"College Sports Should Be Treated as a Source of Funding for Nonprofit Universities, Not as a For-Profit Business"

Dorf on Law economist specialist discusses this subject some more, including how college education is "compensation" and not providing proper education can be a big concern without that changing. Likewise, we can worry about athletes' health and other things without treating them like professionals. I have seen some unbalanced comments on such subjects.

Rizzoli & Isles

After Lena on The Fosters obtained a therapeutic abortion mid-term, Rizzoli had a miscarriage on her show while getting hurt in the line of duty (later she helped the witness get a foster mom -- connections!). It was let out her mom had a miscarriage before having Jane. Left unsaid but notable -- Jane had the right to choose to endanger herself.

RIP Bacall

Court hands off feud about murder appeal

Among the mundane batch of summer orders was this matter.

RIP

RIP Robin Williams

It seems somewhat harder when people you grow up with die especially in apparently tragic circumstances (suicide). As one person on the radio noted, his antic style actually turned me off somewhat though note his talent there, while his dramatic work often was his best.

Update: A reminder -- it isn't just important when movie stars do it.

The Supreme Court Needs To Pick Up The PACER

It might be somewhat behind schedule & they should have more audio (at the very least opinion announcements, public events after all), but the USSC has gone far regarding their website. But, they do not do well with orders and other filings. SCOTUSBlog at times links stuff not on the website. Bench statements given to reporters should be public too.

String of same-sex marriage rulings broken

The seven page state judge opinion is rather thin for its outlier status. It partially is based on not wanting to avoid Baker v. Nelson (which few really take seriously) but does touch upon the merits. Again, rather thinly. The next money ruling might be the 6CA decision.

RIP Bel Kaufmann

The author of Up the Down Staircase died recently at 103, after having a long and interesting life. Per my last book, she too is from Russia, but more emigrant than immigrant. The thirty-year anniversary copy of the book has a good intro. The book is pretty good too though somewhat repetitive. Snapshots of the school jungle from the perspective of a new teacher; the vet who befriends her is in effect BK's alter ego. Vaguely recall seeing movie.

Fun Package

I was given one recently -- not a great fan really, but looks nice and is practical with dip potential and that big pit. Looks fun, especially for certain animals. Will try a smoothie or something one of these days.

Snow in May

I saw this collection of short stories (taking place over a span of decades, an interconnected series of snapshots from various perspectives) by a Russian immigrant reviewed in the NYT, the last longer for no real apparent reason (perhaps it is based on something her own grandfather told her about?). Very good with an interesting open-ended nature. The link provides further writings (including reviews) as well as interviews (including audio).

Civic Action at a Federal Detention Center

Dr. Carpenter is an expert on human rights but when she visited a detention center (or whatever you want to call it) for Central American refugees with family she was more a representative of the public at large as she further clarifies in comments in the version of her account at her old blog. The detailed personal account makes me again miss her involvement at LGM -- her replacements don't provide the same product.

Rizzoli & Isles

The whatever you want to call new character seems to fit in pretty well. And, the episode, including Rizzoli being trapped with a witness, was a good one. Down to a few bits of dialogue, including between Korsak and Maura. Coming attractions suggest the plot continues and at least one question isn't quite answered. Definitely one of the best episodes.

"Same-sex marriage issue reaches the Court early"

VA supports SSM rights but for various reasons, supports a stay. One reason is dubious -- the USSC granted a stay when the state supported a ban. Another is based on the unlikelihood of the USSC ruling against SSM. The third reason is to quicken things along. State law apparently allows someone else to appeal, thus state nonaction is not simply a win for SSM. The petition ends, alluding to a final USSC ruling: "We are nearly there."

Serve Out Your Term

I thought it was horrible that Palin resigned as governor in effect because she was bored with the job. Eric Cantor doing so a few months early isn't so blatant as half-term Palin, but it still isn't ideal. Isn't it sort of a duty to serve out the term you were elected for except for special circumstances (e.g., appointment to another office)? Well, I think so.

"Undue Burden" Has Some Bite

The Casey ruling had some charms -- it did a better job than Roe of fleshing out the right to privacy & hooking it here to equal protection, e.g., but its "undue burden" language (if used at times before) was meant to and did open up more regulations. This helped the recent onslaught of TRAP laws that (to me unconstitutionally) single out abortion clinics. But, sometimes it has bite. Continues to be a "will it be too much for Kennedy" game.

Joe Whines About Prices

I took someone out to dinner recently to thank her and the bill was over $60 for two people. This is really somewhat mid-range for your Manhattan eatery. Dangers include: drinks, dessert and at times starters. Meanwhile, multiplex price over $14 now. There are more reasonable ways to go, surely, but she likes the place and it's worth it for a special occasion.

Saying It Aloud Is Something

Even before I came into office, I was very clear that in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, we did some things that were wrong. We did a whole lot of things that were right, but we tortured some folks. We did some things that were contrary to our values. I understand why it happened. I think it's important when we look back to recall how afraid people were after the twin towers fell and the Pentagon had been hit and the plane in Pennsylvania had fallen and people did not know whether more attacks were imminent and there was enormous pressure on our law enforcement and our national security teams to try to deal with this. And, you know, it's important for us not to feel too sanctimonious in retrospect about the tough job that those folks had. A lot of those folks were working hard under enormous pressure and are real patriots, but having said all that, we did some things that were wrong. And that's what that report reflects.

It might not sound like much, and on some level it is not, but it matters.

Trading Deadline

Rays' Price deal seems a bit weak. Red Sox did a good job looking to the future. Seattle got a steal thanks to Rays/Tigers. As have arrived. Yanks - Drew? Why? Phils stupidly did nothing. Mets did nothing but that's okay really. If they do nothing via waivers, that would be sorta annoying. Should get something for Colon (and get rid of a bit of dead weight).

The Shunning

Saw the sequel first & it was weak (stupid subplot dominates; new actress okay). This was rather good.  There is a third book (no film yet), but it sounds worse than the second.