Interesting.  *strokes chin and tries to look contemplative*  eHarmony sued in California courts for discriminating against gays, less than a month after adoption.com settled a similar lawsuit by leaving the California market.  Me thinks that some “e” companies aren’t going to like application of our local civil rights laws to their big, shiny internet.  It’ll be interesting to see whether the bigger market prefers companies that maintain their “values” and leave markets like California’s, or whether the lure of profits in the sixth or eighth or tenth largest economy in the world can drag the kickers and screamers out of the dark ages.

Border security, normally just a code phrase (at least locally) for right-wingers who want to curtail immigration, actually has been getting some interesting traction on talk radio today.  So how and why can someone supposedly on a no-fly list (medical or otherwise), fly from Europe to Canada and drive across the border to enter the United States?  What’s the point of all the debate about amnesty, new visa programs and protective walls if nearly six years after 9/11, the Bush Administration still cannot even enforce a watch list against people who show their true ID at an official border crossing?  Ever wonder what would happen if the government stopped spending millions monitoring electronic communications and simply started checking arrivals and departures against the lists it already has?  Maybe we’ll get an answer in 2009.

Interesting article at Law.com on Texas attorneys use of Myspace for marketing and advertising.  Really loved the quote from the criminal defense attorney that “[t]his is my perfect age group. The people I’m going after [as clients] are on MySpace. … A whole bunch of people who party, who drink, whatever, those are the people on there who want to be my [MySpace] friend.” 

The reality of practice is that, particularly in a small firm, any contact with people is potentially a contact leading to a business relationship, and getting out and shaking hands is always good.  Myspace hasn’t been on my list, but I have several websites and participate in forums at quite a few more and consider the electronic handshaking just as important as the fleshy kind. 

The tricky part comes with that word “advertising.”  I only consider one website to be advertisting my practice.  The rest are personal sites or public fora where one might or might not get pointed to my firm’s site.  Just like if I met you in person you might see my card or you might not.  Gotta be careful, because the bar is still all confused by the intertubes. 

I have no issues with the content limitations of advertising, but think the provisions requiring maintenance of copies for two years to be unrealistic and hopelessly outdated if a website allows any third-party dynamic content or comments.  I doubt anyone could keep accurate enough records to show what their Myspace page showed prospective clients on a given time and date 700 days prior.

But back to the article, apparantly the Texas bar requires prior submission of advertising websites run for their members, though no one has ever submitted a Myspace page for review.  As the lady from the Texas bar asks, is Myspace a “website,” or an online directory?  Where is the line between socially mentioning your profession and advertisting your availability.  Be interesting to see how, or if, the Texas bar handles the issues.

The morning’s hearing went well, and the long weekend started around noonish.  Hope everyone enjoys the time off and takes a moment to remember why we’re having a holiday.

Three weeks ago I was in the E.R. for one of the longest nights in recent memory.  Today I had a great swim that helped clear out some of the mental flotsam that’s been building up while spent those three weeks watching too much daytime television and taking many drugs.  It’s not just the sore muscles and pounding heart that let me know I’m doing better, but the simple uncluttered focus.  Hopefully it’ll last for at least a few minutes.

Don’t want to spoil the various plot devices for anyone, but after a great season, a story with good dramatic potential and a lot of worthy hype, tonight’s episode just left me … underwhelmed.  I’m feeling a tad used and exploited.  Not very satisfied at all.  Expect a longer rant when I won’t be spoiling things for the Tivo’d.

Today is National Bike To Work Day, and despite the physical difficulties of my commute, I decided to partipate and show just how green the little law firm can be.

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Dealing with some rumbly innards, so I’m taking it easy today to be certain I’m healthy enough for National Bike to Work Day this Friday.  We’ll show those evil oil companies who’s boss.

The look in a client’s ex-wife’s eyes yesterday reminded me why my home phone number is unlisted and I use a P.O. Box for the business.  Vengeance might be a tasty dish, but I think it’s contraindicated with my current meds. 

Blogging of which, I’m trying to figure out if I can stay awake for three hours of class tonight without benefit of caffeine.  Not sure whether the problem is that particular craving, or some of the other things floating about my system, but something is wiping me out these days.

Regardless, hopefully things will feel better when the last of the pills are gone Thursday night – Friday morning.  Really feeling the need for a good swim too, but too unmotivated to actually go do it right now. 

Wasn’t sure what attitude to take on this post, so I’m leaving it as kind of a make-your-own post.  Select the appropriate options for status and sensitivities below.  If you’re from a red state, are under 14, or are otherwise not ready for mature discussion and adult themes, pick A.  Everyone else can jump to B.

 Section 1

A.  Went out and saw a broadway show last night.

B.  Spent last night watching men dancing nearly nekkid, and finally completely nekkid, on stage down in North Park.

Section 2.

[No options]  I’d never seen the musical version of The Full Monty and walked out completely amazed.  Probably wouldn’t have seen it if KPBS hadn’t aired a great review of it while I was out running around Friday.  This was the new San Diego Muscial Theatre’s inaugural production, and it was probably the largest and most professional show I’ve seen in San Diego so far.  I’d strongly recommend locals try and catch the show, but I know the San Diego run ends with today’s matinee.  In addition to great songs and strong acting, I was caught by surprise by the appearance of San Diego actress Priscilla Allen as the would-be male revue’s accompaniest. 

 Section 3.

A.  That’s it.  You probably wouldn’t ask the question, and you’d just blush if I answered it.

B.  Yes, they did do the fully monty in the final number.  It might not have been pretty in every case, but gotta give props to the actors who have the cajones and will to pull it off, literally.