Blind Prophecy

Books and fog and rain – I don’t know how I’m going to sleep when confronted with things like this to look at.

Anyway, some daytime shots during the freshmen move-in day:

I fled the dorm for much of today and camped out in the library. I’m done with my reading and writing assignments through mid-Wednesday, and will probably finish the Wednesday stuff before bed tonight. I’m trying to get far enough ahead that I don’t have to stress myself out during the week if I want to attend a non-academic function or two.

In general, the reading is at its most interesting with the actual cases. It’s the dry, esoteric essay selections from 19th century philosophers about the theory behind certain concepts that is difficult. This afternoon I was struggling with various writings about the different philosophies behind utilitarian versus retributive punishment.

Part of the fun, of course, is reading back-to-back cases that flatly contradict each other and then following it up with hypothetical situations that could go either way. I’m beginning to suspect that much of law, or the common law anyway, is deliberately trying to be funny.

Did anyone else watch the Teddy Kennedy funeral? I left it streaming on my computer yesterday while I studied. I thought it was moving and sweet. I’ve mentioned, I think, that my Grandpa Rob’s health is failing and we expect him to pass soon. I mention this because many of the comments about Teddy Kennedy that focused on his role within the family, as patriarch and source of rather inspirational love, could be said of Grandpa Rob, too. It’s very unlikely that I’ll be able to attend Grandpa Rob’s funeral, but I hope it evokes the same sense of honor and celebration as Senator Kennedy’s funeral.

Filed under: NYC, law school by Jere Keys