"You handle questions as well as any appellate lawyer I've ever seen"
- Nashville attorney acting as Moot Court Justice
"Your ability to make concessions without weakening your argument gives you great credibility"
- [Different] Nashville attorney acting as Moot Court Justice
"You really look like a lawyer up there. You know what you're doing, you like what you're doing, and I think you'd be willing to do it all night if we asked."
- Vanderbilt Vice-Chancellor David Williams acting as Moot Court Justice
What's all this about, you say? Well, I just finished the first round of the Vanderbilt Intramural Appellate Advocacy Competition (aka Moot Court). This is an activity for 2nd year law students to participate in a pretend appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. Not to be confused with Mock Trial, Moot Court involves writing a brief and delivering two rounds of oral advocacy (one "on-brief" and one "off-brief) to a panel of three "justices". It is a one credit pass/fail activity.
I just finished it, and those are some of the comments I got. I'm not a great writer, but I feel like I did an awesome job with the speaking part. I'm not really one for tooting my own horn, but this is a big accomplishment. It is hard to get accolades at Vanderbilt because of the level of competition.
It is possible that I will advance to the next round of the tournament. If it were only my oral advocacy, I definitely would. Unfortunately, half my grade is my brief, which wasn't exactly good considering I used 2 out of the 30 allotted days to write it. If I make it through the next two rounds, I'd be on the Moot Court Board which administers the competition. It is an honor second only to writing for the Law Review. We'll see.
November 8, 2005
My Good Reviews
November 6, 2005
My Payphone
I got hold of a payphone for free. They go for quite alot on Ebay, so I'm glad to get this one for free. The only problem is that it is locked up and no keys came with it. I was wondering if anyone could suggest a workaround. From doing some online searches, payphones locks can be tough to pick. My first step would be to try the local phone company. However I don't think TDS Telecom keeps payphones maintained. So they might not be of much help.
All I really want to do is to disable the coin deposit requirement and find where you would plug in the phone cable (currently I can't find the plug on it). I want to mount it in my kitchen for the coolness factor.
October 31, 2005
Thanks to all who came and double thanks to those who dressed up. I'll post all our costume pictures on FlickR, sometime today. Have a great week everyone! 
our friend, billy hammock, brought this over as killer decoration. 
ours(josh's and mine) looks more like this. 
k.pattawi's boyfriend, eric--winner of stereotype costume contest(we awarded him a colander full of the really cheap candy).
October 28, 2005
:'(
Sad news:
When we got home yesterday, my dad announced that he had bad news. Earlier in the morning, our dog Jet wandered off and was missing for an hour or so. My dad went looking for him and found him on Saundersville Ferry Rd., apparently hit by a car. He was still warm when my dad found him, so it had just happened.
It was tough news to bear. I have a lot of work to do and it is hard to focus when you are a little sad. I'll be honest when I say that I've never cared much before about losing a pet. Animals are animals, but this was different. This was the first pet I had in a long time that was realy mine. He was my "little buddy" (as I affectionately called him). The last two maltese dogs belonged to my dad and I didn't care that much except that my dad was sad. This puppy was mine and Oksana's.
Oksana was upset, but took it pretty well. We don't blame anyone except him. He wasn't the brighest when it comes to avoiding imminent peril.
We buried him in my parents yard. His body wasn't pretty, but he OBVIOUSLY didn't see it coming. It's a little comforting to know he didn't suffer or wallow in pain.
We'll miss him. No plans for a new pet for a while. At least until we get our own place which means probably after law school.
Sorry for the depressing post. It's helping me vent a little bit.
October 27, 2005
Job and etc.
Well I finally got a job offer! McCarter & English, my old Jersey firm, called me yesterday to make the offer. I am going to accept it for many reasons. First, I am comfortable with the firm. I worked there almost a year. I know who to call for supplies and who to blame for the crappy water coolers. It is hard to describe, but that that comfort and familiarity can go a long way. Second, this was the only firm that I felt like REALLY wanted me to work for them. One of the parnters I worked for really worked hard to get me the interview and offer. His influence encouraged them to pay for my trip (something they don't usually do for a first interview). He also met with the hiring committee DAILY since my interview and got all kinds of partners and associates that I worked with to write recommendations and call the committee. He told me when I left that he wanted me to come back, and he was telling the truth. I already hacve a great advantage from the fact that I am well respected among the lawyers and staff that know me. The staff had nothing to do with the deciison to bring me on, but it is amazcicng how connections with staff can help a professional be successful. IF any of you are ever in the position to take this advice, heed it: be really nice to your secretary/assistant/grunt workers. They'll appreciate it and look forward to working with you. Anyway, I am exctremely relieved that my job search is over (at least for now).
On another note, I am apprently (unbeknownst to me) featured on vanderbilt law school's website in two photos (one ofjust me one i'm in the background). Go to http://law.vanderbilt.edu andlook at the picture at the top. If it isn't me, refresh. Keep goign until you see me. Once you see me, click the picture to get a description that says "2L Bryan Cantrell takes a break between classes and interviews. Cantrell will likely exchange his backpack for a briefcase after graduation in spring 2007. Virtually all Vanderbilt law graduates are employed within six months after graduation". Cheezy, I know.
Another note. DId you ever wonder why you shouldn't procrastinate 25 page briefs due within 48 hours? I figured it out! Apparently, one's dad might trip over my power cord and knocka glass of water into my keyboard. After 2 hours of dis-assembly and blowdrying, my computer works and my keyboard... mostly works. I currently don't have a backspace (I have to arrow and delete) and the "z" and "x" keys produce an extra "c" . So they come out like this.... xc zc xc zc . Isn't that annoying? Try it with no backspace, then we can talk.
Also I occasionally get attacked by repetitive "b"s. It's all good though since they are ordering me a keyborad that will be in tomorrow. The annoying thing is that this case I am writing about is called "Branzburg" but comes out "Branzcburg". I'm wondering if this is is some cruel karmatic joke involving my first initial.
COmment if you wish, don't blame me for spelling and typos
October 26, 2005
i heart A D
have you guys seen arrested development?! josh introduced me this past summer and i have fallen in love... my biggest question was... "how on earth did i somehow miss the best (and i mean best) show currently on television??" this show is comedic gold... and it seems like everyone who gives it a chance feels the same way... I bought the DVDs this past week (seasons 1 and 2) and i cant wait for them to get here...i was just taking a study break and i was thinking, "i wonder how other people feel about this show?" so i googled reviews for the show... the first review was from a TV and film critic website... the site allowed for users to post reviews as well... the show itself had 33 reviews. Each reviewer was asked to give it a 1-10 score and tell something about it... every single person gave it a 10/10... no joke... here are some of the excerpts:
" i can't believe a show this great isn't more appreciated"
"this is an amazing show, not only does it make me laugh out loud, i am always amazed by the attention to detail and the pure genius of the scriptwriters and skill of the actors."
" Best comedy of all time"
"the funniest show and the best show on television, never before has a show caused my to have such laughing fits over just thinking of a line from a previous show"
" This is the best show I have ever seen"
" best show on tv"
" The best show on television!"
"...amazing writing, perfect direction, and the best cast and acting on all of T.V. It is a crimev(but makes sense) that this show isn't more popular."
i went over to amazon to check out some of their reviews... certainly there must have been some kind of mistake... people cant really think the show is THAT good, right?
There were 267 reviews given on a 1-5 star rating... how many total reviewers gave it less than 5 stars? 15.
October 24, 2005
Octoberween Mixer '05
(man i've been posting like crazy!)
JoshnJess Octoberween Mixer '05:
*Friday, October 28th @ and after 7pm
*Starline Apts. #907--900 Glastonbury Rd, Nashville TN 37217
(in the complex,make your 1st left and look for numbers 905-912)
*Costumes are suggested, but not mandatory(possible repercussions for NOT)
*A loosely-enforced cover charge of $3/person(or 2 for $5?) will be in effect to cover costs-this instead of asking people to bring stuff.
Mixer Costume Theme is STEREOTYPES, so dress up as your favorite ridiculous/sad/enraging stereotype and try not to get beat up on your way here.
Also, it's best if your stereotype represents less than 50% of your persona, in reality...but we're not picky. (Best stereotype gets a prize!)
This might help with ideas.
Matt, Leanne, J.Myatt, Jeff & all you others in the cool club--if you are in town and game, please consider this an invitation!
as scott's witness
Josh and I went to Memphis this weekend to visit Scott and here's my entry about it, complete with pictures! Josh will probably have one about it, too, but he doesn't yet.
It was a nice visit and quite nice weather for exploring Memphis.
You, too, should visit Scott. He'll let you sleep in his bed and make you promise not to have sex in it.(good times)
October 22, 2005
Week in Review
This week was actually really great....
Now that I am not having to work a second job, I have been able to concentrate on work completely... and have even gotten a few compliments about my performance this week. I have been a little sharper at work, and been able to come home after work and relax... which was a bit of a rarity before two weeks ago! I still haven't been paid though... which (apparently to the Texas Dept. of Labor) is a direct violation of their code. I should have been paid on the 15th, and am still waiting. I don't want to drag this thing out... but I need my money. When I called to make sure I had read the law books correctly, the Dept. of Labor person told me I should file grievance immediately. I really don't want it to come to this, but.... we'll see.
LSAT score: 156. I know, I know. I should be relatively happy with it... but I know I botched the games section, and if I got that score with a really terrible games score, that means that if I had done (relatively) well on the games... I would probably be looking @ 160+, which was my goal. However, I am finished taking the LSAT... I just hope they look at my games percentages from the first LSAT... they were my saving grace then (and if I had that games score instead of my new one, I'd have a 165, which would have been awesome!). A totally decent score.. and I am happy with it... I just can't help but thing about what I could have gotten. And that irritates me BIG TIME.
But, I think that will be good enough to get me into STCL, St. Mary's, Ole Miss, University of Memphis, and a handful of others, all of which I would LOVE to attend. I really would like to get into U of Houston, since I'm so close to their campus, but we'll see.
So... I've been brewing an idea for a while, and I think I finally have the time to sit down and write a book. A bit ambitious, I know... but, I already have 30 pages and a chapter outline for up to 10 chapters. It's a fluff piece about post-college life in the real world.... jobs, relationships, etc. But, so far, it's a cute book.... a "beach read" if I ever saw one. We'll see how fast I can get this thing out... and I might post a chapter or two here for review.
I am coming in and bringing Jack over T'giving. Is everyone going to be in? We should grab a drink on Friday night..... HG, get off work now.
October 19, 2005
Life as a lawyer?
Check this out....
http://anonymouslawyer.blogspot.com
Bryan should especially appreciate this... the most recent post had me laughing out loud in the office. It's a bit sad.... but I can totally see this as a lifestyle for someone who is a Harvard/Yale/Stanford grad and VERY dedicated/motivated/insane.
Enjoy!
October 17, 2005
October 15, 2005
Create Your Own Doctor Octopus Costume
Just in time for Halloween. How to Create Your Own Doc Octopus Costume
October 14, 2005
Fisher & Phillips SUCKS...
.... because they decided not to give me a job. I don't know why, because I thought it went pretty well. Probably because my grades were so-so first semester and I had an asshole for a legal writing teacher.
So here are my remaining options:
Swift, Currie- Atlanta, GA
Pros: Atlanta (accessable to our Church), good people, very nice, very approachable and fun to be around, seemingly family friendly
Cons: Salary way below Atlanta standard ($77K), tons of Workers Comp (not exactly fun)
Frost, Brown- Nashville, TN
Pros: small office of big firm means good environment with lots of resources, one of the highest paying in Nashville market (88K), casual work environment, diverse practice, familiar city
Cons: something about them just didn't click. The litigation guy in charge was just a little too... intense. I'm not convinced I would fit in there.
McCarter & English- Newark, NJ
Pros: Pay about average for market (105K), familiar with the firm, familier with the city, big bonuses
Cons: Terrible cost of living in NJ, huge firm means long hours, moving further away from TN than desirable
Those are the ones I havne't heard from. I might not get offers from any of them. Then I'll have to start over and look for other opportunities.
October 10, 2005
yeah i know
OK- my big test was today... so when i got home i didnt have to study... so i took alot of pictures of stuff (my house) and made a little photogallery as to not take up space on here-because there are several pictures... enjoy!
http://copstudents.utmem.edu/2008students/sburka/UTPDC.htm
ACTUALLY- i think you need my name and password to get in...
name: sburka
pass: sb1282
there it is if you need it
EDIT-
i honestly know that nobody cares but i have to say this: I just studied my butt off (and you didnt even hear about it) for the last 2 weeks and took the biggest and most important test of my pharmacy career (cardiology) to date and i just got my grade back and it was an 83!!! i got a 70 on the midterm (50%) of my grade and i needed a 70 average to keep going... so i studied harder than i ever have before and got that 83 for the other 50% of my grade... i am so so so so pumped about that... i know that might not mean too much, but its a really big deal to me... (makes me think i might actually pull out of this thing in one piece)- holla- scott
October 6, 2005
Overwhelmed and Underappreciated
....not that I'm complaining.
***Sorry guys, I have had to edit this post... will explain later.***
LSAT scores are pending, and I should get an email with score status on 10/22. Can't wait.
Also, I have had a headache for two days that will NOT be calmed by Advil, Tylenol or aspirin. Maybe I have a tumor. Last night at my salon, I ran into an old friend... long story... we lost touch or strange terms.. blah blah. Anyhow, I was on codeine going for a bikini wax, and I think I was rude/unresponsive. I'll apologize and blame it on the drugs. However, getting a bikini wax whilst on hydrocodone was great... I barely felt a thing!
On a lighter note... the wedding pics look wonderful! The scenery looks beautiful and Jesse is NOT wearing too much makeup! :) Nicely done!
October 5, 2005
i TOLD them my makeup was too dark! argg.
Our wedding pictures are (mostly) up online. yea.
Go to MillersAlbums
and type in "58226whunter" in the code area.
I think she did a great job of capturing the essence of the day, plus 320 or so shots.ha.
...the woman did this for us for free.
