Corner brewery to open this Thursday !

In an event anticipated by beer drinkers across the region for some time now, the Corner Brewery is going to open next week. I, for one, can't wait. The owners of the Arbor Brewing Company of Ann Arbor live here in Ypsilanti. They decided to open a place locally to sell kegs and bottle beer. In an impressive show of foresight and genius, they decided to open a tasting room. It looks like everything will be official on Thursday, which means I will have to stop by, sip an ale, and see what's on the menu. I very well may take the girls with me, as it is within walking distance ! Last time I had a pub within walking distance, I was in law school. You can read about it here.

Culture of Corruption

Isn't it hilarious that the Republicans and conservative media are jumping on the investigation into Representative Jefferson as some kind of indication that Dems are as corrupt as Republicans? Let's see: there are currently more Republicans (elected or appointed) who have been publicly identified as under some kind of federal investigation (not including the ones already convicted) than can be counted on both of my hands. Now, adding Jefferson to the tally, there is a grand total of one Democrat under investigation. Yes, I did say one, as in single, sole, less than two, etc. I guess the Repubs could look at the bright side. One down, and only sixteen or seventeen more to go, then we're even . . . Bill Press posted on this at Huffington Post, too, though my list appears to be slightly different than his. I actually think he missed a few Republicans under investigation . . . .

ACLU Shocker

I realize it's just a newspaper article, so it's probably not as reliable as a blog, but the New York Times is reporting that the ACLU, of which I am a card-carrying member, is considering silencing its dissenting board members to prevent them from publicly criticizing each other. To which, I must say, no way. If this goes through, I will have to seriously consider whether I will want to continue to support an organization that is supposed to stick up for free speech while at the same time attempting to silence internal critics. Though I would actually agree that good taste and social graces would suggest that ACLU board members should refrain from publicly criticizing each other, there is no excuse or justification for banning such criticism or speech. If free speech truly is the absolute right the ACLU has always gone to bat for, then it should absolutely stick up for free speech right now, particularly when it is displeased by the things its board members say. That's what leading by example is all about. You can read about it here.

Excellent analysis of Bush's "Torture First - Account for It Never" Policy

Read about it here.

Stupid, Obtuse, Sleazy (SOS) Ballot Initiative

The nutcases who want to eliminate all government are at it again. They have crafted a stupid, obtuse and sleazy (SOS) ballot initiative designed to bankrupt Michigan government. If you vote for this initiative, our cities will fail, our schools will fail, we won't have police or fire protection a few years from now, and all our state assets (parkland, property, buildings, vehicles, etc) will soon be for sale to the highest bidder. Other states have tried to do things like this before, and they have all been unmitigated failures. The most famous is the TABOR bill from Colorado, that was sold to voters under the moniker "Taxpayer Bill of Rights." Of course, this mirrors the current approach of naming Congressional bills the opposite of what they actually do, such as the Patriot Act (which limits civil rights such as privacy), the Clear Skies Act (which permits more air pollution), and the Healthy Forests Initiative (which encourages more logging in national forests). The Michigan League for Human Services has taken a close look at TABOR, which is practically the same as SOS, and concluded the following: TABOR is a proven failure in the only state where it exists. Colorado’s TABOR has resulted in a severe decline in that state’s economic development, education system, industrial infrastructure and health care. During the past thirteen years with TABOR in Colorado’s constitution: · K-12 spending as a share of personal income fell from 35th to 49th in the nation. · Higher education funding per resident student dropped by 31 percent. · The share of low-income children with health insurance fell to 50th in the nation. · The percentage of pregnant women receiving adequate access to prenatal care declined from 23rd to 48th in the nation. · The share of children receiving their full vaccinations plummeted from 24th to 50th in the nation by 2003. In November 2005, Coloradoans frustrated with these deteriorating public services and the prospect of even more damaging cuts, successfully voted to suspend and fundamentally change TABOR. The charge to do so was led by a broad-based coalition of Republicans- including Republican Gov. Bill Owens, Democrats, business leaders, teachers, health care providers, and firefighters. Don't sign the petitions. Give the nutcases a hard time when they show up at your door asking you to sign. Give 'em hell and tell them they are not welcome in your community. You can read more about it here, here, and here. Most importantly, don't vote for it in November. If you do, you will be responsible for ruining our ability to educate our kids, compete in the national and global marketplace, and attract business and investment to our state. Don't believe the hype. Giving a law an attractive name doesn't make it good policy.

Oh what's the big deal . . . .

He's a politician, and they lie all the time about all sorts of stuff, right? Video from Crooks & Liars. No, not that video, the Jon Stewart video. And for those of you bored by politicians and liars, try this video of Nick Lachey whose heart was tragically and irreparably broken when Jessica Simpson broke up with him. Now, there's just no doubting the sincerity of his soulful, whiney, falsetto tenor, is there? ;)

Gordon's Five & Dime to Celebrate 1st Anniversary!

On May 27th, Gordon's Five & Dime will turn one year old. They have a number of festivities planned: May 26th (Fri.) – Mrs. Gordon is passing out cupcakes and gift bags. (While supplies last – come early!) May 27th (Sat.) – Come for fun games and prizes. (Games for skill levels ages 2 – 10 years old.) May 28th (Sun.) – Mr. Gordon will be the judge for the annual “Dubble Bubble Bubble Gum Blowing Contest”. Contest starts at 2 PM. May 29th (Mon.) * Balsa Wood Glider Contest. We provide the plane, you provide the skill and strength. Meet & sign up at Gordon’s at 2 PM. Contest will be held at Frog Island Park at 2:30. * Weather Permitting Be there or be square. I'll be dropping by with my girlies :)

MTLA Annual Banquet - Shindig to Remember

The Michigan Trial Lawyer's Association, of which I am a member, and of which my father was a past President, holds an annual banquet each spring. It is always a fun event, with a good turnout and excellent speakers. This year was no exception. U.S. Senator Hilary Clinton (our keynote speaker), brought out a huge crowd. There was a Supreme Court Justice (a second was ill and couldn't make it), Court of Appeals Justices (including the Republican Chief Judge Whitbeck), Circuit Judges from all over the state, state District Judges, Federal District and Circuit Judges, as well as U.S. Senator Stabenow and a host of state representatives and senators. I was seated next to one of the finest columnists in the state, Detroit Free Press journalist Brian Dickerson, whose work has been cited many times on my blog. The evening began with a private fundraiser featuring Senator Clinton and Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm. Several prominent trial lawyers introduced them, and they each gave a short stump speech. Following the fundraiser, we proceeded to the ballroom at the Dearborn Hyatt Regency Hotel for the banquet. While getting my nametag and drink tickets, I bumped into Senator Stabenow, who was gracious enough to pose for a picture with me. We then proceeded into the ballroom. Much to my delight, I was seated at the second table from the podium, along with my parents and other members of my firm. Former state representative candidate and current MTLA Executive Board member Bob June and his wife were also at my table. Senator Clinton and Governor Granholm were seated one table over, with one of my partners, Norman Tucker (also a past President of MTLA). That's the Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party sitting there with them. Senator Clinton gave a wonderful speech, followed by Governor Granholm. Supreme Court Justice Marilyn Kelly recieved an award, as did Circuit Judge Dick Skutt (another former MTLA President). Outgoing President Linda Miller-Atkinson spoke, as did incoming President Elect Jesse Reiter. Jesse is going to be an outstanding President, and this will certainly be an exciting year to lead our organization. The evening was quite a wonderful kick-off to what will definitely be an eventful election year. We have huge challenges ahead of us. We have a lot of hard work ahead. I am convinced that by pulling together and working hard, we can turn the state and country around.

Unconfirmed report that Rove has been indicted

Truthout is reporting that Rove has been indicted. Huffington Post has picked up the story, and there was some talk about the possibility at the MTLA Annual Banquet I attended tonight, but nothing has been confirmed. Nothing on any cable news channels yet. Anyone have any confirmation? UPDATE: It's not that I'm skeptical, but there don't seem to be hard facts in support of this report, just speculation and conjecture. Of course, that doesn't mean it's untrue, but until Fitzgerald hold a press conference, I'm not inclined to jump on the bandwagon. You can read more here. My net surfing has indicated that all the talk is traceable to truthout.org and Jason Leopold.

Soundtrack of my life, pt. 8: Mother's Day Song

This is clearly one of my best conceptual pieces ever. Called "I Love You Mommy," it is sung by my youngest daughter, Esme, at just over age one. I followed her around with a microphone for about 20 minutes, recording her talking and making sounds. I picked the most musical bits and then in ProTools on my iMac, I cut & pasted them, changed their pitches, made some longer or shorter, and played a soft electric guitar part around it all. The overall effect can't help but melt your heart ! The lyrics go like this, omitting most of the repetitions: I love you mommy Yea, yea, yea Yea, hold, I hold it, yea Yea, hold, I hold it Bye bye mommy, see you tomorrow [while hiccuping] see you [hic] tomorrow I love you mommy Yea, hold, I hold it, yea Yea, hold, I hold it Tiger, tiger, tiger, tiger I love you mommy Take a nap Naptime, take a nap Yea, hold, I hold it, yea Yea, hold, I hold it I hold it I love you mommy I liked it so much, I did a dance version as well, called "I Love Ya' Mama." Give it a listen, too :) Happy Mother's Day everyone, especially for those mothers out there !

Vegas Vacation, part 4 - grand finale

Saturday, I attended my conference while Bill loafed in the spa. The conference was quite good, with a presentation by Judge Dale Crawford (soon to be retired) from Columbus, OH. We also had a short presentation by Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Jessica Cooper, who advocated membership in the American Constitution Society (ACS). I didn't join, because I'm already a member. You should be, too. :) Following the morning, there was lunch to be had, this time at the Burger Bar, which is well-known for its world-class hamburgers. Then we shopped for gifts for family members, which took a good part of the afternoon. Finally, Bill had to fly back to Denver, so we returned to the room for him to pack. Upon finishing, the only remaining problem was where to catch a quick dinner on the way to the airport. Bill had a brainstorm. Between the Westin and the airport was the Hard Rock Hotel, home to the world famous Nobu. Okay, it's not really between them, but it's not all that far out of the way. If we played our cards right, we could squeeze in a half-hour dinner at Nobu before Bill took off. So we proceeded to the cab stand, but there was a line. Apparently, given the boxing match that night plus the fact that it was dinner time, getting a cab would be hard. We managed to catch one after a bit, and made it to the Hard Rock just in the nick of time. Nobu opened just as we arrived, we scored a seat at the sushi bar, and ate to our heart's delight until Bill had to skip off. After Bill left, I stayed, and ate more sushi. Thereafter, I had a quiet, relaxing night, smoked a cigar, gambled away $5 at nickel slots, read my book and went to bed. All in all, a great trip !

Vegas Vacation, part 3 - Zoe Keating / Imogen Heap concert

I have formed a tradition that I observe whenever I visit Las Vegas. I try to see at least one concert while I'm there. I've seen Better than Ezra, Buckcherry, Steely Dan, and Cowboy Mouth there. So it should be no surprise that I went to see an artist who I recently was introduced to, and who I recently posted on, Imogen Heap at the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay. When Bill and I arrived, we were first taken aback by the 2nd row seats I scored. I'm not sure how I got them, because I thought it was general admission when I purchased, but lo and behold, we were right next to the stage. Pretty dang cool. Zoe Keating opened. She is a cello player from Portland, OR who uses a live looping technique to play complex and beautiful pieces. I've heard and used this technique myself on guitar, but I must admit that I was amazed by how well it works with cello. Her compositions were beautiful and complex melodically, harmonically and rhythmically. Her performance flew by too quickly -- I could have listened for another hour. I'm downloading some from iTunes this afternoon, and I suggest you check them out. They are that good, really. Imogen Heap then took to the stage. She had a number of minor technical glitches, but her unassuming and cheerful response to them made them more charming than intrusive. I really like her new record, and I found her performance to be moving and exquisitely beautiful. She sings effortlessly, and she played several songs I didn't know but hope to soon. I'll also be dropping by iTunes to get some more of her music.

Vegas Vacation, part 2 (by guest blogger Bill)

Bill woke up at about 7am while Cameron lay like a beached mammoth unable to rise. Bill went to the pool to read for a few hours while Cameron slept the rest of the previous day off. We finally got out of the hotel at about 10 after taking the "Heavenly Shower" (not together, if that's what you're thinking) which does not involve anything unseemly but is a special two-headed shower provided in the Westin Rooms. Got to love that. We started by walking to the Venetian and going to Thomas Keller's Bouchon. We sat at the bar and after considering a hearty and healthy breakfast to get us going, we ordered the house made pastry basket with a side of pomme frittes. That's French for patriot fries, or American fries, or something like that. Decadent and indulgent, yes and oh, how amazing. We had an amazing lemon scone, a wonderful pecan roll and the best chocolate almond croissant ever. And the fries were amazing, the place is known for them. Bill also sampled the Chimay Trappist Ale on tap but just a taste because it's so rare (not to mention, pretty early to start drinking beer, even in Vegas). We then went to the Forum Shops at Ceasar's Palace. Really little to buy there. A nice mall, in fact quite beautiful but we felt it more important to send our kids to college than buy them $1,000.00 pants. At about noon we felt lunch must be had so we hopped in a cab to Lotus of Siam. This place is considered by many to be one of if not the best Thai restaurant in the country. It's way off the Strip in a small, half-vacant strip mall surrounded by ethnic groceries and restaurants. Let me tell you, it's amazing. When we drove up, about 4 or so 65+year old people were coming out and saying it was amazing and we'd have a great meal. Even though we were still a bit full from the day before, we had a grilled beef with lime and Thai seasonings, a northern Thai curry of Jackfruit and chicken and the best damn mussles ever. They were spicy with fried holy basil and garlic and mind numbingly good. Looking around the restaurant you see locals and tourists, some there for the average looking lunch buffet but many just ordering too much food off the menu because they want to try everything they can. This amazing meal was about $50.00 and the best bargain in Vegas by far. From there we went to the hotel and slept off the fat and garlic for a while to prepare for the main event, dinner at L'Atlier. After Bill slept, we walked and drank for a an hour or so to the MGM Grand. We had drinks at hotels along the way and then a few at MGM in a very cool bar that seems new there. At about 5:30 we arrived at L'Atelier. This is a Joel Rubechon restaurant. He's a French chef who is known as one of the best ever. He had a few 3 star restaurants in France, which its normally unheard of to have more than one, and in 1996 he retired. The MGM people convinced him to come out of retirement and open 2 places there last year. So these are now his only restaurants. One has either a fixed price 9 course menu for $250.00 or a 16 course for $350.00 this is food porn folks and people will shell out what it takes. Needing to pay for college, we elected to go to the smaller cheaper restaurant that has a 125.00 tasting menu or a la carte items. The restaurant is set up so you can see the chef's prepare everything. This is very high concept food with the freshest most amazing ingredients. I asked my friend who writes for a restaurant magazine to let them know we were coming and to treat us right but upon arriving, they said they never got the call. Oh well, the meal didn't suffer. We started with a mackerel on a eggplant confit on top of a filo round. I don't know what they did but the flavors were exceptional and perfect. We then had white anchovies with peppers served with a romescu and clorofil sauce. Again, amazing. We then had a king crab on aspararagus with a sea urchin dressing. Then the waiter came by and said they had a special that night, fois gras stuffed quail. Wowee zowee. It came with truffled whipped potatoes. It was enough to make me convulse and speak in tongues. Amazing flavors. We saw the single Japanese man next to us going through the tasting menu by himself and he gave us his take on each of those courses. One he loved was served in a martini glass, it was chantrell mushrrom puree at the bottom topped with a celery and parley puree and foam and in that they drop a lightly poached egg and top it all off with sauted chantrel mushrooms. The waiter instructs you to take you spoon and stick it all the way down to the bottom to break the egg yolk and meld all the flavors. Again, something so far beyond what you may expect for dinner. At that point, we figured we were exhaused from the experience and instead of needing a cigarrette, we needed desert. So we had some amazing chocolate with I think vanilla ice cream topped with a chocolate ring. Again, perfect. Now at this point, they may have realized my friend called because the waiter brought over, as a special gift, a tasting of their house made tarts. Straining from the amount of alcohol and food, and pure animal fat, consumed in less than 8 hours, I thought I could go no further. But you can't pass up free tarts. They were all good but the passion fruit, lemon and coconut was making me think of purging to eat more and the chocolate orange tart made me think about renting an extra stomach just to eat more. Needless to say we waddled out, happy, full and amazed at the meal and reflecting back on the previous 8 hours so fucking thrilled we were lucky enough to be able to have that kind of experience and live to tell it to others. More to come tomorrow . . . .

Vegas Vacation, part 1

We arrived just before noon yesterday. As I arrived, I called Bill to see where he was. The reply, "Stay where you are, I have a car coming to get you." Bill, the gregarious fellow that he is, managed to meet a total stranger on the plane who was then kind enough to drive us to our first destination from the airport, which was Commander's Palace. The stranger, Keith, was in town for the boxing match at Mandalay Bay, and promised us that he would get us into some of the best parties, with free drinks, beautiful women, and celebrities. We have not yet heard back from Keith. Commander's Palace has $0.25 martinis at lunch on Thursdays, and we met Bill's friend Joel, who is an allergist in the Vegas area. Instead of a martini, however, I enjoyed a Fat Tire ale (brewed by the New Belgium Brewing Company in Ft. Collins, CO) which I used to love when I lived in Denver but which is not widely available (if available at all) in Michigan. The food is some of the best gourmet Cajun food from the famous New Orleans eatery. When the check came, I was shocked that between Joel and Bill, who had four martinis, they spent a mere $1.00, while my three beers cost $16.50. Definitely an inequitable distribution of liability, if you ask me. Following lunch, Joel drove us to the hotel, and we checked into the Westin, which is a smoke free hotel with a modest casino. We first collapsed in our rooms, and then we went downstairs, hung out, played $1 craps and prepared to attend the reception for my seminar. Bill drank more. We were slowly realizing that for the first time in a long time, we were sans children, and there would be no overarching demands made upon us for the next several days. We next traveled to the Wynn Hotel and Casino for the reception. All the famous trial attorneys on both sides of the bar were there. Since what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, they shall all remain nameless ;) Bill had about six drinks, I had a mere two, but we did meet a wonderful woman, who shall be referred to as M (the only non-lawyer in the room), who we conversed with during the festive hour. The food, I might add, was mediocre, per Bill and his extraordinary palatte. He tried three plates, just to be sure. Following the reception, M, Bill and I proceeded to Okada (click on the Wynn, then Dining, then Okada), the newest fancy Sushi and Fusion Japanese restaurant in Vegas. Bill had called me last week and requested that we reserve a table there, as Nobu at the Hard Rock was waning in trendiness and popularity (though I subsequently found out Bill at at Nobu just a month ago and really just wanted to try something different). The surroundings are spectacular with a 150+ foot waterfall as the centerpiece of the dining room. We tried many dishes that were new to our palettes, including a trio of Japanese ceviche, the seared fois gras on top of Japanese eel, a spectacular spicy tuna roll, and phenomenal soy sauce. We also managed to depart with a fairly modest dinner bill. Then Bill, curious about what the rooms at the Wynn looked like, asked M if we could see her room. I was shocked and taken aback by the abject forwardness displayed by this request, but M all too hastily agreed. After checking out the room, which was quite large and had a spectacular view, we departed, walked down the Stip for a bit and returned for a good night of sleep to prepare for tomorrow. More to come tomorrow.

Vegas, baby

I'm currently on a boondoggle to Vegas wherein the State Bar of Michigan Negligence Section, the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association, and the Defense Trial Counsel Association are holding a joint seminar. My friend, Bill, from Denver decided to join me, and we are walking out the door to the welcoming reception right now. More to come later . . .

Yesterday, history was made in Ypsilanti

Local school board politics has undergone a major transformation over the last three-and-a-half years. Last night, we completed a four-year sweep of school board elections, setting the agenda for our schools for the 21st century. For me, it started with a letter to the editor on February 13, 2003. I didn't write the letter, but I was one of many signatories. Shortly thereafter, two groups formed independently of one another in our community, Ypsilanti School Supporters (YSS) and Citizens for Responsible Education (CARE). Over time a large overlap in membership emerged. CARE has become the go-to community group for many school issues, and YSS has become primarily an email list over which community members communicate and debate school issues. Back in 2003, I worked to re-elect Andy Fanta and Floyd Brumfield to the school board. Andy and Floyd had been part of a 3 vote minority that had been frustrated by the long-standing majority, which was perceived at the time as rubber-stamping the superintendent's agenda. In 2004, I ran along with incumbent Tom Reiber. Five candidates vied for two seats, and Tom and I won by a 3 to 1 margin, removing an incumbent and shifting that 3-4 minority to a 4-3 majority. Once I joined the board, Andy was appointed President and Floyd Vice President. Last year, the former majority's leader retired (who had been president for quite some time prior to Andy taking over), and Amy Doyle ran unopposed, shifting the majority even further toward a stakeholder-based consensus. This year, the two remaining members of the old majority are retiring. All three candidates vying to replace them were excellent, interested in fostering an inclusive, stakeholder-based, environment, and eminently well-qualified. Linda Snedecar-Horne and David Bates won. You can review the results of yesterday's election here. Over these years, we have seen more than just a change in political leadership -- we've seen a change in vision. The BOE now reaches out and regularly includes all stakeholders in the community when making important decisions -- students, teachers, parents, taxpayers, the business community, administration and more. We have also seen a huge change in educational leadership. Since I joined the BOE, we have welcomed a new Superintendent, a new Executive Director of Curriculum, moved key individuals into new positions, streamlined our expenditures, and balanced a budget with a deficit of over $5 Million (10% of our budget). Educational leaders throughout our district have been given the freedom to lead and to succeed, all with the key goal in mind of educating all our students and preparing them for the future. Though there are many challenges ahead, particularly with the structural deficit built into our state's system of budgeting, our district is on the right track. I am hopeful that we can look forward to many more improvements in the coming years.