Because I’ve been so quiet all week, some news chum especially for you:
- From the “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it” Department: Lawyers in the UK are very reluctant to give up their horsehair white wigs and robes with wing collars. After all, it has worked for hundreds of years. But come October, the wigs are out, at least for civil cases. Lord Chief Justice Nicholas Phillips has unveiled the modern new robe that judges in the civil courts of England and Wales are expected to wear beginning in October — minus the traditional wing collar and the venerable white horsehair wig. Judges, barristers and solicitors will continue to sport traditional attire in criminal courts, where lawyers say it’s important for defendants not to be judged by their advocates’ suits (an argument I never actually thought of). The new continental-style outfit, featuring such innovations as pockets, snap fasteners and color-coded bands depending on the court. The lawyers complain they look like Star Trek uniforms.
- From the “If it’s not broke, fix it” Department: General Electric, feeling the squeeze from the credit crunch (not to mention NBC), is planning to sell its appliance division. This could fetch at least $5 Billion. As part of a potential sale, G.E. is likely to hand over a license to use the G.E. brand for a short period of time, the people briefed on the proposal said. After the initial license for using the General Electric brand expires, the buyer of the appliance unit would be allowed to continue to use the Monogram and Profile badges.
- From the “If it’s broke, don’t fix it” Department: It’s really odd when doing poor comes across as doing good. Freddie Mac lost $151 Million in the quarter, but that was less than they thought they would lose, so it was good news. Macy’s loss of $59 Million was less than expected, so people were happy. But Jack in the Box tumbled on a bad forecast.
- From the “If it’s broke, fix it” Department: The California Supreme Court overturned the gay marriage ban. But I wonder how quickly some self-righteous (insert noun) will break it again.
As for why I’ve been quiet? I’ve been busy busy busy at work, with loads of documents to review and comments to enter. I’ve been busy, busy, busy at home, completing the painting of the media room, hosting visiting cousins (my uncle is in the hospital), and getting ready for the bathroom remodel to finally be completed (I’ll post pictures when it is done).
