Dinesh D’Souza and Sunday Afternoon at the Movies

July 17, 2014

Not long ago an old friend who lives out East told me I’m a little narrow in my political universe. He called me “close-minded,” and said I’d see the error of my ways if I got a more “fair and balanced” perspective on the world. I hollered about Fox News for a while, for I know “code” when I hear it, even when it’s bunk. He ranted back at me, demanding that I go see America:  Imagine the World without Her, Dinesh D’Souza’s new film. He even offered to send me the money for a ticket, but I passed on that, only imagining the “freeloading liberal” crap I’d hear. I can pay my own way, thank you very

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Airbnb and Trust

July 16, 2014

I saw David Brooks’ June 30 column, The Evolution of Trust, several days after the New York Times published it. Hmmm, I wondered, trust evolves? And in which direction?

The first lined grabbed me. “I’m one of those people who thought Airbnb would never work.” As it happens, we’re Airbnb-ers, Ms. J, the daughter, and I. Months ago, after a hotel booking problem, Ms. J found herself needing a bed for two nights in San Francisco, on a not-so-small-but-this-is-SF budget. Enter Airbnb. Ms. J stayed in a deluxe Soma loft, with the owner, for two nights. Great stay. Pleasant company. Fair price.

So I took a look at Airbnb for the DC-NYC trip in May/June. New York places did

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We Didn’t Start the Fire (annotated)

July 13, 2014

We Didn’t Start the Fire was written by Billy Joel, whose real name is William Martin Joel. He married Christie Brinkley on March 23, 1985, and they divorced on August 25, 1994. And the Uptown Girl in Uptown Girl—Mr. Joel’s big 1983 hit song—was maybe only partly inspired by Ms. Brinkley, as this 5’5” downtown guy, while he knew and was friendly with Ms. Brinkley when he wrote the song, was dating 6’ uptown girl Elle Macpherson.

Some readers know about my affinity for trivia. Every Monday night for going on four years I play with my team, the Emperor Penguins, at Sky Bar in Tucson. Only illness, a family crisis or being out of town keeps me away,

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The Suit

July 11, 2014

I’m writing about the suit.

Hugo Boss suit, circa 1998

Hugo Boss suit, circa 1998

No, not the one you see, although it’s an old favorite. About 15 years old. Worn, worn, worn, but it was a beaut in its day. It’s still in my closet, it works if I leave the jacket on, and it still fits, so long as I’m exercising and not eating too, too much!

No, I’m discussing Boehner v. POTUS, Speaker John Boehner’s intended suit against President Barack Obama. Before I get ahead of my comments on this stupid f*cking political stunt, let’s review the bidding.

In June the Speaker announced plans to sue the president for what he claims are abuses of power. House Republicans take umbrage

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Odds and Ends

July 11, 2014

Ms. J has been away at a work meeting in Atlanta. PART-YYY!!! Actually, I hosted the firm poker tournament last night. No pics … despite the camera sitting out! Pizza, roast pig, potatoes, cole slaw, etc. Good food and company, and the evening ended early:  two were at the table until about 10:15, by which time—I was knocked out at about 9:00—the house was back in order and all was well.

We had 13 players, ranging from one of my partners who, in his mid-60s, had never played a poker hand in his life, to our winner, who plays Vegas tournaments regularly. Still, everyone seemed to have an enjoyable time. All in, I doubt whether dinner cost more than

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Hobby Lobby and Final Thoughts

July 8, 2014

Here are a few final thoughts on Hobby Lobby. (I’m pretty sure I’ve said that before; however, Hobby Lobby seems to be the case that won’t go away.)

The Supreme Court takes about 70 cases during each nine month term. It only takes those cases it chooses to hear. Matters of great import, and cases where the federal circuits are split, represent its caseload. And, while its decisions directly affect the parties in the case, broad principles and clarifying/shaping the law provide its raison d’etre.

We pay the justices to handle the hard questions. And we expect, rightfully, that they come at each case straight up. (Yes, I know five male, Catholic members of the Court gave companies

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Hobby Lobby? I’m Done with You!

July 1, 2014

“Where do I begin … ?” Let’s start with the fact that, had the alleged model for the protagonist in Love Story, Albert Gore, Jr., been inaugurated in 2001 and re-elected in 2004, the Supreme Court would be issuing very different decisions. Elections matter!

That said, the Republic will survive Hobby Lobby and much of the rest of the Court’s mischief during the recent past. Certainly, in many ways the Court has made life in these United States worse for many people, but we’re strong and we will survive.

Lots and lots of commentary on this decision, and it’s all over the map. Frankly, I found much of it not very helpful, although I do commend the SCOTUSblog,

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Breaking: Last Two Cases of the Term

June 30, 2014

In Harris v. Quinn, No. 11-0681, the U.S. Supreme Court has distinguished between full-fledged public employees and home health care workers with respect to any obligation to pay union dues. More tonight/tomorrow, but the decision was 5-4, and does not appear to be the death knell for public unions that you may be reading about elsewhere. No good news for unions anymore, but the decision looks like it could have been much worse.

And Burwell v. Hobby Lobby, No. 13-354? Bad, bad news! Another 5-4 outcome, and the Court has seemingly made a hash of corporate law.

More by tomorrow morning!

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