microsoft, you should expect a 25 page letter from some lawfirm.
Plus, they hired my favorite firm name, Smart & Baggar.

Miss Manners reviews Mona Lisa Smiles
 

Good rule. It also explains why people who go by "Esq." are tools.

The "only MDs go by 'doctor'" rule was also in place at my undergrad institution --- ostensibly for a historical reason having to do with one of the founders being a little sensitive about never having finished school despite notable achievements, academic and otherwise. Like all other college lore, this was likely a crock of shit.

Now, where can I get one of those posture pictures?

Miss Manners reviews Mona Lisa Smiles
 

I believe "Dr. Laura" took a similar hit from actual psychiatrists for having a non-medical doctorate yet happily implying she had one.

That, and Dr. Morality's nude photos. But I can't imagine you'd want to get one of those.

Miss Manners reviews Mona Lisa Smiles
 

Funny you should ask. Just this weekend I bought a large lot of them from a Brown "clean out the archives" sale. Of course the one of your mother I'm sending to you, for the sake of decorum*. I am going to post your "auntie" on the webpage "everwonderwhatdebslookedlikebackinthedaynaked.com" Unless her family gives me 10000, of course.

* stain was there when I got it.

[sound of one hand clapping]
 

No holiday here. I'm just actually trying to get some things out the door. That, and I have nothing to ass.

Miss Manners reviews Mona Lisa Smiles
 

I'd write you a nasty letter on behalf of her family, but I think we should wait for the Smart one to do that.

Miss Manners reviews Mona Lisa Smiles
 

Almost every state has a law stating that only licensed physicians can use terms like "Dr.," "M.D." "Doctor" etc. It has often pissed me off when people who are not physicians use it -- I work in the healthcare industry and I need to find out if they really are or not and have, on more than one occasion, had to chastise a non-licensed individual for using "Dr." on em's business cards, etc.

I assume the NYC FBers are the exception to the rule
 

Judges hate that grandstanding horseshit. I had this happen about two weeks ago. Some asshole harrumphed "Youuuur honor, I havenever seen anyone raise so many unfounded objections during a deposition. He interrupted and didn't let his client answer anything." Judge said "Well, isn't that his job? And isn't it your job to rephrase to avoid the objection? Why are you here?" That pretty much ended the motion right there. I chose not to even raise a rebuttal.

football
 

hard to believe that Philly choked again. Peter King's column today mentions that pre-game yesterday an Eagles fan said that Philly would win b/c they aren't Buffalo. Um, of course not - Buffalo made it to the Super Bowl... Wonder how much lower advertising rates will be for NE-Carolina than NE-Philly.

The Empire Strikes Back
 

Didn't read the article, but the firm's name is actually Smart & Biggar, not Bagger.

Movie Suggestion
 

I rented "The Order"(starring Heath Ledger) over the weekend. Very good. Much better than Freddy versus Jason, which I rented and watched only because my husband who normally will not watch "my" movies* said he would watch it with me.

Anyway, "The Order" was good. I recommend it. Even if you don't normally like movies with a religious theme. Or ones with Heath Ledger in them. There was enough creepy satanic kind of stuff to balance everything and make it a nice "thriller."



*ones with knives and blood and guts and creepy people who are always trying to kill you.

Miss Manners reviews Mona Lisa Smiles
 

I thought that Doctor standing alone isn't generally prohibited in these statutes, but only "doctor of medicine", "doctor of podiatry" etc.

The practice is boorish, but I think it's only actually illegal in a handful of states.

Dr. Greedy, Jd

The Empire Strikes Back
 

thank you. for whomever it was who thought I did typos on purpose, this should answer your question. I ruined why the firm name is fun; it could not have been intentional.

I actually interviewed at Smart, but couldn't afford Toronto.

Miss Manners reviews Mona Lisa Smiles
 

I thought most of those regs were limited to the actual practice of medicine (health advertising-related, or related to actually practicing medicine (which could muck you up if you are a physical therapist with a PhD in divinity but not an MD, I guess). Probably depends on local regs, but I'd imagine a hospital administrator with a doctorate in hospital administration might well have the right (legal and customary) to use "Dr." for their business.

Random statute examples:

NY: "any person who uses the title "doctor" in making representations for the purpose of inducing...the purchase of drugs, devices or cosmetic...or other goods or services intended to diagnose, treat, mitigate, prevent or cure any human disease, pain, injury, deformity, nutritional deficiency or physical condition ...shall conspicuously disclose the profession in which he or she is licensed ...where no license is required ...such persons shall conspicuously disclose the major subject in which the degree was earned and the name of the institution that issued the degree." New York State General Business Law ("Advertising--Use of Title 'Doctor'," Chapter 65, S.3440, A.5376)

Maine: Unless licensed by the board, an individual may not practice medicine or surgery or a branch of medicine or surgery or claim to be legally licensed to practice medicine or surgery or a branch of medicine or surgery within the State by diagnosing, relieving in any degree or curing, or professing or attempting to diagnose, relieve or cure a human disease, ailment, defect or complaint, whether physical or mental, or of physical and mental origin, by attendance or by advice, or by prescribing or furnishing a drug, medicine, appliance, manipulation, method or a therapeutic agent whatsoever or in any other manner unless otherwise provided by statutes of this State. An individual licensed under chapter 36 may prefix the title "Doctor" or the letters "Dr." to that individual's name, as provided in section 2581, or a chiropractor licensed by this State may prefix the title "Doctor" or the letters "Dr." to that individual's name when accompanied by the word "Chiropractor," or a dentist duly licensed by this State may prefix the title "Doctor" or the letters "Dr." to that individual's name or a naturopathic doctor licensed by this State may prefix the title "Doctor" or the letters "Dr." to that individual's name when accompanied by the word "Naturopathy" or the words "Naturopathic Medicine" or an optometrist duly licensed under the laws of this State may prefix the title "Doctor" or the letters "Dr." to that individual's name when accompanied by the word "Optometrist" or a podiatrist licensed under the laws of this State may prefix the title "Doctor" or the letters "Dr." to that individual's name when accompanied by the word "Podiatrist" or "Chiropodist."

Standard practice (in the US at least) has long been that (i) real doctorate holders use the title professionally but not socially, (ii) MDs and doctors of divinity use the title both professionally and socially, and (iii) other "profesional" doctoral degree holders (e.g.: JDs) never use the title. There are a couple of other people who get a courtesy title of Dr. (ships doctors, for instance, whether or not they have an MD, and dentists ususally by statute get to use it based on a DDS). European practice varies widely - in a number of countries you can only use the title "Dr." if the country in question has passed a law recognizing the sort of degree you received from the specific institution you received it as being the equivalent of a local doctorate.

edited to add: of course, best practice (as opposed to traditional practice) in the US since its inception has been for no one to insist on any title in any setting other than "Mr." and applicable variants. Snootier universities seem to be about the only place this has any hope of sticking, though.

football
 

Both matchups would be lower rated than Indy-Philly. That's going to be one boring-ass game.

Maybe someone can refresh my memory, but didn't the NFL eliminate the off week between the Conference Championship games and the Super Bowl when they lenghtened the season, or am I imagining things? Why is the Super Bowl two weeks away this year?

I assume the NYC FBers are the exception to the rule
 

Somebody told me years ago the rule "Last man to speak loses." I think it comes from an ancient IBM sales manual. I've always tried to live by it (of course, not on this board) and it seems to work. The other one that I notice works is "Never raise your voice." I seem to notice that things don't go too well for me when I (a) say too much, i.e., have to get the last word in, and (b) get angry.

I think most people overprepare and script their arguments or negotiations, so that when they should be listening to what the judge or other side is saying, they're instead planning their next comment. Judges are acutely aware of this, and I think it offends them. It also wastes time.

Miss Manners reviews Mona Lisa Smiles
 

Agreed. Addressing oneself as "Doctor" for a non-MD doctorate or "Esquire" for anything ever are the "Maestro" of the self-important egghead world. Either ought to be instant ground for perpetual social ostracism and both conspicuous and behind-the-back snickering.

That said, I got a big kick out of sending my 'baby' cousin her first letter with "Esq." after her name. She was thrilled.

Miss Manners reviews Mona Lisa Smiles
 

I have always preferred going by the more simple "effendi".

More respect, less ambivalence. Plus, no one ever expects you to opine on disgusting rashes at parties.

Miss Manners reviews Mona Lisa Smiles
 

And then you look in California where the law is:

"Any person, who uses in any sign, business card, letterhead or an advertisement the word 'doctor', the letters or prefix 'Dr.' or the letters 'M.D.', or any other term or letters indicating or implying that he is a physician and surgeon, physician, surgeon or practitioner under the terms of this or any other law, or that he is entitled to practice hereunder, or under any other law, without having at the time of so doing a valid, unrevoked certificate, as provided in this chapter, is guilty of a misdemeanor."

Would they prosecute someone who is using one of the terms and not trying to otherwise pass himself off as a physician -- don't know. I do know that in my industry I cannot let unlicensed persons go around with "Dr." on their business cards so I just tell them no -- no exceptions.

I assume the NYC FBers are the exception to the rule
 

Corporate deals are different because there is no Judge. It's just who's client blinks first; see Thurgreed's client, who says take it or leave it.
The only time when litigation gets like that is when you're doing the detail of a settlement agreement, and both sides have bought into "its over." It is often apparent puffery to say "this is a deal breaker" when you're talking about some secondary point.
Ain't nobody going to tell the client he's back in court so that we get the "admission that D was wrong" or some other detail.

Miss Manners reviews Mona Lisa Smiles
 

I'm thinking I could cut a big swath through the local universities with this one. Take that, you non-MD professor of Liberal Arts! How dare you make your students refer to you as "Dr."!

football
 

It may be a result of the post-9/11 world. Remember how they had to cancel a week then and reschedule the Super Bowl? I believe a big payoff to the auto convention booked for the Superdome the rescheduled weekend was required in order to move the big game. I believe there's been a scheduled week off ever since.

Miss Manners reviews Mona Lisa Smiles
 

I'd note that, even under that statute, someone with "The Reverend Dr. Augustus Travail" or "Dr. Augustus Travail, DD" would get a pass because the use doesn't imply he is a physician.

Were I in charge of organizatonal compliance, however, I'd kick 'em to the curb, too.