Extra

Your suggestions for Jamie's present were very welcome. One has spurred a torrent of ideas, and no, it's not the beepee thing for car keys. Though that did come a close second.

There's many things floating round in the ehter of my mind, but I can't seem to put them to paper, or at least the electronic form. There's the conversations of late regarding the perceived soullessness of lawyers; elements of fate, destiny, and spooky coincidences; the simple pleasures of shoe polishing and domestication; and more.

I just can't seem to put these things down though, perhaps I'll get time later to do this. Until then, I'll be baking tomorrow - a cheesecake most likely. Yum.

Cries from a Foreign Land

Again I write this to you from a foreign laptop. My insurance claim is yet to reach settlement, though the end is nigh. I hope so at least, it would be a pretty neat birthday to be able to go shopping for new stuff. Admittedly the point is moot; it's all replacing what was taken. But you can't deny there'll be that new freshly opened box smell.

Other new things have been some developments, if you'll excuse the pun, with work. I'm now part of the biggest case there: 177 apartments against me. Well, they're against the council, and I'm merely assisting the Associate handling the case. But damn, there's only two of us against the marauding hordes. Pretty sweet.

What else? It's my birthday next week; it's rather surprised me. July has stealthily snuck up, hidden behind the frustrations of a stagnating job, and the relishment of finding a new one. Poor excuse, but damn it, I was pretty much swide swiped this time. Thank heavens it's not a major birthday.

Though, that's the tough thing about being a twin - forgetting one's birthday means it can impact upon the other. I now have a week to find my brother a present. I have ideas, but I do need to cross the boundaries of postal inadequacies to ensure it arrives in time. So, I'm giving myself until the weekend to find something.

Burdened with work, that might prove difficult. Hence this plea: any ideas for an evil twin genius, impassioned with a love of music, guitars, computers and living in Wellington?

A Sign of the Times

So, it's been a while since a real update. I currently sit writing this post on my flat mate's laptop, seeing as mine is still yet to be replaced. I'll start at the very beginning.

Coming up 5 weeks past, our flat was broken into. My bedroom window was jimmed open, my bed was scrambled over, and most of my valuables were taken, and some of my flat mates' stuff too. People can probably imagine what was taken, but the more interesting items include my Grandfather's greenstone and gold cufflinks and tie-pin, his silver ring with an onyx gemstone, a set of silver cutlery from my christening, and a case of wine. I mean, seriously, who steals a case of wine? Especially when there were other things in the house of equal size and weight they could just as easily have substituted it for. But I'm guessing the vagrants responsible are not known for their mental prowess.

Anyways, nothing has been found and my insurance is yet to settle my claim. They're being rather...obstinate. I understand them trying to protect their interests, but I've given them as much information as I have. Hopefully it all comes together shortly.

But there is a shining light, a beacon of hope. I resigned and started somewhere else this week gone by. Well, I resigned five weeks ago, worked out my four week notice period and started at the new firm this week. The work I now do is full-time litigation on local government liability. And we represent all but three territorial authorities in New Zealand. Exciting stuff.

More exciting is that their promise, which now on hindsight was a warning, of being dropped straight into the work. They weren't lying. I am running two of my own cases, alebit lower potential damages if there is liability. But I am also involved in two very large claims, very complex claims. I've already swaggered off to court for one of them.

It's apparently a light workload for the typical barrister and solicitor at the firm. I should expect more cases, more mediations, more court appearances, more more more. It's exactly what I'm after, and I'm loving it. Moreso because there's also a fair amount of travel - I will have to travel to Christchurch and Wellington for the above claim; the former for mediations and hearings and the latter for trials lasting a solid week.

And as for everything else mentioned in my update gone by, I:

• attended a Readers and Writers fesstival and had a Pulitzer Prize winner sign my copy of his book while I made a slight fool out of myself (the aura of celebrities inexplicably affects most);
• drank in La Boheme, dining on the Operatic feast;
• purchased my first tailored suit, a stunning grey number created by local artists, and I want more;
• tramped (or hiked for the Americans watching) the Pinnacles in the Coromandel, imbibing in the breathtaking scenery on offer;
• and more.

So on the whole, things have been good. Things have been close to great. Here's hoping that divide can be breached, and bliss is forthcoming.

Ch-ch-changes

Quick update - house was burgled and most of my valuable taken including my laptop. Which means very little internet access, and even less time available to update this little project

I've also resigned from my current employment, and start in a new place next week, - you know, negligence, nuisance, defamation, duty of care, all that nitty gritty stuff. Best part is we'll be acting as defendant in most proceedings. A specialist litigation firm, mainly insurance and local government. It's all litigation work for me, I'll be on my feet all in Court, mediations, management meetings. It's going to be fantastic.

I'll fill you all in more once I finally get my new laptop. Until then, I'm borrowing flat mate's computers when ever possible.

UPDATE --- I should mention my house was burgled at the start of May, and I'm still awaiting insurance. There's been loads of stuff that's happened betwixt and between, including Opera, new suits, embarrassments, job offers, rejecting offers, tumultous and sometimes bewildering times, times of wonderment too, drinking, confusion, escapism, hikes, book signings, and more.

I'll divulge what I can when I can.

The Times are a Changing

Mistakes have been made. This is post number 200. And thankfully this time it is an illustrious post.

For those who are equally enthralled by the vitally important networking tool Facebook will have already stumbled across the rather cryptic but catchy status "Michael's curse of delayed flights is outweighed by his good fortune". Why is that cryptic, catchy and, most importantly, the opening gambit of this post?

Over the last 12 months it has come to my attention that I have a curse, in that every flight I catch is affected by some delay, be it 10 minutes or having to catch another one entirely. That's right. Don't fly with me.

However, my good fortune is strong, and over the last week it has simply provided absolute pleasure. It might not be good fortune, it could be timing, it could be a number of factors, nonetheless there's something invaluable happening, and fortune sums it up nicely. Things have seemingly gone my way, and it's nice for a change.

There's also last Friday. A number of unforeseeable events and crossed paths saw me having one of the most fantastic nights I've had in a long long time. It involved an awesome dinner with great friends, followed by cocktails, roasting marshmallows on an open fire, playing the piano quietly in a noisy bar, and topped off by dancing in what I can only describe as free interpretation of how one should dance in a jazz bar.

I feel alive at the moment, and it's often I end up grinning as I slip into sleep with the memory of Friday, often with the immemorable Billie Holiday ringing in my ears.

Individualistic

Does anyone else find themselves late at night, dancing in their living room to music, that they're listening to on their iPod?

Is it just me?

It's a glorious feeling after you've finished working hard on something, say writing an intense cover letter, when all of a sudden you find yourself not just bopping along to the beat of a song, but find the rhythm possessing you until the next thing you know it's not just your fingers tapping away, but your hands, wrists and elbows are raised high as you find yourself gyrating to the historical groove of Prodigy's Smack My Bitch Up.

Is it just me?

Seriously, the release is brilliant. Especially late at night, when everyone else has gone to bed and the only sounds are the fridge doing it's midnight business and your foot tapping and sly slides in what are surely rabid attempts to do justice to Dance Dance Dance or Little Bit by Lykke Li (who I've raved about before).

Is it just me?

Really? I suggest you let the rhythm take you on this sensory freedom some time. Slide on something comfortable and catchy.

Something Exciting

So this is illustrious post number 200. Not sure if it's really a landmark, as half of my posts have been bumbling rambles, but as always I will take it.

Today I spent most of sleeping thus far. It was a big night for our work last night, and after many many bottles of beer and red wine, with stomachs bloated on pannacotta, we headed home. I say we because a group of 5 of us were the last to leave at 2 am, and proceeded to wander down to K-Road (from Grey Lynn no less) to find taxis. We were in a state less than sober. But find a taxi we did, and we headed home.

The remainder of the day has been spent cleaning, washing, and working on my CV. Everything looks much spicker, spanner and a whole lot more desirable. Not to say things weren't in the first place, but it's nice to put in the effort.

The whole point of this post, however, is to bring your attention to a wonderful new song that has been racking my speakers on high rotate. The band is Guillemots, and while most people go nuts over their latest single Get Over It (oh the irony), I personally prefer the much understated Falling Out of Reach. So enjoy the songs on offer, and further your musical education.

Working 5 to 9

If one was to look at my life at the moment, there'd be many things you'd see. And it's all related to law, mostly work, but mostly unpaid believe it or not.

So what am I doing? Well beyond what's actually contained in my job description, which by the way is something along the lines of managing and advising clients on their intellectual property portfolios, developing them and implementing various related strategies, there's also some pretty neat stuff, namely:

• Advising my work, and preparing information for Partners and clients on the effects of the new Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Bill which was passed on Tuesday.
• Writing articles on how one such amendment could really expose most businesses to a rather significant liability.
• Preparing litigation documents for several key clients, on issues I've never even touched before - the prime example being disclosure of confidential information. To expert witnesses. In patent opposition proceedings. Go figure.
• Preparing notices of infringement (or cease and desist letters) for other staff members. (one of my personal favourites, having written 3 today for 2 different staff members).
• And then there's preparing my lecture on International Commercial Arbitration. Haven't done that one yet, but its on my to do list.
  

So I feel like I'm really working two jobs, one of which I thoroughly enjoy, and the other numbs my mind chronically. Three guesses which one is which, and which one I'm not getting paid for?

But I tell my self things are going to be going well. I have a large work function tomorrow night, and a Rocky Horror Picture Show themed party on Saturday night. Thus I'm quite looking forward to my weekend.

And just found some more photos from Vienna. It's a hard life being a world traveler sometimes.

Regardless of whether I like Auckland or not, it can certainly put on a show.



















Work is picking up, or at least I'm getting more litigation work. Staying until 9pm in order to do it is another story. But I can get lost in the work, consumed by the rush of argument.

Advocacy is a story, and telling stories enthralls me.

Triumphant Return

Time for an update. Back from Vienna, which was amazing as usual. I had a fantastic time, refreshing my memory of European delights such as bakeries on every corner, efficient and reliable public transport systems, and an amazing sense of culture. It was good.

As for the competition, we did fantastically well. The team made it all the way to semis before losing, placing us 3rd out of 204 universities. Brilliant job. Catherine and Arjun both won honourable mentions for best oralists, and we won an honourable mention for our Claimant submissions. It was a world class achievement. And it add to top it all off, our university is now the most successful university in the competition - we are the only university to make the elimination rounds every year for the last six years, have consistently been ranked 1st or 2nd in the round robins, made the finals, semi-finals, quarter finals, and of the 12 speakers over the last 6 years, 9 have won honourable mentions. And I've been involved for the last 4 years. It's such a good feeling.

Speaking of good feelings, I arbitrated at the competition and while it was nerve racking and extremely draining, I loved absolutely every minute of it. It's quite a feeling to talk to leading scholars in the area and to be treated as an equal. And then there's the networking, for example I had one US attorney hunt me down specifically. Must be getting a little bit of a reputation, which feels pretty damn cool. So going back next year in some capacity.

This escape also provided me the reignition of my passion and drive for litigation and arbitration, resolving myself to do more about it. And that I am, making enquiries, chasing people up and even including enquiries for work overseas. Something will come of this, hard work usually pays off.

On another note, I'm now settled into my new place in Auckland. The flat is great, my flatmates are lovely, and it's so nice to have a place to live and call my own now. And such a retreat it is, great polished wooden floors, open spaces, and generally a great ambiance. I like it. I'll attempt to provide photos soon enough.

Time Out of Joint

First things first - I should clarify that I'm in Vienna from next Monday, that's March 10. I'm still in Auckland this week.

On a completely different note - ever had the moments that make you stop, pause and contemplate: "I really think I could be in the middle of my own Truman Show."?

No? Just me then. Seriously, there's been an insane number of coincidences, perfectly timed opportunities, and weird occasions of Deja Vu. I really start to wonder. I'd give more detail, but chances are then people may call for medication.

In any event, I suppose I shouldn't come here empty handed now that you've come to expect goodies. And this one is a treat - The Wellington Ukelele Orchestra has just made their debut release The Heartache EP. Mint. I want it. Buy it now. And if you want to check it out before you buy, visit them here. Need I say more?

Bag of Loot

By way of an update, I now have a place to live. It's a nice house in Ellersie in Auckland, flatting with two girls of my own age. Hopefully moving in sometime this week. I say hopefully, as I'm back in Wellington on Saturday before I fly out to Vienna on Monday for two weeks. Fingers crossed.

But boy do I have some wicked entertaining things for you today. Recently there's been the 10th Annual Independent Games Festival. Why mention this? Because of some of the freakishly awesome stuff that has come out of it.

I mean, you have to see Audiosurf to believe it. You get it off Steam, first indication that it must be good. The tag line is "Ride Your Music", and an explanation doesn't do it justice but I'll try - it's a puzzle racer game. Huh? Well you have to drive along a track collecting, and matching, different coloured blocks. Sounds pretty cool. But wait, there's more. By running your music through the game, it changes the gameplay according to various parameters against your music. Seriously, watch it run through Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody:

I'd get it, but sadly, it's PC only at this point. My PC is still in storage, but I'll be downloading that sucker once I move. And at $9.99 for the full game - it's mint for an audiophile like myself.

Other equally enjoyable indie games have emerged from IGF: things like the Iron Dukes and World of Goo. Play the demo of Iron Dukes. It's addictively simple with superb detail. And World of Goo is mind blowing. Try them. Now.

And for something utterly entrancing, have a look at Crayon Physics Deluxe. The game is not out yet in a form resembling that in the video below, but this is definitely one worth watching for.



Sweet Jesus, it's a good time to have nothing else to do. Thankfully I don't have my PC yet, otherwise I'd get nothing done.

So here we are

I'm in Auckland now, settling into work well and building the bonds of friendship with work mates. It's going well so far. Finding a place to live, however, is proving a little tiresome and it's difficult to find somewhere I like, and the people like me. There's been cases of one or the other, but never both so far. Give me time.

Time for some music for you. Here's a personal favourite of mine, Bloc Party's So Here We Are from Silent Alarm. I don't know why, but it strikes me as a song for fresh starts. So in commeration of fresh starts for me in Auckland, it is here for your viewing and listening pleasure.


Speaking of fresh starts, it feels good to have some new experiences in Auckland. Ended up sitting in a bar by on Friday night after work drinks, watching the Hurricanes vs the Queensland Red. Good game, interesting bar, but nothing exciting. It was an experience.

Life Imitates Art

I was admitted on Friday, making my first official court appearance applying to become a barrister and solicitor. The ceremonial circumstances called for the wig and gown, and it was so worth it. I can now officially call myself a real lawyer, officer of the court, barrister and solicitor, or the many other titles it bestows. It was magnificent.

It also meant my Friday night was massive, flowing on from my Friday afternoon celebrations. I'm surprised I'm able to function this time of night on a Saturday following more celebrations and fun. I guess alcohol can have that affect.

In any event the weekend has been a blast so far, and although there's been a couple of hiccups (on other people's part) it's been great and I have no real cause for complaint. The line from Batman Begins strikes me as poignant about now: "start pretending having fun, and who knows, you might have a little by accident".

One week left in Wellington, and I intend to use it well.

Tradition can be good

Today is the big day.

How was your Weekend?

Again I found myself a little pressed for time and this has been amongst the first things to fall of the list of things to do.

Things are moving, and I suppose that's probably all for the best at the moment. I move everything up to Auckland on Monday week, I leave for Vienna in just over 4 weeks, and this coming Friday I get Admitted.

Almost forgot that point - after 6 years of university studies, Professional Legal Studies, then piles of paper work, I finally get to wear the prestigious wig and gown. The pomp and circumstance is enthralling, and I can't wait. Should be good fun.

Beyond that, there's not been much else I suppose. I do have some neat little pieces of music you should definitely listen to though, and here is but one of them

Vampire Weekend is a nifty whee set coming out of New York. Infectious is the only way I can think to describe them.

Tis Been Sometime

So it's been well over a month since the last update, and I take full responsibility for it, though Christmas, New Years, and moving to Auckland have gotten in the way.

Auckland was good. The operative part of that sentence being in the past tense. I'm back in Wellington at the moment, at least until 18 February at which time the move to Auckland is supposed to permanent. For various reasons I have my doubts as to its permanence, and needn't say more.

In the meantime, being in Wellington has been fantastic. For example, yesterday was spent in the sun, dressed to the nines, out at Trentham Race Course for the Wellington Cup. The biggest horse racing event in Wellington's calendar. Not surprisingly, the majority of Wellington decided to come out also, and it made the train ride there incredibly interesting. Lots of people in suits, in a train without air conditioning, on a hot day, does not make for a pleasant start to the day. However, there was entertainment when a group of young girls decided to start hitting on one member of our party. He couldn't escape and although it was probably torture for him, we found it unbelievably amusing. Unbelievably amusing.

As for other events since last year, well I've been to Nelson and the Sounds having the time of my life, traveled to and from Auckland where amongst other things I helmed a 9.2 metre racing yacht manned by 4 people, tripped up to Palmerston North for a visit to Hawkes Bay vineyards and come back poorer but laden with delicious wine (as seen left), started judging moots, and generally trying to sort things out.

In terms of music, I highly recommend some New Zealand music. Partly because they're pretty damn good, but also because in Wellington we've been blessed with free concerts in our Botanical Gardens and these artists have played some pretty amazing sets. Apparently. I missed them due to other commitments.

So enjoy Odessa, and Age Pryor (respectively).

Moving On

Summer is definitely here in New Zealand - the searing glorious sun, the warm breeze, the icecreams, and refreshing swims. It's fantastic and there's only going to be more of it. For instance, I've now arranged for my New Years to be spent in Nelson and the Sounds. It's going to be 100% marvelous, glorious, and relaxing. Much needed I think.

As for other happenings, I'm moving to Auckland. After much discussion and debate, I'll be moving up there permanently from 3 January. Slightly scary, but a good move I think. I've been promised a full time position in the litigation team by the end of next year. And to top it off, after only 18 to 24 months experience I'll be considered mid-level caliber. That's exactly what I want - to be challenged, to be responsible, and to be involved in as much as possible. It may be Auckland, but I'm sure I'll cope.

To keep in the theme of providing music, I give you Daft Punk. Yes, I know they've been around a while, but they've just released the official Alive 2007 Tour CD, and it freaking sweet. People will have their favourites, and admittedly, I'm impressed by the Face to Face, Harder Better Faster Stronger, Short Circuit mashup. But for those wanting to hark back to their roots, you can't go past Michel Gondry's transfixing video for Around the World. Enjoy.

Little Bit

The weekend was good: great weather, good friends, good barbeques, and great wine. I'll have to do it again sometime soon.

Anyways, probably time to start posting some interesting random stuff. Keeping with previous postings, here's the latest artist taking the internet by storm - Lykke Li. The song is called Little Bit, and it is catchy indeed. There's something genuine in it, and that's probably what makes it so great. I highly recommend it.

The video to go with it is also supreme, and matches it perfectly I think. It goes to show what can be achieved on a low budget but supported by great friends.


You can find more of her work here.

It never ends

This week has been crazy again. More packed full of things than really interesting activities, though I would include in that being stopped by airport security. In my defence I was carrying evidence for an upcoming case and we had been told carry on luggage was fine.

Otherwise, I've been invited to arbitrate in Vienna for the Vis Moot, we finished our Claimant memo today, work has been up and down, there's been travel, and I now have two very distinct and very different opportunities - one to move to Auckland, the other to change firms. It just comes down to what I want, and frankly I'm not so sure any more.

And just came back from the football with my Dad. It was great fun, and I definitely enjoyed myself, and I'd like to think he had a good time too.

Now, I'm ready to crash and sleep all weekend.