Cuz I Hadda

GT-R 500

2007-10-31T08:20:21Z

Not content with unveiling a worldwide version of the vaunted GT-R, Nissan has now re-introduced the GT-R to the Japan Super GT Series. For those in the know, the last GT-R, the R34, ran the Super GT for Nissan a few years ago, and was subsequently replaced by a Super GT version of the Nissan 350Z.

Autoblog has details, with pictures.

You can also find high-resolution pictures here, here, here, here, and here.

[Cross-posted from Between Worlds]

The Everything Test

2007-10-03T04:44:00Z

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em, I guess?

The Everything Test

There are many different types of tests on the internet today. Personality tests, purity tests, stereotype tests, political tests. But now, there is one test to rule them all.

Traditionally, online tests would ask certain questions about your musical tastes or clothing for a stereotype, your experiences for a purity test, or deep questions for a personality test.We're turning that upside down - all the questions affect all the results, and we've got some innovative results too! Enjoy :-)

Personality

You are more logical than emotional, more concerned about others than concerned about self, more atheist than religious, more dependent than loner, more lazy than workaholic, more traditional than rebel, more artistic mind than engineering mind, more cynical than idealist, more leader than follower, and more extroverted than introverted.

As for specific personality traits, you are innovative (71%), romantic (71%), greedy (69%), intellectual (63%).

Stereotypes
Old Geezer	83%
Young Professional	80%
Emo Kid	78%

Life Experience
Sex	33%
Substances	35%
Travel	38%

Politics
Your political views would best be described as Libertarian, whom you agree with around 91% of the time.

Socioeconomic
Your attitude toward life best associates you with Upper Class. You make more than 0% of those who have taken this test, and 100% less than the U.S. average.

If your life was a movie, it would be rated PG-13.
By the way, your hottness rank is 67%, hotter than 72% of other test takers.

TAKE THE TEST
brought to you by thatsurveysite

Live Action Robotech ...

2007-09-10T17:39:15Z

... and Spider-Man is going to be Rick Hunter!

TORONTO (Hollywood Reporter) - After slipping on a mask for Spider-Man, Tobey Maguire might be slipping into a giant robot for "Robotech."

After a lengthy negotiation, Warner Bros. Pictures has picked up feature rights to "Robotech," a 1980s Japanese cartoon series with giant robots known as mechas. Maguire is eyeing the lead role, and will serve as a producer.

"We are very excited to bring 'Robotech' to the big screen," Maguire said. "There is a rich mythology that will be a great foundation for a sophisticated, smart and entertaining film."

A sprawling sci-fi epic, "Robotech" takes place at a time when Earth has developed giant robots from the technology on an alien spacecraft that crashed on a South Pacific isle. Mankind is forced to use the technology to fend off three successive waves of alien invasions. The first invasion concerns a battle with a race of giant warriors who seek to retrieve their flagship's energy source known as "protoculture," and the planet's survival ends up in the hands of two young pilots.

The $686 million worldwide box office success of "Transformers" has inspired other studios to assemble giant robot movies. Last month, Fox-based Regency picked up 1980s Japanese anime series "Voltron."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

So, who's going to play Lisa Hayes?

Man flogs wife's box on eBay

2007-08-07T11:03:40Z

This is hilarious!

Beijing Travelogue

2007-06-17T21:48:03Z

I really don't feel like copying and pasting that much, so here are the links to the stuff I've already posted:

Part 1: UIBE

Part 2: Beijing in General

Part 3: Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City

Part 4: The Great Wall

Part 5: Clubbing

Part 6: Food

Part 7: Farewell Banquet

Part 8: Hanging Out

Part 9: Post Script

End of Finals and Birthday Parties

2007-05-21T23:11:20Z

I'm too lazy to cut and paste entire chunks, so here are the links:

May 14: Busby's II

May 15: Day After

May 17: Hollywood Canteen

May 19: J-Lounge Birthday

May 20: Meet the Meat Birthday Special

Bruce Lee on Pierre Burton

2007-05-05T04:01:34Z

Here is Pierre Burton's December 1971 interview of Bruce Lee in Hong Kong:

[Cross-posted from Law Law Stud]

Technological Terror

2007-04-30T08:36:22Z

Lord Vader really doesn't like it when people forget to turn off their cell phone at the staff meeting.

[Cross-posted from Law Law Stud]

How to eat sushi

2007-04-29T22:28:27Z

Enjoy!

Bar Review - Brass Monkey

2007-04-18T23:07:47Z

The last bar review of the semester was a festive occasion for a last hurrah from many 3Ls, and from some non-graduating students as well. This bar review was at the famed Brass Monkey.

A long-lost member of Section 2 showed up and had 2 Diet Cokes.

Here's lookin' at you, babe.

Yeah, some of us really grow that tall!

Two halves make a whole.

The crowd.

Mid-Wilshire Vice.

"I can't believe this is my last bar review!!" "It's okay, you can always come back and visit next year."

Having a good time.

They didn't know whose birthday it was, either.

The monkey demands a tip.

There are girl bar reviewers, too, and this one is particularly cute.

Standing room only.

The Stud is not quite sure how he got home, but he got home in one piece. Thanks to whoever helped him get home. Best of luck to the 3Ls, and don't forget us. To everyone else, good luck on finals, and we'll see you at the bar next year!

[Cross-posted from Law Law Stud]

Elton John/Ewan McGregor - Your Song

2007-03-25T10:06:22Z

I didn't find a video of my act at Wit of Mandamus III, so I recorded myself later playing the guitar and singing "Your Song". It was originally done by Elton John, and then reinterpreted in Moulin Rouge! by Ewan McGregor. I first saw a combination interpretation done by dairong on YouTube, and decided to do my own rendition. The version I sang at Wit of Mandamus III was better, thanks to Cameron Fredman's awesome piano playing, which freed me up to concentrate on the singing. But it's a nice song nonetheless.

[Cross-posted from Between Worlds]

Wit of Mandamus III

2007-03-19T01:06:52Z

On Friday, March 16, 2007, at 7:30pm in the Student Lounge at Loyola Law School, the third incarnation of a renewed tradition took place: Wit of Mandamus III. Law Law Stud proudly reported from Wit of Mandamus II, and continues to bring you reportage from the leading edge of LLS social life.

Article I

The show began with one of the student founders of the show, Cameron Fredman, jazzing along on the piano with the House Band, bringing out the Master of Ceremonies, Lenny "Ham Sandwich" Sansanowicz, another of the student founders of the show.

Abstract (part 1 of 3)

Abstract (part 2 of 3)

Abstract (part 3 of 3)

After Lenny's introduction, Zack Domb kicked off the musical performances with an original piece, "Melanie":

"Melanie" (part 1 of 3)

"Melanie" (part 2 of 3)

"Melanie" (part 3 of 3)

Taking the show in a slightly different direction, Mike Hanna wowed the audience with amazing beatbox skills. (Video clips courtesy of youngotti888.)

Mike Hanna (part 1 of 2)

Mike Hanna (part 2 of 2)

Next up, Carley Mak brought her friends back to a choreographed swing dance routine based on "Sister Kate", and to a jam with the House Band.

"Sister Kate"

Swing Dancin' with the House Band

Following up was the Stud himself. Lenny gave a most moving introduction as he passed the Wit of Mandmaus torch. Curiously, there are currently no video clips of this act.

Scott Wilson, President of the Day Student Bar Association, performed Frederic Chopin's "Valtz in A#, Op. 42".

Scott Wilson Playing Chopin (part 1 of 2)

Scott Wilson Playing Chopin (part 2 of 2)

Teresa Straley, an LLS alumn, was next with her original work, "Once Upon a Time", accompanied by Professor Jay Dougherty.

Stephen Cawelti, another LLS alumn, then joined them to sing the Beatles' "I Saw Her Standing There".

Next, Professor Allan Ides and 3L Alex Diaz joined them to play "Ruby Tuesday".

Closing out the first half of the show, Craig Kirkwood sang as he and the House Band brought the audience George Gershwin's "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess.

Article II

Ushering in the second half, albeit without an intermission, playwright-scholar Jose "Oldman" Garcia, and a quickly assembled cast, brought us "In re Tramp", a hilarious series of law school jokes regarding a claim brought against one Miss Hilton for adverse possession of a love interest.

Due to the sudden shift in schedule, the Stud didn't quite catch Dennis "Funhouse" Martin in "Stolen Moments".

Shifting back again to law-related humor, Professor John Nockleby and the Noklebettes, with the House Band in support, sang their hearts out in "All I Care About is (Torts)". The Stud regained his equanimity just in time to catch the last part on video.

Next up was singer-songwriter David Jonelis, who had already made his mark at the 2006 PILF Auction. For Wit of Mandamus III, David played an original work, "Reflections".

Zack Domb officially introduced the audience to Bill Shafton as they performed Zack's new original piece, "Angie". (By request, a clip of "Angie" will not be posted.)

Then, Bill was on his own as he played an amazing rendition of "Redemption Song", first softly with finger picking style, then strumming with an energetic pick.

"Redemption Song" (part 1 of 2 - finger picking)

"Redmption Song" (part 2 of 2)

Not to be outdone, Director Jonathan Stout displayed his talent in "Dark Eyes", backed up by Zack Domb on the guitar and John Given on the bass. Jonathan is a regular Django Reinhardt!

As the show neared its end, Puya Partow delighted the audience, dancing and twirling to "Billie Jean".

Finally, to close out the night, the Professors returned to the stage for a medley, including "Midnight Hour", "We Gotta Get Outta This Place", and "Gimme Some Lovin'". Preparing to wrap things up, the Stud did not obtain video of the entire medley (only "Midnight Hour"), but rest assured, it was a thing of beauty!

And thus the night came to an end. The Stud thanks all the performers for putting on such a terrific show; the audience, for making the performance worth putting on; all those who helped with last minute changes (you know who you are); and Giancarlo, for manning the ticket table.

Finally, if you were not able to attend or perform this year, the tradition will keep going. Get on the boat early, and we'll see you next year!

Acknowledgments

Credits

Producer: Bruce Chang
Director: Jonathan Stout
House Band: Zack Domb (guitar), John Given (bass), Cameron Fredman (piano), Jonathan Stout (drums)
Master of Ceremonies: Lenny Sansanowicz
Spotlight: Tim Oppelt
Publicity: Mike Hanna

Special Thanks

Marti Reynolds, for showing us the ropes
Ernesto Lozano, for coming through
Professor John Nockleby, for inspiring us at 8am
Lenny Sansanowicz and Cameron Fredman, for starting a tradition
Tim Oppelt and Jenn Rich, for continuing the tradition

- and -
The Staff of Loyola Law School

(All videos except for Mike Hanna's beatbox routine were taken with a Canon Powershot S70, set at a resolution of 640x480.)

[Cross-posted at Law Law Stud]

Rant

2007-03-18T06:15:07Z

The show I was drafted into producing finally went off last night. From the audience's point of view, it was probably a pretty fun show. From the performers' point of view, too, it was probably a pretty good show. From the producer's point of view, however, it bit. One of the performers clearly overstepped her authority by telling the musical director, a professional band leader, that he didn't know what he was doing, before proceeding to demonstrate, ironically, that, contrary to what was going on in her mind, rock-and-roll does not consist of just screeching into the microphone, even if it is for a cover of the Beatles, and that overweight middle-aged women should not try to fit into skin-tight dual-tone leggings that make a mockery of real cowboy chaps and jeans, especially when said overweight middle-aged woman has thighs thicker than mine and calves skinnier than mine. The ending medley was out of control. Ugh.

Then I woke up this morning to finally begin filling hours for my pro bono requirement by providing volunteer income tax assistance. By the time that was over, I was pooped. So I went to the ATM so I could have money to buy some food. And promptly forgot to retrieve the money from the dispenser. And, of course, by the time I realized it 3 hours later, the money was gone, and nobody had seen it.

And Firefox died on me.

Not a very good day.

Barrister's Ball 2007

2007-02-27T06:27:37Z

Barrister's Ball came a little earlier this year, but that worked well for the hundreds of fun-starved law students and their friends and significant others that descended on the Music Box @ Fonda in Hollywood on the night of Saturday 24 February 2007. As Law Law Stud sauntered toward the front door, a bright yellow bus pulled up with dozens of hooting partygoers.

This year, there was no special rate for couples, as the Student Bar Association tried to incentivize stags to go and party anyway, despite the characterization of the party as "Law School Prom". Whatever the rationale, the turnout was fantastic. Law Law Stud had a nice, sedate dinner with friends, and before much time had passed after the arrival at the Music Box, the night frittered into a frenzy of meet-and-greets. Law Law Stud caught up with friends from all years of law school. Of the 2Ls, the former Section 3 made the best showing.

The Student Bar Association also made available dozens of disposable cameras. They do turn up everywhere, too!

Anyway, on with the pictures!

Dinner was nice and sedate, at Larchmont Grill. The potatoes were really good, and the salmon was smoked on the inside and seared on the outside!

The Princess of Padova never fails to charm.

Hot off the catwalk!

Law Law Stud actually ended up providing tech support service to this trio of snazzy partygoers. Okay, just to the snazzy partygoer in the middle.

Who doesn't love a man in black nail polish?

Coronation.

Retro is hot!

Cupid lives in New Mexico. The arrow that brought her to California flew straight and true.

Kal-El decided not to show off the briefs he wore outside his longjohns. Lois, on the other hand, was dazzling.

Fresh from the seminary, with a disposable camera!

Section 3 love, how cute! (Hat-tip: Princess of Padova)

The cutest APALSA mentee ever! Ever! Sorry, she's mine.

A pair of perfect smiles.

Caught in the act of removing his jacket.

That's diversity!

Despite appearances, he did not drink like a fish.

So this Hispanic guy and this Asian guy walk into a bar ... and ... damn, how was it supposed to go?!

Yes, the double fister has Irish in him.

Mighty firm handshake you've got there!

It's rare for Law Law Stud to be approached by royalty, especially one whose eyes glitter more than her tiara.

The focus is a little soft because the gleam of her smile was throwing the camera off.

"Look, I thought it went well with my shirt and tie!" "It's okay, you're no less a man for having that foofy drink."

Few requests are such a pleasure to fulfill.

The Veep on a hazy dance floor, celebrating a job well done. And she didn't even break a sweat!

Picture perfect bar flies!

Group hug!

"Hey, did it hurt when you fell from heaven? I know a good chiropractor ..."

Smile!

Look at the birdie!

"Will you be Fred Astaire to my Ginger Rogers?"

The court.

Are we having a good time?

Four eyes to one. He lost his other one in a bet.

For those that didn't go, that was what you missed. So turn up next year!!

For those that did go, this thread is open to witty captions, so send them in!

[Cross-posted from Law Law Stud]

Katie Melua and Eva Cassidy - Somewhere Over the Rainbow

2007-02-20T22:29:50Z

Katie Melua is a rising star in the world of acoustic guitar players, and teams up with a video of Eva Cassidy, in the manner that Natalie Cole had done with her father Nat King Cole for "Unforgettable". Katie and Eva bring us an unforgettable version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".

[Cross-posted at Between Worlds]

GT-R Tester in U.S.!

2007-02-15T09:41:47Z

The long-anticipated Nissan GT-R has been seen in close to final form, if not final form, in the United States. About a week or so ago, it was spotted refueling at a gas station in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Two or three days later, it was spotted on a highway in San Pedro, California, near the former Nissan North America Design Center in Torrance.

Edmunds has the latest video of the tester running hot laps at Infineon Raceway in Northern California. (They mistakenly continue to refer to it as the "Skyline GT-R", although the GT-R will be separated from the Skyline beginning with this next iteration. The Skyline continues in the U.S. as the Infiniti G35.)

FreshAlloy.com has posted pictures up at Flickr for your browsing enjoyment.

[Cross-posted at Between Worlds]

Happy Winged Baby Archer Day

2007-02-15T09:40:40Z

In honor of those who have found love, I'll refrain from sarcasm today. I'll just direct your attention to a couple of clips on YouTube.

The first is from dairong, dedicated to his girlfriend Liz, who is in Seoul. He goes around Vancouver with his friends recording himself making a cameo at all the significant spots the two had been to. "Our year as I remember it" is his moving anniversary gift to her:

For those that have not yet found their significant other, or have instead fallen in love with a way of life, check out David Choi in "'You Tube' (A Love Song)":

Happy Winged Baby Archer Day, everyone!

[Cross-posted at Between Worlds]

Stupid DVD Drive!

2007-02-12T01:50:52Z

I've spent the last 6 hours trying to figure out why my CD/DVD-RW drive, for some reason, won't recognize DVD-Rs, either blank ones or the ones that it burned itself.

So I'm sitting down to brunch, figuring I'd watch some "Friends" reruns from a data DVD. But no, it won't run.

And now, I've lost the time I should've used to study. Argh!

Anyone gone through this before? How'd you fix it?

FWIW, the drive is a Matshita UJ-820, and it was working fine yesterday when I watched "Friends" reruns at brunch.

Need a New Car ... NOT!

2007-02-05T09:46:02Z

Well, I've had enough. No matter how well I behave myself, I just can't seem to erase that accident that wrecked Icy Z in time to cut down on insurance. I've put up with it for almost 3 years now because it was my own bad. But that accident outside Derek's house (on the side of the street when I wasn't even at the car!) is also hurting my insurance rate. And no matter which insurance company I go to, they're going to try to stiff me for almost $2000 for every half year (which is better than 21st Century trying to get me for $2400 for the same period).

And now, I just looked at my renewal, and it's going to cost me $1888.90 to renew until September.

That's actually not that bad, because I had renewed last September for the same price. Considering inflation, I'd actually be saving maybe a few dozen dollars by paying the same price six months later.

I know that compared to my student loans, $1888.90 will be a drop in the bucket. And it's kind of nice to be associated with the Z. But maybe it's time to downgrade. That's where I need suggestions. As far as I can tell, having 4 doors will really save on my insurance rates, as will having more than 2 seats. That much is pretty certain (although I will check when I can). I'd also like 6 cylinders, and if at all possible, rear wheel drive.

I've been thinking the outgoing G35 Sedan would be a good replacement; it's a bit pricey, but it would be a lot roomier, and it's satisfied all the requirements, plus it's not exactly shabby in terms of class.

I've also thought of the outgoing Altima. The only problems are that it's not rear wheel drive, and everybody and their mother has one.

Another possibility is an IS250, although that would mean buying from Toyota. But hey, if I'm desperate enough to sell the Z, I shouldn't put a quality Toyota off the list, right?

Your feedback is highly desired and appreciated. Thanks, guys!

UPDATE

I checked out esurance, and they got me down to $758 for 6 months, with all the same terms of coverage! They even gave me a discount for having been a science major in college! Yay! If you guys need lower insurance, let me know and I'll give you Amber's number.

Birthday at Hollywood Canteen

2007-01-21T10:17:35Z

On the evening of Friday 5 January 2007, I was surrounded by friends for the 6th anniversary of my 25th birthday, at Hollywood Canteen. The venue is usually pretty packed, but this year it was nice and mellow, which gave me a chance to talk to everyone.

Thanks to everyone who came out; you made it really special for me! :)

[Cross-posted from Between Worlds]

Porsche Carrera GT

2006-12-26T09:48:04Z

My birthday is coming up in a week. This would be a nice gift:

[Cross-posted at Between Worlds]

Pachelbel Rant

2006-12-23T09:17:00Z

There's a good reason why they call it the Canon. A canon is a fundamental element that makes up dogma. (The artillery piece is spelled "cannon".) Thus, a Baroque canon sets out some really basic chords. It is a foundational piece, as opposed to, say, a fugue, which is more like a flying buttress.

Johann Pachelbel's Canon in D is world-famous. The chord progression contained therein appears to be one of the most easily acceptable to all cultures. There is something about it psychoacoustically that reaches out to basic human nature. In short, it does something that generally pleases us.

Musicians have known this for centuries, and it is no accident that many pieces, even in modern popular music, continue to develop variations on it.

Rob Paravonian takes a slightly different approach:

He's right, by the way. When the second violins get the lovely melodies that's something that "should just not happen". As a former second violinist and first violinist, the orchestra jokes had me laughing many minutes after this ended. Yes, nerd humor.

But there's something for everyone, so check it out!

[Cross-posted at Between Worlds]

Blending an iPod!

2006-12-18T08:31:31Z

Oh my God!

Fairlady Z Touge Battles!

2006-12-14T06:57:21Z

Here's the Z against an FD:

Here's the Z against an R34:

Wow!

GT-R Z-Tune

2006-12-13T10:50:16Z

OMG!!