Law School: The Wonder Years

No, I'm not talking about myself.

The New York Magazine had a pretty interesting article that looks at the law school and post law school trajectory of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. It's a pretty good read if you have a few minutes to spare, and personally it seems to provide a glimpse into the formation of personalities and ideologies that underpin our major Democratic party contenders.

Also in the political news, I'm proud to see that the first Indian American was elected Governor of a state. Nevermind that it's Louisiana, it's still impressive (i kid, i kid). Seriously, it's especially impressive because it's Louisiana, a state that has not had a minority Governor since Reconstruction. Although we don't have much in common except our anscestry, it's still really cool too see Bobby Jindal win that race. It gives me hope that people can look past skin color (not so much a problem in Manhattan, but you know...). His resume is also, well, ridiculously impressive. Anyway, my hat's off to Bobby Jindal, the youngest current Governor in America.

Ahhh....Football

Ever since Joe Gibbs returned to the helm of the Washington Redskins, fans like me have been waiting, hoping, and praying for a return to the glory days. And although it seems that Joe has finally assembled a team of amazing players and coaches that is up to his standards, with a young promising quarterback that can carry the load, something still is lacking.

Recently, that something is offense. Our defense, after plummeting last year, has returned to great form. London Fletcher has been a key addition and is proving an amazing resource. The addition of Fred Smoot and the health of Shawn Springs have allowed the secondary to shut down the passing game, and Sean Taylor has been let loose to pursue his unique talents of nabbing interceptions and putting the fear of God into anyone who catches a ball over the middle. They are causing turnovers, frustrating quarterbacks, and holding opponents to very few points.

The offense, on the other hand, needs to step it up. It's not as if the talent isn't there. Jason Campbell, the biggest question mark at the start of the season, has demonstrated tremendous poise in the pocket and great leadership off the field. His arm is getting more accurate every game, and he doesn't make the same mistake twice. Santana Moss and Randle El are still a dangerous combination, and Portis and Betts make a solid one-two punch in the running game. And yet we stall. Why, oh why, do we stall? I don't know.

And don't give me the injury excuse. I understand that the right side of the line was decimated with the loss of both Jansen and Thomas to season ending injuries, and that even their backups are getting injured, but honestly, shit happens. The best teams in the league are the best because they can put up amazing games even without their star players. Witness the Colts recently without Harrison.

I'm looking for better play calling from Al Saunders, and a more consistent performance from Portis. Both are capable of so much more, and I honestly think that if those two step it up, everything else will fall into place. There's not much hope that they'll beat New England next week, but the games after that are crucial to making the playoffs. The majority of those games will be on the road, so they better get their house in order in the next couple of weeks.

Here's hoping.

Ahem.

A few people have pointed out that I've strayed remarkably far from my goal, articulated here over a month ago, to post daily. Allow me to explain: i've been busy. 'nuff said.

I'm sure I've lost readers with my extended absences, but I'm hopeful that those of you discovering this blog months from now and following my recent posting surge back to this one will find that I did make a true effort to write interesting comments on whatever happens to pass through my head at the moment. (Heeead! Pants! Now!).

At this moment, passing through my head, or more precisely into my mouth, is some red wine. Bourdeaux, if you must know, a 2001 vintage which I picked up this evening to accompany my review of Judge Learned Hand's views on the First Amendment. I have a fair amount of work to get done tomorrow, but I thought I'd take tonight off and relax a little, albeit doing a little work at the same time. Neha was visiting this past week, and so I didn't get too much work done....there's a lot to catch up on.