Bar Review: PMBR Simulated Test Tomorrow

I can't believe it is just two weeks until the exam. I have two competing feelings: One is utter panic and the other is more relaxed. When I look at the mountain of material I still haven't mastered, I panic. When I remember that everyone says "you'll do fine" and that the two weeks before the test are the most valuable, I relax a little. But can't relax too much.

The PMBR simulated test is tomorrow, so I am going over the MBE material today. I have got to get some of this memorized. As I read through the con law section, I am heartened that it seems to be getting into my head easier. I am going to review all six subjects today, make a few more flash cards, and take some more online practice questions.

OK, I lied. I am a little freaked out--OK, a lot freaked out. May clarity come upon me.

New Yorker and Obama: Bad Magazine Cover

There is one thing I am an expert at: conceptualizing magazine covers. And magazine content, including illustrations in general. Over my career, there were many times I would have to put myself in the shoes of my readers, or whomever may pick up a copy of my magazine. I would always ask myself does the illustration portray the content accurately and fairly? Is there any chance the illustration or photograph would send the wrong message?

When you are in the communications business, the one thing you are afraid of is sending the wrong message. If you are a communicator and don't communicate the right message, that means you are a poor communicator. Definitely one thing you don't want to do.

That doesn't mean you don't want to stretch your audience and make them think. You definitely want to do that. But you have to deliver the correct message.

Did the New Yorker magazine do that? In fairness, I have not seen the magazine or read the article yet.

But from what I have heard, they have not. Apparently, the magazine cover was satire. There is nothing wrong with satire, but to be honest, a lot of people don't get satire. That is not a condemnation of them, it is just the truth. I am afraid the staff at the New Yorker violated my long standing gut test: Is the illustration going to send the wrong message. In this case, for many people, I am afraid it is. I am glad I did not make that decision.

In Nashville, We Are Not All Ignorant Racists

I was so dismayed when I watched CNN last night. One of their reporters had come to Nashville and they were interviewing people at the Sounds stadium about whether they would vote for Obama. One woman said no, because he is a Muslim (he isn't) and another dufus said the only blacks he knew who were for change had a cup in their hand. How appalling. It made Nashville look so bad. For everyone out there, these two nitwits are the minority! There are many, many progressives in this city, and I have no doubt Nashville will vote for Obama in the fall. I wish they had gone to Symphony Hall, or Hillsboro Village, or just about anywhere else to interview people. They would have gotten a lot of thoughtful, educated responses. They may have just wanted to point out that there are still people out there with these racist views. But to pin it on Nashville was just unfair. There are people like that all over the country. Let's just hope they don't prevail at the polls.

Tony Snow Dead

It is sad to hear this morning that Tony Snow has died. Even though he and I would have been pretty opposite in our politics (at least I think--if he thought privately what he had promoted publicly), I would have enjoyed knowing him immensely. He seemed so pleasant, funny, nice. I am always so proud of fellow journalists who are like that. It is also sad to hear someone so young die from cancer. I have several friends who have cancer, and hearing about his death makes me worried for others as well. One thing they mentioned on the news today is that he said "surround yourself with people who love you." Good advice for everyone, including me.

Happy Birthday Ringo!

Ringo was on Larry King Live tonight, and they talked about Ringo turning 68 today. 68! Gosh he looks good. The older he gets, the better he looks. Hearing the Beatles' music on the show actually brought tears to my eyes. What he wanted for his birthday was for everyone today at noon to say "Peace and Love." I Get By With a Little Help from my Friends. Wish I had known that. Hearing that also brought tears to my eyes. Seems like old times. I could have done without Yoko Ono calling in to the show. (group wrecker). Ringo mentioned he was in Nashville last night too. Wonder where? He wasn't at the coffee shop where I was studying. Drat.

Bar Review: The Dreaded 4th of July Countdown

On and on through the bar study, we have heard veterans say: Don't worry about the bar exam until after the 4th of July. It was hard to be believe, but that is what a lot of lawyers have told me. The problem is, it is now after the 4th of July, and I guess the real countdown is on. I am studying con law today, and it is amazing the number of things I am still learning. I have heard of the concepts before, but I guess I didn't really learn them. Guess it is good I am doing that now! I have been seeing a lot of 111, 11:11 lately, so I am taking that as a sign to remember THE SECRET, and think positively. I will pass the bar with flying colors.

The Boss Made Mistakes Tee Hee

Well, my boss not only made one mistake today but two. Two, Two, Two!!! Normally, I don't care if people make mistakes. That is just part of the game. But him. Glorious! He who can do no wrong made two mistakes! And I had to point them out to him!! Childish of me to be so gleeful, I know. But I can't help it. He is so insufferable sometimes. He doesn't know how to give constructive criticism. He doesn't know how to not be rude. And he messed up!! That is just so exciting, you just don't know.