May It Please The Court: Weblog of legal news and observations, including a quote of the day and daily updates
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Mickey Mouse and James Joyce - Figure It OutJames Joyce, the famous Irish author, must be turning over in his grave. His grandson, Steven Joyce, is enforcing his copyrights on the senior Joyce's work, so much so that Dublin will likely have to cancel a celebratory event.Here in Dublin, it's almost Bloomsday – the day depicted in Joyce’s novel Ulysses - June 16, 1904, the date on which Leopold Bloom took his fictional, but famous stroll through the streets of Dublin. But, it looks like there will be no celebration here, given that copyrights extend almost a century. Here in the U.S., we have our own version of an extended copyright act. So, you can't copy this post until 2079, or something like that. Not that you'd want to anyway... By Any Other Name, It's a Wall of RosesRight old boy (said with an English accent). This post gives a new meaning to the Tudor Rose. Indeed, it's actually the New Scotland Yard Rose. Plant this one on your wall, and you're more likely to keep criminals away. At least that's the theory. Thorny side out will discourage the criminal set from climbing over your walls. The Scotland Yard version is a particularly thorny one - no surprise there.If you're so inclined, you can order them online here. Part of your purchase goes to a charity, the Safer London Foundation. You can see a fine picture of the New Scotland Yard Rose and read about the Yard's award at the Chelsea Flower Show, and see webcams, videos and tours. Otherwise, just check out Scotland Yard's Most Wanted List and you'll find a group of thorny thugs, but no roses. Bring Lawyers, Guns and MoneyIt's Memorial Day weekend. What are you doing sitting at a computer reading this? The better question, I guess, is why am I sitting at a computer writing this?My only defense is that at least I am in Cabo San Lucas, lounging about the beach and poolside. Ahhhh. But, the world of law continues despite my absence from the country. In fact, one lawyer got caught barking in a deposition and got fined $8,500 for disrupting the depo. I'm glad I missed that one. Electric Tanks Smoke 'EmSorry I missed you yesterday. I'll have to blame it on El Squid Roe, and the Sea Queen restaurant. I got to enjoying Cabo, my vacation and a good Clancy novel. Plus there were a few Cohibas.As you can see, I was a little busy. But, that doesn't excuse some news coverage. Here's a goodie. It's the Army. You know, the guys burning 750,000 gallons of fuel per day in Iraq. So, when you burn that much money, what can you do about it? How about a Hybrid-electric tank that gets 600 miles to the charge? Or, you could go with the Hybrid-Electric Light Armored Vehicle that also has a CAT diesel as backup just in case the lights go out. What will they think of next? They already did. The tank-like vehicle puts out a whopping 350 kilowatts of electricity while idling. It successfully powered a control tower and runway for two hours in a recent demonstration an the Alaskan military base, Elmendorf Air Force Base. Sounds like it worked really well, and we can expect to see electric hybrid tanks in about four to five years. Smoke 'em if you got 'em. P.S. Thanks to Cabo Clipper Internet & Computers for providing a computer for this post. Check with Paul Sanchez. He'll hook you up. He's Good People. Cabo Wabo and Mango MargaritasOK, every once in awhile, I get to take a vacation from the office, but I try not to take a vacation from the blog. So, this is one of those times. I'm in a nice, cool internet cafe called cabo m@il in downtown Cabo San Lucas, BCS at Av. Lazaro Cardenas #1 Esq. Zaragoza Int. Plaza Aramburo. How's that for a shameless plug? No, I didn't get free time on the internet to post, but it's shameless nonetheless.It's warm, just about 82 degrees, with a nice breeze off the Pacific Ocean. I'm enjoying it quite nicely, thank you very much. Of course, and admittedly, the Mango margaritas help a little. I'm here with the Orange County Hispanic Bar Association for a series of legal seminars. Wipe that smirk off your face. I actually spoke on Law Office Technology. Like I said, wipe that smirk off your face. I really did. I can prove it, too. If you'd like, just let me know, and I'll send you the outline. Otherwise, just kick back and have another Mango Margarita. You'll feel a lot better. Or, you can just have the I Can't Drive 55 drink at Cabo Wabo. That ought to take care of things. Third Time's a Charm?This case has wandered around the court system for some time. In fact, it's been up to the US Supreme Court twice, and three times ruled on by a local appellate court.Now, the victory may be in the hands of the insurance company. Plaintiff won a $165K lawsuit against an insurance company, plus $10 million in punitives. Not happy with the result, the insurance company appealed. First time, the court reduced the award to $1.7 million in punitives. Still not happy, the insurer appealed again. This time, the appellate court may have gotten the Supreme Court's message. They reduced the punitive damage award to $360,000. Wanna bet they'll appeal again? Other Insurance Clauses Limited in Scope"Other insurance" clauses may be a thing of the past. Typically used to prevent multiple recoveries, carriers have started using the clauses as a sword to eliminate coverage for insureds. In a case decided Monday, the California Court of Appeals held that other insurance clauses cannot be used to defeat coverage, and carriers must contribute to defend their insureds.Score another one for the good guys. Resumes Are For DummiesRarely do law blogs discuss the economics of law, but after BloggerCon II, I realized that most bloggers, including law blawgs, don't really focus on the monetary aspect of blogging.Bloggers write because they love to, not because they want to make money at it. At least that's my observation. Here's a new twist, dubbed Resumes Are for Dummies. What better way to showcase your resume than through a blog? In fact, here's one that addresses the very subject: law economics. Cruise on over to Adam Smith, Esq., named after the noted Scottish economist. Interestingly, there's another blog out there with the same name, and a Congressman. But, this one's about law firm economics. It's written by a not-yet so much noted (somewhat, I suspect) Scottish economist, Bruce MacEwen. It's worth your time if you're at all interested in how law firms handle (or don't) economic issues. Plus, it's better than a resume if you're looking for someone with Bruce's talents.
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